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Deep mutational scanning for SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 subvariants

Researchers performed deep mutational scanning for the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant of concern sub-VOC BA.1 and BA.2 receptor-binding domains.

22 Sep 2022

Evidence A.2 lineage of monkeypox is mutating

In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, a team of researchers from India analyzed the whole genome sequences of the monkeypox virus isolated from monkeypox patients with and without international travel histories to understand the phylogenetic relations and genomic evolution of the virus that could contribute to higher transmission rates.

21 Sep 2022

Vaccination-induced responses for Omicron subvariant neutralization

Researchers summarized existing data on SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant’s sub-variant (BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.2, BA.2.12.1, BA.3, and BA.4/5) neutralization. They also performed a comparative assessment of cross-neutralizing responses of Omicron subvariants in comparison to the Wuhan-Hu-1 strain (prototype) antigen.

20 Sep 2022

In Denmark, Omicron reinfections reveal ineffective post-COVID-19 immunity

In a recent study posted to the medRxiv* preprint server, researchers investigated variant-wise SARS-CoV-2 reinfection cases in Denmark.

20 Sep 2022

O-linked sialoglycans affect SARS-CoV-2 spike cleavage

In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, researchers from Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States used chemical tools to uncover the molecular details of glycan-mediated modulation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) processing.

19 Sep 2022

Comparative hospitalization and mortality risk in the US population during the Omicron and Delta periods

Researchers compared in-hospital mortality across COVID-19 pandemic periods.

19 Sep 2022

Vaccines used to prevent monkeypox

A new review published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases aimed to describe the efficacy of vaccinia virus-based smallpox vaccines against the current monkeypox outbreak.

18 Sep 2022

Researchers identify universal features shaping organelle gene retention

Mitochondria are compartments – so-called "organelles" -- in our cells that provide the chemical energy supply we need to move, think, and live.

16 Sep 2022

SARS-CoV-2 N escape mutations do not affect rapid antigen testing

A new study maps the escape mutations found in various strains of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that could cause them to escape neutralization by antibodies or detection by rapid antigen tests that rely on antibody binding for a positive result.

16 Sep 2022

One year later, 40% of patients with COVID pneumonia still had lung problems

A recent study published in the journal Respiratory Research found impaired lung function and dyspnea amongst severe COVID-19 pneumonia survivors one year post-infection. Meanwhile, many COVID-19 patients developed fibrotic-like sequelae as an aftermath of the infection-associated mild or severe pneumonia.

15 Sep 2022

Discovery of 380-million-year-old heart sheds new light on the evolution of our bodies

Researchers have discovered a 380-million-year-old heart – the oldest ever found – alongside a separate fossilized stomach, intestine and liver in an ancient jawed fish, shedding new light on the evolution of our own bodies.

15 Sep 2022

Development of improved monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2

In a new study, researchers explored strategies for the development of effective monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

15 Sep 2022

COVID-19's future is uncertain as infections increase and tracking decreases

Researchers review how the SARS-CoV-2 genome has changed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

14 Sep 2022

Large molecules glom together into dense droplets to create squishy circuits in cells

An emerging field explores how groups of molecules condense together inside cells, the way oil droplets assemble and separate from water in a vinaigrette.

14 Sep 2022

Brain organoids shed light into the evolution of the human brain

Animal studies on great apes have long been banned in Europe for ethical reasons. For the question pursued here, so-called organoids, i.e. three-dimensional cell structures a few millimeters in size that are grown in the laboratory, are an alternative to animal experiments.

13 Sep 2022

Pollutant particles in the air trigger lung cancer in non-smokers

A new mechanism has been identified through which very small pollutant particles in the air may trigger lung cancer in people who have never smoked, paving the way to new prevention approaches and development of therapies, according to late-breaking data [to be] reported at the ESMO Congress 2022 by scientists of the Francis Crick Institute and University College London, funded by Cancer Research UK. The particles, which are typically found in vehicle exhaust and smoke from fossil fuels, are associated with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) risk, accounting for over 250,000 lung cancer deaths globally per year.

12 Sep 2022