Research on the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself. Covers antiviral trials, antibody neutralization, viral escape, and rapid detection methods.
The risk of developing long COVID has decreased significantly over time, primarily attributed to vaccination against COVID-19. Despite this decline, the researchers found that vaccinated individuals still face a substantial risk of long COVID, with an estimated 3.5% rate in some groups.
A recent study published in Allergy found that COVID-19 leads to long-term changes in the immune system, even in mild cases. The research team identified significant reductions in immune cells and alterations in cytokine levels, suggesting an impaired immune response to new challenges.
A nationally representative US survey found that women aged 39-49 who received a decision aid describing the benefits and harms of breast cancer screening were more likely to delay or forego screening. The study suggests that providing accurate information may change intention to screen for some women, particularly those with higher br...
A new study published in eClinicalMedicine reveals that migrants are at an increased risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2, experiencing severe disease courses, and having higher mortality rates. Systemic barriers such as overcrowding, precarious working conditions, and limited access to healthcare contribute to poorer health outcomes.
Researchers identified six priority pathogens for WWS during the Paris 2024 Games, including poliovirus, influenza A virus, and SARS-CoV-2. The study offers a model framework for context-specific WWS targets in mass gatherings.
A deep metagenomic sequencing study in Berlin wastewater reveals common viruses like RSV and flu, seasonal visitors like asparagus-infecting viruses, and astroviruses with potential for gastrointestinal tract infections. The analysis also identifies novel enzymes with biotechnological potential, expanding our knowledge of viral diversity.
Researchers discovered a correlation between higher COVID-19 vaccination rates and lower symptomatic child asthma prevalence. The study suggests that COVID-19 vaccination may provide protection against other human coronaviruses through cross-reactive antibody responses.
Scientists identify PI3K gamma as a key player in recruiting damaging myeloid cells to infected tissues, and show that inhibiting this enzyme with eganelisib can prevent excessive inflammation. The study provides a new approach to preventing irreversible organ damage in infectious diseases like COVID-19.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that regular booster doses of bivalent vaccines can maintain a person's ability to neutralize multiple SARS-CoV-2 strains, including XBB.1.5. This is especially important for immunocompromised groups, such as solid organ transplant recipients.
Recombinhunt, a new data-driven method, identifies recombinant SARS-CoV-2 genomes with one or two breakpoints, offering high specificity and sensitivity. The approach also detects viral genomes from the monkeypox epidemic with high concordance.
A research team at HKUST has identified new host factors that facilitate SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells. The study reveals that these factors, including SH3BP4 and ADAM9, promote viral internalization via the endocytic pathway and may enhance the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant.
The NIH is sponsoring a Phase 1 trial of an experimental nasal COVID-19 vaccine that may offer enhanced protection against emerging variants. The trial will enroll 60 adult participants and assess the safety and immune response of the vaccine candidate, MPV/S-2P.
Researchers found that frequent respiratory infections in children may have elevated their innate immune activity, protecting them from severe COVID-19 symptoms. The study suggests that childhood exposure to common cold viruses and bacteria boosted the kids' immune systems, allowing them to better fight off SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers analyzed data from over 184,000 cancer patients to assess COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness. The study found that vaccination significantly reduces mortality and serious complications among cancer patients, especially those who received the booster dose.
Researchers used single-cell sequencing technology to study immune responses in healthy adult volunteers exposed to SARS-CoV-2. They discovered unique immune responses associated with resisting sustained viral infection and disease, including activation of specialized mucosal immune cells and a reduction in inflammatory white blood cells.
A cohort study found that more than 1 in 5 adults did not recover within 3 months of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The risk of recovery was lower among women and those with preexisting cardiovascular disease, but higher among vaccinated individuals during the Omicron variant wave.
Children and adolescents with acute SARS-CoV-2 or MIS-C and severe neurological manifestations are at high risk for long-term impairment. Early intervention and screening may be beneficial to assist recovery.
A 15-day course of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir did not demonstrate a significant improvement in select postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection symptoms in vaccinated adults with prolonged symptom duration. Further studies are needed to determine the role of antivirals in PASC treatment.
Researchers found SARS-CoV-2 in male reproductive cells even when PCR testing failed, revealing a prolonged infection period of up to 90 days. The virus can remain in sperm for 110 days, reducing semen quality and raising concerns for natural conception and assisted reproduction.
The team created finely detailed images of the viral RNA and replication structures, revealing spherical shapes around the nucleus of infected cells. The images provide insight into how the virus evades cell defenses and could lead to new therapeutic targets for drug development.
Research finds that viral genome replication increases with efficient TMPRSS2-mediated entry, leading to stronger immune response and faster death. The presence of TMPRSS2 also enhances virus production and drives convergent evolution in SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Researchers from Flinders University tested on-site pathology testing and found it to be equivalent to laboratory tests in terms of quality and accuracy. The study was conducted across 100 remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that people who experienced breakthrough COVID-19 infections develop T cells better equipped to recognize and target SARS-CoV-2. The study also discovered that B cells produce more diverse antibodies targeting common epitopes between the vaccine and variants.
Researchers investigated the biological repercussions of UV-C radiation exposure from readily available domestic lamps and found that even brief exposure can lead to irreversible alterations in skin cells and retinal cells. The study highlights the need to prioritize safe utilization of these lamps to prevent potential harm.
A cross-sectional study reveals racial and ethnic disparities in treatment delays and discontinuations among patients with SARS-CoV-2, leading to increased cancer mortality among minoritized adults. The disproportionate burden varied across SARS-CoV-2 waves.
Researchers found that repeat COVID-19 vaccinations elicit cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies capable of targeting multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants and distantly related coronaviruses. The findings suggest periodic re-vaccination may help build a stock of protective antibodies against emerging variants.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that people in Europe primarily consume trustworthy news, but a small percentage rely on questionable sources. The ratio of questionable news to reliable news consumption differs between countries, highlighting the need for context-specific approaches to fighting misinformation.
Researchers developed a new 'proactive vaccinology' approach to build vaccines before disease-causing pathogens emerge. The Quartet Nanocage vaccine trains the immune system to target specific regions of eight coronaviruses, providing broad protection against known and unknown strains.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interrupts p53-MDM2 interaction but does not bind with p53 protein in cancer cells. The study also shows that SARS-CoV-2 spike suppresses p53-dependent gene activation, leading to increased cell viability after chemotherapy exposure.
A team of scientists has developed a novel vaccine approach that induces long-lasting protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 virus in pre-clinical models. The Clec9A-RBD antibody construct targets specific dendritic cells, leading to exceptional durability of immune responses and potential to address shortcoming of current mRNA vaccines.
Researchers found that T cells and memory B cells provide durable protection against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, with levels attainable after two doses of mRNA vaccination. The study suggests a two-dose vaccination regimen for children against COVID-19.
A new survey of 23,000 respondents from 23 countries reports mixed signals on the current acceptance of vaccines generally, especially COVID-19 boosters. The study found that global uptake of at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose rose to 87.8%, but intent to get a booster was lower compared to previous years.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found no association between new-onset seizures and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. The study included over 118,000 participants from randomized clinical trials and found the incidence proportion of new-onset seizures to be similar across vaccine recipients and unvaccinated participants.
Researchers found that increased CO2 concentrations prolong the life of SARS-CoV-2 variants in airborne particles, increasing transmission risk. Fresh air with lower CO2 levels can inactivate viruses faster, making opening windows an effective mitigation strategy.
Researchers at University of Kansas discover a new compound that inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication in cell models by targeting the 'Mac-1' protein. This finding offers hope for developing new treatments and preventing future pandemics.
A large-scale study of 3.9 million children found that COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduced the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and hospitalization among kids in California. The study suggests that vaccination is an effective strategy to prevent severe COVID-19 cases in pediatric populations.
A new study published in eLife recommends taking Paxlovid three to five days after COVID-19 symptoms start to reduce viral loads and transmission. This optimal timing can help curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2 without population-wide restrictions.
Researchers at George Mason University's Biomedical Research Laboratory are conducting Plaque Reduction Neutralization Tests (PRNTs) on patient serum samples from Athari BioSciences. The study aims to analyze the neutralizing ability of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed a new technology called tARC-seq to study SARS-CoV-2's genetic mechanism fueling its ability to generate variants. The study found that the mutation rate was higher than expected and identified hotspots in the virus's RNA where mutations occur more frequently.
A VACCELERATE Consortium survey study found that 57% of global infectious diseases experts ranked influenza as the top pandemic risk, with Disease X and SARS-CoV-2 also among the most concerning pathogens. The study highlights the need for continued preparedness and surveillance to prevent pandemics.
Researchers highlight the risk of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants emerging due to prolonged viral replication in immunocompromised individuals. Close genomic surveillance and early diagnostic tests are crucial to mitigate potential public health threats.
A new study found that nasal cells from children respond quickly to SARS-CoV-2 by increasing interferon, restricting viral replication. In contrast, nasal cells from elderly individuals produce more infectious virus particles and experience increased cell shedding and damage.
A study of 156 severe COVID-19 survivors found that nearly two-thirds experienced persistent impairments after one year, including physical, respiratory, psychiatric, and cognitive problems. The study highlights the life-altering impact of SARS-CoV-2 on these individuals, many of whom required long-term acute care hospitalization.
Researchers analyzed data on 9060 family physicians to find a correlation between those with the largest share of unvaccinated patients, typically serving marginalized communities, who had less support in their practices. These physicians were more likely to be male, older, and work in fee-for-service models than the remaining 90%.
A new lab-on-a-chip system combines optofluidics and nanopores to rapidly test for SARS-CoV-2 and Zika viruses with high accuracy. The tool, developed by UC Santa Cruz researchers, can detect viruses at extremely low concentrations and outperform PCR tests in some cases.
Scientists tested flood-control waterways near unsheltered encampments in Las Vegas, finding SARS-CoV-2 RNA in over 25% of samples. The study suggests a similar level of transmission among the unsheltered community as in the general population.
A study found that older adults have weaker T cell responses to COVID-19 mRNA vaccinations, resulting in poorer antibody responses and SARS-CoV-2 immune protection. The study suggests a relative deficiency in interferon-gamma-secreting CD4+ T cells may explain this response.
Georgia Tech researchers have developed a trivalent vaccine that offers broad protection against not only SARS-CoV-2 variants but also other bat sarbecoviruses. The groundbreaking vaccine has shown complete protection with no trace of virus in the lungs, marking a significant step toward a universal vaccine for coronaviruses.
A USC study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 causes a stage of mild symptoms followed by severe inflammation in some patients. The virus exploits two different pathways to interact with immune cells, one leading to inflammation and the other preventing it.
A study found that an annual vaccination campaign with a second dose for children under 2 years old and individuals aged 50 and over can significantly reduce hospitalizations, deaths, and healthcare spending. The optimal timing for the second vaccination is delivering it 5 months after initial vaccination.
A new study found that a viral infection can cause cognitive impairments by damaging the blood-brain barrier, leading to memory loss and learning difficulties. Researchers developed a gene therapy that stimulated the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway to prevent this damage and improve cognitive function in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2.
A new study published in Risk Analysis found that COVID-19's origin is unlikely to be natural, using a modified risk assessment tool. The researchers suggest an unnatural origin, potentially from a laboratory, cannot be easily dismissed.
Researchers found that initial vaccinations against the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain shape immune responses to newer variants BA.5 and XBB, with higher B cell repertoire leading to more effective cross-reactive immunity. This 'immunological imprinting' effect could impact future vaccine designs.
A novel bioengineered protein has been designed to bind to the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2, with a hydrophobic pore enabling it to capture small molecules like Ritonavir. The study marks a significant advancement in COVID-19 treatment, showcasing a promising strategy for direct virus targeting.
An experimental study on over 6,000 unvaccinated individuals in Europe reveals that people perceive less risk of contagion when wearing masks and meeting in open spaces. The study highlights the importance of improving behavioral aspects of health policies and public health literacy.
A new platform has been developed to identify and optimize peptides targeting the SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein, a potential drug target for treating COVID-19. The study uses synthetic peptides to inhibit the virus's entry into host cells.
A Stanford University research team has developed a potential new anti-coronavirus drug that binds more tightly and durably than current treatments like Paxlovid. The compound, ML2006a4, performed well in preclinical experiments against SARS-CoV-2 variants that have evolved resistance to Paxlovid.
Researchers developed a protein-based vaccine candidate called SpyCage that induces an immune response in rodent models, clearing COVID-19 infections more quickly than controls. The platform has the potential to prevent infection and transmission of respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2 by inducing a mucosal immune response.
Researchers found that T cells can reshape their memory and maintain diversity against COVID-19 variants in response to successive mRNA vaccinations. The study revealed a shift among clonotypes, with a change from early responders to main responders after the second shot, suggesting a new dominant population of effector-memory T cells.
Researchers from SWPS University studied 216 grocery shops in Poland and found that few customers increased the likelihood of shop assistants keeping change. Sellers were more likely to give correct change to shoppers of the same gender as themselves, while wearing a mask or visor had no impact on honesty.