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Emergence and persistency of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2.3.7 in Taiwan

Researchers utilize whole-genome surveillance to monitor community transmission and evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in Taiwan.

22 Mar 2023

H5N1 avian influenza found in stranded harbor porpoise

In a recent study published in the United States (U.S.) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, researchers from Sweden described the detection of the hemagglutinin type 5 and neuraminidase type 1 (H5N1) avian influenza virus in a stranded harbor porpoise, indicating a potential spillover of this highly pathogenic avian influenza virus into cetacean species.

20 Mar 2023

Study suggests a new way to develop intra-tumor immunotherapies to fight head and neck cancer

Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine and Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health have identified a strong association between the product of a gene expressed in most cancers, including the most common type of head and neck cancer, and elevated levels of white blood cells that produce antibodies within tumors.

13 Mar 2023

Innovative methodology to detect viral RNA

Experts from the University of Barcelona, the Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia, the Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona and the Aragon Nanoscience and Materials Institute of Aragon —a joint institute of the CSIC and the University of Zaragoza— have developed a new method to detect RNA viruses based on the triplex-forming probe technology.

27 Feb 2023

Detecting novel SARS-CoV-2 variants via rapid RT-PCR assays

A new study on the medRxiv* preprint server assessed whether a novel assay could detect VOCs without substantial reductions in sensitivity.

6 Feb 2023

Researchers review the association between endogenous retrovirus reactivation and aging

Researchers explored the role of endogenous retrovirus (ERV) reactivation in the aging process.

24 Jan 2023

Mediterranean diet may benefit health in part by incorporating moderate wine consumption

Many public health warnings have been issued against alcohol consumption, even in small quantities, though the evidence for such strict limits is controversial. The current study, published in the MDPI journal Nutrients, is a narrative review focused on clearing up some of the confusion associated with alcoholic drinks.

4 Jan 2023

Scientists collaborate to monitor SARS-CoV-2 RNA among domestic and free-ranging animal species

Researchers collaborated with community partners to monitor SARS-CoV-2 infections among domestic and free-ranging animals with known susceptibility to the virus and proximity to humans in Ohio, United States.

3 Jan 2023

Influenza vaccine effectiveness during the 2021–2022 influenza season in the United States

Researchers estimated influenza VE in patients aged ≥6 months seeking outpatient care for ARI due to the influenza A(H3N2) virus between October 2021 and April 2022 in the United States (US).

15 Dec 2022

Overexpression of lncRNA MVIH may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker in cervical cancer

A new research paper was published in Genes & Cancer on November 23, 2022, entitled, "Ectopic expression of lncRNA MVIH as a potential diagnostic biomarker in cervical cancer."

9 Dec 2022

Co-infecting pathogens and the microbiome from SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative samples

Researchers evaluated co-infections in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients.

6 Dec 2022

Phase 2/3 clinical trial shows that Clover’s vaccine candidate reduces household transmission of SARS-CoV-2

Clover Biopharmaceuticals, Ltd., a global clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel vaccines and biologic therapeutics, and the International Vaccine Institute, an international nonprofit organization devoted to providing vaccines critical to global public health and based in Seoul, Korea, today announced that Clinical Infectious Diseases has published additional data from SPECTRA, a global Phase 2/3 clinical trial, that showed vaccination with SCB-2019 (CpG 1018/Alum) reduced the risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 infection to household members, compared to placebo participants.

30 Nov 2022

New CRISPR-based tool can snip out faulty genes and replace them with new ones

Building on the CRISPR gene-editing system, MIT researchers have designed a new tool that can snip out faulty genes and replace them with new ones, in a safer and more efficient way.

24 Nov 2022

Study shows likely SARS-CoV-2 transmission between different rooms of a quarantine hotel

The results of this study, published in the Emerging Infectious Diseases journal, underline the enhanced transmissibility of the Omicron variants of the virus, which takes advantage of small airstreams to jump to new hosts. "Our findings emphasize the importance of ventilation and integrity of building structure in quarantine facilities."

6 Nov 2022

Booster vaccination offered additional protection to residents and staff of California state prisons against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron

Researchers evaluated to what extent prior infection and vaccination protected the residents and staff of the United States California state prison system from breakthrough infection by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sub-variant B.1.1.529.

28 Oct 2022

A review of emerging pediatric respiratory viruses

Respiratory viruses continue to be a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality.

26 Oct 2022

Researchers characterize and predict post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Researchers characterized and predicted PASC infection.

25 Oct 2022

Fully vaccinated U.S. frontline workers may experience reduced severity, duration, and viral shedding during SARS-CoV-2

Researchers investigated the association between two or three doses of the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccine and viral loads and symptoms during infections with different SARS-CoV-2 variants.

23 Oct 2022

Are pediatric COVID-19 samples less infectious?

Researchers determine whether children are less hospitable to SARS-CoV-2 and, as a result, pose a lower risk of a viral spread than adults.

20 Oct 2022

What is the risk of severe COVID-19 in infants younger than three months?

Researchers from Italy investigated the severity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in infants younger than three months and compared the reported coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity scores for the pediatric population.

19 Oct 2022