Polymerase Chain Reaction News and Research

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Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a revolutionary laboratory technique that enables the replication of a specific DNA sequence. Using PCR, millions of copies of a target DNA can be easily synthesized within a short period of time.

Sensitive testing system enables rapid, reliable detection of resistance in bacteria

Researchers from the University of Basel have developed a sensitive testing system that allows the rapid and reliable detection of resistance in bacteria.

7 Dec 2020

STE90-C11, a SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody, shows high inhibition of RBD-ACE2 binding

In a new study, researchers describe the identification of a neutralizing antibody that binds to the RBD at the same site as the human host cell receptor.

7 Dec 2020

High-performance ELISA for serology in mild-moderate non-hospitalized COVID-19

A new study describes an ELISA assay that combines the detection of IgM, IgA, and IgG antibodies against the SARS−CoV−2 trimeric spike glycoprotein.

7 Dec 2020

COVID-19 single-shot segmentation for chest CT-based diagnosis

A new study from an artificial intelligence (AI) scientist describes a method to predict COVID-19 from a single chest CT shot.

4 Dec 2020

High seroprevalence of short-lived anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Paris

A recent study indicates a high seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among individuals working in a Paris-based institute.

3 Dec 2020

Guidelines for accurate amplicon-based sequencing of SARS-CoV-2

A new study describes much-needed guidelines for reliable viral sequencing, validated in a large group of clinical samples.

3 Dec 2020

New lab-on-a-chip can process and present results rapidly

The chip, developed at Imperial College London and known as TriSilix, is a 'micro laboratory' which performs a miniature version of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on the spot. PCR is the gold-standard test for detecting viruses and bacteria in biological samples such as bodily fluids, faeces, or environmental samples.

2 Dec 2020

Researchers evaluate the most appropriate test for COVID-19

Until a vaccine is available, curbing the coronavirus pandemic relies heavily on how quickly a potentially exposed individual can be tested and quarantined.

2 Dec 2020

How COVID-19 highlights the uncertainty of medical testing

Dr. Jacqueline Chu considered the man with a negative coronavirus test on the other end of the phone, and knew, her heart dropping, that the test result was not enough to clear him for work.

1 Dec 2020

Chinese woman still sheds SARS-CoV-2 over four months post-infection

A new study by Chinese scientists explore an unusual case of extended viral shedding in a 68-year-old woman up to four months post-infection.

1 Dec 2020

Severe COVID-19 can produce high long-term neutralizing antibodies, study finds

A new study published by a team of scientists in Spain indicates that neutralizing immunity can last for up to 8 months, despite a steep drop in antibody titer over this time.

30 Nov 2020

Steam inhalation therapy found to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 virions

Researchers have published a study on the efficacy of steam inhalations as another possible treatment to help mitigate SARS-CoV-2 infection.

30 Nov 2020

Resveratrol shows potential as SARS-CoV-2 antiviral, study finds

A recent study reveals that resveratrol, a phenolic compound produced by spermatophytes, can inhibit the viral replication SARS-CoV-2.

27 Nov 2020

Monoclonal antibody HB27 shows potent neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2

A new study reports a very promising anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody, HB27, that appears to have two distinct mechanisms of action inhibiting the virus-host cell interaction and subsequent infection.

27 Nov 2020

$Multiple fractionation approach for measuring cancer biomarker enrichment in exosomes$

Multiple fractionation approach for measuring cancer biomarker enrichment in exosomes

Postnova Analytics reports that researchers from the University of Utah have used a novel combination of Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation and Centrifugal Field-Flow Fractionation to measure cancer biomarker enrichment in exosomes.

From Postnova Analytics 27 Nov 2020

Body mass index and severe COVID-19

French researchers led by first author Abdallah Al-Salameh from the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Nutrition, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France, have published findings of their study titled, “The association between body mass index class and coronavirus disease 2019 outcomes,” in the latest issue of the International Journal of Obesity.

26 Nov 2020

COVID-19 may trigger recurrent Guillain–Barré Syndrome episodes, a case study shows

A team of researchers at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, USA, have investigated a case wherein a man experienced recurrent episodes of Guillain–Barré Syndrome after being infected with SARS-CoV-2.

26 Nov 2020

Antihypertensive drugs may reduce COVID-19 mortality in at-risk patients

A new multicenter study that recently appeared on the medRxiv* preprint server in November 2020 has found a lower or equal risk of fatal COVID-19 in hypertensive patients, depending on the type of medication they are on.

26 Nov 2020

Why employers find it so hard to test for COVID

Brandon Hudgins works the main floor at Fleet Feet, a running-shoe store chain, for more than 30 hours a week. He chats with customers, measuring their feet and dashing in and out of the storage area to locate right-sized shoes. Sometimes, clients drag their masks down while speaking. Others refuse to wear masks at all.

25 Nov 2020

SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibodies can persist up to 200 days after symptom onset

Researchers report SARS-CoV-2 antibodies to the spike protein (S protein) can persist 200 days after symptom onset, but that antibodies to the nucleoprotein (N protein) can reduce much more rapidly.

25 Nov 2020