Articles tagged with Sars Cov 2
The study assesses an online tool that uses actual virus copy number data to compare pooled and single-sample testing methods. The results show how pooled testing affects population-level outcomes, providing valuable insights for policy makers.
Developed by Chinese scientists, this lateral flow immunoassay can detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in under an hour with a limit of detection of 500 copies/mL. The test kit has been commercialized and received regulatory approval for its use as an on-site diagnostic tool.
A recent study found that transmembrane protein 41 B (TMEM41B) is essential for SARS-CoV-2 replication. The researchers used CRISPR to inactivate genes in human cells infected with the virus and discovered that TMEM41B was the only molecular feature common to both flaviviruses and coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2.
A large study of 6,510 healthcare workers found that community exposure was the main driver of COVID-19 infections. Nurses were at higher risk once community exposure was accounted for, while high-flow oxygen therapy and hemodialysis increased antibody production to SARS-CoV-2.
A new consortium will investigate the physical principles underlying coronavirus formation, using a multidisciplinary approach across multiple scales and environments. The research aims to develop drugs that can disrupt viral assembly, with potential applications in synthetic biology and medicine.
A team of researchers identified critical molecular processes in human cells that coronaviruses use to survive. Targeting these processes with drugs may treat not only COVID-19 infections but also other existing and future coronaviruses, including common cold viruses and more severe viruses.
Penn State researchers computationally modeled the attachment of SARS-CoV-2 protein spike to ACE2, finding it highly optimized for human binding. The team also explored changes in the virus spike that could alter its affinity with human ACE2, potentially informing future research on vaccine durability and animal transmission.
Researchers estimate 76% attack rate in Manaus, Brazil, and 29% in São Paulo, suggesting NPIs and growing immunity played a role in containing the epidemic. The study aims to understand the longevity of population immunity and potential need for booster vaccinations.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found elevated levels of a biomarker related to blood vessel damage in children with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study also showed that a high proportion of children met clinical criteria for thrombotic microangiopathy, a syndrome involving clotting in small blood vessels.
Researchers created a mouse model to study SARS-CoV-2's impact on organs beyond the lungs, revealing systemic damage and long-lasting changes. The study sheds light on the virus's ability to circulate through the bloodstream and affect vital organs.
Scientists analyzed compounds in wastewater to gauge public health aspects, including SARS-CoV-2 detection. They found that measuring virus particles in settled solids from sewage treatment plants could be a more sensitive approach than current methods.
A new study identifies a method that detects COVID-19 in wastewater samples and tracks infection trends. The test uses genetic material from SARS-COV-2 RNA, which correlates with community COVID-19 infections.
Researchers found that IgA antibodies dominate the early COVID-19 response, coming on more quickly than IgG and IgM antibodies. A vaccine designed to induce dimeric IgA may offer protection against the virus.
Researchers in Italy evaluated the risks of mother-to-infant SARS-CoV-2 transmission during rooming-in practice. With adequate droplet and contact precautions, the study found that such transmission is extremely rare.
Researchers investigate various aspects of COVID-19. A study finds hydroxychloroquine has no benefit in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection after exposure. Meanwhile, a review reveals patients with COVID-19 can develop prolonged illness, sometimes referred to as 'Long COVID'. Additionally, a Wuhan study sheds light on viral persistence and...
A new longitudinal analysis of 254 COVID-19 patients reveals that IgA and IgM antibodies disappear quickly during convalescence, while IgG antibodies persist but decline slowly. The study's findings may impact seroprevalence studies and raise questions about vaccination durability.
Researchers at BIDMC identified the role of antibodies and T cells in protecting against COVID-19, finding that low antibody levels can still provide protection when combined with a strong T cell response. The study's findings have important implications for vaccine development and public health strategies.
Researchers developed an assay that detects SARS-CoV-2 in nasal swabs using a smartphone camera, providing quick results within 30 minutes. The test utilizes CRISPR-Cas technology, eliminating the need for amplification and enabling precise quantification of virus amounts.
A new antiviral drug, MK-4482/EIDD-2801, completely suppresses virus transmission within 24 hours, according to Georgia State University researchers. The drug is potent against influenza viruses and has broad-spectrum activity against respiratory RNA viruses.
Researchers from University of Helsinki developed Lazypipe to identify both known and novel viruses, demonstrating its efficacy in detecting SARS-CoV-2 without reference genome. The pipeline overcomes challenges in viral metagenomics, enabling rapid detection of emerging infectious diseases.
The study reveals that the SARS-CoV-2 virus rapidly causes damage to human lung cells by exploiting core resources and inducing abnormal changes in protein abundance and phosphorylation. The researchers also identified 18 pre-existing clinically approved drugs that can be potentially re-purposed for COVID-19 therapy.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine investigate using UVC light to disinfect CT scanning machines, which can eliminate SARS-CoV-2 virus particles in minutes. They also explore the relationship between low Ct values in diagnostic tests and infectiousness.
Researchers are investigating a potential treatment for people recently diagnosed with SARS-Cov2 who have no or mild symptoms. The trial aims to determine whether treating asymptomatic patients with a combination of medications can reduce viral replication and the risk of getting sick.
Researchers found that green tea and muscadine grape extracts can inhibit the Mpro enzyme in SARS-CoV-2, while dark chocolate and cacao powder showed reduced activity. The study suggests that these plant compounds could be used to develop new treatments for COVID-19.
A team of researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have studied how SARS-CoV-2 reaches the brain and found that it enters through nerve cells in the olfactory mucosa. The virus is also transported via blood vessels to reach the brain, which may contribute to neurological symptoms such as loss of smell or taste in COVID-19 ...
Researchers from the University of Warwick developed a computational model predicting drug targets for SARS-CoV-2 by understanding host-based metabolic perturbations. The model highlights glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation pathways as key targets, with potential connections to amino acid biosynthesis.
A study of SARS-CoV-2 virus genomes from over 46,000 people with COVID-19 found that most common mutations are neutral for the virus, and do not appear to increase transmissibility. The research team identified 12,706 mutations, including one in the spike protein D614G, which is not associated with increased transmission.
A Penn State researcher will study whether vitamin D supplementation can help people ward off or reduce symptoms caused by COVID-19. The research aims to determine the effects of vitamin D on SARS-CoV-2 infection and inflammation in the lung and gastrointestinal tract.
This observational study describes testing and outcomes for nearly 136,000 US pediatric patients. The study found no significant association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 illness in this population.
A recent study reveals correlations between clusters, observing the development of new mutations and transmission chains. The research provides important insights for pandemic control and may help assess whether treatments influence virus mutation characteristics.
Researchers at Radboud University Medical Center discovered hydroxychloroquine inhibits a type of white blood cell important in the first line of defense. This suggests hydroxychloroquine may have no beneficial effect on clearing viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2.
Recent studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine investigate the association between ABO blood groups and SARS-CoV-2 infection risk, as well as vaccine development timelines. Additionally, research highlights the potential benefits of home health care for COVID-19 survivors after hospital discharge.
Researchers at EMBL Heidelberg used 3D imaging techniques to visualize the replication cycle of SARS-CoV-2 in infected cells. The study reveals massive changes in cellular architecture, including the creation of mini replication compartments where viral genomes are amplified.
A new model predicts that schools can safely remain open if community spread is low and precautions are taken, especially for children under 10. The study suggests a 40% reduction in daily social contacts in the community and 33% for teens to enable safe school reopening.
Researchers at UNIGE have identified sulfur molecules that can effectively block the uptake of SARS-CoV-2 viruses by cells. The team found inhibitors up to 5,000 times more effective than existing treatments, providing a promising lead for developing new antivirals.
A new study found that IgM and IgA antibodies decay quickly, while IgG antibody levels are maintained for at least three months after infection. The study also showed that infected healthcare workers had higher levels of IgG1 and lower levels of IgG2 compared to asymptomatic cases.
Researchers found that pairs of antibodies targeting different parts of the viral spike protein can prevent or treat SARS-CoV-2 infection at lower doses than single antibodies. This approach may help reduce the chance of the virus mutating and becoming resistant to antibody treatments.
A team of researchers wins an award for their AI-driven multiscale simulations that illuminate the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 spike dynamics. The project simulates the physical characteristics of the virus using heterogeneous HPC resources.
A Brazilian company developed a plastic film that eliminates 79.9% of SARS-CoV-2 particles in three minutes and 99.99% in up to 15 minutes, making it a promising material for food packaging protection against the novel coronavirus. The film contains silver and silica nanoparticles and has been successfully tested in laboratory settings.
Researchers at Texas Biomed will test the efficacy of human monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) in small rodent models to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection. The project aims to identify effective combinations of MAbs that offer protection against disease progression.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of three human coronaviruses found that people infected with SARS-CoV-2 are most likely to be highly infectious in the first week after symptom onset. The study highlights the importance of identifying and isolating cases early to control the spread of COVID-19.
Researchers from Politecnico di Milano identified EBSELEN as a potent inhibitor of Mpro protein in SARS-CoV-2, which blocks virus replication. The study elucidates key aspects of the binding mechanism, highlighting selenium's role in inhibiting viral replication.
A large observational study suggests SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy is not associated with adverse outcomes. The study found no significant difference in pregnancy complications or infant health between women with and without the virus.
A team of scientists at Children's Hospital Los Angeles conducted the largest pediatric genomic COVID-19 study to date, finding a possible link between specific viral mutations and disease severity. The study analyzed over 100,000 samples and identified a potential correlation between certain mutations and severe symptoms in children.
A Danish trial found that wearing masks outside the home weakly supports lesser degrees of protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection, but cannot definitively exclude no effect. The study showed similar infection rates between mask and control groups despite public health measures in place.
Researchers found that domestic cats can shed SARS-CoV-2 and spread it efficiently to other cats within two days, indicating a potential human-cat-human transmission chain. In contrast, pigs are unlikely to be significant carriers of SARS-CoV-2.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that survivors of SARS-CoV-2 infection develop long-lasting immunity through memory T-cells, providing protection against re-infection. The research team's findings raise hopes for the development of effective vaccines.
A new multiplex real-time RT-PCR assay has been developed as a simpler, more cost-effective alternative to existing SARS-CoV-2 testing methods. The assay performs comparably to the modified CDC test while allowing for increased patient throughput and reduced reagent consumption.
A comprehensive review of research studies on SARS-CoV-2 infections in infants less than 3 months old found that the majority experience mild to moderate cases and usually recover with supportive care. No deaths were reported, contradicting earlier findings suggesting myocarditis as a rare but possible complication.
A study using a nonhuman primate model identified key features of SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19, including immunosuppressive effects. The research team also observed rapid viral multiplication in the upper and lower respiratory tracts, followed by a decrease in viral load.
A rare nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers is discussed in the article. Minimizing these incidents can be achieved through proper precautions such as wearing surgical masks, maintaining good ventilation, practicing physical distancing, using eye protection, and conducting regular testing and sick leave policies.
A new study found that COVID-19 patients' early antibody evolution differs between survivors and non-survivors, with the former developing strong IgG antibodies and targeting the S2-domain on coronaviruses. This immunity may help patients generate killer antibodies faster and sooner after infection.
A new saliva-based antibody test developed by Johns Hopkins researchers accurately detects SARS-CoV-2 antibodies from small saliva samples. The test's high sensitivity and specificity make it suitable for various applications, including large-scale screening and monitoring changes in antibody-positivity rates over time.
A new animal model of SARS-CoV-2 infection has been developed in rhesus macaques, exhibiting clinical and pathological manifestations similar to those observed in humans. The study revealed long-term viral shedding and inflammation-promoting responses, highlighting the need for treatments targeting T cell responses and cytokine changes.
A new SARS-CoV-2 mutation, D614G, makes the virus more transmissible but not necessarily more severe, according to a recent study published in Science. The mutated strain replicates faster and is more infectious, but its effectiveness against vaccines remains unknown.
MIT chemists determine the molecular structure of a key coronavirus protein, E, which forms an ion channel that plays a key role in viral replication and inflammation. The study may lead to the development of alternative small molecules that target this channel with high affinity.
Researchers engineered a SARS-CoV-2 variant with the D614G substitution to compare its characteristics against the ancestral form in human cells and animal models. The results suggest that the variant does not significantly enhance pathogenicity but may increase transmissibility.
Researchers found human editing enzymes behind a COVID-19 virus mutation that stimulates pro-inflammatory molecule release. The mutation altered innate immune responses, and further study is needed to determine its impact on virus elimination or symptom aggravation.
A study of nearly 2,000 Marine recruits found asymptomatic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 despite implementing best-practice public health measures. Regular testing identified carriers who could transmit the virus to others, even in settings with high compliance rates.
Researchers estimate 4.3% of Kenyans had antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 by June 2020, revealing more extensive exposure than reported case-based surveillance indicates. The findings support the idea that disease may be attenuated in Africa due to Kenya's demographic characteristics.