A team from the University of Cambridge has created an affordable solution for assessing the proper fit of N95 and similar sealing masks, utilizing a simple home aroma diffuser and large plastic bag. This setup can perform similarly to commercial qualitative fit-testing solutions without the high costs associated with them.
Researchers are developing a low-cost, easy-to-use platform to diagnose viral infections in point-of-care settings. The novel technology has high sensitivity and specificity, detecting viral proteins with high accuracy.
The Innovation Partners Institute at Purdue University has launched a new technology tool, KeepOthersSafe, to help organizations monitor COVID symptoms, track test results, and connect users to support tools. The app uses interactive questions to reinforce healthy behaviors based on CDC guidelines.
A large-scale seroprevalence study in Iran found that around 17.1% of the population has been infected with SARS-CoV-2, with significant variations between cities and occupations. Despite this high rate, a substantial proportion of the population remains susceptible to infection.
Implementing point-of-care testing in hospitals can lead to faster diagnosis, better treatment, and improved recovery for patients with acute respiratory symptoms. The study found that routine molecular POCT for influenza resulted in increased antiviral use, isolation facility use, and reduced mortality rates.
A portable saliva-based smartphone platform provides COVID-19 test results within 15 minutes, comparable to established laboratory tests. The approach uses a fluorescence microscope readout device paired with a smartphone to detect viral load from a CRISPR/Cas12a assay.
West Virginia University and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources have teamed up to create a new testing laboratory at the Health Sciences Center. The lab will provide faster results, reduce costs, and support the demands of the state and university community.
Developed by Chinese scientists, this lateral flow immunoassay can detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in under an hour with a limit of detection of 500 copies/mL. The test kit has been commercialized and received regulatory approval for its use as an on-site diagnostic tool.
A new AI tool, AI-COVID, uses routine blood work to assist clinical labs in ruling out COVID-19 infection. The software achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.91 and high sensitivity of 95% while maintaining moderate specificity.
Researchers found that self-collected saliva samples can reliably detect SARS-CoV-2 genetic material at a rate similar to nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs. The study also showed that saliva samples remained stable for up to 24 hours, providing a cheaper and less invasive option for COVID-19 testing.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz developed a novel serological assay for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, providing quantitative results in under 20 minutes. The biolayer interferometry immunosorbent assay (BLI-ISA) is as accurate and sensitive as current antibody tests, but faster and less complex.
A study found COVID-19 in post-mortem corneal tissue, highlighting the importance of donor screening processes. The research team discovered that even healthy donors with negative nasopharyngeal swabs tested positive for COVID-19 RNA, posing a transmission risk to recipients.
Researchers developed a disposable kit for immediate detection of specific airborne viruses in the field. The platform can sample and monitor airborne viruses simultaneously and detects them within 50 minutes on-site.
Developed by a team of researchers, the nanoPCR technology uses hybrid nanomaterials to detect viral RNA in under 11 minutes while maintaining high accuracy. The technique has been tested with 150 patients, showing zero false negatives and positives, and demonstrates its potential for rapid, decentralized point-of-care diagnosis.
A new study identifies a method that detects COVID-19 in wastewater samples and tracks infection trends. The test uses genetic material from SARS-COV-2 RNA, which correlates with community COVID-19 infections.
Researchers developed a new test that measures patients' immune response for accurate COVID-19 diagnosis. The test detects distinctive patterns of gene expression in infected individuals, which may help identify false negatives and false positives.
A team of researchers developed a paper-based electrochemical sensor that can detect COVID-19 genetic material in under 5 minutes. The sensor uses graphene-based probes to target specific regions of the virus's RNA, providing reliable and sensitive results.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 50% decrease in hospital-wide Hepatitis C (HCV) testing and a 60% reduction in new HCV diagnoses, according to new research. Telemedicine's impact on preventive care, including HCV screening, was a significant contributing factor.
A new CRISPR-based test for COVID-19 can provide accurate results in under 30 minutes using a smartphone camera, enabling faster and more accessible testing. The test measures viral load, helping healthcare professionals estimate the stage of infection and predict recovery.
Researchers have identified six biochemical biomarkers linked to COVID-19 infection using a blood test. The test can detect infected patients with high accuracy, allowing for rapid diagnosis and treatment prioritization.
Researchers developed an assay that detects SARS-CoV-2 in nasal swabs using a smartphone camera, providing quick results within 30 minutes. The test utilizes CRISPR-Cas technology, eliminating the need for amplification and enabling precise quantification of virus amounts.
The study uses self-reported data from over 2.8 million users to provide accurate estimates of COVID-19 prevalence and incidence, detecting regional hotspots and informing policy makers on targeted testing capacity. The app's daily data release enables early detection of changes in incidence or prevalence.
A study found that individual coronavirus antibody tests have varying levels of sensitivity, making it essential to combine multiple tests for accurate results. This is crucial for planning major seroepidemiological studies and understanding the prevalence of COVID-19 exposure in populations.
A new lab-on-a-chip developed at Imperial College London can process and present results in minutes, cutting costs and time of traditional PCR tests. The chip, called TriSilix, has been used to diagnose bacterial infections and a synthetic version of the genetic material from SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine investigate using UVC light to disinfect CT scanning machines, which can eliminate SARS-CoV-2 virus particles in minutes. They also explore the relationship between low Ct values in diagnostic tests and infectiousness.
Researchers developed virus-like probes that can validate rapid COVID-19 tests across the globe. These stable probes are made from viral particles and have improved accuracy, stability, and cost-effectiveness compared to existing positive controls.
A new study from Brigham Young University finds that alcohol-free hand sanitizer is just as effective at disinfecting surfaces from the COVID-19 virus as alcohol-based products. The study uses benzalkonium chloride and other quaternary ammonium compounds, achieving a 99.9% kill rate within 15 seconds.
Researchers recommend using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assays as the gold standard for testing, but acknowledge limitations due to false negatives. Point-of-care testing is emphasized as an urgent objective to detect the virus rapidly and early, with nano-based sensor technologies showing promise.
A mass screening programme in Wuhan identified 300 asymptomatic COVID-19 cases with no viable virus detected, and close contacts did not test positive. The study suggests strict non-pharmaceutical interventions such as mask-wearing and social distancing reduced the virulence of Covid-19.
A new study by UCL researchers used quantum sensing abilities of nanodiamonds to improve the sensitivity of paper-based diagnostic tests, enabling earlier detection of diseases such as HIV. The tests can detect lower viral loads and may be adapted for COVID-19 and other diseases.
A new investigational study aims to improve community perceptions, access, and use of COVID-19 testing resources by providing at-home tests and digital educational tools. The research seeks to address disparities in COVID-19 testing patterns among underserved populations, with a focus on increasing education and access.
A study of over 135,000 pediatric patients found that 4% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, with severe disease seen in 7%, mostly among those with underlying medical conditions. Children from ethnic minorities and adolescents were more likely to test positive.
A new study models trade-offs in COVID-19 testing, suggesting that rapid turnaround times and frequent testing have high epidemiological value for effective surveillance. The study found that delays in diagnosing infections had a significant impact on surveillance plans, emphasizing the importance of fast results.
A new study published in Science Advances found that frequent and rapid testing can be more effective than sensitive tests in curbing the spread of COVID-19. By targeting contagious individuals with stay-at-home orders, the virus could be driven towards elimination within weeks.
A new study from City University London suggests that glaucoma eye tests can be accurately performed at home using a tablet-based device called Eyecatcher. The study found high accuracy rates (98%) and adherence, with potential to detect rapidly progressing cases of glaucoma earlier.
Researchers at Texas Biomed will test the efficacy of human monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) in small rodent models to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection. The project aims to identify effective combinations of MAbs that offer protection against disease progression.
A new multiplex real-time RT-PCR assay has been developed as a simpler, more cost-effective alternative to existing SARS-CoV-2 testing methods. The assay performs comparably to the modified CDC test while allowing for increased patient throughput and reduced reagent consumption.
The university's comprehensive approach, including pooled testing, daily symptom monitoring, and quarantine measures, significantly lowered infection prevalence. Combined with high compliance with masking and social distancing guidelines, the strategy successfully minimized large outbreaks.
Researchers discovered that the Chapare virus can spread from person to person in healthcare settings, posing risks of additional outbreaks. The virus was found to be transmitted through bodily fluids and may have been circulating in Bolivia for several years.
A new saliva-based antibody test developed by Johns Hopkins researchers accurately detects SARS-CoV-2 antibodies from small saliva samples. The test's high sensitivity and specificity make it suitable for various applications, including large-scale screening and monitoring changes in antibody-positivity rates over time.
The BMJ argues that suppressing science is a danger to public health and maladministration of taxpayers' money when entangled with commercial decisions. To safeguard science, full disclosure of competing interests and transparency about decision-making systems are essential.
A study suggests that rapid finger-prick antibody tests for SARS-CoV-2 may deliver inaccurate results, with around 1 in 5 positive tests indicating a false positive. The test's accuracy varies depending on the individual's previous infection status, and laboratory confirmation is recommended for reliable results.
A new study reveals that routine pre-operative COVID-19 testing can significantly reduce the risk of respiratory complications and save lives. Researchers found that using nasal swab tests to confirm asymptomatic patients were not infected with SARS-CoV-2 led to a lower rate of post-operative complications.
Researchers at Osaka University have created a label-free method for identifying respiratory viruses based on changes in electrical current through silicon nanopores. This new system uses machine learning to achieve highly accurate virus classification, with potential applications for COVID-19 and influenza diagnosis.
A single clinical laboratory test has been developed to detect any infection from any body fluid, without special handling or processing. The test employs powerful DNA-sequencing technology and relies on specially developed analytical software to compare DNA sequences in the sample to massive genomic databases.
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have developed a new three-step testing approach that improves the accuracy of COVID-19 testing, detecting lower viral loads and reducing false-negative rates. The cost-effective technique uses microfluidics technology and can detect SARS-CoV-2 viral loads as low as one copy/microliter.
A USask study of 14 healthy individuals wearing face masks during strenuous workouts found no detrimental effects on performance and minimal impact on blood and muscle oxygenation. The researchers' findings support the safe use of face masks in indoor exercise facilities, making them safer for gym-goers and allowing sports to continue.
Researchers found that rapid changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels during the first 48-to-72 hours of hospitalization were predictive of respiratory deterioration and intubation. Steadier CRP levels were observed in patients whose condition remained stable.
Researchers created a microfluidic chip that can detect COVID-19 in just 30 minutes using CRISPR technology and 'lab on a chip' technology. The test is faster, cheaper, and more reliable than existing methods, with potential applications for detecting other diseases.
Researchers created a test device using protein biomarkers in dermal interstitial fluid, detecting malaria in 20 minutes and requiring no medical expertise or equipment. The patches could cost around $1 each and be adapted for other diseases with biomarkers in interstitial fluid.
A study examines facility-reported test result turnaround time for residents and staff in US nursing homes, finding average turnaround times of 6.5 days. The research used the Medicare COVID-19 Nursing Home Database to analyze data from over 1,300 facilities.
A yearlong study is being conducted to find the percentage of frontline workers positive for COVID-19, the duration of immunity, and whether antibodies produced protect against reinfection. The study aims to identify the most potent antibodies and develop effective vaccines using monoclonal antibodies.
Researchers found that CTAs were accurate in diagnosing COVID-19 with 83% accuracy when combined with patient feedback and symptoms. The study also identified 30 of the 57 patients as positive for COVID-19, and 20 had suspicious pneumonia on their scans.
Researchers found that sensor data from fitness trackers can identify COVID-19 cases with greater accuracy than symptoms alone. The DETECT study uses mobile app data to analyze changes in heart rate, sleep, and activity levels to detect viral illnesses.
A study of UK oncology staff found that many had COVID-19 antibodies without symptoms and lost positivity after four weeks. Researchers propose routine testing for signs of current or previous infection to protect staff and cancer patients.
A study of 104 grocery store employees in Boston found that those in customer-facing roles were 5 times more likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 than their colleagues. Additionally, three out of four infected workers had no symptoms, highlighting the potential for asymptomatic transmission among key workers.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that nearly 17% of patients who have recovered from COVID-19 can still test positive for the virus. Patients with persistent respiratory symptoms, such as sore throat and rhinitis, were more likely to test positive.
A group of doctors is calling on the government to divert hundreds of millions spent on failing COVID-19 national test and trace service to local primary care, NHS labs, and public health services. This would restore and rebuild needed service capacity, avoiding fragmentation created by private companies.
A new analysis revealed that New York City's COVID-19 outbreak began in late February with at least 109 different sources seeding chains of infection. The study found that over 40% of people who tested positive had no known contact with another infected person before contracting the virus.
Scientists have developed a new diagnostic method that uses cell-free testing to measure neutralizing antibodies against the novel coronavirus. The test has shown promising results, with 92% of participants having antibodies and demonstrating effectiveness in blocking viral binding.