Research on the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself. Covers antiviral trials, antibody neutralization, viral escape, and rapid detection methods.
A Duke-led team identified how multiple mutations on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein create variants that are more transmissible and resistant to antibodies. The researchers found that different variant spikes use distinct mechanisms to achieve this, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current vaccines.
A recent study found that women previously infected with COVID-19 have similar ovarian reserve and fertility treatment outcomes compared to those without a history of the virus. The study monitored hormone levels in 46 patients undergoing IVF in Spain between May and June 2020, revealing no variation in anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) lev...
Research reveals that the deletion of two amino acids in the spike protein makes the virus twice as infective, allowing it to replicate efficiently despite other mutations. This mutation has been found globally, particularly in Europe, Africa, and Asia, and may explain its widespread spread.
Researchers have developed wearable biosensors that can be integrated into standard face masks to detect SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens. The technology, called wFDCF, involves synthetic biology reactions embedded in fabrics, providing rapid detection with accuracy comparable to PCR tests.
A new UC Davis study confirms that SARS-CoV-2 contamination on hospital surfaces is unlikely to be infectious. The research used genome sequencing to detect the virus on surfaces and found that only a small percentage of samples were positive, suggesting that improved cleaning protocols may have reduced transmission.
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered a single mutation in SARS-CoV-2 that allows the virus to enter human lung cells through an alternative route, which may evade COVID-19 antibodies or vaccines. The study suggests the virus can change and adapt in unexpected ways to cause infection.
A recent study using computer modelling found that the SARS-CoV-2 virus binds more tightly to human cells than any other tested animal species, including bats and pangolins. The results suggest that the virus may have adapted to become an effective human pathogen through convergent evolution or genetic recombination.
A single dose of either the Pfizer or Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine offers around 60% protection against infection from SARS-CoV-2 in residents of long-term care facilities aged 65 and over. Vaccination also reduces the risk of transmission and infectivity, with a protective effect evident from 4 weeks after vaccination.
Researchers analyzed 7,548 SARS-CoV-2 genomes to find associations between genomic variants and patient deaths. They identified a key mutation linked to changes in the viral spike protein, which plays a crucial role in viral entry.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a cost-effective method for detecting new coronavirus variants. The COVseq technology uses multiplex PCR and pooling to sequence thousands of viral genomes per week, making it an affordable solution for global surveillance.
A new study by NYU Langone Health researchers discovered a molecular mechanism hijacked by SARS-CoV-2 that makes it vulnerable to drug candidates. The study showed that coronavirus reproduction requires chemical changes made by the human protein METTL3, which can be inhibited by the compound STM2457.
Researchers used genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to analyze whole-genome sequencing data of SARS-CoV-2 mutations and COVID-19 mortality data. They identified a mutation in the spike protein linked to increased mortality, which was later found to be part of the P.1 variant.
Researchers found no association in SARS-CoV-2 positivity rates between healthcare workers wearing respirator masks and those wearing medical masks. The study suggests that mask utilization is not a significant factor in preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission among healthcare workers.
Researchers developed two groups of molecules that effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 variants, bypassing mutations and disabling viral entry. The nanobodies recognize a conserved region of the receptor binding domain, blocking viral entry even when human antibodies cannot.
An analysis of antibodies from over 8,000 undiagnosed adults found that nearly 5% of the US population harbored SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The highest positivity rates were among African Americans and young urban dwellers.
A new study by Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg found that women ran slower in the presence of spectators but performed better in shooting than men. This challenges the social facilitation theory and suggests a gender-specific difference in response to audiences or lack thereof.
The Vigilant platform combines reverse transcription-recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) with bacterial enzymes to detect SARS-CoV-2 gene sequences. This method produces comparably reliable results as PCR tests but is cheaper and easier to use, making it suitable for non-laboratory settings.
Researchers analyzed 2.9 million households and found small, informal gatherings like birthdays contribute to SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Children's birthday parties are a potentially significant source of COVID-19 spread.
Researchers mapped epitopes in SARS-CoV-2 to identify potential cross-reactive antibodies, expanding vaccine and therapeutic development options. The study suggests new targets for diagnostics and improved treatments against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses.
A case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in an adult who recovered from COVID-19 is reported, highlighting the importance of considering this rare but possible complication. Prompt treatment helped recover the patient. The authors suggest encouraging reporting of cases to facilitate research and improve outcomes.
Researchers from Charité and University of Bonn identify four substances that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in host cells, including niclosamide, a tapeworm drug. These findings suggest potential new treatment against COVID-19.
Commensal gut bacteria like Bifidobacteria have been found to produce compounds that inhibit SARS-CoV-2. The researchers screened dominant gut bacteria for activity against the virus and discovered several compounds with potential therapeutic value.
Researchers investigated two SARS-CoV-2 variants and found that patients with these variants were less likely to be asymptomatic. Despite no increase in viral load, the variants showed higher transmissibility, leading to increased hospitalization rates.
Researchers from the University General Hospital in Valencia, Spain, analyzed the local transmission pattern of SARS-CoV-2. The study found that the virus was mainly spread through human-to-human contact, with cases primarily reported in urban areas.
A study of 300 rheumatism patients found 9% SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity rates for IgG, IgM, and IgA, with higher titres in symptomatic patients and those with obesity and multiple comorbidities. The study confirms that the true spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection is broader than previously thought, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Researchers at Osaka University have created a new, highly sensitive test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus that uses artificial intelligence and nanopore technology. The test platform achieved a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 96% for SARS-CoV-2 detection in just five minutes using clinical saliva samples.
Researchers develop nanodecoys made from human lung spheroid cells that bind to and neutralize SARS-CoV-2, accelerating viral clearance and reducing lung injury. The therapy could be effective against emerging variants of the virus.
A new study found that SARS-CoV-2 can infect the testes of infected hamsters, a finding with implications for men's health. The virus was detected in the testes of all infected hamsters during the first week but tapered off over time.
Researchers found that vaccination with an mRNA vaccine induces antibody responses that would protect humans from infection with the gamma/P.1 variant, while hamsters previously infected with earlier strains were also protected nine months later. Previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccines based on earlier strains still provide protecti...
A study of 3,758 individuals found that those with diabetes, obesity, rheumatologic disease, or organ transplants had longer positive PCR test results. The median length of time for negative results was 16-22 days in immunocompromised and non-immunocompromised groups respectively.
Researchers identified three previously undiagnosed COVID-19 cases in a UK hospital from throat swabs collected between January and March 2020. The study suggests that testing should have been made available to hospital patients with compatible symptoms earlier in the pandemic.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a graphene-based sensor that can detect SARS-CoV-2 virus in laboratory experiments. The sensor uses atomic-level vibrations to identify COVID-positive samples, with results evident in under five minutes.
A study by Yale researchers found that the common cold virus can trigger an immune response that halts replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Exposure to rhinovirus was shown to protect against COVID-19 infection, with the immune system responding rapidly to the threat.
A new study reveals that wastewater sequencing can detect emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants like B.1.1.7 up to 8 weeks before they become prevalent in clinical cases. This early warning system provides a more accurate picture of virus circulation among humans, including asymptomatic individuals.
Researchers analyzed 24,000 blood samples and multiple antibody testing platforms to discover SARS-CoV-2 infections in five states earlier than reported. The findings expand on previous studies suggesting the virus was present in the US as early as December 2019.
Care home residents over 70 have a delayed and weaker immune response to vaccines compared to younger individuals, making them more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infections. This phenomenon has been confirmed by researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
The study found a significant association between SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels and symptom severity in patients with the virus. Researchers discovered that higher RNA levels were linked to more severe symptoms, suggesting a possible correlation between viral load and disease progression.
A recent US study estimated the incidence of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children among people with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study found a significant association between MIS-C and severe COVID-19, highlighting the need for vigilance and prompt medical attention.
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine provides strong protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including those from South Africa and Brazil. However, monoclonal antibody therapy may be less effective against these variants.
New research from Imperial College London found that warmer temperatures and higher population density contribute to SARS-CoV-2 transmission. However, policy interventions such as lockdowns and social distancing remain the most important drivers of disease spread, even in seasonal variations.
Researchers found that intermediate-sized respiratory droplets emitted while speaking can carry significant amounts of virus and remain suspended in air for minutes. These 'speech droplets' pose a considerable risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, particularly in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation.
Researchers analyzed brain scans of 193 COVID-19 patients, finding a link between brain imaging and the virus's presence in cerebrospinal fluid. The study suggests hyperintense lesions and leptomeningeal enhancement are indicative of inflammation rather than infection.
Researchers found that a single-shot COVID-19 vaccine generated strong immune responses against all SARS-CoV-2 variants. The study suggests non-neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses may contribute to protection against COVID-19, particularly in regions with variant prevalence.
Researchers found SARS-CoV-2 on hospital floors and surfaces, especially after patient onset of symptoms. The virus was often accompanied by the bacteria Rothia, which strongly predicted its presence.
The SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease (PLpro) inactivates human proteins crucial for immune response, cardiovascular function and blood clotting. This link may explain COVID-19 symptoms of heart damage, blood clots and inflammation.
A real-world study found the first dose of the BNT162b2 (BioNTech/Pfizer) vaccine to be highly effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection 13 to 24 days after immunization. The study revealed a significant reduction in infection rates among vaccinated individuals, highlighting the vaccine's effectiveness in real-world settings.
Researchers found COVID-19 causes a wide range of organs, including the kidneys, resulting in acute kidney injury (AKI) with significant mortality rates. Studies showed viruses were directly detected in kidneys of deceased patients, correlating with age and comorbidities.
A new SARS-CoV-2 variant, T478K, has been identified in over 50% of viruses in North America, particularly in Mexico, where it spreads rapidly among all age groups. The mutation in the Spike protein alters its interaction with the human receptor ACE2, potentially hindering drug efficacy and immune system antibodies.
Researchers at George Mason University discovered that the over-the-counter drink Respiratory Detox Shot (RDS) may broadly inhibit respiratory viruses such as influenza. RDS contains nine herbal ingredients traditionally used in Eastern medicine to manage lung diseases.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science found a promising treatment for COVID-19 using the drugs cepharanthine and nelfinavir, which show potential in suppressing SARS-CoV-2. Computational models predict combined therapy could hasten clearance of the virus from patients' lungs.
A study of over 1,500 UK dental professionals found 16.3% had SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, highlighting the occupational risk of infection. The study also showed ethnicity was a significant risk factor and that COVID-19 vaccination provided rapid and high antibody responses.
Researchers tracked mobile phone data from millions of users in US metropolitan areas, finding that lower-income neighborhoods had significantly less time at home during the lockdown. Education level also played a role, with higher-income neighborhoods and those with more college degrees spending more time at home.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 infected various organs in children, leading to a wide range of clinical manifestations, including abdominal pain, heart failure, and seizures. The study suggests that the virus's direct action on tissues is associated with an exacerbated inflammatory response in children.
A study in Lombardy, Italy found that SARS-CoV-2 reinfections are rare events, with patients who have recovered from COVID-19 having a lower risk of reinfection. The observation was limited by the timing of the study, as variants had not yet spread.
The study found diABZI to be highly effective in preventing severe COVID-19 in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2. The drug stimulates interferon signaling, reducing viral loads and cytokine production in the lungs.
A study found that cancer patients had lower SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels compared to healthcare workers. Health care workers in Japan had higher SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels, indicating a possible immune response to the virus.
Researchers investigated mRNA vaccination response in Israeli cancer patients. Patients with cancer who received the vaccine showed seropositivity, indicating an immune response against SARS-CoV-2. The study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines in this vulnerable population.
Researchers developed a DNA vaccine encoding SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which induced long-lasting antibodies in mice and hamsters. The vaccine showed protective efficacy against COVID-19 infection in hamsters, with no loss of body weight or viral RNA in their lungs.
Scientists from Scripps Research have discovered a cross-reactive coronavirus antibody that neutralizes SARS-CoV-1 and other coronaviruses, including those causing the common cold. The finding is a promising development for the eventual development of a pan-coronavirus vaccine.
A new study found that an inhalable nanobody-based treatment can effectively prevent and treat SARS-CoV-2 infections in Syrian hamsters. The treatment, PiN-21, prevents significant weight loss and eliminates the virus after 10 days, regardless of the original route of viral entry.