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‘You just emotionally break’: understanding COVID-19 narratives through public health humanities

A new essay highlights how news stories about healthcare workers during COVID-19 often left out crucial socioeconomic and environmental contexts, which can impact consumer thoughts and responses. By introducing a public health framework, experts aim to broaden storytelling and reframed scientific information dissemination.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMedical Humanities·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 25, 2023

Several vaccines associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease in adults 65 and older

Researchers found that vaccines against tetanus, diphtheria, and shingles, as well as pneumococcus, may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by 25-30% in adults over 65. Vaccination is hypothesized to change how the immune system responds to toxic proteins contributing to Alzheimer’s disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·DateAug 16, 2023

The Access to Advanced Health Institute receives $18 million award to develop a temperature stable, single-dose chikungunya RNA vaccine through a phase 1 clinical trial

The Access to Advanced Health Institute has received an $18 million award from the NIH to develop a temperature-stable, single-dose chikungunya RNA vaccine candidate. The vaccine uses innovative RNA platform technology to protect against the virus, which causes debilitating joint and muscle pain in endemic areas.

Novel Raman technique breaks through 50 years of frustration

A novel Raman technique called thermostable-Raman-interaction-profiling (TRIP) allows for label-free and highly reproducible Raman spectroscopy measurements, breaking a 50-year-old challenge. The TRIP method enables the detection of protein-ligand interactions in real-time, potentially shortening drug and vaccine testing timelines.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2023

Low binding affinity improves vaccine efficacy

Researchers developed a novel vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 by selecting antigen variants with low binding affinity, resulting in higher neutralizing antibody concentrations. This design strategy may also improve vaccine efficacy for other coronaviruses and herpes viruses.

SourceBIH at Charité·JournalEuropean Journal of Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2023

New algorithm may fuel vaccine development

Researchers have developed a computational tool to compare large datasets and predict immune responses to disease, potentially leading to better vaccines. The new algorithm, designed by La Jolla Institute for Immunology scientists, uses machine learning to identify underlying patterns in immune system data.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 25, 2023

A chance to design better vaccines?

Researchers developed a bioinformatic tool that selects parts of proteins to elicit strong immune responses. This approach, grounded in immunological theory, was four times more efficient than current methods, suggesting better vaccine protection against diseases.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalBiology Methods and Protocols·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 25, 2023

People with more empathy more likely to support international sharing of coronavirus vaccines, study shows

A survey of 2,000 German adults found that people with higher levels of empathy and cosmopolitanism are more likely to prioritize sharing vaccine supplies internationally. The study suggests that there is substantial public support for international vaccine solidarity when infection rates are at a modest level and falling.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJul 13, 2023

Vaccine candidate prevents diarrhea, improves growth in animal model

A vaccine originally developed to prevent bacteria-caused diarrhea has been found to also help infant nonhuman primates grow faster, according to a new study. The researchers found that vaccinated baby monkeys were taller than the unvaccinated when measured from head to toe, with a significant improvement in growth rate.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2023

Supportive communities can help increase breastfeeding rates for moms, MU study finds

A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that supportive communities and education about breastfeeding health benefits can boost breastfeeding rates, particularly in rural areas where it is less common. The study also showed that reduced stigma surrounding breastfeeding occurred with increased community exposure.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPublic Health Nursing·TypeSurvey·DateJul 3, 2023

All the immunity, none of the symptoms

Researchers found that an iron-rich diet can prevent deadly symptoms in mice during active infection, while a functional adaptive immune system is required for immunity against future infections. The study paves the way for the development of new vaccines that could promote immunity for those with diarrheal diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2023

New rapid viral plaque detection system, aided by deep learning and holographic imaging, can help accelerate vaccine and drug development

A new rapid viral plaque detection system enabled by holography and deep learning can help accelerate vaccine and drug development. The system reduces the detection time of traditional viral plaque assays by up to 48 hours, eliminating chemical staining and manual counting.

SourceCalifornia NanoSystems Institute·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023

New method enables study of nano-sized particles

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new method called single-particle profiling (SPP) to study bioparticles in health and disease. The SPP enables the measurement of thousands of particles between 5 and 200 nanometres in size, with potential applications in vaccine development and creating more effective nanocarriers.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 12, 2023

Personalized vaccines may revolutionize cancer treatment

Researchers have made a breakthrough in treating melanoma by adding an mRNA vaccine tailored to individual tumour genetics to common immunotherapy, significantly improving survival and disease recurrence rates. After two years, cancer-free survival increased to 78.6%, and the risk of death or cancer returning was reduced by 44%.

SourceEdith Cowan University·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 8, 2023

Are pandemic lockdowns and vaccinations complements or substitutes? Lessons learned from COVID-19 should be considered in future pandemics

Researchers found that boosting vaccine use can reduce lockdown intensity and duration, but the relationship varies based on factors like disease severity and vaccination speed. The study suggests a nuanced approach to balancing lockdowns and vaccinations in future pandemics.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalEuropean Journal of Operational Research·DateMay 30, 2023

Researchers use ‘natural’ system to identify proteins most useful for developing an effective HIV vaccine

A Johns Hopkins Medicine-led team identified protein fragments that stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack HIV. The study's technique, called reductionist cell-free antigen processing, replicates the complex events in the human immune system, enabling the identification of immunodominant epitopes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 30, 2023

Researchers identify strong T-cell response in first-in-human nanoparticle HIV vaccine

The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, shows robust T-cell responses in volunteers participating in a phase 1 clinical trial of a self-assembling nanoparticle HIV vaccine. The antigen used stimulates VRC01-class B cells, an immune response considered promising for boosting in further studies.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 24, 2023

Making vaccines longer lasting

A recent study by Monash University researchers found that a unique subtype of an immune cell produces long-lasting antibodies in response to certain vaccinations. This discovery may lead to the development of improved vaccines providing life-long protection.

SourceMonash University·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2023

COVID-19: institutional politics was crucial to success of vaccine technology transfer in Brazil

Researchers found that Fiocruz's partnership with AstraZeneca was crucial to the success of COVID-19 vaccine production in Brazil. The partnership demonstrated the importance of technology transfer agreements, regulatory support, and political skill. Bio-Manguinhos facility played a significant role in producing vaccines, making over 5...

Liverpool begins first human trial of new Zika vaccine

The University of Liverpool is conducting a Phase I trial of a new Zika virus vaccine designed for pregnant women, which has shown promising results in animal studies. The vaccine aims to generate highly protective and long-lasting immunity against the mosquito-borne virus that can cause severe foetal birth defects.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 27, 2023

BCG vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 in healthcare workers

A world-leading international trial has found that the BCG vaccine does not protect healthcare workers against COVID-19, despite boosting 'front-line' immunity in infants and protecting against respiratory infections. The research involved 3988 healthcare workers and showed a higher risk of symptomatic COVID-19 in the BCG group.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 26, 2023

The first line of vaccines was highly effective at restricting COVID-19’s damage, according to a new Concordia study

The primary COVID-19 vaccines provided adequate protection against transmission, hospitalization, and death, but their effectiveness waned in the face of the Omicron variant. The study found that vaccines developed prior to Omicron's emergence were 83% effective against infection at baseline, but this decreased to 47% by 40 weeks.

SourceConcordia University·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 13, 2023