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New techniques enable visualization of DNA repair machinery in detail

Each one of the trillions of cells that make up the human body suffers more than 10,000 DNA lesions every day. These injuries would be catastrophic if cells were unable to repair them, but a very delicate machinery that detects and repair genetic damage is at work to prevent DNA mutations and diseases such as cancer.

29 Dec 2021

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant neutralized by third BNT162b2 booster shot

A new preprint* research paper under consideration at Nature Portfolio Journal assesses the susceptibility of the Omicron variant to neutralizing antibody response after booster immunization.

28 Dec 2021

Boceprevir-based molecules show high antiviral potency against SARS-CoV-2

In a study posted to the bioRxiv* pre-print server, a team of researchers conducted a structure-activity relationship study of boceprevir-based molecules to find antiviral drug candidates targeting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) protease MPro.

22 Dec 2021

Graphene-based neural probes can accurately detect electrographic signatures of the epileptic brain

A study published in "Nature Nanotechnology" shows that flexible brain probes made of graphene micro-transistors can be used to record pathological brain signals associated with epilepsy with excellent fidelity and high spatial resolution.

22 Dec 2021

Study suggests nitazoxanide fails to reduce the severity of SARS-CoV-2

A new study shows that the optimization of nitazoxanide formulations may allow the review of the potential use of the drug for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

22 Dec 2021

Do reactive oxygen species play a role in fighting COVID-19?

Serum-free thiols are known to reflect the activity of reactive oxygen species in the body, and researchers have been examining the difference in these thiols in COVID-19 patients.

21 Dec 2021

A nematode infection can become severe and deadly with the use of corticosteroids

Healthcare workers in tropical and sub-tropical settings where strongyloidiasis is prevalent or caring for patients who have travelled to such areas, need to maintain a high level of awareness about the use of corticosteroids, including when this class of anti-inflammatories is given to patients suspected of infection with SARS-CoV-2.

19 Dec 2021

Efficacy of SARS-CoV2 variant-specific replicating RNA vaccines on SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern

A new study evaluates the repRNA vaccine expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein for the B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 variants in mice and hamsters.

19 Dec 2021

Capability of BNT162b2 vaccine given in 2 or 3 doses to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 Omicron

The team observed that three doses of the BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) mRNA vaccine are required to mount an effective antibody response against the Omicron variant.

16 Dec 2021

SARS-CoV-2 VOCs dependent on IFITM2 for efficient infection establishment

Researchers demonstrate that the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants of SARS-CoV-2 require endogenous IFITM2 expression for efficient replication.

15 Dec 2021

Combination of gallic acid and stretching decreases arthritis inflammation markers in the cells

A healthy diet and a little exercise appear to be good for arthritis, even on the cellular level.

15 Dec 2021

Correlation between idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and COVID-19

A new study investigates the genetic overlap between COVID-19 and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis to identify possible shared biological mechanisms.

14 Dec 2021

11 exceptional recipients of the 2021 Lupus Innovation Award announced

The Lupus Research Alliance proudly announced today 11 research grant recipients in the U.S. and around the world of the 2021 Lupus Innovation Award which will fund wide ranging areas from probing the development and progression of lupus to pointing to potential personalized therapies.

14 Dec 2021