Articles tagged with Sars Cov 2
A Cornell-led study found that underestimating people's COVID concerns can have severe consequences, including undermining cooperation and trust. The researchers analyzed over 1 million responses from mid-2020 and discovered significant disparities in concern levels between different racial and ethnic groups. Hispanic, Black, and Asian...
Researchers argue that national strategies ignore pandemic's early lessons on chronic diseases and their disproportionate impact on underserved populations. They recommend incorporating prevention and control of chronic diseases into existing policies.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 81 studies found that COVID-19 patients with cancer had a higher risk of death compared to those without cancer. Younger age, lung, and hematologic cancers were identified as risk factors for poor outcomes from COVID-19
A University of Washington model found that the body's ability to create cloned immune cells falls significantly with age, leading to increased susceptibility to COVID-19 in the elderly. The study suggests that genetic limits on cell division may play a role in the devastating effects of COVID-19 on older adults.
Serial self-testing with untrained individuals revealed a high frequency of procedural steps errors and accurate interpretations were inconsistent. The study suggests that self-performed RADT may not be suitable for mass screening in the workplace.
Researchers found that copper-coated surfaces significantly reduced viral load after one hour, while silver-coated surfaces had no effect on infectivity. The team investigated the antiviral properties of various metal-based sacrificial anodes and discovered a clear antiviral effect of copper against Sars-Cov-2.
Researchers found that individuals with a diverse population of macrophage cells, which include M2 and regulatory macrophages, are better protected against severe COVID-19. The study suggests that a balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses is key to preventing the worst symptoms.
A study found that vaccines induce immune responses beyond neutralizing antibodies, involving T cells and the Fc receptor, to control viral replication and prevent severe disease. The researchers observed dose-dependent effects on these immune mechanisms, providing insights for future vaccine design and boosting.
A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that neighborhood poverty and crowding are associated with higher rates of COVID-19 in pregnancy. Researchers analyzed data from over 5,991 pregnant patients and found disparities in SARS-CoV-2 positivity among different racial and ethnic groups.
Four rapid antigen tests were found to be less sensitive to the Delta variant than the Omicron strain. The study suggests that continuous assessment and updating are needed for these tests to remain effective in detecting COVID-19 infections. Continuous improvement is necessary to ensure they meet public health testing goals.
Scripps Research scientists found that COVID-19 patients develop more robust antibodies against coronaviruses causing common colds and SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV. This increased antibody response may lead to improved vaccine development, targeting a broader range of viruses.
Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a system that kills SARS-CoV-2 viruses using UVC light, with optimal results achieved between 260-280 nanometers. The study's findings provide a scientific basis for standardizing and regulating claims from manufacturers of UV disinfectant devices.
A new study led by UTHealth Houston found that patients with recent cancer diagnoses had a higher risk of death and hospitalization, but those with cancer more than one year ago were not significantly associated with increased mortality. The research also confirmed racial disparities in COVID-19 outcomes among cancer patients.
A new lab test has been developed by Rutgers scientists to identify COVID-19 variants. The test uses molecular beacon technology and can detect eight different mutations in the spike protein, increasing the transmissibility of the virus and evading immune defenses.
A German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) study published in Food Microbiology found that coronaviruses on glass are stable but can be inactivated through conventional rinsing processes. Commercial dish washing detergents and manual glass washers were shown to effectively remove coronaviruses from drinking glasses.
State bans on affirmative action policies are associated with lower enrollment of underrepresented minority students in public medical schools. The study found a 5.5 percentage point decrease in enrollment of underrepresented students relative to control schools.
A recent study presented at the 2022 ARRS Annual Meeting found that COVID-19 infection significantly impacted lung cancer screening in diverse inner-city populations. The research revealed that approximately 9% of participants developed COVID-19 during the pandemic, with mortality rates reaching 6.9%.
A study by Children's National Hospital found that elevated anxiety, depression, and stress in pregnant women can alter key features of the fetal brain, decreasing their offspring's cognitive development at 18 months. This alteration also increased internalizing and dysregulation behaviors.
A new study using a citizen science board of people affected by Long Covid identifies key research areas, including treatment, diagnosis, and disease management. The findings highlight the need for clear diagnoses and access to care that meets their multidimensional needs.
Researchers from Osaka University have developed an engineered ACE2 decoy that effectively reduces the rate and severity of infection with the Omicron variant under laboratory conditions. The decoy mimics the SARS-CoV-2 receptor, preventing the virus from binding to cells and entering them.
A recent study found that COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduces the risk of infection, hospitalization, and death among heart transplant recipients. The study, published in JAMA Cardiology, compared vaccinated and unvaccinated patients at a single center and showed a notable difference in outcomes.
The study found that T-cell immunity was effective against Omicron variants in approximately 90% of vaccinated Europeans. The researchers identified a specific HLA-DRB1*03:01 variant that allowed the virus to evade immune recognition, particularly affecting individuals with this genetic variation.
Researchers found that a common asthma medication can bind to and block the Nsp1 protein of SARS-CoV-2, preventing it from shutting down vital proteins in human immune cells. The study suggests that targeting this region could be an effective way to reduce damage inflicted by the virus.
Patients hospitalized with omicron required similar levels of respiratory support and intensive care as those with delta variants, according to a Johns Hopkins study. Omicron infections should not be underestimated due to comparable severe disease risks.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that unvaccinated individuals pose a significant risk to vaccinated people, even when vaccination rates are high. The research suggests that mixing between unvaccinated and vaccinated populations can lead to substantial new infections among the vaccinated.
A UCLA-led team found that an abnormally suppressed immune system, not a persistently hyperactive one, may be to blame for some cases of long COVID-19. The study suggests boosting immunity in those individuals could be a treatment option.
Researchers at George Mason University developed Ha-CoV-2, a non-replicating rapid SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus system to measure antibody blocking efficacy. The technology can rapidly assess neutralizing antibodies and has significant impacts for pandemic control strategies.
Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) have developed a new technique to easily visualize viruses using an optical microscope, called the Gires-Tournois immunoassay platform. The platform uses 'slow light' technology to detect coronavirus particles by slowing down light that gets reflected around them.
The World Health Organization recommends Pfizer's nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for non-severe COVID-19 patients at highest risk of hospitalization, reducing hospital admissions by 84 per 1,000 patients. The guideline also suggests using remdesivir for high-risk patients and acknowledges cost and resource implications.
Researchers at Duke University discovered that SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, can directly infect and damage specific types of kidney cells. The virus hijacks the cell's machinery to replicate, leading to structural damage and increased production of viral particles.
A new study assesses the degree and duration of protection against COVID-19 associated with natural immunity in 120,000 unvaccinated individuals. Researchers found that those who previously tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 had lower rates of subsequent COVID-19 infections.
A large-scale study found a link between SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccinations and an increased risk of myocarditis, particularly among younger individuals. The study, published in JAMA Cardiology, analyzed data from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.
Exposure to certain air pollutants is associated with a greater likelihood of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. The study found a significant link between traffic-related pollutants and COVID-19 infection risk, suggesting that improving air quality may have public health benefits.
The study found an increase in mass shootings and proportion of women and children shot, highlighting worsening structural inequalities. The researchers emphasize the need for investment in public education, employment, and social services to address gun violence.
Researchers investigated Omicron's impact on children's upper airway infections and found a significant increase. The study suggests that as Omicron became the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant, cases of upper airway infection among children rose sharply.
A study of 48,000 individuals found that third-dose vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 with mRNA vaccines was associated with increased reporting of low-severity adverse events. However, there was no significant increase in the reporting of severe adverse events.
A study of 263,000 fully vaccinated Veterans Affairs patients found an association between psychiatric disorder diagnoses and increased incidence of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections. The findings suggest that individuals with pre-existing psychiatric conditions may be more susceptible to severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Researchers found that vaccination greatly reduces the infectious viral load caused by COVID-19 variants Delta and Omicron. However, boosted individuals showed a significant reduction in viral load compared to unvaccinated people. The study highlights the importance of updated knowledge for combating new variants.
Researchers developed a solid-state photocatalyst using TiO2 and CuO nanoclusters to inactivate various variants of SARS-CoV-2. The material is effective under both darkness and indoor light, making it suitable for reducing COVID-19 infection risk in indoor environments.
A new model shows combining face masks, distancing, and increased ventilation can reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection risk by more than 98% in most cases. The study found that layered controls are highly effective in curb exposure to COVID-19.
Researchers have developed a rapid COVID-19 test that uses molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles to detect SARS-CoV-2. The new test is more sensitive and works under extreme conditions than existing antibody-based tests, with preliminary results indicating it can detect a 6,000-times lower amount of the virus.
Researchers characterized viral protein binding to sialic acids on animal and human coronaviruses, revealing host-specific patterns. This adaptation enables coronaviruses to quickly jump species, driving cross-species transmission.
A recent study found that COVID-19 spreads extensively in households, with approximately 50% of household members infected from the first-infected individual. Children were less likely to spread the virus but equally likely to become infected as adults, highlighting their potential role in transmission.
A new peptide-based vaccine, CoVac-1, has been shown to induce a T cell-dependent response in 93% of patients with B-cell deficiencies, including those with leukemia and lymphoma. The vaccine's T cell immunity exceeds that of individuals without immune deficiency or those who have received standard COVID-19 vaccines.
Researchers from Goethe University and University of Kent found aprotinin effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Delta and Omicron, by preventing virus entry into host cells. A recent phase III clinical study demonstrated the treatment reduced hospital stays by five days.
Researchers studied the sensitivity of Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 to nine monoclonal antibodies, finding reduced neutralization activity against newer variants. The study suggests that treatments may be less clinically effective against Omicron infection than against Delta variant.
Heart complications from COVID-19 are rare but treatable in children and young adults. The American Heart Association statement highlights the importance of ongoing research to understand long-term cardiovascular effects.
A new study found that older children (6–12 years, 13–17 years) and those with high inflammation markers were at highest risk of severe MIS-C. Gastrointestinal symptoms and cardiac involvement were common in affected children.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine-led study found that COVID-19-induced loss of smell is linked to inflammation-caused nerve damage, weakening odor signals to the brain. The researchers discovered more severe vascular injury and fewer axons in the olfactory bulb of patients with diminished or complete loss of smell.
A recent study published in ACS Omega analyzed protein levels in semen of men who recovered from COVID-19 and found significant reductions in sperm count, motility, and normally shaped sperm. The researchers also detected changes in fertility-related proteins such as semenogelin 1 and prosaposin.
The UGA team developed a rapid test for COVID-19 with high sensitivity and specificity, detecting the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. The test has a detection time of less than 10 minutes and can detect all COVID-19 variants.
A recent study published in mBio discovered that the SARS-CoV-2 viral gene ORF8 plays a crucial role in the severity and spread of COVID-19. Researchers found that mutations in ORF8 contribute to inflammation and disease outcomes, suggesting new treatment options for patients with severe cases.
A digital training program improved movement behavior, physical activity, and mental well-being in participants, while also reducing anxiety levels. The study, conducted by Goethe University Frankfurt, found that the program was particularly effective when used with professional trainers and regular questionnaires.
A study led by Boston Children's Hospital researchers found that COVID-19 causes severe inflammation through infected immune cells. Antibodies developed during infection may sometimes contribute to inflammation.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that COVID-19 vaccination still expands T-cell memory and immune activation in individuals who have already experienced the virus, even if they were infected first. Vaccination also helps protect against new strains of the virus.
A new animal study has identified a pain-associated gene expression signature in COVID-19 patients that remains even after the virus clears. The findings, which could lead to new pain treatments for long COVID patients, were published in Experimental Biology.
A new study by Princeton University researchers reveals that macrophages, a type of immune cell, are crucial in the early immune response to SARS-CoV-2. The study used humanized mice with human lung tissue and blood stem cells to investigate the role of macrophages and identified specific genes associated with an effective antiviral re...
A global team of scientists developed a collaborative approach to track SARS-CoV-2 variants, enabling faster vaccine development and improved public health responses. The SAVE program, comprising over 130 researchers from 58 institutions, utilized advanced tools and data analysis to predict variant risks.
Researchers found severe brain inflammation and injury in COVID-19 patients, with neuron damage and death also present. The study suggests that nonhuman primates can serve as a proxy for understanding human neurological consequences of COVID-19.
A new study suggests that children under 5 infected with Omicron have a lower risk of severe health outcomes compared to those infected with the Delta variant. The study found that Omicron is 6-8 times more infectious than Delta, but resulted in fewer hospitalizations and mechanical ventilation cases.