Articles tagged with Sars Cov 2
Researchers at Northwestern University have uncovered a new vulnerability in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein's binding site, which enables the virus to infect host cells. A negatively charged molecule can block this site, inhibiting viral transmission.
New research confirms pasteurisation inactivates SARS-CoV-2 virus in human milk, ensuring safe supply to preterm babies. Cold storage also doesn't impact the virus's stability, allowing mothers with COVID-19 to express and store milk safely.
A study published in PLOS ONE detected coronaviruses in bats and rodents, with increased detection rates found along the wildlife supply chain. The study highlights the importance of improving coronavirus surveillance and implementing targeted wildlife trade reform to minimize public health risks.
Researchers found that eight commercially available mouthwashes can inactivate Sars-Cov-2 viruses in cell culture experiments. The use of these mouthwashes could potentially reduce the viral load and risk of transmission, particularly in high-risk areas like the oral cavity and throat.
The study found that asymptomatic and symptomatic patients shed high levels of viral RNA. It quantifies the amount of virus present in these individuals.
Disulfiram, used to treat alcoholism, has shown potential against SARS-CoV-2 by inhibiting viral replication and reducing glutathione levels, while neratinib, an experimental breast cancer treatment, also demonstrates effectiveness in blocking coronavirus protease M pro.
A new study found that absorbed plant miRNA MIR2911 in honeysuckle decoction can directly target SARS-CoV-2 genes and inhibit viral replication. Drinking the decoction accelerates negative COVID-19 patient conversion, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for treating SARS-CoV-2 infection.
The investigational vaccine induced neutralizing antibodies in mice, providing protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, mice challenged with the virus after a single dose showed protection against viral replication in the lung, indicating potential efficacy in humans.
Researchers identified a promising soluble variant of the human receptor for SARS-CoV-2 that competes with monoclonal antibodies. The variant, dubbed sACE2.v2.4, neutralizes both SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-1 in cell-based assays.
A new study suggests that exposure to common cold coronaviruses can teach the immune system to recognize SARS-CoV-2, potentially leading to milder or more severe COVID-19 symptoms. The research found that memory helper T cells recognizing common cold coronaviruses also recognized matching sites on SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers created a new mouse model to study SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease, accelerating the development of treatments and vaccines. The model suggests that type I interferon signaling may play a pathological role in COVID-19 respiratory inflammation.
Studies found cross-reactive T cell epitopes in unexposed individuals, suggesting a potential for pre-existing immunity. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind natural immunity to SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers analyzed 48,635 coronavirus genomes, revealing the six strains of SARS-CoV-2 and their global spread. The study found that strain G and its related strains GR and GH are the most frequent, representing 74% of all gene sequences.
A new study published in Science Translational Medicine reveals that small molecule protease inhibitors can effectively block coronavirus replication and improve survival in MERS-CoV-infected mice. The findings suggest that these compounds could be investigated further as a potential therapeutic for human coronavirus infection.
Scientists have engineered antiviral compounds that can neutralize several types of coronaviruses, including COVID-19 and MERS. These compounds showed strong activity against SARS-CoV-2 and improved survival rates in mice infected with MERS.
Recent reports suggest a lower incidence of COVID-19 among high-altitude populations, however, current data is insufficient to confirm this association. The authors conclude that there is currently little supporting evidence for any protective benefit of genetic or nongenomic adaptation to high-altitude hypoxia.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded contracts to seven biomedical diagnostic companies to develop new lab-based and point-of-care tests for COVID-19. These tests will significantly increase the number, type, and availability of tests, meeting national demand estimated to be millions more tests per day.
Researchers found that moist heat treatment at 70°C for 60 minutes with 50% relative humidity does not damage the mask's structure or affect its function. This low-cost reprocessing strategy can be applied up to 10 times without compromising filtration, breathing resistance, fit, and comfort.
The study defines SARS-CoV-2 testing performance standards for safe student return to US residential campuses. It sets criteria for test accuracy and interpretation to minimize COVID-19 transmission risk.
Emergent psychiatric conditions associated with SARS-CoV-2 are linked to targetable biological mechanisms. Studies suggest a potential therapeutic target for these conditions.
A new study found that frontline healthcare workers with adequate PPE have a three-fold increased risk of positive SARS-CoV-2 test compared to the general population. Healthcare workers from BAME backgrounds were particularly at risk, with a fivefold increase in infection rate.
Researchers created a new mouse model to study viral responses and test COVID-19 vaccines. The model, based on an adapted SARS-CoV-2 strain, showed promise in protecting vaccinated mice from disease.
A new rapid test detects neutralizing antibodies against Sars-Cov-2 in 18 hours, faster and more accessible than traditional methods. The test's accuracy is comparable to conventional tests, making it a reliable tool for determining immunity and vaccine effectiveness.
A cheaper, rapid, and accurate pooling strategy for RT-PCR-based detection of SARS-CoV-2 in clinical samples has been proposed. The assay has a significant impact on large-scale population screening, reducing testing costs by approximately 5-10 fold.
This observational study investigated age-related differences in nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 levels in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. The findings suggest varying levels of viral load across different age groups, which may impact treatment strategies and patient care.
The California COVID Tracker will provide actionable viral genomic data to local public health jurisdictions, helping to inform policy decisions and reduce transmission. The program, launched in partnership with CZI and the CZ Biohub, aims to make SARS-CoV-2 tracing and analysis more efficient and accessible.
A researcher at Catholic University of America uses computer models to understand the structure of viruses, aiming to create effective antibodies against COVID-19. His findings suggest that mutated versions of existing antibodies could be produced to neutralize the virus.
A single-shot COVID-19 vaccine developed at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center raised neutralizing antibodies and protected non-human primates against SARS-CoV-2. The vaccine uses adenovirus serotype 26 to deliver the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, stimulating immune responses.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have identified a promising anti-viral strategy against COVID-19 by targeting the papain-like protease (PLpro) of SARS-CoV-2. Inhibiting PLpro can suppress viral production and strengthen innate immune response, offering a potential therapeutic approach to combat the virus.
A study found that some healthy individuals have immune cells capable of recognizing SARS-CoV-2 due to prior infections with 'common cold' coronaviruses. Cross-reactive T-helper cells may provide a protective effect, but could also lead to misdirected immune responses.
Researchers found that severe COVID-19 is associated with endotheliitis and microangiopathy, leading to a multisystem inflammatory syndrome similar to Kawasaki disease. Additionally, obesity in adults under 65 years old increases the risk of intubation or death from COVID-19, but not for those over 65.
A human immune system protein, LY6E-Protein, strongly inhibits corona viruses, including Sars-Cov-2, by preventing virus fusion with host cells. This finding may lead to the development of new therapies against coronaviruses.
An experimental COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated robust immune responses and rapid viral control in the upper and lower airways of rhesus macaques. The vaccine reduced replicating virus in the lungs and upper airway, which could limit disease progression and transmission.
Researchers found that absorbed miRNA MIR2911 in honeysuckle decoction can directly target SARS-CoV-2 genes, inhibit viral replication, and accelerate the negative conversion of infected patients. Drinking the decoction accelerates the recovery process.
A team of international scientists reconstructed the evolutionary history of SARS-CoV-2 and found that the lineage has been circulating in bats for decades. The study suggests that preventing future pandemics requires better sampling within wild bats and real-time human disease surveillance systems.
Researchers evaluated SARS-CoV-2 presence in myocardial tissue from COVID-19 autopsy cases, finding a significant association between the two conditions. The study suggests that COVID-19 may be linked to an increased risk of cardiac complications.
A Phase 3 clinical trial has begun to test the safety and efficacy of the mRNA-1273 vaccine in preventing symptomatic COVID-19. The trial enrolls approximately 30,000 adult volunteers and aims to determine if the vaccine can provide long-lasting protection against the virus.
An observational study found SARS-CoV-2 infection rates among asymptomatic healthcare workers and community residents in Texas to be concerning. The study's results highlight the need for enhanced safety measures to prevent transmission of the virus.
Researchers investigated the potential therapeutic effects of dipyridamole on severely ill patients with COVID-19. The study found that dipyridamole supplementation significantly decreased D-dimer concentrations and improved clinical outcomes in comparison to control patients, suggesting its anticoagulation and antiviral effects.
A new mRNA-based vaccine candidate, ARCoV, elicits protective immunity in mice and non-human primates, preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection. The vaccine induces high levels of neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses, offering broad protection against different strains.
Scientists charted SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Brazil, revealing that non-pharmaceutical interventions were insufficient to control the spread. The study found over 100 internationally-sourced virus introductions from Europe and estimates that more than 75% of Brazilian strains fell under three clades introduced during a specific period.
Researchers analyzed county-level factors to understand SARS-CoV-2 reproduction numbers in the US. The study found that social distancing measures, population density, temperature, and other factors contributed to variations in reproduction numbers.
A new study suggests that hotels can increase tourists' intentions to visit once the crisis ends by humanizing their brand and creating an emotional attachment. This approach emphasizes shared emotional responses to risks, rather than focusing on cognitive, rational aspects of risk perceptions.
Researchers have engineered a more stable SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that generates higher yields in the lab, accelerating vaccine development. The new design, called HexaPro, enables industrial production of subunit vaccines and improves DNA or mRNA-based vaccines.
A diagnostic study compared the effectiveness of self-collected midnasal swabs and clinician-collected nasopharyngeal swabs in detecting SARS-CoV-2. The results showed that unsupervised midnasal swabs were comparable to clinician-collected nasopharyngeal swabs.
Georgia State University researchers have received a $200,000 grant to develop a COVID-19 test tool that detects SARS-CoV-2 using electrochemistry. The technology offers several benefits, including fast turnaround time and decreased false negative outcomes.
Researchers have isolated potent neutralizing antibodies from COVID-19 patients that can provide significant protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These antibodies could be used to treat patients early in infection or prevent infection in elderly individuals.
Researchers created a hybrid virus that targets cells like SARS-CoV-2 but lacks severe disease genes. The hybrid virus can be handled under ordinary laboratory safety conditions, making it ideal for high-throughput analyses.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have created new surrogate viruses to test neutralizing antibody activity against SARS-CoV-2, enabling rapid testing in biosafety level 2 labs. The tools will help assess vaccine efficacy and develop antibody-based therapies.
The study finds that US and Chinese scientists are intensifying their collaborations, producing over 1,600 articles in the first four months of 2020. China has become the world leader in funding coronavirus research since COVID-19 was discovered.
Researchers studied convenience samples from 10 US geographic sites to estimate SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence. The study found varying levels of antibodies across different regions.
A new analysis of SARS-CoV-2 transmission data in China shows that faster identification and isolation of infected individuals contributed to the shortening of the average serial interval over time. This indicates that isolation effectively limits COVID-19 transmission by reducing opportunities for viral transmission.
The study captures the spike protein's shape change, showing how it can fuse with host membranes without ACE2 receptor binding. The researchers propose two conformational changes: one dependent on ACE2 and another independent.
Researchers at UC Davis Health are testing a new antibody cocktail, REGN-COV2, to prevent and treat COVID-19. The clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the REGN-COV2 antibodies in hospitalized adult patients with COVID-19.
A new nanoparticle vaccine, repRNA-CoV2S, has shown hints of protection and immunity in preclinical studies with mice and macaques. The vaccine elicited robust immune responses, producing antibodies and antiviral T cell responses, and demonstrated safety and efficacy.
The phase 1/2 trial found the vaccine induces strong antibody and T cell immune responses, and causes minor side effects more frequently than a control group. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm the vaccine's effectiveness in protecting against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Texas A&M University researchers are producing COVID-19 spike proteins to detect antibodies that can block the virus from binding to cells. The goal is to find effective treatments and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.
The study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 protein Nsp1 effectively shuts down the host's anti-viral immune response by binding to the ribosome and preventing protein production. This finding highlights the importance of targeting the interaction between Nsp1 and the ribosome as a potential therapeutic strategy.
Researchers found SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a volunteer blood donor 40 days after resolution of COVID-19-like symptoms. This detection raises concerns about the risk to blood supply safety, as current guidelines do not recommend screening for SARS-CoV-2 in allogeneic donors.
A Kansas State University study is the first to confirm that SARS-CoV-2 cannot be transmitted to people by mosquitoes, debunking a long-standing theory. The virus was found unable to replicate in three common mosquito species, ruling out human transmission via these vectors.