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Getting to the heart of COVID-19 vaccination and its cardiovascular risks

A comprehensive review and meta-analysis found that young adults under 40 have a slightly elevated risk for myocarditis or pericarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. The analysis analyzed data from over 58 million participants and explored the relationship between COVID-19 vaccine and these rare but dangerous adverse reactions.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 1, 2022

Duke-NUS scientists shed new light on key differences in immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines

A new study led by Duke-NUS Medical School scientists found that inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines elicit a broad immune response against different proteins on the virus, while mRNA vaccines stimulate a single spike protein response. This broader T-cell response may be beneficial in preventing severe COVID-19 disease.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2022

Reliably estimating proportion of vaccinated populations in wildlife

Researchers developed a groundbreaking model to estimate bait vaccination effectiveness in wild animals by analyzing the proportion of immunized animals and vaccine applications. The study successfully tested the model using real data from Japan's CSF outbreak, demonstrating a measurable increase in immunized wild boars.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 18, 2022

COVID-19 vaccine developed by Brazilian scientists is ready for clinical trials

A novel COVID-19 vaccine developed by Brazilian scientists combines two SARS-CoV-2 proteins to trigger a cellular immune response. The vaccine, called SpiN, showed promise in animal trials, protecting against three strains of the virus and reducing viral load by up to 50 times.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 6, 2022

SMART and NTU Singapore develop a quick test kit to determine a person’s immunity against COVID-19 and its variants

A team of scientists from SMART and NTU Singapore has developed a rapid point-of-care test kit that measures antibodies against SARS-COV-2 and its variants, offering personalized vaccination strategies. The test kit requires just 10 minutes to show results and has up to 93% accuracy.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeNews article·DateSep 21, 2022

Immunotherapy reduces lung and liver fibrosis in mice

Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a new immunotherapy strategy to eliminate fibroblasts in targeted manner, reducing lung and liver fibrosis in mice. The treatment triggers an immune response via cytotoxic T-cells, eliminating activated connective tissue cells while leaving resting cells undamaged.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

Forgotten orphans left behind in COVID-19 pandemic, study reveals

A global study reveals that COVID-19 has led to a significant increase in orphaned children worldwide. The analysis, conducted by researchers at Australian National University, found that fertility rates, poverty, vaccine coverage, and disease prevalence contribute to the risk of children losing one or both parents during the pandemic.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 31, 2022

New method of nasal vaccine delivery could lead to better vaccines for HIV and COVID-19

Researchers have developed a new way to deliver vaccines through mucosal tissues in the nose, generating strong immune responses in mice and non-human primates. The technology bypasses traditional barriers to delivery by engineering antigens to bind onto albumin, allowing them to effectively target immune tissues.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2022

BU study: BCG vaccine prevents tuberculosis in young children, but not adults

A recent study suggests that the BCG vaccine is effective in preventing tuberculosis (TB) in children under 5 years old. However, adolescents and adults may require additional protection to maintain immunity beyond childhood. The researchers emphasize the need for booster vaccinations and new TB vaccines to supplement the BCG vaccine.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 9, 2022

Extending the shelf life of vaccines

A new hydrogel-based platform increases vaccine thermal stability, enabling distribution in diverse regions without strict temperature control. The technology has the potential to reduce economic costs and health risks associated with cold chain logistics.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2022

Statement from NIH and BARDA on the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine

The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine has been recommended by the CDC for primary series use in US adults ages 18+, following FDA authorization. The vaccine demonstrates 90.4% effectiveness in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 and 100% effectiveness against moderate-to-severe disease. NIH and BARDA supported its development, with NIAID scientists...

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 20, 2022

New fast test discriminates between cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2 after vaccination or infection

Researchers developed a new blood test that can indicate cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2 within 48 hours. The test distinguishes between post-infection and post-vaccination immunity, enabling quick diagnosis for patients unable to produce antibodies. Long-lasting T-cell responses may protect against severe disease in re-infections.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalAllergy·DateJul 20, 2022

New genomic research shows why testing malaria vaccines in the clinic is as rigorous as natural exposure in the field

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have developed a new method to test malaria vaccines that mimics natural exposure, increasing efficiency and accuracy. The study found the vaccine to be effective in both controlled clinical settings and in the field, with promising results for future mass vaccination programs.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 19, 2022

Clever COVID-19

MU researchers have identified specific mutations in the Omicron variant's spike protein that help it evade existing antibodies from vaccines or previous COVID-19 infections. These findings can inform developers of COVID-19 treatments and vaccines, which may need to target different parts of the virus to produce effective outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 18, 2022

Scientists identify what makes the Delta variant dangerous and explain the recent surge in COVID-19 infections

Researchers analyze delta variant's biophysical characteristics, revealing unique traits that evade neutralizing antibodies and contribute to severe symptoms. The study sheds light on why vaccinated individuals can still contract the virus and why delta variant hospitalizations are higher than other variants.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateJul 18, 2022

IVI kicks off first ‘Introductory Course for Biologics Development and Manufacturing’ to train 117 people from 25 LMICs on July 18

The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) has launched a two-week training course for biologics development and manufacturing, targeting low- and middle-income countries. The program aims to enhance local production of vaccines and biologics in LMICs to address vaccine inequity and global pandemic preparedness.