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Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a biologically important type of molecule that consists of a long chain of nucleotide units. Each nucleotide consists of a nitrogenous base, a ribose sugar, and a phosphate.

Mouse-adapted virus model to study persistent COVID induced lung disease

Researchers develop a mouse model to identify early biomarkers and test countermeasures needed to detect and prevent PASC.

21 Feb 2022

Broad-spectrum antiviral activity of picolinic acid against SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A virus

Researchers investigate the potential of picolinic acid (PA) as an anti-SARS-CoV-2 treatment option.

21 Feb 2022

Monitoring rise of SARS-CoV-2 variants in wastewater using genome sequencing

Researchers conduct genomic wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 following the emergence of the Alpha and Delta variants in the United Kingdom.

21 Feb 2022

Scientists use entire human GI tracts to shed light on cellular functions

If you get nervous, you might feel it in your gut. If you eat chili, your gut might revolt, but your friend can eat anything and feel great. You can pop ibuprofen like candy with no ill effects, but your friend's belly might bleed and she might get no pain relief.

21 Feb 2022

Researchers unravel essential final steps in the production of mRNA

Proteins need to interact in a complex manner for a so-called "messenger RNA" (mRNA) to be created in human cells from a precursor molecule. mRNA provides a blueprint for proteins; the first vaccines against the coronavirus are also based on mRNAs.

21 Feb 2022

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant prompts system sciences and precision medicine

In a new review study, researchers aimed to describe the emergence of the Omicron variant, its structure, its impact on health and health systems, and the challenges that can be expected due to this variant.

21 Feb 2022

Pathogens in pneumonia-associated respiratory samples from Wuhan prior to SARS-CoV-2 emergence

An interesting paper in PLoS Pathogens describes the broad situation with respect to respiratory pathogens that cause acute respiratory infection (ARI) and pneumonia in the city.

21 Feb 2022

Molecular characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 variants enabling antibody escape

A new review paper published in PLoS Pathogens discusses the new variants and the structural mechanism underlying antibody-mediated neutralization as well as mutational antibody escape.

21 Feb 2022

Mechanisms of IL-6 expression in peripheral monocyte-derived macrophages infected with SARS-CoV-2

Researchers examined the detailed mechanisms of ‘cytokine storm’ that induces ARDS, often resulting in the death of severely ill COVID-19 patients.

21 Feb 2022

Emergence of new HIV variant underscores importance of monitoring virus mutations

A new study published in the journal Science reported the presence of a subtype-B variant of HIV-1 with remarkably high virulence, circulating in the Netherlands during the past two decades.

20 Feb 2022

N-glycosylation blockers reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection

A new Virology study shows that the N-glycosylation pattern of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial to normal spike activity.

20 Feb 2022

Study reports a highly attenuated SARS-CoV-2 that could serve as a live-attenuated vaccine platform

The research showed a highly attenuated SARS-CoV-2 strain that might be used as a live-attenuated vaccine platform and a BSL-2 experimental system.

18 Feb 2022

Response of peripheral immune cells to ex vivo SARS-CoV-2 exposure compared to SARS-CoV

Researchers characterized the responses of the PBMCs at the individual cell and cell type levels against SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV ex vivo.

18 Feb 2022

Ensitrelvir, a novel SARS-CoV-2 antiviral

S-217622 reduces the viral load and help alleviate the severity of SARS-CoV-2 in infected hamsters.

17 Feb 2022

Research shows alterations in transfer RNAs at the epigenetic level in cancer

A recently published paper in the journal Molecular Cancer by the group of Dr. Manel Esteller, Director of the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, ICREA Research Professor and Genetics Chairman at the University of Barcelona, shows that transfer RNAs for certain amino acids are altered at the epigenetic level in some types of cancer, expressing it in an exaggerated manner in some cases and being deficient in others.

17 Feb 2022

New finding may aid in development of vaccines against future animal-to-human viral diseases

A future vaccine providing protection against a wide range of coronaviruses that jump from their original animal hosts to humans - including SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19 - may be possible, say Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers, based on findings from their recent study.

17 Feb 2022

New open-source software tool could accelerate genetic discoveries

Commercially viable biofuel crops are vital to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and a new tool developed by the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation should accelerate their development - as well as genetic editing advances overall.

17 Feb 2022