Research on the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself. Covers antiviral trials, antibody neutralization, viral escape, and rapid detection methods.
A recent study found that adding a booster dose of any COVID-19 vaccine to fully vaccinated adults elicits an immune response and is safe. The trial, sponsored by the NIAID, used 458 adults who received a full regimen of any EUA or approved COVID-19 vaccine.
A new portable $51 testing kit can provide fast and reliable COVID-19 detection in resource-poor regions, refugee camps, and disaster zones. The non-invasive saliva sampling system uses a technique similar to PCR testing, with costs comparable to commercial tests.
The Omicron variant diverged from previous variants through adaptive evolution, with more than 30 mutations in its spike protein. The team found evidence of positive natural selection and partial immune evasion contributing to its rapid spread.
A new study finds that breakthrough infections following vaccination and natural infection followed by vaccination provide roughly equal levels of enhanced immune protection. Researchers at OHSU found that both groups generated greater levels of immunity compared to those who were vaccinated with no infection.
A new study reveals the Beta variant of SARS-CoV-2 can elicit a wide range of antibodies effective against both Delta and Omicron variants. The findings suggest that vaccination strategies could be improved by leveraging this broad immunity.
Researchers have determined the precise structural changes in omicron's spike protein, which allows it to evade antibodies against previous variants. The findings provide a blueprint for designing new countermeasures, such as vaccines or therapeutics, against omicron and future coronavirus variants.
A new study reveals that the Omicron variant is sensitive to inhibition by the interferon response, an unspecific immune reaction present in all body cells. This provides the first explanation for why COVID-19 patients infected with Omicron are less likely to experience severe disease.
Four COVID-19 vaccines prompt the body to make effective, long-lasting T cells against SARS-CoV-2. These T cells can recognize variants of concern, including Delta and Omicron. Fully vaccinated people have fewer memory B cells and neutralizing antibodies against the Omicron variant.
Researchers found a markedly increased risk of carditis associated with BNT162b2 vaccination, particularly in adolescents after the second dose. The study's findings highlight the need for refined vaccination strategies to balance risk and benefits across different sub-populations.
A UK study found that over a third of care home residents and a quarter of staff in England showed evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first two waves of the pandemic. The study also revealed that antibodies against the virus became undetectable in half of the population within eight months.
A recent study found that individuals vaccinated three times or those who were vaccinated after an earlier COVID-19 infection had comparable neutralizing antibody activity to those with a breakthrough case. The study suggests that repeated exposure to SARS-CoV-2 antigens enhances the quality of antibody responses.
Researchers are working tirelessly to develop vaccines against the Omicron variant, a crucial step in combating the pandemic. By understanding the biology of Omicron, scientists hope to create effective treatments and boosters to protect against future pandemics.
Researchers at the University of Hong Kong found that the Omicron variant is less effective in replicating cells and causing diseases than other COVID-19 variants. The study suggests that mutations in the spike protein may reduce its capacity to use a certain pathway, impairing its entry and replication.
A new study found that hospitalized children who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 were more likely to develop neurological symptoms, including headache and altered mental status. The research also showed that these symptoms were more common in kids with MIS-C, a condition characterized by fever, inflammation, and organ dysfunction.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds that those who received the Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccine have a lower risk of experiencing 'breakthrough' COVID-19 cases compared to recipients of the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine. The study also found that Moderna recipients were less likely to be hospital...
A study published in Science Advances found that cannabidiol (CBD) inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection in human cells and mice, suggesting its potential as a preventative or early treatment for COVID-19. CBD's effects were confined to high purity doses and specific situations.
Scientists at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and Northwestern Medicine identified naturally occurring vesicles containing ACE2 protein in patients' blood that can prevent or treat SARS-CoV-2 infection. These evACE2 act as decoys to lure the virus away from cells, preventing infection.
The study reveals that Omicron's spike protein mutations increase its binding affinity to human cells and evade antibodies, contributing to its increased transmissibility. The researchers aim to develop more effective treatments against Omicron and related variants using this knowledge.
Researchers report COVID-19 can cause a range of neurological symptoms, including loss of taste and smell, headaches, and brain inflammation. A new study suggests Long Covid may share common risk factors with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.
Scientists have identified natural nano-bubbles containing the ACE2 protein in COVID-19 patients' blood, which can block infection from broad strains of SARS-CoV-2 virus. These nano bubbles serve as a decoy to lure the virus away from cells, preventing infection.
Researchers have identified several factors that can predict the development of long COVID, including the presence of certain autoantibodies, pre-existing Type 2 diabetes, and low cortisol levels. The study found that administering antivirals early in the disease course may also prevent some long COVID symptoms.
Researchers developed reference materials with known viral loads to standardize PCR test results. The study found that Ct values varied among labs, highlighting the need for reference materials to compare and standardize results.
Researchers at Georgia State University found that newer variants of SARS-CoV-2 can infect the respiratory tract of wild mice, replicating in their lungs. This evolution highlights the virus's ability to mutate and spread in rodents living near humans.
Researchers created a novel molecular diagnostic platform that can detect COVID-19 genes after only 8 cycles of amplification, significantly reducing the time required for diagnosis. The new SERS-PCR platform uses gold nanoparticles to produce high-sensitivity signals, providing an important tool in the fight against the pandemic.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that memory T cells formed after previous infection or mRNA vaccination can still recognize the omicron variant, suggesting protection against severe disease. The study also suggests booster immunization may provide benefits beyond neutralizing antibodies.
A Brazilian study found a correlation between dealing with COVID-19 and environmental disasters, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and community resilience. The study also identified a lack of continuity in funding for disaster relief and pandemic response.
A newly developed decoy protein has been found to be highly effective in preventing death and lung damage in humanized animal models of severe COVID-19 disease. The treatment works by competing for the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, thereby neutralizing the virus before it can bind and enter cells.
A recent study by UCLA Health researchers found no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission through breast milk feeding. The study analyzed breastmilk samples from 110 lactating women and discovered that even when mothers had COVID-19, the virus was not present in their infants.
Researchers found elevated protein levels and unexpected antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with post-COVID cognitive symptoms, suggesting inflammation and a systemic response. The study suggests an activated immune system may be the cause of brain fog, a common after-effect of COVID-19.
Researchers have developed a label-free detection technique that digitally counts intact SARS-CoV-2 virus particles in saliva or exhaled breath. The approach uses an aptamer attached to a biosensor to selectively recognize and capture viruses, providing lower cost and reduced time to diagnose infections.
Researchers at Wayne State University have found that SARS-CoV-2 can induce fetal immune responses in pregnant women, even if they don't display symptoms. This increase in inflammatory markers poses a risk for preterm birth, stillbirth, and other complications.
A recent study published in Pediatric Research found no SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in breastmilk from mothers infected with COVID-19, ruling out transmission to infants. The authors analyzed 110 lactating women and did not find any clinical evidence of infection in breastfeeding infants.
Vaccination prioritization aims to reduce mortality and epidemic progression by targeting older individuals, minimizing selection pressure on virus variants. By considering evolutionary dynamics alongside epidemic dynamics, researchers can develop effective vaccine strategies to combat emerging variants.
A study shows that UK government trust, social norms, and privacy concerns play a significant role in the adoption of the NHS Covid-19 app. Initial enthusiasm to adopt the app was higher in urban locations, while people's concern about third-party data access fuelled reluctance to use it.
A Canadian study published in JAMA found a very low incidence of false-positive results among rapid antigen tests used to serially screen asymptomatic workers. The study showed only 0.05% of over 900,000 tests administered had false-positive results.
A research team has found a new dual benefit mode of action for the drug candidate Zapnometinib or ATR-002, which can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 virus proliferation and reduce exaggerated immune responses.
Researchers have detected the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the blood and placentas of women who experienced stillbirths and serious pregnancy complications. The study found that the virus was widely disseminated, causing severe inflammation of the placenta and leading to stillbirths.
Researchers at UCSF have identified a new potential drug target, BRD2, which regulates the ACE2 receptor, a key entry point for SARS-CoV-2. Blocking production of BRD2 prevents virus from infecting various human cell types.
The COVID-19 pandemic poses significant risks to pregnant women and their newborns, particularly due to viral-induced inflammation in the placenta. Studies have linked SARS-CoV-2 infection to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth and severe neonatal illness, which may vary with specific circulating variants.
A study led by the Institute for Systems Biology found that unvaccinated pregnant people with COVID-19 are more likely to have poor birth outcomes, including preterm birth and stillbirth. The risk of these outcomes is particularly high for infections during the first or second trimester.
New research highlights key differences between COVID-19 variants alpha and omicron, including the impact on virulence and disease severity. The study suggests that omicron's genetic makeup is less conducive to causing severe illness compared to its older variant sibling, alpha.
A new study sheds light on the molecular interactions between remdesivir and various viruses, revealing why it works against SARS-CoV-2 but not others like influenza. The findings aim to develop broad-spectrum therapies for future pandemics.
Researchers identified 40 peptide pairs with potential cross-reactivity between BCG vaccination and SARS-CoV-2, offering a new strategy to complement existing COVID-19 vaccines. These peptides can induce T cell responses and INF-γ production, providing long-lasting immunity against viral infections.
A new study found that people experiencing increased stress, anxiety, and depression during the pandemic were more likely to contract Covid-19 and experience severe symptoms. The research, led by Professor Kavita Vedhara, suggests that psychological distress may be a significant factor in increasing susceptibility to viral respiratory ...
Researchers at the University of Central Florida found that face masks can reduce airborne pathogens' travel distance by more than half, suggesting they can effectively prevent airborne diseases. The study's findings could aid in managing responses to pandemics like COVID-19.
Researchers developed a passive air sampler clip to estimate airborne virus concentrations, detecting SARS-CoV-2 in five out of 62 volunteers. The device could serve as a semiquantitative screening tool for assessing personal exposure and identifying high-risk areas.
A unique Irish study found that previous COVID-19 infection and age are associated with lower antibody levels six months after vaccination. The research highlights the importance of boosting vaccinations for vulnerable populations like nursing home residents.
Researchers estimated severe SARS-CoV-2 outcomes in youths tested positive in emergency departments, highlighting key risk factors. The study found higher risks of severe illness among younger patients with underlying health conditions.
Researchers found that T cells induced by previous common cold coronavirus infections can recognize and target internal proteins of SARS-CoV-2, providing a potential new vaccine target. This immunity offers long-lasting protection as T cell responses persist longer than antibody responses.
A study led by Georgetown University scientists demonstrates the power of artificial intelligence in predicting viruses that could infect humans, such as SARS-CoV-2. The research team identified 40 new bat hosts of betacoronaviruses and found that models harnessing data on bat ecology performed well at predicting new hosts.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst study found that vaccinated women transfer SARS-CoV-2 antibodies to their breastfed infants, potentially giving them passive immunity against the coronavirus. The research also showed a correlation between vaccine side effects and antibody levels in infant stool.
A registry study found that people with inflammatory RMDs, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, tolerate their COVID vaccine well, with short-lived reactions being the most common side effect. The majority of participants were able to continue on their normal medication with no changes.
The study investigated the antibody response to 2 or 3 doses of the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine in patients with solid tumors treated with anticancer agents. The researchers found that higher antibody levels were associated with better immune response and reduced risk of severe COVID-19.
The Omicron variant is more transmissible than the Delta variant, spreading to individuals with two vaccine doses and previously infected individuals. A booster dose of Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccine significantly increases antibody levels that can neutralize Omicron.
A booster dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is required to provide immunity against the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, according to a study. The traditional dosing regimens of COVID-19 vaccines available in the US do not produce antibodies capable of recognizing and neutralizing the Omicron variant.
Researchers developed a color-coded test that quickly signals whether medical nanoparticles deliver their cargo into target cells. The tool, tested in mouse cells and living mice, assesses nanoparticle formulations on their ability to escape cellular defenses and reach the cell's interior.
A study conducted at nine day care centers in Germany investigated the feasibility of SARS-CoV-2 surveillance testing among children and childcare workers. The test was found to be highly effective in identifying infected individuals and preventing further transmission.
Birth during pandemic but no in utero exposure shows differences in neurodevelopment at 6 months. Maternal COVID-19 affects infant brain development
Researchers have developed an at-home COVID-19 test with a high-quality assay that can detect the virus with similar reliability to laboratory-based molecular tests. The new test uses loop-mediated isothermal amplification and has unique advantages, such as speed and direct detection of viral RNA in saliva.
Experts from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin will deliver SARS-CoV-2 tests and train laboratory staff to monitor the Mu variant, which has spread widely throughout Colombia. The team will also support local authorities with antibody testing and knowledge transfer to inform pandemic control decisions.