Pathogen News and Research

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Research finds key factors that could lead to further pandemics

Humans are creating or exacerbating the environmental conditions that could lead to further pandemics, new University of Sydney research finds.

30 Mar 2021

Researchers develop novel test that screens for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern

A team of scientists from the United States has recently developed a single-tube duplex molecular assay for rapid detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants containing E484K and N501Y spike mutations.

30 Mar 2021

Researchers develop broadly neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 ferritin nanoparticle vaccine

In the continued need for next-generation vaccines that confer broad protection against COVID-19, scientists developed an adjuvanted SARS-CoV-2 Spike Ferritin Nanoparticle (SpFN) vaccine.

30 Mar 2021

Apes mount a much stronger early immune response compared to African and Asian monkeys

A new study out of the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in humans, chimpanzees, rhesus macaques and baboons has found key differences in early gene expression in response to pathogen exposure, highlighting the importance of choosing the right animal model for the right questions.

29 Mar 2021

UVA-led researchers urge rapid action to better prepare for the next pandemic

An international team of researchers led by a University of Virginia School of Medicine professor is warning that scientists must better prepare for the next pandemic - and has developed a plan to do just that.

29 Mar 2021

Researchers develop new rapid and highly sensitive SAR-CoV-2 RNA detection test

In an alternative approach to the PCR-based methods, CRISPR-Cas proteins have been employed by a large team of researchers to identify the SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA in patient samples with PCR-derived cycle threshold (Ct) values up to 22 - corresponding to ~1600 copies/µl in the assay.

29 Mar 2021

Persistent impact on smell and taste in COVID-19 patients one year later

The presentation of the infection ranges from asymptomatic, through dry cough with fever, anosmia/dysgeusia, to shortness of breath with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A new preprint research paper posted to the medRxiv* server reports on the clinical progression of anosmia and dysgeusia, in particular, one year after the infection.

29 Mar 2021

Single Sputnik V vaccine dose elicits robust immune response in previously infected individuals

A new preprint research paper posted to the medRxiv server describes successful immunization of the vaccinated population with a single dose of the Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine.

29 Mar 2021

Selecting SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors in human airway epithelial cells

In a recent article currently available on the bioRxiv* preprint server, researchers from Belgium and the U.S. demonstrated a robust replication model for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) isolates in primary human epithelial cells at the air-liquid interface and appraised the antiviral effect of selected viral replication inhibitors.

28 Mar 2021

New mathematical model identifies role of super-spreaders in SARS-CoV-2 variant emergence

Researchers have developed a new mathematical model which helps characterize factors responsible for the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants and their predominance.

26 Mar 2021

COVID-19 pandemic lockdown measures have caused body weight increases in U.S., finds study

Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, studied the body weight changes of a longitudinal cohort during the initial SIP (shelter-in-place) orders to better understand the possible downstream health implications of a prolonged SIP. They found a significant increase in body weight over the post-SIP period at a rate of roughly a pound and a half weight gain per month following SIP.

26 Mar 2021

DAPK3 slows tumor growth by activating fierce-sounding STING pathway

The glow of a panther's eyes in the darkness. The zig-zagging of a shark's dorsal fin above the water. Humans are always scanning the world for threats.

26 Mar 2021

New study may shed light on inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers have found an unexpected synergy between a T-cell stimulatory protein -- the ICOS ligand -- and interleukin-10, an immunoregulatory cytokine, to prevent inflammatory bowel disease in mice.

26 Mar 2021

Identification of specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies with cross-neutralization potency

A team of scientists from the USA and Canada recently characterized the cross-neutralizing potency of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies isolated from COVID-19 patients. The findings reveal that some of the isolated antibodies targeting the spike RBD and the S2 subunit are capable of cross-neutralizing other members of the human beta-coronavirus family.

25 Mar 2021

Could an mRNA vaccine second dose reduce cellular immunity in previously infected individuals?

A new study, which was released on the bioRxiv* preprint server, shows the differential effect that a standard vaccine protocol may have on individuals, based on their history of prior infection with the virus.

25 Mar 2021

Could dry swabs provide cheaper, safer and faster material for SARS-CoV-2 testing?

A new study deals with the feasibility of using dry swab samples to isolate the virus, as compared to wet swabs, to reduce costs while improving safety.

25 Mar 2021

New therapeutic vaccine uses patient's own tumor cells to aid in cancer destruction

Immunotherapy, which recruits the body's own immune system to attack cancer, has given many cancer patients a new avenue to treat the disease.

24 Mar 2021

Neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in mice depend on Fc effector function

A new study reports the essential nature of Fc-mediated functionalities in determining the efficacy of such antibodies.

24 Mar 2021

Potent nanobody binds SARS-CoV-2 spike in an extraordinary manner

In a new study, published recently on the bioRxiv preprint server, researchers isolated a nanobody that potently neutralizes SARS-CoV-2, including the B.1.351 variant, and cross-neutralizes SARS-CoV. They demonstrated the therapeutic potential of the nanobody in a human ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme) transgenic mouse model.

24 Mar 2021

Correlation of antibody titers with COVID-19 vaccine efficacy

In a new study the relationship between virus-neutralizing antibody and spike protein-binding IgG antibody levels is explored following vaccination by one of seven currently deployed vaccines. The findings support the use of antibody titers as correlates of protection for COVID-19 vaccines.

23 Mar 2021

Pathogen News and Research

Research finds key factors that could lead to further pandemics

Researchers develop novel test that screens for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern

Researchers develop broadly neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 ferritin nanoparticle vaccine

Apes mount a much stronger early immune response compared to African and Asian monkeys

UVA-led researchers urge rapid action to better prepare for the next pandemic

Researchers develop new rapid and highly sensitive SAR-CoV-2 RNA detection test

Persistent impact on smell and taste in COVID-19 patients one year later

Single Sputnik V vaccine dose elicits robust immune response in previously infected individuals

Selecting SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors in human airway epithelial cells

New mathematical model identifies role of super-spreaders in SARS-CoV-2 variant emergence

COVID-19 pandemic lockdown measures have caused body weight increases in U.S., finds study

DAPK3 slows tumor growth by activating fierce-sounding STING pathway

New study may shed light on inflammatory bowel disease

Identification of specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies with cross-neutralization potency

Could an mRNA vaccine second dose reduce cellular immunity in previously infected individuals?

Could dry swabs provide cheaper, safer and faster material for SARS-CoV-2 testing?

New therapeutic vaccine uses patient's own tumor cells to aid in cancer destruction

Neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in mice depend on Fc effector function

Potent nanobody binds SARS-CoV-2 spike in an extraordinary manner

Correlation of antibody titers with COVID-19 vaccine efficacy

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