Research on the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself. Covers antiviral trials, antibody neutralization, viral escape, and rapid detection methods.
Researchers examine how chronological and biological age impact vaccine effectiveness, finding that both factors influence immune system capacity to mount responses. The study highlights the need for further research into 'immune aging' risk and departures from healthy aging.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have developed a nasal spray that is effective in preventing coronavirus infection, including the latest variants. The molecule, TriSb92, identifies a region in the spike protein common to all current variants and inhibits its functioning.
Recent studies have found improved efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 infection with the third dose of the vaccine, leading to a reduction in hospitalization. Booster vaccinations also resulted in further increases in antibody responses, demonstrating strong and persistent immunity.
A cohort study found that nirmatrelvir treatment within five days of a positive COVID-19 test result was associated with reduced post-COVID-19 condition risk, regardless of vaccination status and prior infection history. The study suggests that nirmatrelvir may reduce the risk of long COVID across the risk spectrum.
Researchers from China have identified inosine as a potential broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory agent that improves survival in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2. The study also highlights TBK1 as a promising target for inhibiting cytokine storms and mitigating acute inflammatory lung injury.
A new study by UC San Diego researchers found that COVID-19 subvariants like BA.4 and BA.5 evaded the body's natural defense, leading to rapid spread. Early treatment with Paxlovid may have left patients more susceptible to re-infection due to a weakened immune response.
Researchers have identified a highly conserved region of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that could be targeted to boost human antibody responses against any coronavirus. The discovery could aid the development of more powerful antibody drugs and vaccines against COVID-19 and emerging coronaviruses.
A study published in Nature Immunology found that antibodies from previously infected patients can neutralize variants of the COVID-19 disease, including the Omicron variant. These broadly neutralizing antibodies have unique biochemical and structural features that enable them to block the virus from entering human cells.
A study by Indian Institute of Science researchers found that enhanced recombination in the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant resulted in new mutations affecting viral proteins, particularly those involved in host-cell binding. These mutations enabled the virus to evade immune defenses and infect host cells more efficiently.
A study published in Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that the incidence of type 1 diabetes among Finnish children increased by 16% during the pandemic. Researchers believe that social isolation and lockdowns rather than SARS-CoV-2 infection may have contributed to this increase.
A research team from MedUni Vienna found that only neutralizing antibodies can inform us about protection against new infections. The study discovered a previously unknown weak point of the virus, which is a conserved site on the surface of the virus.
A study published in Gut journal found that COVID-19 patients experienced gastrointestinal symptoms more frequently than non-infected patients. The research also discovered a higher incidence of irritable bowel syndrome among infected individuals, with symptoms lasting up to 12 months after hospitalization.
A new study has found that SARS-CoV-2 infection damages the CD8+ T cell response, which is crucial for fighting the virus. Vaccination after infection can still provide protection, but booster shots may be needed to boost immune-cell responses.
Research suggests that an underactive immune response may explain the link between obesity and severe COVID-19. Obese patients with COVID-19 have been found to have blunted inflammatory responses, producing suboptimal levels of molecules needed to fight the infection.
A recent study found that while social factors were hypothesized to influence UFO reports, no association was found with the COVID-19 pandemic's stress and anxiety measures. An alternative explanation was proposed: regular Starlink satellite launches may have led to increased sightings.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that children's memory T cells react to SARS-CoV-2, providing immunity against COVID-19. The study found strong cross-reactivity between coronaviruses causing common colds and SARS-CoV-2.
A new study describes an optimized method for isolating and identifying nanobodies targeting SARS-CoV-2, which could lead to the development of effective therapies. The approach uses a yeast display method, reducing costs and time required for screening nanobody libraries.
A study of 1,440 Canadian children with SARS-CoV-2 infection found that presenting symptoms have changed over time, but severe outcomes among children have remained relatively consistent. The research suggests that while the virus's characteristics are evolving, its impact on young patients remains a concern.
A new study found that New York City rats are susceptible to Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2. The researchers also demonstrated a possible link between the virus and rat populations in the city's sewer systems.
A new study published at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases found that healthcare workers infected with the original SARS-CoV-2 virus were more likely to experience long Covid symptoms than those who had the omicron variant. The research suggests that omicron may be less likely to lead to long Covid, p...
Researchers found that COVID-19 survivors with persistent symptoms were more likely to be sedentary, especially those experiencing breathlessness and fatigue. The study, supported by FAPESP, included 614 participants who were analyzed for physical activity and lifestyle habits.
A new study analyzing household transmission data found that the top 20% of infected individuals cause three times more infections than the average person, highlighting individual differences in infectiousness.
A global team of researchers created an algorithmic tool to identify existing drugs that could be effective against the next pandemic. The PHENotype SIMulator (PHENSIM) uses computer experiments to analyze biomolecules and predict antiviral effects, identifying potential candidates for repurposing.
A University of Michigan study suggests that exhaled breath contains unique volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can mark distinction between COVID-19, variants and non-COVID illnesses. The researchers developed a portable gas chromatography device to analyze breath samples with high accuracy.
A new UNCG study confirms that SARS-CoV-2 destroys the antioxidant activity of key human selenoproteins, weakening immunity and enabling virus replication. The findings suggest investigating selenium supplementation and dietary sulfur compounds as potential symptomatic treatments for COVID patients.
A new study shows that patients with liver cirrhosis have a lower immune response to COVID-19 vaccines, but this does not affect the vaccines' effectiveness. Age, type of vaccine, and viral hepatitis etiology also play a role in immune responses.
A Scripps Research and eMed study found that COVID-19 rebound cases are more common than previously reported, affecting up to 14.2% of Paxlovid-treated patients and 9.3% of untreated patients. Rebound is measured by positive test results or symptom recurrence after initial clearance.
A new study by Rice University and Houston Health Department shows that wastewater-based monitoring is an effective way to detect viral outbreaks in schools. The system allows for early detection of illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, and RSV, enabling strategies to stop the onset of potential outbreaks.
Researchers identify 32 human monoclonal antibodies that can block SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, and MERS-CoV coronaviruses. These antibodies target a vulnerable site on the viral spike protein, offering potential for broad protection against future pandemics.
A recent study found that bacterial co-infection in COVID-19 patients significantly increased the risk of death, intensive care unit admission, and mechanical ventilation. The study reviewed 13,781 COVID-19 inpatient encounters and identified laboratory trends associated with COVID-19 bacterial co-infection.
A new method developed by Flatiron Institute researchers can diagnose COVID-19 with near-perfect accuracy, even in asymptomatic patients. The technique monitors the body's molecular response to a viral attack and measures mRNA molecules to identify an immune response.
A new methodology detects RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2 using polypurine hairpins that capture viral RNA and form a high-affinity triplex. The Triplex Enhanced Nucleic Acid Detection Assay (TENADA) is faster and more effective than the PCR test, providing results in under an hour.
Researchers at Arizona State University describe an innovative therapy using transient expression in tobacco plants to produce a monoclonal antibody against SARS-CoV-2. This class 4 mAb provides key advantages over existing treatments, including mutation resistance and universal protection against emerging variants.
Researchers have found that the naturally occurring amino acid ALA can reduce the expression of ACE2 on cell membranes, potentially lowering SARS-CoV-2's infectious capabilities. The study also reveals an underlying mechanism involving the production of heme, which is boosted by co-administering ALA with an iron source.
Two new papers demonstrate the use of Outbreak.info as a standardized source for COVID-19 data, tracking daily variant reports and a Research Library with aggregated research publications. The platform provides essential tools for researchers to track virus evolution and improve diagnostics.
Researchers created a statistical model to predict who is resistant to COVID-19, using health characteristics from electronic records. The model identified patterns in patients with similar features, suggesting that genetic and environmental differences influence their defense against the virus.
A new study explores the complexity of parents' decision-making processes regarding SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for their children. The research highlights the importance of individualized discussions with healthcare providers to help interpret evidence and provide tailored recommendations.
Researchers from the University of Oxford-affiliated researchers found that high doses of ivermectin are ineffective in treating COVID-19. The study used the PLATCOV trial to compare the rates at which different drugs reduced the viral load of SARS-CoV-2, and the results suggest that ivermectin does not have measurable antiviral activity.
A new analysis reveals that convalescent plasma can be used to prevent hospitalizations and save lives in COVID-19 patients. Early treatment with high doses of antibodies significantly reduced hospitalization rates by up to 50%. The study provides a roadmap for using convalescent plasma as an effective therapy for future pandemics.
A global study found that almost half of newborns were separated from their mother, leading to low breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact rates. Despite rare transmission and mild cases, the pandemic's impact on family-centred care was significant.
Researchers have generated induced pluripotent stem cells from bats, gaining insights into the relationship between bats and viruses. The study may also shed light on bats' remarkable defenses against aging and cancer.
Researchers have identified novel host protease determinants that facilitate SARS-CoV-2 entry, including membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases (MT-MMP) and ADAM families. Inhibiting these proteases may provide a new treatment strategy against the Omicron variant.
A study found that the Omicron variant can dodge immune responses with just one or two dramatic mutations, while combinations of many mutations enable it to escape specific antibodies. The research suggests trade-offs between escaping immunity and maintaining infective capacity.
A new mathematical model uses wastewater samples to predict COVID-19 cases five days in advance, detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA with high sensitivity. The approach could help authorities tailor infection control policies when clinical surveillance is lacking.
A new approach to boosting protein production has been discovered, which could lead to the generation of a universal booster for protein production. The breakthrough centers on Exin21, a sequence that increases mRNA synthesis and stability and protein expression and secretion.
A study found that an allele of the HLA Class 1 gene may protect individuals from severe COVID-19. The researchers compared the immune systems of patients in different waves of the pandemic and discovered a link between the HLA-A*01:01 allele and effective T-cell immunity against new variants.
Researchers found SARS-CoV-2 in 18.2% of tear samples from patients with COVID-19, and in 12.1% of those collected using the Schirmer strip test. The method may predict patient prognosis and provide an alternative to uncomfortable nasopharyngeal swabbing.
A new Northwestern University study suggests that COVID-19 boosters may be less effective due to pre-existing antibodies from initial vaccinations. The study found that these antibodies can rapidly clear the booster from the body, limiting its efficacy. Increasing time between vaccinations is also beneficial for the immune response.
Researchers estimated that three doses of Comirnaty and CoronaVac vaccines were 48% and 30% effective, respectively, in preventing Omicron infection. Boosters improved efficacy to 69% and 56%, but protection waned over time.
A new class of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies has been shown to neutralise multiple variants of the virus, providing hope for a better antiviral medication. The antibodies work by attaching to a partially hidden part of the virus' spike protein that would be difficult for it to mutate.
Researchers found Paxlovid to be effective in preventing severe COVID-19 and reducing all-cause mortality in adults over 70 years old with mild disease. The study concluded that testing for SARS-CoV-2 and access to Paxlovid are crucial for those at risk of severe infection.
A recent study has linked high levels of certain chemical pollutants to an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease. The research found that individuals with higher blood concentrations of specific pollutants were more likely to become infected and develop the disease.
A study by Emory University researchers found that extracts from two wild plants, tall goldenrod and eagle fern, inhibited the ability of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to infect living cells. The active compounds are present in miniscule quantities, making it ineffective for self-treatment, but may hold promise as medicines against COVID-19.
Researchers from the University of Colorado found that Paxlovid significantly reduced rates of hospitalization and death among non-hospitalized patients infected with recent Omicron subvariants. The study used real-world data from 28,000 patients and suggested a benefit for Paxlovid in preventing severe disease.
New UCLA research finds that tobacco smoking and vaping can predispose healthy young people to increased inflammation and severe COVID-19. The study, published in Journal of Molecular Medicine, found higher levels of key proteins in plasma from smokers and vapers compared to non-smokers.
A study published in Science reveals that three faulty genes fail to regulate the immune system's response to SARS-CoV-2, leading to inflammatory overload and multisystem inflammation syndrome in children (MIS-C). The findings provide a mechanistic explanation for Kawasaki disease-like symptoms in these patients.
Researchers identified a protein in lung cells that blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection and forms a natural protective barrier. The discovery opens up an entirely new area of immunology research around LRRC15 and offers promising prospects for developing new drugs to prevent viral infection or treat fibrosis in the lungs.
A large study of 2.8 million patients found no direct link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and new-onset alcohol use disorder, suggesting other factors at play during the pandemic
Scientists have identified small molecules that can target the 'Achilles' heel' of SARS-CoV-2, a less mutation-prone segment of the spike protein. These compounds could serve as a starting point for developing effective treatments for COVID-19.
A study published in eLife found that one in two cancer patients developed long COVID-19 symptoms persisting beyond six months after initial infection. Female cancer patients were more likely to experience long COVID-19 compared to men, and most cases could be managed as outpatients.