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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.

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

Study assesses T-cell responses directed against highly conserved regions of SARS-CoV-2

The study aimed to assess whether highly conserved regions within coronaviruses harbor CD8+ T-cell epitopes, capable of being cross-recognized between different coronaviruses.

18 Oct 2021

Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 helicase by single DNA lesions

In a paper, the impact of specific DNA lesions is investigated regarding the unwinding activity of NSP13.

18 Oct 2021

Researchers identify protein that plays a key role in how the brain regulates appetite and metabolism

Researchers from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University have identified a protein that plays a key role in how the brain regulates appetite and metabolism.

18 Oct 2021

Scientists pave the way for creating 'mini biological computers' in droplets

Scientists have worked out how to best get DNA to communicate with membranes in our body, paving the way for the creation of 'mini biological computers' in droplets that have potential uses in biosensing and mRNA vaccines.

18 Oct 2021

Research indicates that mRNA vaccine-induced T cells respond robustly to new SARS-CoV-2 variants

To address the gaps in the knowledge, a team of researchers from the University of California and the Gladstone Institute of Virology conducted 39-parameter phenotyping by cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF) on 33 longitudinal specimens from 11 mRNA-vaccinated individuals, of which six had previously been infected and recovered from COVID-19.

18 Oct 2021

Mix-and-match booster shots beneficial in boosting SARS-CoV-2 immunity

Should you get a second dose of the same vaccine if you’ve received the one-dose Johnson & Johnson shot? According to new clinical trial results published on the preprint medRxiv* server, a booster shot of a messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine may increase your chances of neutralizing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

17 Oct 2021

New atlas of small cell lung cancer reveals rare population of stem-like cells with metastatic properties

Imagine you're about to go on a cross-country trip, stopping at spots along the way to admire local attractions.

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

NIH RADx initiative announces $77.7 million to develop new rapid COVID-19 diagnostic tests

The NIH Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) initiative announced today that it has issued contract awards totaling $77.7 million to develop and manufacture 12 new rapid diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

15 Oct 2021

Study reveals a highly effective COVID-19 screening system utilizing a live cell-based assay

A new study reports a cell-based assay that involved the isolation and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro in human cells in the absence of other proteins.

14 Oct 2021

Assay for the sensitive and specific identification of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant

Scientists described a quick and inexpensive method for accurately identifying the Delta variant by applying the double-mismatch allele-specific RT-PCR (DMAS-RT-PCR).

14 Oct 2021

Small portion of COVID-19 patients infectious long-term

In late December 2019, a novel pneumonia-like lung infection was reported in the Chinese province of Hubei. This, in turn, led to the ongoing coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is closely related to SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus).

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

New study finds SARS-CoV-2 causes retinal infection

Can coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affect the eye? New research suggests the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can enter the eye and infect photoreceptor and retinal ganglion cells. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 infection increases the expression of several inflammatory genes, including the cytokine interleukin 33 (IL33), which is linked to COVID-19 disease and retinal degeneration.

13 Oct 2021