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Scientists develop a potent peptide inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro

In a recently published article in the journal Drugs in R&D, scientists have described the development and validation of a 13-amino acid peptide inhibitor of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

2 Aug 2021

Fighting SARS-CoV-2 with nanomedicine

Published in the Journal of Controlled Release, researchers from the German University in Cairo, and the University of Cologne, looked into nano-reformulation of repurposed antiviral and immune-modulating drugs for inhalation therapy against COVID-19. In addition, they focused on how nanomedicine could address the limitations of current therapeutics, enhancing the efficacy, specificity, and safety of such drugs.

1 Aug 2021

LondonOC develops new, non-invasive technique to apply Xen stent into the eye

The London Ophthalmology Centre (LondonOC) has developed a new, non-invasive technique for the application of Xen stent into the eye to treat acute glaucoma. The micro device and new technique was successfully used to save the sight of former Children’s Laureate, Michael Rosen.

31 Jul 2021

Phase 1/2 trial results for Nanocovax, protein subunit SARS-CoV-2 vaccine from Vietnam

Nanocovax is a protein subunit vaccine that contains the full-length spike stabilized by the addition of two prolines

29 Jul 2021

NIH scientists demonstrate efficient aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in hamsters

Researchers in the United States have demonstrated the efficient aerosol transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – the agent that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) – in a hamster model.

29 Jul 2021

Budesonide’s antiviral effect against SARS-CoV-2

A new study examines the in vitro antiviral effect of pure budesonide and Pulmicort® against the SARS-CoV-2 WT and two VoCs.

26 Jul 2021

SARS-COV-2 infection leads to neutralizing and protective serological responses in over 70% of DPs

Iain Chapple, University of Birmingham, England, presented the oral session "Longitudinal Serological and Vaccination Responses to SARS-COV-2 in Dental Professionals" at the virtual 99th General Session & Exhibition of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR), held in conjunction with the 50th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Dental Research (AADR) and the 45th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association for Dental Research (CADR), on July 21-24, 2021.

23 Jul 2021

Structural home repairs in low-income neighborhoods linked with reduced crime rates

Investing in structural home repairs in historically segregated, low-income, Black, and Latino neighborhoods have been associated with reduced crime rates.

22 Jul 2021

Scientists explore susceptibility of different animals to SARS-CoV-2 infection

A team of researchers at the Institute of Infectious Diseases (IFIK) at the University of Bern and the Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI) has utilized a unique collection of advanced cell culture models of cells lining the airways from various domesticated and wildlife animals. This way, the team can determine which animals are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

20 Jul 2021

Study proves effectiveness of Artemisia annua against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro

A multinational research group has been the first to show the excellent activity of artemisinin-based treatment against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in human cell lines – including a specific type of lung cells. Their findings were recently published in the journal Scientific Reports.

19 Jul 2021

Iodine derivative kills SARS-CoV-2 within 90 sec

A recent study estimated the virucidal efficacy of EID for oral/nasal decontamination of known or suspected cases of COVID-19.

19 Jul 2021

Central amygdala micro-circuits play active role in regulation of fear responses

The brain mechanisms underlying the suppression of fear responses have attracted a lot of attention as they are relevant for therapy of human anxiety disorders.

16 Jul 2021

New tracker aims to identify, collect data on COVID-19 cases across Europe

According to the World Health Organization, a third wave of COVID infections is now all but inevitable in Europe.

16 Jul 2021

Water-soluble vitamin E compounds directly inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication and synergize with remdesivir

Researchers in the United States have shown that water-soluble derivatives of vitamin E (α-tocopherol) exhibit potent antiviral activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – the agent that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

15 Jul 2021

Latin American communities heavily affected by mercury and lead contamination

Intervention programmes are vitally needed to support Amazonian communities exposed to mercury contamination in Latin America, and children who are among those most affected by lead poisoning.

13 Jul 2021

mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine CV07050101 demonstrates limited immunogenicity in non-human primates

Scientists from the US and Germany have recently evaluated the efficacy of an mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine candidate, CV07050101, in inducing humoral and cellular immune responses in non-human primates. The study reveals that prime-boost immunization with the vaccine candidate induces only limited immunity against SARS-CoV-2.

12 Jul 2021

SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine efficacy reduced in patients with CD20-B-cell depleting treatment history

Researchers from Switzerland recently investigated humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to mRNA-based vaccines in patients undergoing treatment with CD20-B-cell depleting agents for autoimmune diseases, transplantation, or malignancy.

12 Jul 2021

New project aims to improve early detection of cancer and save lives

The Health Innovation Campus at Lancaster University has brought together a taskforce of experts for a major investigation into the prevalence of cancer in the region, to help improve early detection and save lives.

9 Jul 2021

Instant biosensor can detect COVID-19 variants even if someone is asymptomatic

RMIT University is collaborating with partners including Australian biomedical start-up Soterius on the biosensor, which can detect the presence of tiny amounts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its variants.

8 Jul 2021

Novel technique allows to individually select droplets for contact in droplet-array sandwiching

Miniaturization is rapidly reshaping the field of biochemistry, with emerging technologies such as microfluidics and "lab-on-a-chip" devices taking the world by storm. Chemical reactions that were normally conducted in flasks and tubes can now be carried out within tiny water droplets not larger than a few millionths of a liter.