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SARS-CoV-2 emerging variants display enhanced syncytia formation

Researchers compared the replication and syncytia forming potential of Alpha, Beta, and D614G strains in human cell lines and primary airway cells.

6 Oct 2021

Study shows lower SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in smokers

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) primarily infects the lungs, later spreading through the bloodstream. The worst prognoses are mostly seen in ‘at-risk’ groups, such as the immunocompromised, elderly, or those suffering from respiratory conditions.

6 Oct 2021

Novel technique enables 3D visualization of cells containing melanin pigment

To understand the biological underpinnings of skin and hair pigmentation and related diseases such as albinism or melanoma, scientists and doctors need quantitative, three-dimensional information about the architecture, content and location of pigment cells. Penn State College of Medicine researchers have developed a new technique that allows scientists to visualize every cell containing melanin pigment in 3D, in whole zebrafish.

6 Oct 2021

New hydrogel tablet can rapidly purify contaminated water

As much as a third of the world's population does not have access to clean drinking water, according to some estimates, and half of the population could live in water-stressed areas by 2025. Finding a solution to this problem could save and improve lives for millions of people, and it is a high priority among scientists and engineers around the globe.

6 Oct 2021

Researchers discover unique self-destructive process in aging nematode worms

As worm mothers age, they secrete a milk-like fluid through their vulva that is consumed by their offspring and supports their growth, according to a new study led by UCL researchers.

6 Oct 2021

New study aims to find early drivers of pulmonary fibrosis in at-risk patient population

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center are leading a study designed to identify early drivers of pulmonary fibrosis in an at-risk patient population. Funding for the research, which could help predict early disease at the cellular level and possibly drive the development of novel therapies, is being provided by Three Lakes Foundation.

6 Oct 2021

Researchers identify mechanism that can lead to deafness in rare Norrie disease

A team of Mass Eye and Ear Scientists led by Albert Edge, PhD, working with research fellow Yushi Hayashi, MD, PhD, has identified the mechanism that can lead to deafness in the rare syndrome, Norrie disease.

5 Oct 2021

Study identifies specific small RNA molecule that can reduce levels of cancer-promoting gene

In a recent study published in CANCER RESEARCH , a team led by researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) identified a specific small RNA molecule, called a microRNA (miRNA or miR), that has the potential to be used as an anti-cancer therapeutic.

5 Oct 2021

Cysteamine inhibits SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in vitro

Researchers in the United States have shown that a compound currently used to treat cystinosis exhibits broad antiviral activity against variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – the agent that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

5 Oct 2021

Plasmid DNA vaccines induce effective antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 in mice

Researchers in the United States and China have developed plasmid DNA immunogens that induce effective antibody responses in mice against the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – the agent that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

5 Oct 2021

Hollings Cancer Center researcher awarded NCI grant to pursue early investigator studies in leukemia

MUSC Hollings Cancer Center researcher Haizhen (Jen) Wang, Ph.D., was awarded a five-year $344,000 per year grant by the National Cancer Institute to pursue her early investigator studies in leukemia.

5 Oct 2021

Plant-derived compound can be beneficial in protecting the brain against Alzheimer’s disease pathology

Fenchol, a natural compound abundant in some plants including basil, can help protect the brain against Alzheimer's disease pathology, a preclinical study led by University of South Florida Health (USF Health) researchers suggests.

5 Oct 2021

A possible protective genetic polymorphism in COVID-19

A new study discusses the role of a mucin gene enhancer on the clinical phenotype of the COVID-19.

5 Oct 2021

Three U of U Health researchers win the 2021 NIH Director’s New Innovator Award

The National Institutes of Health has awarded grants to three University of Utah Health scientists through its competitive High-Risk, High-Reward Research (HRHR) program that funds highly innovative and unusually impactful biomedical or behavioral research proposed by extraordinarily creative scientists.

5 Oct 2021

SARS-CoV-2 beta variant elicits variant specific and cross-reactive antibodies

One recent study assessed the serum of Beta variant infected patients to determine whether major non-VOC antibodies could neutralize this virus.

5 Oct 2021

The role of ZBP1 in promoting SARS-CoV-2-induced cytokine expression

A new study reported that the ZBP1-induced inflammatory signaling pathway is dependent on ubiquitination and RIPK3’s scaffolding ability, independent of cell death.

5 Oct 2021

Anti-CD20 therapy patients can develop immune responses after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination

A new systematic review and meta-analysis focused on the humoral and cell-mediated immune responses after COVID-19 vaccination in patients undergoing anti-CD20 antibodies treatment.

5 Oct 2021

Solitary confinement condemns many prisoners to long-term health issues

Sometimes, Pamela Winn isn't sure how to connect with people, even those she loves, like her 9-month-old granddaughter. When the baby is in her arms, "I sit there quietly, and I don't know what to say. What to do," she said, her eyes filling with tears. "My socializing skills are just not there anymore."

5 Oct 2021

New mathematical tool used to study the genetic interactions associated with cancer

Biologists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory are using a mathematical approach developed in CSHL Assistant Professor David McCandlish's lab to find solutions to a diverse set of biological problems.

5 Oct 2021