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SARS-Arena reveals hidden hooks in virus

The SARS-Arena program identifies conserved peptides in the SARS-CoV-2 virus that could be used to develop vaccines. The peptides are part of the nucleocapsid protein, which is highly expressed upon infection and highly immunogenic.

SourceRice University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 13, 2022

Coin-sized device detects measles virus in saliva

A novel point-of-care biosensing device has been developed to detect measles virions in human saliva, potentially aiding in viral spread control. The device, smaller than a €1-cent coin or U.S. quarter, utilizes lab-on-a-chip technology and showed high accuracy in experiments.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 7, 2022

Nanoparticle vaccine protects against a spectrum of COVID-19-causing variants and related viruses

A new nanoparticle vaccine has shown promising results in protecting against a spectrum of COVID-19-causing variants and related viruses. The vaccine induces the production of cross-reactive antibodies that recognize virtually every SARS-like betacoronavirus strain, providing broad-spectrum protection against future pandemics.

Inhalable COVID-19 vaccine shows promise in rodent model

Researchers developed an inhalable COVID-19 vaccine that targets the lungs specifically and effectively, allowing for self-administration via an inhaler. The vaccine prototype, RBD-Exo, elicited production of antibodies specific to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in rodent models, offering a promising solution to improve vaccine delivery.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2022

New universal flu vaccine offers broad protection against influenza A virus infections, researchers find

Researchers at Georgia State University developed a universal flu vaccine offering broad cross-protection against different strains and subtypes of influenza A viruses. The vaccine, using M2e-stalk protein genetic fusion, induces immunoglobulin G antibodies and protective cellular T cell immunity in mice.

SourceGeorgia State University·Journalnpj Vaccines·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2022

Researchers advance development of potential Epstein-Barr virus vaccines

Scientists at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have made encouraging progress in developing a vaccine against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is linked to various diseases. The new concept uses nanoparticles displaying dummy copies of gH/gL proteins, stimulating antibody production that can disrupt EBV's ability to infect healthy cells.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2022

Current hepatitis B prevention and treatment strategies are inadequate to meet Ontario's targets

A University of Waterloo study found that current Hepatitis B vaccination, screening, and treatment strategies in Ontario would leave the province short of its goal to reduce preventable infections. The report's authors developed a computer model simulating long-term effects of existing strategies, which they found would only decrease ...

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateJun 14, 2022

‘Alternative facts’ are cons, Illinois Tech philosopher’s paper argues—and journalists can help quash them

Illinois Tech philosopher J.D. Trout argues that journalists should prioritize settled science and dismiss 'alternative facts' as cons. He suggests that reporters should not engage with disputed claims when the scientific consensus is clear, and instead promote epistemic humility and respect for expert knowledge.

SourceIllinois Institute of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Communication·DateJun 14, 2022

Biotechnology platforms enable fast, customizable vaccine production

A Penn State-led team examines the shift to biotechnology platform-based vaccine manufacturing, which enabled rapid production of COVID-19 vaccines. This approach could be applied to future virus research and development, facilitating modular manufacturing and mass customization.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering·TypeCase study·DateJun 13, 2022

New type of pneumococcal vaccine developed by KI scientists

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a new vaccine candidate based on nano-sized membrane vesicles that provide protection against multiple pneumococcal strains. The vaccine target two conserved lipoproteins MalX and PrsA, showing serotype-independent cross-protection.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2022

International study reveals factors contributing to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among healthcare providers

A cross-sectional survey of 23,000 adults in 23 countries found that 15% of healthcare providers reported vaccine hesitancy. Factors associated with hesitancy include lower income and younger age, but not efficacy concerns. Strategies to address hesitancy include training and clear information on vaccine safety and distribution.

SourceElsevier·JournalVaccine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2022

Cedars-Sinai May research highlights

Recent studies from Cedars-Sinai have shed light on the importance of a gene in embryo development and its potential link to physical abnormalities. Additionally, research has shown that getting vaccinated against Covid-19 can strengthen immune responses in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The institution is also working on ne...

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 26, 2022

Long COVID poses risks to vaccinated people, too

A new study found that vaccinated people with mild breakthrough COVID-19 infections can experience debilitating long COVID symptoms. Vaccination reduced the risk of death by 34% and long COVID by 15%, but not all manifestations were prevented. Researchers emphasize the need for additional layers of protection to mitigate risks.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 25, 2022

Dynamics of adaptive immunity in tuberculosis uncovered

Researchers discovered that adaptive immune response against TB matures over time, with key players in immunity becoming activated by three months after infection. The emergence of these activated T cells is inversely correlated with the number of granuloma-contained live bacteria, suggesting they play critical roles in bacterial control.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 17, 2022

Nearly 700,000 US hospitalizations and 110,000 deaths prevented from the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, national study finds

A national study found that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine prevented 8.7 million symptomatic cases, 690,000 hospitalizations, and 110,000 deaths in the US. The vaccine also saved more than $30 billion in healthcare costs and over $40 billion in lost productivity.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Medical Economics·TypeObservational study·DateMay 16, 2022

Researchers outline need for new approach to COVID-19 vaccine testing

Researchers at Rutgers University propose a new approach to COVID-19 vaccine testing by combining conventional and challenge trials. This parallel approach, called Combining Conventional and Challenge trials (CCC), aims to facilitate faster and more accurate vaccine assessment and more effective pandemic response.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 12, 2022

NUS-Monash University collaboration produces universal flu vaccine candidate

Researchers from NUS and Monash University develop a novel vaccine platform to deliver M2e to immune cells, triggering long-lasting immune responses against multiple flu strains. The single-shot vaccine approach enhances protective immunity in pre-existing flu immunity populations.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2022