Research on the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself. Covers antiviral trials, antibody neutralization, viral escape, and rapid detection methods.
Scientists have discovered a strong immune response to SARS-CoV-2 in people who have recovered from COVID-19, which provides a benchmark for testing vaccine candidates. The study also found substantial cross-reactivity against common cold coronaviruses, suggesting potential preexisting immunity.
Daniel Preston, a Rice engineer, has received a National Science Foundation grant to investigate the effect of varying temperatures on SARS-CoV-2. His project aims to provide evidence-based guidelines for PPE sterilization and predict virus lifetime in different climates.
The HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) and HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) launched a new clinical trial to study immune responses in SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals. The trial aims to develop antibody assays for reliable detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection, which will aid in the development and testing of a safe and effective vaccine.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt used a cell culture model to test compounds against SARS-CoV-2 virus, finding several that slowed down or stopped virus reproduction. The findings enable the search for an active substance to be narrowed down to approved drugs.
Research suggests pangolins may be natural carriers of Betacoronaviruses, increasing risk of animal-to-human transmission. The study does not support the idea that pangolins are an intermediate host for SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers found that tiny RNAs that target the SARS-CoV-2 virus are associated with over 72 biological processes and decline with age and underlying medical conditions. The study suggests that replenishing these microRNAs could help restore immunity against the virus.
Two neutralizing antibodies, B38 and H4, have been identified against SARS-CoV-2. Preliminary tests in a mouse model show reduced virus titers, suggesting therapeutic benefits and potential for vaccine development.
A study of de-identified hospital records and surveillance data found 4.4% of France's population was infected with SARS-CoV-2 by May 11. The authors suggest this level of immunity is insufficient for controlling a second wave, highlighting the need for continued control measures.
Researchers have discovered that increasing levels of lipid mediators derived from omega-3 fatty acids can turn off inflammation caused by SARS-CoV-2, a hallmark symptom of severe COVID-19 illness. This approach may be as important as antiviral therapies or vaccines in reducing associated organ damage and mortality.
A team of researchers from Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center adapted their lab to test patient samples for SARS-CoV-2 with a 'home-brew' assay, achieving over 3,000 tests with under 24-hour turnaround time. The test's flexibility and scalability make it an essential tool in the fight against COVID-19.
Researchers discovered that older mice made more of the two proteins in nasal cells than younger ones, explaining why older people are more susceptible to COVID-19. The study also found that sustentacular cells could potentially be infected by SARS-CoV-2, providing a route to infect the brain.
A new bat coronavirus, RmYN02, discovered in Yunnan province, China, is closely related to SARS-CoV-2. The virus contains natural insertions at the spike protein's junction, similar to SARS-CoV-2, suggesting it evolved naturally.
A diverse range of vaccine approaches is needed to address the global need for COVID-19 protection, with harmonized oversight bodies, shared criteria, and data sharing crucial for success. The ACTIV public-private partnership aims to scale up vaccine manufacturing capacity and distribution chains.
Researchers at the University of Huddersfield are using lullabies to spread vital healthcare messages, including COVID-19 precautions, among African women. The Life-Saving Lullabies project has received £129,795 funding and aims to create zero-cost awareness campaigns that could be replicated globally.
Researchers investigated semen tests in men infected with SARS-CoV-2, finding notable differences in test results and clinical features. The study revealed distinct patterns of sperm abnormalities and hormone imbalances among these patients.
A newly developed inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate protected macaques from infection and neutralized multiple virus strains without ADE risk. Clinical trials with the PiCoVacc are expected to begin later this year.
Researchers have isolated and characterized an antibody that can bind to SARS-CoV-2 and neutralize the virus, providing a potential antiviral drug candidate. The antibody targets a conserved epitope on the spike protein of the virus.
Several hepatitis C drugs and a natural substance from Japanese honeysuckle have shown high affinity to bind SARS-CoV-2, potentially preventing infection. The study's results need to be verified in laboratory experiments and clinical studies.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a unique feature in the virus that causes COVID-19, which could explain its high transmissibility. The study identified a structural loop in the spike protein and a specific sequence of amino acids that are different from other human coronaviruses.
Researchers identified close to 200 recurrent genetic mutations in the virus, suggesting it may be adapting and evolving to its human hosts. The study found a large proportion of global genetic diversity is concentrated in hardest-hit countries, indicating extensive global transmission from early on.
A new survey of gig economy workers in San Francisco reveals a workforce with limited job security and few employment rights. The study found that many workers rely on public assistance despite working long hours.
Researchers mapped the glycan-processing states of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using high-resolution mass spectrometry. The study found that SARS-CoV-2 glycans differ from typical host glycan processing, which may impact vaccine effectiveness.
The CUNY SPH Weekly COVID-19 Survey reveals New Yorkers are cautious about resuming normal activities due to the ongoing pandemic. Many believe a safe and effective vaccine is essential for restoring public confidence.
A fully human monoclonal antibody prevents SARS-CoV-2 virus from infecting cultured cells, suggesting potential for treating or preventing COVID-19. The discovery is an initial step towards developing a fully human antibody to address the pandemic.
Researchers at ASU have found a unique SARS-CoV-2 mutation with 81 deleted letters, similar to one from the 2003 SARS outbreak. The discovery was made using next-generation sequencing technology and has attracted global interest from scientists, including the World Health Organization.
A NIH-funded study aims to measure the rate of novel coronavirus infection in US children and their family members, as well as the percentage of infected children who develop COVID-19. The study also explores whether asthma or other allergic conditions affect SARS-CoV-2 infection rates.
Recently recovered COVID-19 patients exhibit varied immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 proteins. High concentrations of neutralizing antibodies and IFNγ-secreting T cells were detected in some patients, indicating potential for vaccine targeting the receptor-binding domain. The study's findings have implications for designing effective vac...
Researchers identified the cleavage of furin as crucial for SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells. The study also found potential starting points for therapy and live attenuated vaccines by exploring coronaviruses with similar activation sequences in animals, enabling the virus to spread in humans.
Researchers have reported the cryo-EM structure of Remdesivir-bound RNA replicase complex from SARS-CoV-2. The study sheds light on how Remdesivir inhibits virus replication by covalently linking with the viral genome. This discovery provides a basis for designing more powerful and specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.
Researchers used organoid models to study SARS-CoV-2 infection in human intestinal cells. The results show that the intestines are a target organ for the virus, contributing to gastrointestinal symptoms in COVID-19 patients.
Researchers discovered that SARS-CoV-2 can infect intestinal cells in vitro, explaining gastrointestinal symptoms and fecal-oral transmission. The study provides a new cell culture model for studying COVID-19 and may lead to new treatments by blocking the virus's entry into cells.
A new commentary published in Annals of Internal Medicine emphasizes the importance of environmental cleaning during the pandemic. Environmental services personnel play a crucial role in preventing the spread of COVID-19, and their work is essential for patient safety.
The University of Texas at Austin researchers aim to find the best mask-disinfectant combinations to reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals. The project uses thermal manikins and mass spectrometers to measure the effects of different disinfectants on masks.
New clinical trial in the UK will test bemcentinib's antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, a potential treatment for early COVID-19 infection. The drug targets AXL, a cell surface receptor used by different enveloped viruses to enter cells.
Researchers found a positive correlation between viral RNA load and organ damage in COVID-19 patients. Higher viral loads were associated with increased inflammatory factors and longer recovery times.
A new model based on contact survey data suggests strict social distancing curtailed COVID-19 transmission in Wuhan and Shanghai. The results show a significant decrease in daily interpersonal contacts, leading to transmission rates below epidemic levels.
A study in Shenzhen, China found that contact tracing and isolation reduced the length of time people were infectious by 2 days, confirming new cases in an average of 3.2 days compared to 5.5 days without contact tracing.
Researchers warn of COVID-19's impact on pregnant women and newborns, highlighting the need for infection control measures and vaccine evaluation in clinical trials. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of viral transmission and its effects on maternal health.
This study reviews possible clinical strategies for defeating coronavirus, including the use of vaccines, broad-spectrum antivirals like remdesivir, and gene therapy. The authors propose these approaches as promising alternatives to develop effective treatments against SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses.
Scientists developed a novel RT-LAMP assay to detect SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA, achieving sensitivity comparable to RT-qPCR. The method can be run in decentralized facilities, providing faster test services for more people and overcoming limitations of centralized testing.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to monitor the novel coronavirus in wastewater, offering a new approach to tracking disease outbreaks and identifying hotspots. This technique uses reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT qPCR) to detect viral RNA genomes in wastewater samples.
The NIAID Strategic Plan for COVID-19 Research prioritizes improving fundamental knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, developing rapid diagnostic assays, testing potential treatments, and creating safe and effective vaccines. The plan aims to accelerate research to diagnose, prevent, and treat COVID-19.
Chinese scientists developed two novel compounds that inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease and show good anti-viral activity in cell culture. The high-resolution crystal structure of the complexes revealed the mechanism of inhibition, providing a promising strategy for designing specific antiviral leads against SARS-CoV-2.
The study examines pediatric cases of SARS-CoV-2 from China and Singapore, highlighting key clinical features and diagnostic tests. Current therapeutic management and prognosis are also discussed, providing valuable insights into managing the disease in this vulnerable population.
Global efforts to combat COVID-19 involve leveraging computing power and collaboration across disciplines. Researchers worldwide have access to free computing resources through consortia such as Google's cloud services and Oak Ridge National Laboratory's supercomputers.
Researchers have developed a field-effect transistor-based biosensor that can detect SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swabs in less than one minute. The test discriminates between samples from sick and healthy patients without any sample preparation steps.
Researchers from CSIRO unveiled a new approach to analyzing the genetic codes of SARS-CoV-2, helping understand how strains evolve and identify new clusters. The findings will aid in tracking the virus's progression and informing vaccine development.
Nanobodies have been isolated and made available for researchers to study the 'spike' protein of SARS-CoV-2 virus. These proteins can stabilise the 'spike', enabling better imaging at an atomic scale, which could lead to new diagnostics and treatments.
Cynomolgus macaques infected with SARS-CoV-2 exhibit mild symptoms and high viral RNA levels, shedding the virus from respiratory tract early during infection. The results suggest these animals are suitable for testing COVID-19 control measures and therapeutics.
Researchers from the National Institute for Infectious Diseases in Italy have reported an early detection of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in ocular fluids from a patient with COVID-19. The study found prolonged viral RNA detection, highlighting the need for continued vigilance in monitoring the pandemic.
Research suggests that individual genetic variation in the immune system may affect susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19. The study found that certain immune system genes, such as human leukocyte antigen genes, vary from person to person and can influence how well the immune system recognizes SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers are developing a universal virus enrichment tool that can enhance COVID-19 detection for various diagnostic assays, reducing false negatives and pandemic risks. The project aims to concentrate SARS-CoV-2 from low-viral-titer samples, improving asymptomatic patient detection.
Two WHO-recommended disinfectant formulations effectively inactivate Sars-Cov-2 viruses after 30 seconds, including those containing ethanol and isopropanol
Scientists have designed four peptides that mimic the virus-binding domain of the human protein allowing SARS-CoV-2 to enter cells. The peptides contain amino acids from ACE2 that interact with the viral protein, and were found to have good binding energies in computer simulations.
Researchers have created a faster and more accurate COVID-19 test using plasmonic photothermal sensing, detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in minutes. The test can discriminate between SARS-CoV-2 and its close relative, reducing false-positive results.
Researchers at University of California - Santa Barbara develop ultraviolet LEDs that can decontaminate surfaces, floors, and HVAC systems. The technology has the potential to sanitize personal protective equipment, medical settings, and public spaces without causing burns or eye damage.
A University of Ottawa researcher suggests that stray dogs and their intestines may have originated the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The study found that coronaviruses in dog intestines have a similar genetic signature to SARS-CoV-2, with low levels of CpG dinucleotides that evade human antiviral defenses.
The review emphasizes the importance of natural daylight and air circulation in reducing disease transmission. Opening windows to improve airflow and admitting natural light can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Researchers at the University of Louisville are using the computing power of thousands of computers in classrooms across Kentucky to identify drugs to treat COVID-19. The DataseamGrid, a network of computers housed in classrooms, is being used to test over 11,000 drugs and compounds for potential effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers at IBS South Korea successfully dissected SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome, mapping subgenomic RNAs to viral proteins. The study reveals dozens of unknown RNAs with potential roles in immune evasion.