Research on the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself. Covers antiviral trials, antibody neutralization, viral escape, and rapid detection methods.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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 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 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.
Researchers identified at least 87 regions in the SARS-CoV-2 RNA sequence that form compact structures, with at least 10% under strong evolutionary selection pressure. These structures are potential targets for small-molecule drugs and could be effective against future new virus strains.
A Dutch study found that SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs between humans and minks, as well as within mink populations. The virus was initially introduced by humans, evolving over time.
A 3D modeling tool has been created to visualize the components of SARS-CoV-2, ranging from 10 to 100 nanometers in size. The model provides a detailed representation of the virus's structure, including its nucleocapsid proteins and RNA strand.
Researchers have identified two compounds that can inhibit both the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 and cathepsin L, a human protein involved in viral entry. The study found that these compounds may improve treatment by simultaneously targeting multiple steps of the virus's life cycle.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute discovered that some children have pre-existing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, which may offer protection. The study found that these antibodies are more common in children than adults and target a specific part of the virus, suggesting potential for vaccine development.
Research found preexisting antibody-driven immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in a small proportion of uninfected adults and children, suggesting cross-reactive protection. These antibodies targeted the viral spike protein complex and showed neutralizing activity in cell culture experiments.
Researchers identified nanobodies that bind tightly to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, providing a unique prophylactic and therapeutic strategy. These therapeutics have the potential to be produced in bulk from microbes and delivered via aerosol, offering an affordable alternative to monoclonal antibodies.
The iSCAN test kit combines virus amplification with a CRISPR-Cas system for effective SARS-CoV-2 detection. It can be completed in under an hour and requires locally manufactured reagents.
Researchers uncovered the SARS-CoV-2 genome's 'origami' structure, revealing long-distance RNA interactions critical for replication. This discovery could lead to targeted therapeutics and inform new treatments for COVID-19.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a new method to extract tiny but extremely powerful SARS-CoV-2 antibody fragments from llamas. These nanobodies are much smaller than human antibodies and many times more effective at neutralizing the virus, with the potential to prevent and treat COVID-19.
Children and adults produce different types and amounts of antibodies in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, with children clearing the virus more efficiently. The study found that children produced fewer neutralizing antibodies against the virus's spike protein compared to adults.
Researchers designed a protein decoy that replicates the spike protein target interface in hACE2, allowing it to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 infection in human cells. The decoy protected Syrian hamsters from lethal doses of the virus with modest weight loss.
Neoleukin Therapeutics announces a novel protein decoy NL-CVX1 that blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. The lead molecule is shown to protect hamsters from lethal doses of the virus through intranasal administration. This development demonstrates the potential of de novo protein design technology for addressing biological problems.
A Rutgers University study found that support staff and Black and Latinx hospital employees have higher infection rates for SARS-CoV-2 than physicians and nurses. Nearly 10% of those studied tested positive for the virus or antibody, with phlebotomists having the highest proportionate rate.
A leukemia patient remained asymptomatic and infectious for at least 70 days with SARS-CoV-2, setting a new record for longest shedding duration. The patient's compromised immune system prevented antibody production, allowing the virus to persist.
Researchers developed a synthetic mini-antibody called sybody 23 that can block SARS-CoV-2's ability to infect human cells. This breakthrough could lead to a potential way to treat COVID-19, with further analyses planned to confirm its effectiveness.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge developed a model that analyzes age-specific COVID-19 death data from 45 countries, revealing consistent patterns across countries. The study highlights the importance of focusing on deaths in under-65s for better understanding of infection rates and developing effective government strategies.
Researchers from University of Tartu discovered how coronavirus activates before attacking cells and identified a potential target for COVID-19 treatment. The study found that a specific enzyme, furin, plays a crucial role in the virus's life cycle.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine developed a fast method to identify effective human monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The team successfully isolated Ab1, a potent antibody that neutralizes COVID-19 by binding to the virus's receptor binding domain.
Researchers have identified a potential treatment for COVID-19 using the approved protease inhibitor aprotinin, which inhibits SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells. The study found that aprotinin aerosols may be effective in preventing severe COVID-19 disease when applied early after diagnosis.
Researchers analyzed viral load on Halloween candy handled by COVID-19 patients, finding SARS-CoV-2 on 60% of samples handled normally with unwashed hands. Washing hands before handling candy and washing the candy with household detergent significantly reduced the virus's presence.
New research shows that washing hands and washing Halloween candy with a simple at-home method can significantly reduce COVID-19 contamination risks. A study found that SARS-CoV-2 was detected on 60% of unwashed candies, but only 10% after handwashing.
A study of over 5,000 COVID-19 patients in Houston found that the virus is accumulating genetic mutations, one of which, D614G, may have made it more contagious. This mutation was prevalent in 71% of initial cases and reached 99.9% prevalence during the second wave.
A novel approach to measuring antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 has been developed, revealing a discrepancy between reported virus-positive cases and actual antibody prevalence. The study found that over 47% of antibody-positive children were asymptomatic, with significant geographic differences in antibody frequency across Bavaria.
A study of 104 grocery store employees in Boston found that those in customer-facing roles were 5 times more likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 than their colleagues. Additionally, three out of four infected workers had no symptoms, highlighting the potential for asymptomatic transmission among key workers.
Researchers found that patients with higher SARS-CoV-2 loads at hospital admission were more likely to require mechanical ventilation or die. The study suggests using viral load as a predictor of adverse outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia.
SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins can cause inflammation on endothelial cells forming the blood-brain barrier, making it 'leaky' and disrupting neural networks. This could lead to neuroinvasion and neurological manifestations in COVID-19 patients, especially those with pre-existing health conditions.
Research found that over 90% of individuals with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 produce antibodies strong enough to neutralize SARS-CoV-2. The antibody response is relatively stable for at least five months, correlating with the body's ability to neutralize the virus.
A German meat processing plant outbreak highlights the importance of maintaining high quality air flow to restrict SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The study found that a single worker transmitted the virus to over 60% of co-workers within an 8-meter distance.
Researchers found that alveolar macrophages fail to produce interferons when infected with SARS-CoV-2, allowing the virus to evade detection by the immune system. This suggests that asymptomatic individuals may be spreading the virus without knowing it.
Researchers stress the need for standardised methods to assess COVID-19 vaccine efficacy, highlighting challenges in determining severe disease protection and the importance of long-term follow-up. Controlled human infection studies may offer rapid assessment but predictability for older adults remains unclear.
Researchers determined the crystal structures of SARS-CoV-2 papain-like protease, revealing novel packing and solvent content. The findings provide valuable insight into inhibition mechanisms and may aid optimization of promising inhibitors for therapeutic development.
A team of scientists used CRISPR technology to systematically knockout human genes and identified individual genes that confer resistance to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study found that inhibiting these genes with small molecules reduced viral load, offering new therapeutic targets for COVID-19 treatment.
Researchers have successfully multiplied T-cells from COVID-19 recovered patients in the lab, which can effectively target key viral proteins. This approach may be an effective way to protect vulnerable people, especially those with compromised immune systems.