Research on the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself. Covers antiviral trials, antibody neutralization, viral escape, and rapid detection methods.
Researchers have discovered that SARS-CoV-2 can infect specific cells in the salivary gland, which could play a role in transmission to the lungs or digestive system via saliva. The study found live cells from the mouth were present in saliva and the virus replicated within these infected cells.
Researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin studied genetic evolution of common cold coronaviruses, comparing with SARS-CoV-2. They found SARS-CoV-2 changes at a rate four times slower than the influenza virus, but still expected to need regular updates due to rapid evolution during pandemic.
A study by researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infects cells in the mouth, potentially explaining widespread symptoms and enabling transmission through saliva. The study revealed RNA for viral entry proteins in certain oral tissues, suggesting these regions are susceptible to infection.
Researchers discover SARS-CoV-2 can infect cells in the mouth, leading to oral symptoms like taste loss and dry mouth. The study suggests saliva may play a role in transmitting the virus to the lungs or digestive system.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.351 and P.1 are less inhibited by antibodies from recovered or vaccinated individuals, undermining current vaccination strategy. The study suggests limiting viral spread to control emerging variants.
A recent study found that older adults in Finland primarily left their homes for physical exercise and walking outdoors during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Despite government restrictions, these individuals prioritized physical activity over other activities.
Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have identified a potential new drug candidate against COVID-19, by developing peptides that mimic the ACE2 receptor and prevent SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding. This approach aims to prevent viral entry into host cells, thereby preventing infection.
Researchers found that tilorone, quinacrine, and pyronaridine effectively prevent SARS-CoV-2 replication in human-derived cell lines. The compounds showed mixed results against other viruses, highlighting the need for testing across multiple cell lines.
Mass testing campaigns in Slovakia significantly decreased SARS-CoV-2 infection rates, with the highest reductions observed in high-prevalence counties. The study found that rapid antigen testing, combined with isolation of those who tested positive, resulted in a substantial decrease in transmission
Patients treated with infliximab have impaired antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2, increasing susceptibility to recurrent COVID-19. The drug also impairs the immune system's ability to generate antibodies after vaccination.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that the quantity and quality of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies differ significantly among children, adolescents, and young adults. The research has important implications for understanding the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines and informing public health strategies.
New research published in CMAJ finds COVID-19 infection during pregnancy associated with increased risks of preeclampsia, stillbirth, and preterm birth. Pregnant individuals with severe COVID-19 symptoms are particularly vulnerable to these complications.
Researchers estimate SARS-CoV-2 was circulating in Hubei province at low levels in early-November 2019, possibly as early as mid-October 2019. The virus had established itself in Wuhan by the time COVID-19 was first identified.
Researchers confirm vertical COVID-19 transmission in pregnant woman, resulting in fetal complications and death. The study's proteomics method detects SARS-CoV-2 proteins in infected placenta for the first time.
Researchers estimate SARS-CoV-2 was circulating in China as early as mid-October 2019. The virus likely dies out naturally more than three-quarters of the time without causing an epidemic.
A study found no evidence of increased risk during the first wave of the UK pandemic, but small increased risks of infection and hospital admission in adults living with children. The researchers conclude that close monitoring will be crucial as schools reopen.
Researchers at Universidad Complutense de Madrid developed new image processing methods to enhance the analysis and three-dimensional reconstruction of biological macromolecules. The methods, published in Nature Communications, improved the visualization and quality of cryogenic electron microscopy-derived 3D reconstructions.
A large-scale study of 630,000 patients found significant disparities in COVID-19 outcomes between White and non-White minority groups. Hispanic patients were more likely to test positive and experience severe symptoms despite younger age.
A new study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 infects cells with high expression of ACE2 receptor and protease, found in lung epithelium and other organs. The study suggests that elderly people, men, and smokers are more severely affected due to increased viral entry factor expression.
Filtration with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters is the most popular choice in hospitals and clinical settings. Other methods using ultraviolet C (UVC) light and bipolar ionization also show promise, but research on their effectiveness against COVID-19 is still evolving.
A recent study published in Cell shows that SARS-CoV-2 mutations can evade both naturally occurring antibodies from COVID-19 survivors and lab-made antibodies now in clinical use. The research highlights the importance of designing next-generation vaccines and therapies that target less mutable parts of the virus.
Researchers studied the structural basis of G614 virus spread, revealing a loop that stabilizes the spike protein and prevents premature dissociation. This increased stability results in more functional spikes, leading to enhanced infectivity.
Human viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, adapt their codon usage to specific tissues based on cellular machinery preference. This adaptation enables more effective antiviral treatments, gene therapies, and vaccines by targeting specific tissue types.
A recent study published in Nature suggests that the leprosy drug clofazimine exhibits potent antiviral activities against SARS-CoV-2 and prevents exaggerated inflammatory response associated with severe COVID-19. Clofazimine could be a potential at-home treatment for people who test positive for COVID-19 but are not hospitalized.
A recent study found a higher seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the US adult asymptomatic population than previously estimated based on public health case reporting. The study suggests that the actual number of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the US may be substantially higher.
Researchers found that neutralizing antibodies from COVID-19 vaccines are less effective against new variants, including those from South Africa and Brazil. The study suggests that mutations in the spike protein may contribute to the variants' resistance.
The study found that SARS-CoV-2 underwent little significant genetic change in the first year of the pandemic, suggesting a 'generalist' nature and rapid transmission. This is attributed to human population immunity and lack of containment, allowing the virus to spread quickly.
Researchers aim to assess the efficacy of surface coating and aerosolized decontamination technologies to combat SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces and in the air. The studies will test various materials, application strategies, and exposure durations to determine viral and microbial decontamination strategies.
Research summarizes COVID-19 gastrointestinal symptoms in patients, detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA and virus particles in intestinal samples. Animal models suggest high susceptibility of intestines to SARS-CoV-2 infection, with potential faecal-oral transmission risks.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine-led study evaluating over 9,500 Orthodox Jews in 12 states identified key factors contributing to the spread of COVID-19 within culturally bonded groups. The findings informed the development of safety guidelines for COVID-19-free celebrations among Orthodox Jewish communities.
A study among US healthcare workers found most risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection outside the workplace. The research highlights the importance of pre-exposure protection measures for healthcare personnel.
A study of Italian close contacts found that older adults (60+) were 6.6% more likely to develop critical disease from SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to younger participants, who had a lower likelihood of severe symptoms.
A new study led by Yale University suggests that home testing for SARS-CoV-2 could significantly reduce total infections and mortality at a reasonable cost. By providing households with rapid antigen tests to identify potential contagion, individuals can self-isolate before spreading the disease.
Researchers found that only a few patients carried many variants of the virus, which were often lost at transmission, but some initiated ongoing transmission and wider dissemination. Continued monitoring is necessary to understand viral adaptation and patterns of spread.
A global collaboration of over 15,000 surgeons found that delaying surgery for at least seven weeks after a COVID-19 diagnosis significantly reduces mortality risk. Patients operated within two weeks of diagnosis have higher postoperative death rates.
A new SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate has shown strong immune responses and prevented infection in multiple animal studies. The vaccine uses a modified measles vaccine platform to stimulate immunity, potentially offering advantages over existing vaccines.
A team of researchers, including UC Riverside biomedical scientists, identified the South African COVID-19 variant, which has been detected in at least 40 countries. The variant has mutations that make it resistant to antibodies generated by existing vaccines, potentially reducing vaccine efficacy.
Researchers at University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre have identified biomarkers associated with the severity of COVID-19. The study found specific immune alterations linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease progression, which could help stratify patients by risk and identify new therapeutic targets.
A study found that asymptomatic COVID-19 patients have similar T cell responses to symptomatic patients, but with higher IFN gamma and IL-2 levels. This suggests a key role for T cells in controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection without triggering severe symptoms.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have developed a new colorimetric RT-LAMP assay called Cap-iLAMP, which extracts viral RNA from gargle lavage samples. The improved testing method outperforms previous methods, reducing false positives and increasing detection accuracy.
A study found SARS-CoV-2 present on ocular surfaces in 52 of 91 patients with COVID-19, suggesting potential detection through non-invasive methods. The virus may also be detected when nasopharyngeal swab results are negative.
Researchers have found that Camostat and its metabolite GBPA inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection in primary human lung tissue. The study supports further development of Camostat as a potential treatment for COVID-19.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 mutations can evade the immune response by T-killer cells, reducing their effectiveness in detecting and eliminating viruses. The study suggests that future vaccines should target a broader range of epitopes to provide more comprehensive protection.
The article summarizes current evidence on COVID-19 vaccines, immunity, and the potential for SARS-CoV-2 to become an endemic or seasonal virus. Experts weigh in on these critical issues, providing insights into the long-term impact of the pandemic.
Scientists highlight the need for sustainable collaboration frameworks and harmonization of health data practices to tackle the pandemic. Improved sequencing could enable better tracking of transmission and mutations, leading to more accurate estimates of R-number and improved understanding of mutational impacts.
The introduction of immunization passports may help countries reopen and revitalize their economies while reducing the spread of SARS-CoV-2. To implement these passports effectively, governments must establish secure digital immunization records and ensure adherence to international standards.
Researchers at UC San Diego used sewage-handling robots to detect SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and predicted COVID-19 cases with excellent accuracy. The system extracts RNA from sewage samples, runs PCR to search for virus signature genes, and can process 24 samples every 40 minutes.
A new study suggests a potential link between blood group A and COVID-19 infection, with the SARS-CoV-2 virus preferring to bind to the A antigen found on respiratory cells. The study's findings could provide insight into how coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2 interact with different blood types.
A new study finds that the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant in the UK is more transmissible than existing variants, leading to predictions of large COVID-19 resurgences if left uncontrolled. The analysis suggests a higher reproduction number and increased disease severity for the variant.
Scientists at Colorado State University quantify transmission risk of airborne viruses, considering aerosol dynamics for indoor and outdoor scenarios. They find that distancing indoors may not be enough to limit harmful exposures due to confinement and particle buildup.
A promising new COVID-19 vaccine candidate utilizing nanotechnology has shown strong efficacy in preclinical disease models, producing potent neutralizing antibodies and preventing infection and disease symptoms. The vaccine candidate may also be thermostable, easing shipping and storage constraints.
A new study suggests that individuals who remain asymptomatic after SARS-CoV-2 infection have a highly efficient and balanced anti-viral cellular response. This response produces a careful balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules, protecting the host without causing symptoms.
Researchers analyzed COVID-19 data to understand the immune system's response and found SARS-CoV-2 uniquely triggers a more severe cytokine storm in certain patients. The study aims to identify better treatments and diagnoses for this deadly condition.
A new paper discusses how smoking may affect risk for COVID-19 and proposes areas of research needed to better understand the link. Studies have shown that current smokers with COVID-19 have twice the risk of dying in the hospital as nonsmokers, highlighting the need for rigorous study design to clarify this relationship.
Researchers demonstrated the D614G mutation's increased binding to human cells and replication speed, confirming its dominance over the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. The study used hamsters and ferrets as models to evaluate transmission dynamics in direct competition between variants.
Researchers used electronic medical records to estimate SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk and identify risk factors for household transmission. The study found that addressing in the home address could be used to predict transmission risk.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2's spike protein moves on a different time scale than SARS-CoV-1, giving it more stability and increasing its ability to infect cells. This discovery could lead to the development of therapeutics that alter the protein's dynamics and make it less transmissible.
Researchers have created molecular models to study the critical parts of SARS-CoV-2 that interact with human cell membranes. The simulations reveal how the virus inserts itself into cells and provide new insights into a potential drug target. This discovery could help develop new treatments for COVID-19.
A new, openly available SARS-CoV-2 laboratory research toolkit was published in PLOS Biology. The toolkit includes a 'single plasmid reverse genetics' system allowing researchers to manipulate the coronavirus genome and study individual mutations. This will fast-track investigation of COVID-19 research, including novel variants, drug d...
Studies directly visualized changing SARS-CoV-2 spike shapes and monitored antibody attachment, finding two targeting strategies: occupying the open position or locking in a closed state. This research informs COVID-19 vaccine and treatment development.