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BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine-induced antibodies wane over six month period

Researchers have been investigating the response of antibodies created against SARS-CoV-2 by the Pfizer-BioNTech six months after vaccination.

20 Oct 2021

New approach to predict the enzyme activity using AI

Without enzymes, an organism would not be able to survive. It is these biocatalysts that facilitate a whole range of chemical reactions, producing the building blocks of the cells. Enzymes are also used widely in biotechnology and in our households, where they are used in detergents, for example.

20 Oct 2021

The biochemical mechanisms of remdesivir-mediated RNA synthesis inhibition

A new preprint suggests a fruitful approach to develop such drugs based on biochemical and molecular modeling studies of the drug remdesivir.

19 Oct 2021

Nasal delivery of single-domain antibodies improves SARS-CoV-2 symptoms in animal model

In a recent study published in the journal PLOS Pathogens, scientists showed that nasal administration of a single-domain antibody (VHH), named K-874A, brought about inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 titers in infected lungs of Syrian hamsters.

19 Oct 2021

SARS-CoV-2 antibodies detected in breast milk of vaccinated mothers

Now, a new medRxiv* preprint study finds mothers vaccinated either one of the messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines transferred neutralizing antibodies and cytokines, including interferon-gamma (IFNγ), to a breastfeeding child. Additionally, the humoral response in breastmilk was effective in neutralizing four variants of concern.

18 Oct 2021

Famous scientist joins NYU Langone’s Division of Rheumatology

Nationally recognized for his work studying a novel inflammatory disorder known as VEXAS, David B. Beck, MD, PhD, has joined the Division of Rheumatology at NYU Langone.

18 Oct 2021

How can framing COVID-19 vaccine side-effects affect an individual's willingness to be vaccinated?

Researchers from the University of Munich have investigated how framing vaccine side-effects can affect an individual's willingness to be vaccinated.

18 Oct 2021

Researchers report long-lasting effects of gene therapy in children with deadly immune disorder

Over a decade ago, UCLA physician-scientists began using a pioneering gene therapy they developed to treat children born with a rare and deadly immune system disorder.

18 Oct 2021

Mapping proteo-genomic connections between different human diseases

Hundreds of connections between different human diseases have been uncovered through their shared origin in our genome by an international research team led by scientists from the Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge, challenging the categorization of diseases by organ, symptoms, or clinical specialty.

15 Oct 2021

New wearable and noninvasive device created for less intrusive glucose monitoring

Noninvasive glucose monitoring devices are not currently commercially available in the United States, so people with diabetes must collect blood samples or use sensors embedded under the skin to measure their blood sugar levels.

15 Oct 2021

Study detects the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in semen along with low sperm count

A new study reported findings of semen analysis from a prospective COVID-19 cohort study.

15 Oct 2021

Study reveals unique molecular mechanisms of stomach’s acid pump

Nagoya University researchers and colleagues have improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms of a key protein that makes the stomach acidic. Their findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, could lead to better drugs for stomach ulcers and shed light on the functions of similar proteins across the human body.

15 Oct 2021

Increased transmission in open spike conformations of SARS-CoV-2 variants

Researchers from Yale University and the University of Texas have collaborated to investigate mutations in some VOCs.

14 Oct 2021

Mutation of cysteine residues in NRP1 reduces SARS-CoV-2 spike protein entry into cells

Researchers have been investigating altered protein conformations in variants of concern to provide further insight for future therapies against COVID-19.

14 Oct 2021

COVID-19 booster for immunosuppressed patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers have published correspondence detailing the reasoning behind providing a third booster dose to patients with inflammatory bowel disease that have been treated with drugs that can reduce the response to the COVID-19 vaccines.

14 Oct 2021

Mothers pass on the legacy of stress exposure to future generations

A mother's response to stress can even influence her grandchildren. Biologists at the University of Iowa found that roundworm mothers subjected to heat stress passed, under certain conditions and through modifications to their genes, the legacy of that stress exposure not only to their offspring but even to their offspring's children.

13 Oct 2021

Study reveals the zoonotic potential of the rat Sialodacryoadenitis virus

A new review aimed to describe the current state of knowledge on Sialodacryoadenitis virus, along with its characteristics and potential zoonotic threat.

13 Oct 2021

Anti-rheumatic drug as a potential candidate for treating COVID-19

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) produces inflammatory cytokine storms. But an FDA-approved anti-rheumatic drug, Auranofin, used to treat autoimmune and infectious diseases, may also help serve as an antiviral treatment for COVID-19 infection.

13 Oct 2021