Articles tagged with Virus Testing
A new portable COVID-19 test can detect and differentiate the alpha variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from earlier strains in saliva samples. The test uses a genetic phenomenon called S-gene target failure to identify the alpha variant, and can be used at home or other settings.
Researchers found that vaccination greatly reduces the infectious viral load caused by COVID-19 variants Delta and Omicron. However, boosted individuals showed a significant reduction in viral load compared to unvaccinated people. The study highlights the importance of updated knowledge for combating new variants.
Researchers have developed a rapid COVID-19 test that uses molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles to detect SARS-CoV-2. The new test is more sensitive and works under extreme conditions than existing antibody-based tests, with preliminary results indicating it can detect a 6,000-times lower amount of the virus.
Independent sector providers are the least likely to be compliant with national guidelines and standards for online STI test services in the UK. The study found that many providers failed to provide adequate health promotion information, triage, or advice on accessing preventive treatment after exposure to HIV.
Researchers have developed a new 3D printing technique to fabricate microfluidic devices with precise channels at the microscale. This breakthrough allows for accurate creation of channels in clear resin, enabling applications such as COVID-19 detection and cancer research.
A new diagnostic kit called Cygnus detects Dengue Fever with improved rates, beating lateral flow testing and matching hospital-based lab diagnostics. The tests also identify the specific virus type causing the infection, offering a potential solution for widespread disease detection.
The UGA team developed a rapid test for COVID-19 with high sensitivity and specificity, detecting the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. The test has a detection time of less than 10 minutes and can detect all COVID-19 variants.
The study found significant improvements in blood flow through the heart and quality of life at one year, with all 36 patients achieving a reduction in tricuspid regurgitation severity. Longer follow-up is needed to determine how well the device continues to perform.
The SAVE program, a NIH initiative, provides real-time risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 variants on immune protection. It uses a coordinated approach to identify and curate data about these variants, their impact on immunity, and their effects on vaccine protection.
A new study introduces a commercially available test that enables laboratories with real-time PCR capabilities to detect known SARS-CoV-2 variants. The assay is faster and more cost-effective than traditional sequencing methods, allowing for more widespread tracking of circulating variants.
Researchers have discovered that UV-LED lights can inactivate coronaviruses and HIV within seconds, making them a promising tool for disinfecting public spaces. The study found that repeated exposure to UV light is key to catching virus particles, and the lights are easy to retrofit into existing fixtures.
A multicenter study found mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 N protein associated with increased viral loads and severe disease symptoms. The changes enabled the virus to hijack host cell translation machinery, leading to a life-threatening cytokine storm.
A University of Gothenburg study found that IgA antibodies present in the respiratory tract protected healthcare workers from contracting COVID-19. The research, published in the European Journal of Immunology, suggests that these antibodies may play a crucial role in preventing severe illness and hospitalization.
Researchers found a nearly 16-fold higher prevalence of olfactory cleft abnormalities in patients with COVID-19 and olfactory dysfunction compared to controls. The blockages are expected to resolve with time, but nerve damage may be more difficult to recover from.
Genetic testing of saliva samples has been shown to be more quick and sensitive than nasal swab testing for detecting SARS-CoV-2 virus, with implications for improving public acceptance of COVID-19 testing and reducing healthcare worker risks
A new PCR test can quickly identify all SARS-CoV-2 variants in a positive patient sample, providing crucial information for public health professionals and policymakers. The assay has been shown to have high sensitivity and specificity, making it an valuable tool in monitoring emerging strains.
A blood test may identify risk of stillbirth and placentitis in pregnant individuals who have had COVID-19. The finding could improve care for high-risk pregnancies and lead to the development of a new screening tool.
A new study found that fewer than 2% of babies born to mothers with COVID-19 test positive for the virus, but those with severe cases or diagnosed after childbirth are more likely to be infected. Vaginal births and breastfeeding do not increase the risk of transmission.
Lab tests show antiviral therapies like remdesivir, molnupiravir, and nirmatrelvir remain effective against the BA.2 variant. Some monoclonal antibodies, such as Evusheld, also appear to be more effective against BA.2 than earlier strains.
A novel diagnostic platform has been developed for rapid, low-cost and decentralized patient testing for infectious diseases like Zika. The platform achieved a diagnostic accuracy of 98.5% with 268 patient samples collected in Recife, Brazil.
Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology developed a microchip capable of detecting ultra-low concentrations of prostate cancer antigens using flexible nanosheets. The chip's lower detection limit is comparable to that of large testing devices, enabling fast and accurate diagnosis.
A new study from Oregon Health & Science University found that people infected with SARS-CoV-2 develop durable immunity against variants for at least 11 months. The research suggests that immune protection may endure long-term, potentially reducing the need for vaccine booster shots.
A new study found that clear and consistent messaging is key to reducing risk-taking behavior, while personality-based approaches are less effective. The research used a simulated pandemic game to test different interventions and demonstrates the potential for behavioral sciences to inform public health policy.
Experts warn that Innova lateral flow tests may miss up to 20% of viral culture positive cases and 81% of university screen testing without symptoms. Policy makers must be aware of these limitations when making decisions about COVID-19 testing and contact tracing.
A new variant of the Hendra virus has been detected in Australian horses, emphasizing the need for ongoing disease surveillance. The discovery was made possible by a seven-year effort to create a network of frontline veterinarians and researchers aiming to detect new viruses.
A new study from the University of Gothenburg detects SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus particles in microscopically small fluid droplets exhaled by patients with COVID-19. The findings show that a few breaths are sufficient to detect viral RNA, offering potential for easy and convenient breath tests.
A new low-cost, portable instrument uses photonic technology to detect SARS-CoV-2 in saliva samples with high sensitivity and speed. The device can measure small quantities of virus like PCR tests but is as fast as rapid antigen tests.
Developed by University of Seville researchers, the new methodology has a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 87.5%. It can detect SARS-CoV-2 in saliva and synthetic viruses with minimal equipment and training.
A small study found statistically significant improvements in various symptoms, including fatigue and chest discomfort, after EECP therapy in long COVID patients. Researchers believe this is the most plausible explanation for the benefits derived from EECP and its link to long COVID.
A Rutgers study found that hospital patients with repeated negative RT-PCR tests but exhibiting COVID-19 signs and/or symptoms were half as likely to receive treatment as those who tested positive. The study suggests that clinicians should not solely rely on RT-PCR tests for COVID-19 diagnosis.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a novel droplet manipulation method called WRAP, which can transport micro-sized droplets using electromagnets or programmable electromagnetic fields. The method overcomes challenges in traditional magnetic actuation, such as contamination from added magnetic particles.
A new US-based study published in PLOS Biology found that most people who have had COVID-19 are protected against reinfection for at least six months. The research analyzed data from 4,441 SpaceX employees and estimated an odds ratio of 0.14 to 0.28 for reinfection depending on the time period considered.
A survey of over 1,100 people in the US found that lack of COVID-19 testing availability increases intentions for risky behavior, potentially leading to increased transmission. Participants with negative tests showed greater intention to engage in behaviors facilitating viral transmission.
A team of scientists has developed a three-dimensional airway model made from patient-derived stem cells to study COVID-19 infection. The model replicates the initial stages of infection and can be used to test potential antiviral drugs, with results showing that multi-ciliated airway cells are the primary entry point for the virus.
Researchers developed a new reagent-free detection technique for SARS-CoV-2 using Raman spectroscopy and machine learning. The method shows an accuracy of 80% in detecting COVID-19 infections from saliva samples, overcoming limitations of RT-PCR testing.
Surveillance testing using saliva-based PCR tests significantly reduced community COVID-19 spread, catching 62% of positive cases in the Fall 2020 semester. By combining testing with mitigation strategies like masking and social distancing, Georgia Tech reduced positivity rates from 4.1% to below 0.5%.
Biologists isolated the SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein in its pure form to create more accurate antibody tests. The new approach significantly improves sensitivity, increasing the ability to detect antibodies to the nucleoprotein. This breakthrough helps determine if vaccinated individuals have been infected with COVID-19.
A team of researchers used wastewater-based epidemiology to detect SARS-CoV-2 in more areas of the Olympic village than clinical testing indicated. The study found that daily screenings missed asymptomatic and post-quarantine patients, highlighting the need for alternative methods.
Researchers have developed a rapid and accurate breathalyzer test that can diagnose COVID-19 in under 5 minutes, identifying asymptomatic carriers. The handheld device uses surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensors to detect volatile organic compounds exhaled by infected individuals.
Researchers have developed a novel method for detecting viruses like Ebola and SARS CoV-2 using simple, inexpensive, and fast nano-sensors. The Nano2RED technology provides 10 times better sensitivity than existing ELISA tests and can be produced at a cost of around 1 cent per test.
A Dartmouth study reveals that consumers using at-home COVID-19 self tests may misinterpret the implications of their test results, leading to either unnecessary or inadequate quarantine. The study suggests that individuals at high risk for infection should still quarantine after a negative test result.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully transplanted a kidney from a COVID-19 donor, demonstrating that healthy kidneys from such donors can be safely transplanted. The recipient has shown no signs or symptoms of the virus and has excellent kidney function since the transplant.
A study published in European Respiratory Journal found pulse oximeters give false readings of up to 7% higher in patients with Mixed, Black, and Asian ethnicities compared to White patients. This can delay timely treatment for Covid-19 pneumonia, leading to poorer outcomes.
A Brazilian study found that SARS-CoV-2 can persist in patients for over a month before becoming negative on diagnostic tests. Researchers tracked 38 COVID-19 patients and found that the virus remained detectable in three cases for more than 70 days, raising concerns about quarantine periods.
Lab tests show current anti-COVID pills remain effective against omicron, but available antibody therapies are substantially less effective. Researchers tested various treatments and found that some antibodies have lost their ability to neutralize omicron at realistic dosages.
A new portable $51 testing kit can provide fast and reliable COVID-19 detection in resource-poor regions, refugee camps, and disaster zones. The non-invasive saliva sampling system uses a technique similar to PCR testing, with costs comparable to commercial tests.
The new test, developed at the Paul Scherrer Institute, uses a novel functional principle to provide reliable results on Covid-19 disease progression and its course. It can also detect other diseases and Covid variants, offering more predictive power than existing rapid antigen tests.
Researchers at University of Washington developed a fast, cheap test for COVID-19 that combines speed of antigen tests with accuracy of PCR tests. The Harmony COVID-19 test detects genetic material from SARS-CoV-2 virus with 97% accuracy and provides results in under 20 minutes.
A UK study found that over a third of care home residents and a quarter of staff in England showed evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first two waves of the pandemic. The study also revealed that antibodies against the virus became undetectable in half of the population within eight months.
A new study of over 4 million adults in the UK found that people with COVID-19 symptoms are less likely to get tested due to barriers such as mild symptoms, poor knowledge of nearby testing sites, and certain demographic factors. The study suggests that targeted messaging and improved education are needed to increase test uptake.
Researchers created a novel molecular diagnostic platform that can detect COVID-19 genes after only 8 cycles of amplification, significantly reducing the time required for diagnosis. The new SERS-PCR platform uses gold nanoparticles to produce high-sensitivity signals, providing an important tool in the fight against the pandemic.
A recent study published in Pediatric Research found no SARS-CoV-2 genetic material in breastmilk from mothers infected with COVID-19, ruling out transmission to infants. The authors analyzed 110 lactating women and did not find any clinical evidence of infection in breastfeeding infants.
A pooled data analysis of 8 commonly used COVID-19 lateral flow tests found they fell short of minimum criteria set by WHO and US/UK regulators. The tests' accuracy varied between children with and without symptoms, raising concerns about their use in schools.
Researchers have developed a label-free detection technique that digitally counts intact SARS-CoV-2 virus particles in saliva or exhaled breath. The approach uses an aptamer attached to a biosensor to selectively recognize and capture viruses, providing lower cost and reduced time to diagnose infections.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that 13% of people who tested positive for COVID-19 on standard PCR tests remained clinically relevant for the virus beyond 10 days. This could pose a risk of onward transmission, and the authors recommend applying the newly adapted test to settings where vulnerable individuals are present.
Researchers developed a color-coded test that quickly signals whether medical nanoparticles deliver their cargo into target cells. The tool, tested in mouse cells and living mice, assesses nanoparticle formulations on their ability to escape cellular defenses and reach the cell's interior.
Researchers developed a microfluidic chip for rapid and simultaneous diagnosis of COVID-19 and influenza diseases, achieving results within 30 minutes. The device uses the LAMP method for genetic amplification and has potential applications in various fields beyond human infectious diseases.
Researchers have developed an at-home COVID-19 test with a high-quality assay that can detect the virus with similar reliability to laboratory-based molecular tests. The new test uses loop-mediated isothermal amplification and has unique advantages, such as speed and direct detection of viral RNA in saliva.
Experts from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin will deliver SARS-CoV-2 tests and train laboratory staff to monitor the Mu variant, which has spread widely throughout Colombia. The team will also support local authorities with antibody testing and knowledge transfer to inform pandemic control decisions.
Researchers have created a cheap and rapid COVID-19 test using isothermal amplification, making it possible to detect any COVID-19 variants. The new system combines existing LAMP technology with novel coronavirus genome markers, allowing for quick detection without specialized equipment.