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NTU Singapore scientists create device that uses ‘light tweezers’ to trap and move viruses

Researchers developed a device that uses light to manipulate and isolate individual viruses, enabling precise diagnosis, treatment, and study of viruses. The device has the potential to aid in vaccine development and research on SARS-CoV-2 virus, allowing for targeted analysis of specific virus mutants.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalACS Sensors·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

BBQ lighter, combined with microneedles, sparks breakthrough in COVID-19 vaccine delivery

Researchers at Georgia Tech and Emory University have developed an innovative method for delivering vaccines, including those for COVID-19, using a handheld electroporator. The device is powered by a BBQ lighter and uses microneedle technology to reduce the complexity and cost of vaccine delivery.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Researchers demonstrate vaccination approach in mice that could prevent future coronavirus outbreaks

Researchers in Japan developed a vaccination approach that promotes the production of antibodies neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. The new strategy involves genetically engineering the spike protein receptor-binding domain to shield its head region, boosting antibody production against the core region.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2021

From Alpha to Epsilon: Consortium study illuminates surfaces of Spike most resistant to antibody escape

A global collaboration has identified three groups of antibodies resistant to mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, which could target vulnerable sites on the protein. The study provides a framework for selecting durable antibody cocktails for COVID-19 treatment and will guide the development of more effective antibody therapies.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2021

Mathematical constructions of COVID virus activity could provide new insight for vaccines, treatment

Researchers developed a mathematical model to study the action of SARS-CoV-2, enabling the examination of individual virus particles and their spikes. This analysis can help fine-tune prevention and treatment by providing insights into viral load, spike distribution, and cell infection potential.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications·DateSep 23, 2021

The COVID-19 virus rapidly evolves to higher infectivity during in vitro growth, which may be a step toward lower virulence

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that SARS-CoV-2 viruses grown in successive generations exhibit increased infectivity, binding to heparan sulfate, and reduced virulence. The study suggests that evolved strains may be used as a basis for development of stable live attenuated vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJournal of Virology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2021

The Lancet: Scientific evidence to date on COVID-19 vaccine efficacy does not support boosters for general population, expert review concludes

A recent expert review published in The Lancet concludes that COVID-19 vaccine efficacy against severe disease is high, but booster doses for the general population are not necessary. Vaccination remains highly effective against severe disease, including variants like delta and alpha.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 13, 2021

Low-poverty US communities may eliminate cervical cancer by 2030 but high-poverty communities may lag behind

A predictive model estimated that cervical cancer may be eliminated in the US by 2030 in low-poverty areas, but not until 2044 in high-poverty areas. Health care disparities are a major contributor to these disparities, including lower vaccination rates and higher prevalence of cancer-causing HPV types.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·DateSep 9, 2021

These fridge-free COVID-19 vaccines are grown in plants and bacteria

Researchers at the University of California - San Diego have developed COVID-19 vaccine candidates made from plant viruses and bacteriophages, which can be stored and shipped without refrigeration. These vaccines trigger high production of neutralizing antibodies in mice, offering a potential solution for global distribution efforts.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2021

Double vaccination halves risk of Long COVID

Researchers at King's College London found that double vaccination significantly reduces the risk of Long COVID, with a 49% lower likelihood of contracting the virus. Fully vaccinated individuals also experience milder symptoms, fewer hospitalizations, and a lower burden of acute symptoms.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateSep 1, 2021

COVID-19: An innovative candidate vaccine shows efficacy in preclinical models

A novel COVID-19 vaccine candidate demonstrates high efficacy in preclinical models by stimulating the immune system and inducing a robust neutralizing antibody response. The vaccine protects against reinfection and provides better protection than natural immunity, making it a potential supplement to existing vaccines.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2021

Berkeley Lab science snapshots

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have made significant breakthroughs in developing a highly effective COVID-19 antibody therapy and an efficient thermoelectric system that can convert waste heat to electricity. The new antibody, S309, has been shown to neutralize all known SARS-CoV-2 strains and may be more difficult for new mutants to escape.

A COVID-19 vaccine strategy to give the body ‘border protection’

A new research strategy enhances COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness by providing 'border protection' immunity in the nose, mouth and blood. The approach involves suppressing an enzyme that breaks down both pathogens and immune cells, resulting in a robust antibody response and improved protection against infections.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Biomaterial vaccines ward off broad range of bacterial infections and septic shock

Researchers developed a biomaterial-based infection vaccine (ciVAX) approach to combat infectious diseases. ciVAX vaccines combine two technologies that capture immunogenic antigens from pathogens and reprogram the immune system, offering potential solutions for sepsis prophylaxis, pandemic threats, and biothreats.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 8, 2021

Conquering COVID-19 with antivirals

Creating an oral antiviral has the potential to fully eradicate COVID-19 by allowing early treatment, preventing hospitalizations and fatalities. However, progress in antiviral development has been slow compared to vaccine development, highlighting the need for continued research.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 26, 2021

Opioid vaccine in the works

Researchers are developing an opioid vaccine that targets fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, to reduce respiratory depression. The vaccine stimulates the body to create powerful antibodies that bind to opioid molecules, preventing them from reaching the brain and reducing overdose risk.