Articles tagged with Sars Cov 2
Researchers have identified short linear motifs in SARS-CoV-2 receptors that facilitate viral entry and replication. The findings suggest targeting these motifs may help develop new treatments for COVID-19.
A new study by the RAND Corporation found that food insecurity increased by nearly 80% in two predominantly African American neighborhoods during the first weeks of the coronavirus pandemic. This marked a reversal of decade-long trends, with disparities between these areas and the general US population reaching their highest levels.
A new study reveals that people with severe COVID-19 cases have stronger long-term immunity due to a higher number of protective memory T cells. In contrast, those with milder cases may experience T cell exhaustion, which can hinder their ability to build long-term immunity.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus blocks innate immune activation, preventing the production and signaling of type I interferon, a key component of host defense against viral infections. This suppression allows the virus to replicate unchecked, leading to COVID-19 disease progression.
Researchers discovered SARS-CoV-2 RNA in human corneas of patients with COVID-19, shedding light on the virus's presence beyond respiratory sites. The study suggests potential implications for eye care and infection transmission.
A study by Northern Arizona University and TGen found that COVID-19 may awaken an antibody response created in humans prior to the pandemic, suggesting pre-existing immunity. The research also identified cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV-2 and previous coronavirus infections, which could help design new diagnostics and vaccines.
A new study suggests that vaccinating people over 60 is the most effective way to mitigate mortality from COVID-19. The analysis shows that vaccinating older adults will most effectively reduce deaths, even if vaccination of younger adults is projected to avert the greatest incidence of disease.
A new study suggests that those who recover from COVID-19 retain immunity for at least six months due to a lasting defense mounted by the immune system. The researchers found that memory B cells continued to evolve and improve the quality of antibodies even after infection had waned.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to simulate SARS-CoV-2 infection, finding innate immunity controls viral load more effectively than adaptive immunity. The study suggests starting antiviral or interferon therapy as soon as symptoms appear.
Research suggests that people with Barrett's esophagus, a disorder causing the esophagus to resemble intestinal cells, have SARS-CoV-2 receptors that can bind and become infected by the virus. This increases the risk of infection through swallowing the virus.
Healthcare workers must be vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect both themselves and patients. Provinces should include exemptions for those with underlying health issues or other reasons.
Researchers found that two SARS-CoV-2 relatives, OC43 and 229E, can evolve their spike proteins to evade the immune system, potentially making current vaccines outdated. The study suggests that these viruses may evolve at a rate similar to the seasonal flu, requiring new vaccines to be developed to match future strains.
A study suggests that COVID-19 may awaken an antibody response to existing human immunity against prior coronavirus infections. Researchers used a tool called PepSeq to map antibody responses to coronaviruses and found cross-reactivity at two sites in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein.
Aged African green monkeys developed severe respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with symptoms similar to those in human cases of COVID-19 after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study suggests these monkeys may be suitable models for studying severe forms of COVID-19.
Researchers developed a novel method to sequence RNA from wastewater, detecting complete and nearly complete SARS-CoV-2 genomes. This approach provides early signal detection of new variants, enhancing control measures.
A new national research project will study the impact of emerging mutations in SARS-CoV-2 on its transmissibility, disease severity, and vaccine effectiveness. The 'G2P-UK' National Virology Consortium will work with leading virologists and Public Health England to better understand which mutations affect the virus.
A new tool predicts viral escape mutations by analyzing the relationship between viruses and human immunity, as well as the structure of sentences in natural language. The algorithm achieves accurate results without prior training, identifying high-escape potential regions in SARS-CoV-2's Spike protein.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that males are more susceptible to severe illness and death from COVID-19, with higher rates of hospitalization and mechanical ventilation. The authors analyzed data from a large US metropolitan area and found a strong association between male sex and poor outcomes.
Researchers predict SARS-CoV-2 will become a mild childhood disease, with older individuals providing immune protection against severe illness. The model suggests that widespread vaccination may not be necessary if primary infections are mild in children, but should continue if they become severe.
A new model suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may become a common cold-causing virus, leading to reduced fatality rates and increased herd immunity. The model predicts that the infection fatality ratio will fall below that of seasonal influenza once an endemic steady-state is reached.
A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that SARS-CoV-2 can directly infect brain cells, leading to devastating consequences such as localized ischemia and cell death. The researchers also discovered that the virus's ability to invade the central nervous system may be related to its neurological symptoms.
Researchers developed nanoparticles displaying SARS-CoV-2 RBD with diverse bat and pangolin betacoronavirus RBDs, eliciting cross-reactive immune responses in mice. The approach showed promise as a candidate vaccine against COVID-19 and emerging coronaviruses
A new nanoparticle vaccine platform has been developed to protect against many strains of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The vaccine, called a mosaic nanoparticle, presents the immune system with multiple different coronavirus variants at once, generating a diverse antibody response.
Researchers at DiosCURE developed lead candidates DIOS-202 and DIOS-203 with high potency and resistance to escape mutants. These multivalent single-chain antibodies target two distinct epitopes of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, rendering virions non-infectious.
Researchers developed an in vitro human-derived tissue model to study SARS-CoV-2 infection and its progression to ARDS. The model revealed a cellular immune response to the virus, indicating potential for effective treatment with interferon lambda.
Researchers developed saliva-based testing as a sensitive alternative to nasal swabs. High demand for PPE revealed society's dependence on forced labor during the pandemic. No association was found between COVID-19 mitigation strategies and risk of preterm births or stillbirths. A new case report suggests a potential link between SARS-...
USC researchers discovered that COVID-19 uniquely reduces levels of mitochondrial proteins, affecting cellular protective response and energy production. This finding may explain why older adults and people with metabolic dysfunction are more severely affected by COVID-19.
Researchers at Stanford University have created a nanoparticle vaccine candidate for COVID-19 that shows promise in inducing immunity after just one dose. The vaccine uses nanoparticles studded with the virus's surface spikes to trigger an immune response, offering a potential alternative to traditional viral-based vaccines.
Researchers found thousands of Wuhan residents infected with asymptomatic COVID-19 cases after initial control measures. The study suggests a large number of asymptomatic carriers existed after reported cases were eliminated.
A new study found that COVID-19 survivors have immune cells necessary to fight re-infection, with virus-specific antibodies and memory B cells persisting in the bloodstream. This suggests that people may have protective immunity against serious disease for at least eight months after infection.
The State University of New York has awarded grants to three Binghamton University teams to pursue research projects related to COVID-19. The projects focus on developing new antiviral surface sanitizers, a low-cost surgical mask with N95 filtration efficiency, and a rapid sensor to monitor SARS-CoV-2 on high-contact surfaces.
A new study estimates 46.9 million SARS-CoV-2 infections, 28.1 million symptomatic infections, 956,174 hospitalizations and 304,915 deaths occurred in the US through November 15, 2020. The study utilized data from public health surveillance and seroprevalence surveys.
Patients with COVID-19 often suffer from severe pneumonia despite low arterial blood oxygen levels, contradicting typical symptoms of hypoxemia. Researchers suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection in the carotid body may alter its ability to detect oxygen levels, leading to silent hypoxemia.
A review of over 100 research articles concludes that masks worn by lay persons reduce the spread of respiratory viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2. Observational studies suggest universal masking can lead to large reductions in transmission rates, even with imperfect cloth face coverings.
New research found that pregnant women and newborns face elevated risks of severe COVID-19 due to lower-than-expected transfer of protective antibodies. The cause may be alterations to these antibodies after they're produced, which prevent their passage from mother to fetus.
A systematic review of SARS-CoV-2 air contamination in hospitals revealed frequent viral RNA presence but low viable virus rates. High viral loads were detected in toilets, bathrooms, and public areas, emphasizing the importance of careful cleaning and disinfection.
Researchers assessed maternal, neonatal SARS-CoV-2 viral load and transplacental antibody transfer in 127 pregnancies. The study found reduced transplacental transfer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, indicating effective maternal control of the virus.
A recent study suggests that pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the third trimester are unlikely to pass the virus to their newborns. The study found low levels of protective antibodies in umbilical cord blood, indicating limited transfer of maternal antibodies through the placenta.
Researchers analyzed COVID-19-specific coding, transition to new codes, and PCR testing accuracy in US hospitals. The study found that the COVID-19-specific code had high accuracy rates when compared to SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing.
Researchers at the NIH have isolated promising nanobodies against SARS-CoV-2 that may prevent infections and detect virus particles. The nanobodies were produced by a llama named Cormac and showed high affinity for blocking the spike protein's interaction with human cells.
COVID-19 causes lung destruction through the SARS-CoV-2 virus, leading to hypoxemia and inflammation. Pneumolysis can result in irreversible fibrosis and death if not treated with oxygen therapy and anti-inflammatory medication.
Scientists have created a global atlas of direct interactions between SARS-CoV-2 RNA and the human proteome, revealing 18 key host proteins involved in viral replication. The study also identified two crucial regulators, CNBP and LARP1, which can inhibit viral replication, offering new avenues for treatment.
A study found that moderate temperature increases break down SARS-Cov-2 virus-like particles on surfaces, while humidity has little impact. This degradation suggests a potential surge in COVID-19 infections during winter months.
A Rutgers study found that two-fifths of commercial fishermen did not fish earlier this year due to market disruptions, while nearly all reported a decline in income compared to previous years. Some species, like squid and scallops, saw decreased catch, while others, such as black sea bass and haddock, maintained or increased their catch.
A new study has identified two phases of infection in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, revealing that the virus triggers an immune response and causes significant lung damage. The findings suggest that treatments targeting viral replication may only be effective in the early phase of infection.
Researchers launching Pediatric Research Immune Network on SARS-CoV-2 and MIS-C (PRISM) study to evaluate short- and long-term health outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children. The study aims to characterize immunologic pathways associated with different disease presentations and outcomes.
Researchers at TGen have identified the miR1307 gene as a potential dimmer switch that regulates SARS-CoV-2's replication speed, influencing disease severity. The study suggests this gene could be exploited to develop vaccines and treatments for COVID-19.
Dysphagia diagnosis and treatment are being conducted remotely using telemedicine, enabling safe care for COVID-19 patients. Clinicians use digital methods to assess swallowing ability and identify potential complications.
Researchers argue that NCITs fail to accurately identify infected individuals, with only one person out of 85,000 screened being positive for SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, NCIT readings can be misleading during fever spikes and drops, making it difficult to determine actual fever presence.
A large-scale seroprevalence study in Iran found that around 17.1% of the population has been infected with SARS-CoV-2, with significant variations between cities and occupations. Despite this high rate, a substantial proportion of the population remains susceptible to infection.
A new modeling study found that limiting gatherings to fewer than 10 people and closing educational institutions significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Closing schools, universities, and nonessential businesses had a considerable impact on transmission rates, while targeted closures of high-risk businesses showed more benefit.
This study examines clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 in infants, revealing varying disease severity based on age. Infants under 3 months old are at higher risk for severe symptoms, while older infants show milder symptoms.
Researchers found that households will continue to be a significant venue for SARS-CoV-2 transmission despite isolation efforts. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing effective public health measures to mitigate this risk.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 indirectly activates endothelial cell responses, leading to coagulation and inflammation associated with severe Covid-19 disease. Targeting endothelial cells may be a novel approach to resolving Covid-19 symptoms.
Researchers discovered biomarkers associated with COVID-19 immunopathology and multi-organ damage, enabling early identification of patients at risk of severe symptoms. The study's findings have potential for developing prognostic classification models to target treatments accordingly.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers suggests remdesivir is highly effective against SARS-CoV-2, particularly in patients with impaired immune systems. The drug significantly improves symptoms and virus levels in a patient with XLA, a rare genetic condition that affects antibody production.
Researchers recommend measures to reduce SARS-CoV-2 aerosol dispersal, including regular ventilation, humidifiers to maintain relative humidity of 40-60%, and portable air purifiers. The risk is high due to infected & healthy people staying in the same room for long periods.
Researchers investigated COVID-19 and Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare autoimmune condition. The study found no significant association between the two conditions, contradicting previous small case series. The researchers conclude that COVID-19 vaccination is unlikely to cause GBS.
Studies show anaesthetists and intensivists have less than half the risk of infection from COVID-19, while front-line nurses and housekeeping staff are more at risk. The analysis also finds that deaths among anaesthetists are disproportionately low compared to expected numbers.
A genomic analysis of early SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in Boston found that a small number of importations led to most cases, while superspreading events played a significant role in the spread of the virus. The study tracked the downstream effects of these events and highlights the importance of prevention and mitigation strategies.