Research on the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself. Covers antiviral trials, antibody neutralization, viral escape, and rapid detection methods.
SARS-CoV-2's nucleocapsid protein (N) uses human body temperature to replicate, binding to RNA motifs at specific spatial folds. The study reveals new functions and potential targets for antiviral drugs.
A NIH-funded study found that severe COVID-19 can cause lasting changes in the innate immune system, boosting inflammatory cytokine production and leading to chronic inflammation. Early treatment with IL-6 inhibitors may help mitigate these effects.
A long-term study of nearly 2,400 solid organ transplant recipients found that COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduced hospitalization rates, with a 75% decrease in later omicron waves. Despite this, post-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 viral infections remain common, highlighting the importance of vaccination in high-risk populations.
Researchers have found that a prostate cancer drug called proxalutamide can block SARS-CoV-2 viral entry and reduce inflammation. The compound works by binding to androgen receptors, inhibiting levels of TMPRSS2 and ACE2, and blocking infection.
A new study found that individuals exposed to common cold-causing coronaviruses have immune responses that may protect them from future SARS-CoV-2 infections. Researchers hope this insight will inform global infectious disease outbreak preparedness and vaccine development.
Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have developed a new method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, which takes just two hours from swab to result. The approach can also detect other pathogens and is more flexible than existing PCR tests.
Scientists have discovered that SARS-CoV-2 can infect cells using multiple entry points beyond ACE2, explaining its ability to jump between species. This finding highlights the need for continued monitoring of coronaviruses and their potential to cause future pandemics.
A panel of genetically diverse mice has been created to accurately model the variable human response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The mice exhibit different levels of disease severity, ranging from asymptomatic to lethal, and can help scientists discover biomarkers of disease severity and evaluate countermeasures.
Researchers found that molnupiravir efficiently blocked SARS-CoV-2 transmission when administered at a human effect size-equivalent dose, but paxlovid did not. The study used ferret animal models and found that molnupiravir completely suppressed transmission at all tested doses.
A large study found that fully vaccinated individuals have lower concentrations of inflammatory markers than unvaccinated participants after symptomatic COVID-19 infection. This suggests that vaccination significantly reduces morbidity and mortality by reducing elevated levels of cytokines and chemokines.
A recent study of Massachusetts schools found low secondary attack rates for SARS-CoV-2 among school-based contacts. The study highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance efforts to maintain optimal disease prevention strategies.
A new adjuvanted intranasal vaccine has shown promise in protecting both young and old mice against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The vaccine combines an RNA-based molecule with a nanoemulsion, resulting in a strong immune response.
Researchers developed a comprehensive toolkit of fruit fly COVID-19 resources (DCR) to study viral and human protein interactions, aiming to develop therapies for long-COVID symptoms. The toolkit enables systematic global analysis of in vivo interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and human cells.
A Netherlands cohort study has revealed that healthcare workers who engaged in nose-picking were at a higher risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic. The study emphasizes the significance of proper hygiene practices among healthcare professionals to prevent COVID-19 transmission.
A study from the University of Gothenburg found that even vulnerable people with compromised immune systems achieved good antibody levels after three doses of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. This is particularly significant for those at risk of severe Covid-19, as they showed catch-up antibody responses and high levels of hybrid immunity.
Researchers investigated the inactivation efficacy of different UV wavelengths against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants, finding similar inactivation properties across various wavelengths. The study highlights the potential of far-UVC light as a safe germicidal option for mitigating airborne virus transmission.
Researchers isolated antibodies from a vaccinated SARS patient that can stop nearly all related coronaviruses tested. The most powerful antibody, E7, neutralizes SARS-CoV and Omicron variants, showing a unique mechanism of binding to the virus's spike protein.
A study using wastewater metrics found accurate assessments of county SARS-CoV-2 incidence and may be the best metric for monitoring virus circulation. Home testing increases and vaccination treatment decrease disease acuity, making wastewater surveillance a reliable option.
A study analyzing wearable device data from over 190,000 users found that vaccinated individuals experience less severe COVID-19 symptoms and recover faster. Vaccination reduces the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, ICU admission, and death.
Researchers found that expression of CiDRE in alveolar macrophages makes patients more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 invasion and promotes cytokine storm. The genetic quirk is associated with severe COVID-19 symptoms, suggesting potential treatments targeting IL-10R and CiDRE.
Researchers developed a bioinformatic tool that selects parts of proteins to elicit strong immune responses. This approach, grounded in immunological theory, was four times more efficient than current methods, suggesting better vaccine protection against diseases.
Researchers developed modular optical sensors capable of detecting viruses and bacteria using fluorescent carbon nanotubes with DNA anchors. The sensors showed high reliability and selectivity in detecting SARS-CoV-2 protein, offering advantages for complex environments and future diagnostic applications.
A new 'fly-to-bedside' resource has been developed to sort through the complexities of SARS-CoV-2 virus-host interactions. Researchers found that nine out of 10 non-structural proteins resulted in wing defects, providing a basis for understanding how viral proteins affect host proteins.
A study led by UCSF researchers discovered that people who remain asymptomatic after contracting COVID-19 often carry a specific gene variation that helps their immune system recognize the virus. This mutation, HLA-B*15:01, is common among asymptomatic individuals and can also help those with symptoms to recover more quickly.
A study found that SARS-CoV-2 infects liver cells, leading to hyperglycemia and a severe form of COVID-19. Researchers discovered the mechanism used by the virus to impair glucose metabolism, pointing to potential strategies for treating patients.
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science have discovered picolinic acid's ability to disrupt viral entry into host cells, blocking enveloped viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A viruses. The compound targets a host-derived component of the virus, causing permanent damage while minimizing effects on the host cell.
A study in South African households found no association between frequency/duration of close contact and COVID-19 transmission. Airborne transmission, particularly in poorly ventilated environments, may play a larger role in spreading the virus.
The Omicron subvariant BA.5 efficiently infects lung cells due to a mutation in the spike protein, enabling efficient entry and fusion with lung cells. This finding suggests that future SARS-CoV-2 variants may regain the ability to cause severe illness in risk patients and people with insufficient immunity.
A survey of 2,000 German adults found that people with higher levels of empathy and cosmopolitanism are more likely to prioritize sharing vaccine supplies internationally. The study suggests that there is substantial public support for international vaccine solidarity when infection rates are at a modest level and falling.
Researchers created a real-time air monitor that can detect SARS-CoV-2 variants in about 5 minutes, with potential applications for hospitals, schools, and public places. The device uses an ultrasensitive biosensing technique and aerosol sampling technology to quickly identify airborne virus concentrations.
A new study suggests that wastewater monitoring can be an effective way to track the spread of infectious diseases. The research found that testing for COVID-19 in wastewater was an objective way to measure where the disease was spreading, with most samples processed in under four days.
The decision analytic model found monoclonal antibodies pre-exposure prophylaxis to be cost-effective for individuals at increased risk of severe COVID-19. The study suggests that lower drug prices and higher effectiveness could further increase the benefits of mAbs PrEP provision.
The Midwest AViDD Center has awarded $3 million in funding for six high-potential antiviral drug discovery projects targeting pandemic viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, Lassa and Ebola. These projects will expand the Center's expertise across disciplines to discover effective responses to pandemics and life-threatening infections.
A new Boston University study found that COVID vaccines likely do not affect menstrual cycle regularity, bleed length, or pain. Menstrual cycles increased by 1.1 days after a first dose and 1.3 days after a second, but these changes resolved within one to two cycles.
A study of commercially insured adults with chronic noncancer pain found that state medical cannabis laws did not lead to a reduction in the use of opioid or nonopioid pain treatments. The researchers also suggested slow implementation and reluctance among healthcare leaders may have contributed to these findings.
A new mRNA vaccine, SYS6006, was evaluated for its safety and immunogenicity as a fourth-dose booster in healthy Chinese adults. The study found that the vaccine elicited higher titers of antibodies against Omicron variants compared to convalescent patients.
A prospective study of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines found progressively declining immune functions in individuals with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The study, published in PLOS Medicine, showed that CLL patients experienced reduced antibody responses to the vaccines.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination produces a robust immune response in the nasal cavity, with higher levels of antibodies promoting neutralization. The study suggests targeting the S2 region for intranasal vaccines may increase nasal mucosal levels of IgA and viral neutralization.
Researchers have identified four species of coronaviruses in UK bats, including two novel ones, which are related to COVID-19 and MERS viruses. Regular monitoring of wildlife viruses is crucial for public health preparedness and biodiversity conservation.
A study published in Blood reveals that SARS-CoV-2 prefers to infect blood group A cells, increasing the risk of infection. The Omicron strain of the virus also shows a stronger preference for A cells.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge identified a signature in the blood that could predict how well an individual responds to vaccines. They found that those with higher levels of age-associated B cells are less effective after vaccination.
Researchers identified four therapeutic monoclonal antibody candidates that neutralized a range of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Prolonged exposure to the virus triggered somatic hypermutations, equipping these antibodies with an extensive binding interface.
New study finds that men who suffered from mild COVID-19 have lower sperm concentrations and motility even three months after recovery. The researchers believe that the virus may cause permanent damage to male fertility, leading to long-term decline in semen quality.
Peruvoside has been discovered to prevent up to 12 medically important viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), and Influenza. The compound acts on GBF1 protein, disabling its functionality and stopping virus production.
Researchers establish a direct link between Covid-19 and Alzheimer's disease, attributing the connection to RAS overactivation caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. This dysfunction leads to increased b-amyloid protein accumulation, impairing brain cell synaptic connections and cognitive functions.
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have developed an innovative adhesive bandage that can quickly detect COVID-19 antibodies in the bloodstream. The test uses gold nanoparticles to recognize and bind to IgM and IgG antibodies, providing users with critical information about their immune response to the infection.
Researchers at the University of Bristol found that viruses lose their infectivity quicker in cleaner air, with opening a window reducing acid content and speeding up death. The study provides valuable insights into mitigating risk through gas composition manipulation.
A recent study unveiled the doorway that SARS-CoV2 uses to slip inside cells undetected. Cholesterol clusters make up this door, allowing the virus to infect human cells. Regular exercise and mechanical force can disrupt these cholesterol aggregates, reducing the risk of infection.
Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that apple-shaped obesity is associated with cytokine storm and a higher risk of death in COVID-19 patients. The study suggests that obese patients with excess belly fat may benefit from anti-inflammatory therapies, including IL-6 blockers.
Researchers found a link between short telomeres in ATII cells and lung fibrosis in post-COVID-19 patients. The study revealed loss of ATII cellularity and shorter telomeres concomitant with increased fibrotic lung parenchyma remodeling.
Researchers used infected stem cells to study COVID-19's impact on organs, identifying effective anti-viral drugs for treatment. The study found distinct antiviral profiles in heart and lungs, paving the way for new therapeutic options.
Researchers have identified DYRK1A as a key regulator of the SARS-CoV-2 viral receptor, which is critical for entry into human tissues. Reducing DYRK1A activity decreases infection, providing new insights into COVID-19 causation and potential antiviral treatments.
Researchers found that coronaviruses, like SARS-CoV-2, bind to individual monomeric ACE2 receptors on host cells, rather than forming dimers or oligomers. This interaction is sufficient for infection and contributes to the virus's high infectiousness.
A recent study has found that long COVID patients experience a chronic inflammatory response, similar to autoimmune diseases. The researchers identified specific molecular markers associated with this condition, which could help guide clinical trial and treatment decisions. Understanding the underlying inflammation is crucial for devel...
A retrospective analysis of national data found that over 20 million Americans experienced loss of smell or taste after COVID infection, with a large portion never fully recovering these senses. The study estimated that almost 28 million Americans may be left with decreased sense of smell after COVID infection.
A new study reveals a previously unknown way the immune system detects certain viruses, including SARS-Cov-2, using the inflammasome protein CARD8. Researchers found that CARD8 functions differently among various species and even varies between individuals in the human population.
A new randomized controlled trial found that taking metformin after testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 reduces the risk of developing long COVID by 40%. The study, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, involved over 1,100 patients and showed metformin prevented over 40% of cases of long COVID over a 10-month follow-up period.
Two studies investigate long-term consequences of COVID-19, identifying potential drug targets for treating chronic disease. Researchers found novel pathways in the lungs and immune system that may lead to effective treatment options, including therapies targeting immune dysfunction and mucous cell differentiation.
Researchers found that lymphoid depletion lesions in the spleen of SARS-CoV2-infected mice may trigger novel therapies to restore defective antigen-presenting cell functions in humans. The severity of COVID-19 varies significantly, with dysregulated immune responses linked to poor outcomes.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have found that T cells can recognize shared viral targets between multiple coronaviruses, including common cold coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2. This cross-reactivity could be harnessed to develop vaccines that protect against multiple types of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2.