Research on the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself. Covers antiviral trials, antibody neutralization, viral escape, and rapid detection methods.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.