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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.

Study shows that nucleic acid amplification tests more accurate in detecting SARS-CoV-2 than rapid antigen

Researchers use reference preparations from pooled swab samples to compare the analytical sensitivity of different SARS-CoV-2 assays

30 Nov 2021

Host and in vitro genomic variability of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants

Researchers from the University of Sydney investigate the genomic variability of SARS-CoV-2 within the host and in vitro.

30 Nov 2021

Structure-guided virtual screening identifies novel SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors

A new paper deals with the identification of an antiviral compound that could help in developing additional drugs to help fight COVID-19.

30 Nov 2021

Genetic variations affect and rewire phosphorylation signaling networks in SARS-CoV-2 infection

Researchers study human single nucleotide variants (SNVs) using machine learning to identify amino acid changes that alter kinase-bound sequence motifs.

29 Nov 2021

Extended host range for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern

Researchers used viral pseudotyping to examine whether variants of concern had different host ACE2 receptor usage patterns.

29 Nov 2021

Study uncovers mechanism for insensitivity to key antimalarial drug in new pathogen variant

Malaria is one of the most dangerous infectious diseases. The causative pathogens are microorganisms of the genus Plasmodium.

29 Nov 2021

Immunity found 6 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection in children

A new study suggests that infection-induced antibodies persist, providing protection for at least six months.

29 Nov 2021

Immunogenicity of modified microparticle-adjuvanted SARS-CoV-2 vaccine

Researchers investigated the immunogenicity of a novel adjuvant comprised of a modified porous silicon microparticle for the SARS-CoV-2 S protein RBD subunit vaccine.

29 Nov 2021

Severe COVID-19 may result in premature aging in recovered patients

As COVID-19 has been found to cause frontal cortex impairment similar to aging, the scientists in a recent study attempted to investigate if severe COVID-19 resulted in aging-related molecular signatures in the brain. The findings from this study are published as a preprint on the medRxiv* server.

28 Nov 2021

Study shows plasmacytoid dendritic cells may be a viable target for protection against SARS-CoV-2

A recent research paper by scientists from Denmark reveals that circulating plasmacytoid dendritic cells may be a potential therapeutic target to maintain desired levels of an antiviral compound known as interferon, allowing for the mitigation of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) severity. The study is currently available on the bioRxiv* preprint server while it undergoes peer review.

28 Nov 2021

Study finds no evidence to support favipiravir use in mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 patients

Researchers conducted a Phase II randomized placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial between July 8, 2020, and March 23. 2021.

28 Nov 2021

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant: What we know so far

On November 24, 2021, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) from South Africa.

28 Nov 2021

Complex RNA structures could have untapped therapeutic potential in the fight against COVID-19

To the untrained eye, the loops, kinks and folds in the single strand of RNA that makes up the coronavirus genome look like a jumble of spaghetti or tangled yarn. But to researchers like Amanda Hargrove, a chemistry professor at Duke University, the complex shapes that RNA takes on as it folds upon itself could have untapped therapeutic potential in the fight against COVID-19.

26 Nov 2021