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SARS-CoV-2 N501Y mutation adversely affects cellular immune response

Among these is the B.1.1.7 SARS-CoV-2 variant, with its characteristic N501Y mutation. A new preprint on the bioRxiv server reports the impact of this mutation on CD4 T cell responses, including antigen presentation on cells expressing Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II molecules.

4 Feb 2021

New combination therapy proven to be highly effective in HBV infection model

Around 260 million people, more than three percent of the global population, are chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV); in the long term, this often leads to complications such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

4 Feb 2021

Scientists identify genomic signatures of long-term survival in luminal breast cancer patients

Researchers at NUI Galway have identified genomic signatures in women developing the most common type of breast cancer that can be associated with long-term survival.

4 Feb 2021

Study shows how SARS-CoV-2 evades immune responses

In a recurring pattern of evolution, SARS-CoV-2 evades immune responses by selectively deleting small bits of its genetic sequence, according to new research from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

4 Feb 2021

Spark Therapeutics launches gene therapy clinical trial for late-onset Pompe disease

Pompe disease is a hereditary genetic disorder caused by a deficiency of acid alpha-glucosidase leading to build-up of glycogen in the lyosomes, which then causes cell damage in various tissues, in particular the heart, the muscles, the liver and the nervous system.

3 Feb 2021

Scientists unravel the workings of a mysterious protein implicated in movement disorders

Scientists at Scripps Research have clarified the workings of a mysterious protein called Gαo, which is one of the most abundant proteins in the brain and, when mutated, causes severe movement disorders.

3 Feb 2021

SPT Labtech Announces a Co-Marketing Initiative with Thermo Fisher Scientific to Help Reduce the Cost of NGS Library Prep

Initiative to promote the benefit of using Thermo Fisher Scientific’s library prep kits with SPT Labtech’s instruments to help reduce reagent and material requirements for high-throughput genome sequencing.

From SPT Labtech 3 Feb 2021

Genomic study suggests SARS-CoV-2 clade 20C was imported into Japan from the US

A new study describes the outcome of such sequencing efforts in Japan as an important tool towards containing the spread of the infection.

3 Feb 2021

Study: Brain hormones could improve metabolism and fight obesity

A mitochondrial hormone expressed by cells deep in the brain appears to play a role in improving metabolism and fighting off obesity, according to a new study in mice.

3 Feb 2021

New genome editing technology could pave way for non-viral delivery systems

Researchers from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) in collaboration with colleagues from Belgium take a step in the development of genome editing technology.

3 Feb 2021

One dose of VSV-vectored vaccine prevents SARS-CoV-2 replication in hamsters

A new preprint research paper posted to the bioRxiv server describes a viral vector vaccine candidate's efficacy to protect against SARS-CoV-2 replication in a hamster model.

3 Feb 2021

Evolutionary history reveals the function of fish and human bitter receptors

To evaluate the chemical composition of food from a physiological point of view, it is important to know the functions of the receptors that interact with food ingredients.

2 Feb 2021

Albumin: The Natural Choice for Diagnostic Tests

The availability of established diagnostic kits has enabled researchers to plug-and-play in the design of COVID-19 diagnostics. Such technologies took decades to optimize, but they are now playing an important role in identifying and managing the spread of COVID-19. Recombumin® provides an enhanced solution as part of this toolbox for dealing with this disease

From Albumedix Ltd. 2 Feb 2021

Study explains why people of African descent are less likely to find bone marrow donors

A paper by a multidisciplinary team of scientists affiliated with various Brazilian institutions, including the University of São Paulo (USP) and the National Cancer Institute (INCA), shows that people of African descent are less likely to find a donor in the National Register of Voluntary Bone Marrow Donors (REDOME) than people with predominantly European ancestry.

1 Feb 2021

Crafoord Laureate uncovered a new group of rare autoinflammatory diseases

Dan Kastner, USA, has described an entirely new group of rare autoinflammatory diseases. His discoveries have brought new knowledge and led to the development of effective treatments.

1 Feb 2021

Life-threatening genetic immunodeficiency reversed by a rare DNA change

Researchers have revealed how a rare DNA change rebalanced the immune system of patients with a life-threatening genetic immunodeficiency.

1 Feb 2021

Gene panel is effective at identifying problematic genes in common leukemia

A gene panel that looks for about 10 times the number of cancer-causing genes as panels currently used to diagnose and fine-tune treatment for a variety of cancers is effective at identifying problematic genes in the most common leukemia, investigators report.

1 Feb 2021

India's Covaxin vaccine likely effective against UK SARS-CoV-2 variant: Study

A new preprint research paper, posted to the preprint server bioRxiv, presents data indicating that the Indian-made Covaxin vaccine candidate successfully neutralizes this variant, preventing infection when challenged by it.

1 Feb 2021

E484K mutation is potentially associated with SARS-CoV-2 adaptive fitness

A team of Brazilian scientists has recently conducted genomic and phylogenetic analyses of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genome to understand the viral evolution process better. Their analyses reveal that the E484K mutated variant of SARS-CoV-2 is present in three different lineages in four Brazilian regions and that the mutation may serve as a common solution for viral evolution.

31 Jan 2021

Researchers uncover the physics behind formation of branching microtubules during cell division

As any cook knows, some liquids mix well with each other, but others do not. For example, when a tablespoon of vinegar is poured into water, a brief stir suffices to thoroughly combine the two liquids.

30 Jan 2021