Research on the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself. Covers antiviral trials, antibody neutralization, viral escape, and rapid detection methods.
A study examined the seropositive prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in Wuhan, China, finding a significant seropositive rate among residents. The results showed differences in antibody prevalence by sex and age group, highlighting the importance of vaccination efforts.
A new Portuguese study shows that 90% of subjects have detectable antibodies 40 days to 7 months post contracting COVID-19. Age is not a confounding factor in levels of antibodies produced, but disease severity is observed.
A modelling study in 131 countries found that combined measures reduce R more than individual measures. The study estimated a 1-3 week delay in the effect and cautions against non-compliance with measures.
Researchers explore potential link between COVID-19 and Parkinson's disease, citing three case studies with improved symptoms after treatment. The study suggests that severe inflammation, blood clots, and neurotropic effects of SARS-CoV-2 may contribute to Parkinson's onset.
A genomic study by Children's Hospital Los Angeles reveals that early travel restrictions and safety measures significantly limited COVID-19 spread in the US. The study analyzed over 6,000 SARS-CoV-2 samples, identifying hundreds of viral haplotypes that show how the virus behaves and mutates.
Researchers at Duke University developed lab-grown mini-lungs that mimic human lung air sacs, allowing for the study of SARS-CoV-2 infection and lung damage. The model enables high-throughput science to screen for new drug candidates and identify self-defense chemicals.
Researchers have grown three-dimensional models of key lung tissue, known as 'mini-lungs,' to study how SARS-CoV-2 damages the lungs. The models revealed that viral replication occurs rapidly within six hours, triggering an immune response and leading to cell death and damage.
The authors argue that the rapidly developing research on SARS-CoV-2 transmission provides a solid foundation for interpreting new information. The established knowledge of viral spread across various contexts and spatial scales, including household, residential, and community settings, remains well-established.
A study using next generation genetic sequencing tracks mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 virus, aiding diagnostic testing accuracy and tracking its history. The study found variations in the virus' genetic sequence but none affected current tests, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring.
A UC Riverside-led study found that COVID-19 variability may have underlying molecular sources in SARS-CoV-2 host gene expression. The researchers identified specific genes, such as ACE2 and CLEC4G, that are variably expressed and linked to infection susceptibility and symptom severity.
A nutritional supplement called SPIN is being developed to support the immune system in fighting against SARS-CoV-2. The supplement contains wheat germ polyamine and eugenol, which have been shown to have antiviral properties and may help reduce the severity of symptoms.
A team of international researchers identified the second key used by SARS-CoV-2 to enter human cells as Neuropilin-1. This discovery reveals a new antiviral strategy to block infection and may lead to future therapeutic approaches. The study provides insights into the virus's ability to spread rapidly and evade the immune system.
A recent breakthrough identifies neuropilin-1 as a key factor in SARS-CoV-2's ability to infect human cells. The study reveals that targeting this interaction could lead to the development of effective anti-viral therapies, potentially curbing the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers found that neuropilin-1 promotes infection in the presence of ACE2, enabling virus to reach the nervous system. Blocking neuropilin-1 may be a viable therapeutic approach for COVID-19 treatment.
Researchers discovered that SARS-CoV-2's spike protein recognizes and binds to neuropilin-1, facilitating cell entry. Inhibiting this interaction reduces viral infectivity. Autopsies revealed infected olfactory epithelial cells express high levels of neuropilin-1, suggesting its role in COVID-19
Researchers examined asymptomatic and presymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in skilled nursing facilities across the US, revealing significant variation in case counts by county. The study highlights the importance of considering local COVID-19 prevalence when evaluating infection control strategies.
A study by UCL and Dokuz Eylul University found that COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is associated with beliefs on the origin of the novel coronavirus. In Turkey, 54% more people believed the virus was human-made, leading to higher vaccine hesitancy rates.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed a new lab testing procedure for detecting neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, which can protect against re-infection and block viral replication. The assay found that ICU patients had the highest concentration of neutralizing antibodies, while healthcare workers had the lowest levels.
Researchers found that several nasal and oral rinses had a strong ability to neutralize human coronavirus, suggesting these products could reduce virus spread by COVID-19-positive individuals. The 1% baby shampoo solution inactivated over 99.9% of the virus after a two-minute contact time.
A survey in 8 countries found women more inclined to consider COVID-19 a serious health problem and agree with public policies. They are also more likely to comply with rules and follow guidelines, contributing to their lower vulnerability and mortality rates.
Researchers at Duke University identified mutations in SARS-CoV-2 that helped it thrive in humans, including two regions dubbed Nsp4 and Nsp16. These changes affected RNA folding and may have contributed to the virus's ability to spread before symptoms appeared.
The IDseq tool uses metagenomic analysis to identify emerging pathogens from a single sample, providing actionable reports on infectious diseases worldwide. By leveraging open-source software, researchers can rapidly detect and track disease outbreaks, aiding in pandemic prevention and global health initiatives.
The COVID-19 virus may become endemic if immunity wanes within a year, allowing for yearly outbreaks. Reinfections are common, even within a year of prior infection, and the risk of severe clinical outcomes changes with subsequent infection.
A Phase 1/2 randomised controlled trial found the vaccine candidate BBIBP-CorV is safe and induces an immune response in healthy volunteers. The study detected antibody responses in all recipients by day 42 after vaccination, and was well-tolerated with no severe adverse reactions reported.
A collaboration between Synthego and The Krogan Lab used CRISPR-based genome engineering to study genes associated with SARS-CoV-2. This approach revealed key targets for potential coronavirus treatment, accelerating research in the fight against COVID-19.
An international team of researchers analyzed medical records and identified commonly hijacked cellular pathways in three lethal coronaviruses. The study revealed treatment regimens for current and potential future viral pandemics, providing real-world implications for COVID-19 treatment.
A global study has identified common vulnerabilities among three lethal coronaviruses, including frequently hijacked cellular pathways. The study highlights shared cellular processes and protein targets that could be considered as targets for therapeutic interventions.
If SARS-CoV-2 becomes endemic, its pattern of transmission will depend on factors like vaccine availability and social factors. Greater monitoring of interactions with other respiratory viruses is needed to mitigate potential outbreaks.
Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno have developed a novel COVID-19 rapid test using a nanotube-based electrochemical biosensor that detects SARS-CoV-2 virus in nasal swabs or exhaled breath. The test is simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive, with potential applications for diagnosis of other respiratory viral diseases.
A new study published in Psychological Science reveals that empathy is a key factor in preventing the spread of COVID-19. The research shows that individuals with higher empathy levels are more likely to keep their distance and wear face masks to protect vulnerable populations.
Researchers found that higher antibody levels in sicker patients correlate with disease severity, but surprisingly, many elderly patients produced as strong an antibody response as younger adults. The study suggests that a vaccine may not need to achieve the highest possible RBD-S antibody levels.
The study revises previous estimates of excess deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring cause-specific mortality rates. It highlights relationships between lifting restrictions and excess deaths from various causes.
The study examines the risk of mother-to-newborn transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection and finds that it occurs in approximately 0.3% of cases. Newborns born to mothers with active SARS-CoV-2 infection are at increased risk for respiratory complications, including pneumonia.
New research reveals SARS-CoV-2 can survive on surfaces for up to 28 days, with longer survival times found on smooth surfaces like glass and stainless steel. The study suggests establishing surface survivability is critical for developing risk mitigation strategies in high contact areas.
Researchers found that serum antibodies from recovered SARS patients effectively neutralized SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. The study also discovered that mice and rabbits immunized with a specific RBD elicited stronger antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers have found that REGN-COV2 offers benefits in animal models mimicking SARS-CoV-2 infection pathology, providing evidence for its therapeutic potential both as a preventative measure and treatment. The study demonstrates significant protection against weight loss and viral load reduction in golden hamsters treated with the drug.
A study found that SARS-CoV-2's ORF3b is a potent interferon antagonist, impairing the immune system in COVID-19 patients. This may explain the disease's poor induction of type I interferon responses.
Nagoya University scientists have developed a laboratory technique to rapidly select synthetic proteins that strongly bind to SARS-CoV-2. The approach, called TRAP display, could be used to develop sensitive antigen tests and neutralization antibodies for infected patients.
The study aims to examine the effectiveness of combining antiviral remdesivir with a highly concentrated solution of antibodies that neutralize SARS-CoV-2. The treatment is being tested in hospitalized adults with COVID-19 in various countries, with the goal of reducing the risk of serious illness and death.
Researchers developed a novel grid to minimize sample movement in single-particle cryo-EM, resulting in higher image quality and increased data throughput. The new support film, dubbed 'hexAuFoil,' reduces particle displacement and enables the collection of clearer protein structures.
Research shows COVID-19 patients with and without diabetes have similar immune responses to the SARS-CoV-2 'spike' protein. Higher blood glucose levels are strongly associated with increased mortality in both groups.
Researchers identified a protein, factor D, that enables the virus to turn the immune system against healthy cells. Inhibiting this protein can curtail inflammatory reactions and prevent cell destruction.
A case series of 192 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients in Southern California investigated transmission routes and local community spread within the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The study found that multiple transmission routes existed, including household, healthcare-associated, and travel-related cases.
A study at Cedars-Sinai found that most COVID-19 patients in Southern California were infected by a variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus introduced from New York state via Europe, not directly from China. The genetic analysis identified unique clusters of cases linked to specific transmission routes.
Researchers found that sofosbuvir-terminated RNA is more resistant to SARS-CoV-2's proofreader than remdesivir-terminated RNA, supporting its use in COVID-19 clinical trials. This resistance enables effective targeting of the virus's polymerase, sustaining virulence.
A study found that individuals with a previous infection from a different type of coronavirus had less severe COVID-19 symptoms and were more likely to survive. However, this immunity did not prevent them from getting infected with SARS-CoV-2.
Patients with rare inherited immune disorders had similar disease outcomes to the general population after SARS-CoV-2 infection, with some immune defects even appearing protective against severe disease. However, younger male patients with PIDs were more likely to require ICU admission and suffer severe COVID-19.
A Chinese study suggests that wearing eyeglasses for over eight hours a day may provide some protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins Medicine cautions that the findings are not conclusive and more research is needed to confirm their validity.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2's spike protein can suppress pain signaling pathways, leading to reduced pain relief in COVID-19 patients. This discovery may help explain why many people with COVID-19 experience few or no symptoms despite being contagious.
Scientists found that some COVID-19 antibodies provide stronger protection than others against reinfection, but not all individuals who have had the disease generate neutralizing antibodies. The study aims to answer how much neutralizing antibody is needed to prevent infection or reinfection.
A computer model reveals that a specific region of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein acts as a superantigen, triggering a massive immune response and leading to severe inflammation in some COVID-19 patients. The study also suggests that therapies targeting toxic shock syndrome may be effective for managing MIS-C and cytokine storm in adults.
Researchers have identified small molecules that target the RNA genome of SARS-CoV-2, interfering with viral gene expression and targeting the RNA for destruction. By attaching a molecule called RIBOTAC, which recruits an RNA-chopping cellular enzyme, these compounds can increase potency by 10-fold.
A computer model shows that SARS-CoV-2 spike protein's superantigenic features interact with human T cells, leading to a 'cytokine storm' and severe inflammation. Researchers found similarities between this region and bacterial proteins causing toxic shock syndrome.
Researchers identified a time delay in the production of an inhibitory factor that triggers cell refractoriness to interferon treatments, suggesting strategies for enhanced therapeutic response rates.
A large cohort of COVID-19 patients was analyzed using VirScan technology, revealing epitopes recognized by a large fraction of patients and cross-reactivity with other human coronaviruses. The study also found sex differences in antibody responses and a machine learning model that accurately classified SARS-CoV-2-infected patients.
A survey study explores public preferences for COVID-19 vaccine allocation. The results show that most people prioritize vaccine distribution to high-risk groups, including seniors and individuals with chronic health conditions. This preference is expected to influence healthcare policy decisions.
Researchers at University of Cincinnati discover sphingosine, a natural element, can interfere with SARS-CoV-2 binding to human cells, preventing infection. The study suggests sphingosine could be used as a nasal spray to prevent or treat COVID-19.
Researchers have identified potential therapeutic effects of dipyridamole in treating severely ill patients with COVID-19. The study also revealed unique drug targeting sites on the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein, which can help guide the design of novel antiviral agents.
A contact tracing study found that wearing masks all the time reduced COVID-19 infection risk by 77% compared to not wearing them. Consistent practice of handwashing and social distancing also significantly reduced the risk, with benefits observed when maintaining at least a 1-metre distance from patients.
A team of researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and University of Texas Medical Branch has developed a method to disinfect N95 masks using moderate heat and high relative humidity. This process extends the ability to reuse masks, potentially reducing shortages, and can also be used to decontaminate other viruses.