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Omicron RBD mutations increase ACE2 binding and reduce antibody sensitivity

In a study conducted at the Florida International University, USA, scientists have investigated the impact of spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) mutations of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) omicron variant on its interaction with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2).

26 Jan 2022

Cross-recognition of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-elicited T cell responses among different variants

In a new study, researchers evaluated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination-induced T cell responses cross-recognition among the early and novel SARS-CoV-2 variants.

26 Jan 2022

Study suggests synthetic SARS-CoV-2 S glycoprotein coated lipid vesicles are an effective vaccine candidate

In a new study, a team of researchers developed a vaccine candidate with the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) glycoprotein coated onto lipid vesicles which resembles virus-like particles.

26 Jan 2022

The new Omicron subvariant BA.2: what we know so far

Presently, an Omicron subvariant known as BA.2, first identified in late 2021, has made headlines due to its rapid spread.

26 Jan 2022

Broad and potent neutralizing activity of human IgG1 LALA antibody against SARS-CoV-2 variants

A new study has focused on the identification, in vitro binding, and potent neutralizing activity of STI-9167 (plutavimab) against live viruses and pseudotype viruses.

25 Jan 2022

Genetic diagnosis in cerebral palsy patients could change the approach to care

Cerebral palsy, a non-progressing motor impairment that begins in early childhood, has widely been viewed as the result of oxygen deprivation during birth or other birth-related factors such as prematurity.

25 Jan 2022

How artificial intelligence is poised to reshape medicine

In a recent review published in the journal of Nature Medicine, researchers discussed the results of a two-year weekly effort to track and communicate significant developments in medical (artificial intelligence) AI. They included prospective studies as well as developments in medical image analysis that have narrowed the gap between research and implementation.

24 Jan 2022

Common cystic fibrosis drugs work by directly aiding the protein folding process, study shows

Protein misfolding is a likely culprit in many degenerative disorders. Cystic fibrosis, for instance, is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene that prevent the eponymous protein from assuming its proper configuration.

24 Jan 2022

Novel experimental drug designed to silence FUS gene may help treat ALS

Using an experimental drug, researchers were able to suppress a mutated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) gene.

24 Jan 2022

Exploring loss of Y chromosome in white blood cells as a risk-factor of life-threatening COVID-19 in men

Researchers published a study exploring the possibilities of predisposing men for a life-threatening disease course of COVID-19.

24 Jan 2022

Impact of clustered mutations in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron spike function

In a new study, researchers explored the characteristics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant of concern (VOC) Omicron BA.1 sublineage clustered mutations.

24 Jan 2022

Alpaca-derived antibody fragment disrupts interaction between SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and human ACE2

Researchers have been investigating the potential for using nanobodies – special immune particles from llamas and alpacas – against the disease.

24 Jan 2022

Gene replacement therapy could help mend a broken heart, study suggests

How can you mend a broken heart? According to researchers from Japan, in some cases gene replacement therapy just might do the trick.

24 Jan 2022

Nirmatrelvir, Molnupiravir, and Remdesivir hold-up against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in vitro

In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, researchers test three severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antivirals authorized for emergency use by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for their in vitro potency against several SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the currently dominant Omicron train.

23 Jan 2022

Genetic marker linked to higher risk of death in COVID-19 patients

A new study discusses the importance of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the Rab46 gene as a marker of adverse outcomes in high-risk COVID-19 patients.

23 Jan 2022

Novel SARS-CoV-2 mutations reported in chronic HIV patients

A new study describes the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants in three immunocompromised patients.

23 Jan 2022

Paxlovid provides a glimpse into the future against SARS-CoV-2

A recent study reveals that nirmatrelvir is potent and effective against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant.

23 Jan 2022

Scientists develop new drug delivery system for treating genetic diseases

A team of researchers led by Harvard and Broad Institute scientists has developed a new drug delivery system using engineered DNA-free virus-like particles (eVLPs) to package and deliver therapeutic levels of gene-editing proteins to animal models of disease.

22 Jan 2022

Researchers design neural network to predict severity of COVID-19 variants

In a new study, researchers predict the risk of infection with severe coronavirus disease 2019 from the sequence of the spike protein.

21 Jan 2022

Exploring the likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 becoming an endemic disease

Several deadly pandemics have emerged in human history that have either disappeared or turned into epidemics. Researchers explored the likelihood that SARS-CoV-2 would also eventually become an endemic disease.

21 Jan 2022