Research on the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself. Covers antiviral trials, antibody neutralization, viral escape, and rapid detection methods.
A new study published in Microbiology Spectrum found that cats are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and can spread the virus to other cats and their environment. The infected cats' environments were also found to be infectious, but this infectiousness decays rapidly.
A study of 1,979 women found that healthy sleep prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic may protect against post-COVID condition. Researchers suggest interventions on sleep health could prevent or alleviate long COVID symptoms.
A team at Penn State has produced high-resolution images of SARS-CoV-2's protease protein and polyprotein complex. The research reveals a consistent order in which the proteins are cleaved, potentially supporting more efficient antiviral drugs.
A study by University of Córdoba found that people coinfected with SARS-CoV-2 and cytomegalovirus are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease due to premature aging of their immune systems. This risk is higher in individuals who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
A large study of nearly 10,000 Americans with COVID-19 has uncovered the most common symptoms and potential subgroups associated with long COVID. The research team identified 12 key symptoms that distinguish those with and without long COVID, as well as a scoring system to diagnose and monitor patients.
A nationwide study of nearly 10,000 adults identifies 12 hallmarks of long COVID, including debilitating fatigue, loss of smell or taste, and gastrointestinal symptoms. The findings provide a new scoring system for clinicians to define and investigate treatments for patients with long COVID.
Researchers identified 37 symptoms across multiple pathophysiological domains that are more common in SARS-CoV-2 infected participants at six months post-infection. A preliminary rule for identifying postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (Long COVID) was derived from a composite symptom score and requires further refinement.
Researchers analyzed hospitalization and fatality rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection in England between May 2020 and March 2022. The study found that the mass vaccination campaign significantly reduced severe effects of the virus, with notable improvements after the emergence of Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants.
Research reveals that chronic heart rate failure during exercise is a common reason for long-term exercise intolerance in Long COVID patients. The study also found a correlation between early post-COVID inflammation biomarkers and reduced exercise capacity, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
Immunoglobin G and neutralizing antibody titer levels associated with protection against Omicron variant infection and symptomatic disease in vaccinated health care workers. A study of 2,300 healthcare workers found higher antibody levels reduced the risk of infection and disease.
A study found that children with COVID-19 were 57% more likely to develop type 1 diabetes, with the increase occurring shortly after the virus diagnosis. The researchers hope to explore this correlation further using prospective cohorts of children.
Researchers have found that honokiol, a compound from magnolia tree bark, inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication in several cell types, reducing infectious particle production. The compound also shows broad-spectrum activity against other highly pathogenic coronaviruses.
A new study shows that masking and portable air cleaners significantly reduced the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in two Swiss schools during the Omicron wave. The researchers detected salivary and airborne virus concentrations in air samples and students, with a 70% decrease in viral transmission under mask mandates.
A recent study found that COVID-19 infection can lead to increased infarct growth and ongoing tissue consumption even after successful reperfusion through angiography. This suggests a potentially aggressive clinical course for patients with COVID-19 and large-vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke.
A cutting-edge study in Mozambique found that the beta variant of SARS-CoV-2 was transmitted through regional migration from South Africa, while the delta variant entered mainly from the UK and India. The analysis also revealed that most introductions did not contribute to local spread.
A large, prospective study led by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center recommends that cancer patients receive SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination three to four months after bone marrow transplant. The study found that early vaccination can provide crucial protection against severe COVID-19 in this vulnerable population.
A new commentary from infectious disease experts emphasizes the importance of continued masking in healthcare settings due to low evidence of efficacy and high transmission risks. Despite recent conflicting views, the authors argue that mask-wearing remains a crucial strategy for infection prevention.
A study of 14,400 febrile infants found that SARS-CoV-2 infection reduces the prevalence of urinary tract infections, bacteremia, and bacterial meningitis, particularly among infants aged 29 to 60 days. These findings suggest alternative management strategies for certain febrile infants testing positive for SARS-CoV-2.
A study of over 45,000 individuals found COVID-19-like symptoms without SARS-CoV-2 infection led to higher rates of depression and anxiety eight months post-symptom onset. Researchers also discovered that negative SARS-CoV-2 serologic test results did not mitigate this risk.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified strong correlations between SARS-CoV-2 cases and deaths, temperature, and latitude. The studies suggest that the virus is genetically encoded to exhibit seasonal behavior, which could be influenced by vaccine design.
A large study found that adults with obstructive sleep apnea were more likely to experience long-term symptoms of COVID-19 than those without the condition. Adults with both sleep apnea and COVID-19 were up to 75% more likely to develop long COVID, according to researchers.
MIT chemists develop rapid test to determine whether individuals have neutralizing antibodies against Covid-19, offering protection against future infections. The technique uses a fingerprint of sugar molecules to identify neutralizing antibodies in blood samples.
Researchers used computational tools and medical record analysis to investigate the effects of statin drugs on COVID-19 patients. They found that only certain statins, including simvastatin and atorvastatin, reduced mortality risk in COVID-19 patients, while others had no effect.
Researchers used AI tools to simplify a test for hepatitis C and SARS-CoV-2, achieving 97% accuracy for SARS-CoV-2 and 95% accuracy for the most prevalent version of hepatitis C. The team plans to refine the test, improve its ability to distinguish between strains, and potentially develop at-home tests in the future.
Researchers found that people who perceived cognitive difficulties during COVID were more likely to experience physical symptoms of long COVID. The study suggests a psychological component for lingering SARS-CoV-2 symptoms in some patients.
Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection report cognitive deficits that are associated with post-COVID-19 condition (long COVID) symptoms. Researchers suggest a potential affective component in some patients, highlighting the need for further exploration of underlying reasons.
Researchers at EPFL have computationally designed novel protein binders that attach seamlessly to key targets, including the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, using deep learning-generated 'fingerprints' to characterize millions of protein fragments. This method demonstrates therapeutic potential for rapidly designing protein-based therapeutics.
The study found that COVID-19 vaccine-induced immunity rapidly declines after primary vaccination and booster doses, leading to a decrease in protection against Omicron and Delta infections. The results highlight the need for targeted vaccination strategies to combat the evolving SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Researchers successfully delivered stabilized divalent siRNA molecules to animal models that blocked SARS-CoV-2 and prevented infection. The technology is adaptable for other pulmonary diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis and respiratory viruses.
A study found that psychological factors, such as beliefs and attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccine, significantly contribute to the onset and severity of adverse effects. The researchers investigated how fear, trust, and expectations affect side effects and explained 30% of the intensity of symptoms.
Researchers have identified mechanisms behind the emergence of new and contagious coronavirus variants by analyzing over three million genome sequences. The study found that concordant substitutions occurring at other sites influence the likelihood of a substitution occurring at a specific site, leading to unexpected variant emergence.
A molecular autopsy revealed that a young child with mild COVID-19 symptoms died from cardiac arrest due to an atypical coronary artery anomaly and underlying Noonan syndrome, a rare genetic disorder.
Researchers found that non-mandatory measures had a greater impact on reducing travel distances and times, while mandatory measures only slightly affected these metrics. In contrast, strict metre rules and reopening of gyms increased distance travelled.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly increases the risk of Bell palsy, whereas vaccination poses a lower risk. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine did not differ significantly from the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine in terms of BP incidence.
Scientists have created a system that directly targets and degrades the SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA genome, reducing infection in mice. This method could be adapted to fight off many viruses and treat various diseases.
A world-leading international trial has found that the BCG vaccine does not protect healthcare workers against COVID-19, despite boosting 'front-line' immunity in infants and protecting against respiratory infections. The research involved 3988 healthcare workers and showed a higher risk of symptomatic COVID-19 in the BCG group.
Researchers discovered a 'cocktail' of human antibodies that show promise in fighting severe SARS-CoV-2 infections, including Omicron variants. The study revealed how the original Moderna vaccine could prompt the body to produce these broad-spectrum antibodies.
New research found that temperature and original viral concentration affect the persistence of Omicron variants on shipping materials. The study reveals that lower temperatures and higher viral concentrations increase stability, while room temperature poses a risk. Safety protocols for shipping goods can be improved with this knowledge.
A research team created the first human respiratory organoid culture system, enabling scientists to study COVID-19 and its variants. The study found that the BA.5 Omicron variant exhibits dramatically increased infectivity and replicative capacity in human nasal and airway organoids.
A treatment combining two antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 strongly protected high-risk people with early COVID-19 symptoms from hospitalization and death. The treatment was effective against the delta variant and appeared safe, with significantly lower reports of side effects compared to a placebo.
Researchers successfully isolated infectious SARS-CoV-2 particles from hospital air samples collected over a year ago, demonstrating the presence of viable virus particles in aerosols. This breakthrough provides new insights into airborne transmission and informs the development of preventive strategies.
Researchers from Lund University have designed a cocktail of modified antibodies that tag the virus to be eliminated by the immune system. The study found that combining different combinations of these antibodies can improve their function, suggesting a potent clinical effect against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.
A new study found that children with COVID-19 and pre-existing high-risk conditions can be effectively treated at home, avoiding hospitalization. The Hospital-in-the-Home program recorded a 21% increase in patients and a 132% jump in telehealth appointments.
A large study of over 600,000 individuals found a strong association between COVID-19 infection and the development of incident diabetes. The researchers estimate that SARS-CoV-2 infection may contribute to a 3% to 5% excess burden of diabetes at a population level.
Experts recommend managing SARS-CoV-2 like other endemic respiratory viruses using Standard and Transmission-based Precautions. They also suggest reconsidering pandemic-era strategies such as asymptomatic testing and contact tracing in the endemic era.
Researchers recognize the need for improved COVID-19 vaccines to prevent transmission and infection. Mucosal vaccines targeting the respiratory tract could be effective in blocking SARS-CoV-2 transmission and reducing disease burden.
Researchers identified potential novel receptors for SARS-CoV-2 that utilize multiple receptors to facilitate its life cycle. The study reveals a strong correlation between tissue age-dependency and SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced receptor expression, with older adults being more susceptible to severe outcomes.
A study published in JCI Insight found that pregnant women display robust immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection, comparable to those of non-pregnant women. Key differences were observed in the dynamics of innate immune cells at the first line of defense towards viral infections.
A new study found that SARS-CoV-2 presence on people's hands and frequently touched household surfaces significantly contributes to the spread of COVID-19. The research suggests that frequent handwashing, regular surface disinfection, and physical distancing can curb the virus's transmission.
Researchers identified potential neurological biomarkers of long COVID-19 in nonhuman primates, which could aid in diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. The study found elevated proteins associated with neurodegenerative disorders in the brain, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
A study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine found that patients with liver disease who took the drug ursodeoxycholic acid had a 46% lower odds of being infected with SARS-CoV-2. This was associated with reduced symptoms and severity of COVID-19.
Researchers found that COVID-19 infection leads to rapidly progressive dementia, blurring the lines between different types of dementia. Cortical atrophy and inflammation were key indicators, suggesting previously compromised brains have limited defense against new insults.
A recent Brazilian study found that the Spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 is implicated in post-COVID-19 memory loss, with researchers identifying TLR4 receptor as a potential therapeutic target. The study involved experiments with mice and showed that infusion of the Spike protein induced delayed memory impairment.
New research reveals SARS-CoV-2 spike protein mutations made the virus more rigid and improved its ability to transmit through nasal droplets and infect host cells. This could mean newer vaccines are effective for longer against emerging variants.
A WPI-led team used computational modeling to create a detailed picture of the SARS-COV-2 virus envelope, revealing its elliptical shape and changing structure. This discovery could lead to more effective therapies and vaccines, as well as a better understanding of the virus's properties.
A study published in Science Advances reveals that viral SARS-CoV-2 variants are developing resistance to protease inhibitors, including Paxlovid. Researchers warn that this could undermine the effectiveness of antiviral treatments and highlight the need for next-generation compounds with different resistance profiles.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 infection causes drastic changes to RNA modifications, including the loss of m6A modification. This disruption may lead to persistent COVID-like symptoms and provide a new potential drug target against COVID-19. The study's results could also shed light on chronic post-COVID conditions.
A team of scientists has designed a molecule that targets the PLpro enzyme in SARS-CoV-2, limiting its replication and hampering the host's immune response. The covalent inhibitor shows promise as a new treatment for COVID-19 and other viral diseases.
A small molecule discovered by University of Houston researchers could potentially shorten the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection, offering a new alternative treatment option for COVID-19. The compound, CD04872SC, has shown promise in neutralizing the virus and its variants Delta and Omicron.
Researchers found that COVID-19 vaccination generates robust T cell responses in haematology patients, on par with healthy individuals. The study provides key insights for future immunisation strategies and shows that mRNA vaccines can elicit strong T cell immunity in patients with co-morbidities.