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Novel mRNA vaccine GLB-COV2-043 shows high efficacy against COVID-19 variants in early trials

The safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity of a mRNA-based vaccine.

5 Dec 2023

Collaborative study focuses on understanding the strength of adhesion of COVID-19 variants

A recent groundbreaking study, published in Nature Nanotechnology, sheds new light on the coronavirus's behavior, particularly its ability to remain attached under various mechanical stresses and the implications for person-to-person transmission.

29 Nov 2023

New study shows bivalent COVID-19 booster increases antibody response in lung cancer patients

Bivalent booster dose enhanced neutralization of Omicron XBB (sub)variants in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

23 Nov 2023

Study sheds light on role of antibodies in vaccine protection against COVID-19 variants

Efforts to contain the Covid-19 pandemic have largely focused on vaccine development and deployment. But how exactly do our immune systems respond to COVID-19 vaccines?

13 Nov 2023

Immune imprinting: The crux of waning COVID-19 booster effectiveness against new variants

The study in Nature Microbiology reviews the concept of immune imprinting and its influence on antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2, highlighting challenges for COVID-19 booster vaccination efficacy against emerging variants. Researchers suggest that understanding immune imprinting is crucial for developing vaccines that elicit broad and lasting immune protection.

7 Nov 2023

New nasal vaccine for COVID-19 shows promise in animal studies

A team of University of Maryland researchers developed a nasal spray vaccine that delivers the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein into cells of the airway in mice and hamsters, triggering an immune response that significantly reduced infection and spread of COVID-19.

6 Nov 2023

Biomarker discovery boosts long-COVID prediction accuracy to 78.5%

Researchers identify four critical biomarkers associated with long-COVID, offering a 78.5% accuracy in predicting the condition. This discovery paves the way for diagnostic tests and offers insights into the mechanisms of persistent post-COVID symptoms.

1 Nov 2023

Hospitalization and mortality risks from COVID-19 by age during SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron variants’ predominance

Age-stratified hospitalization and mortality risks from incident SARS-CoV-2 infections.

1 Nov 2023

Human-to-lion COVID transmission confirmed: Singapore study rings alarm bells for endangered species

The study reveals that the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant was transmitted from humans to lions at a Singapore zoo, emphasizing the risk to captive and endangered animals. The researchers call for strict infection control measures and suggest vaccinations for susceptible animals to protect them from anthropogenic viral transmissions.

30 Oct 2023

New omicron sublineages surge, but Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent booster retains effectiveness

The efficacy of the bivalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine BNT162b2 BA.4/5.

30 Oct 2023

NF-κB activation during COVID-19 and its impact on patients with hypertension

Researchers review the role of NF-κB activation in the replication of SARS-CoV-2 and the impact of COVID-19 medications on NF-κB activation.

25 Oct 2023

Omicron's edge: boosters pressure SARS-CoV-2 to adapt and evolve

The effects of vaccine booster doses on the adaptive evolution of the virus.

25 Oct 2023

Decoding the twist: Coronavirus spike proteins reveal their intricate invasion dance

Researchers use cryo-EM and molecular dynamics to reveal conformational changes in the spike proteins of human coronavirus HKU1 upon binding with a receptor. Findings unveil the complexity of beta coronavirus attachment, suggesting a more intricate mechanism of host cell invasion than previously understood.

8 Oct 2023

SARS-CoV-2 infection in coronary vessels linked to cardiovascular complications

Researchers reported that the increased long-term risk of acute cardiovascular complications associated with COVID-19 is linked to SARS-CoV-2 infecting coronary vessels and inducing the formation of plaques.

3 Oct 2023

New study reveals BA.2.86 subvariant's surprising dance with antibodies

Researchers examined the antigenicity of the emerging SARS-CoV-2 subvariant BA.2.86, finding that it is not resistant to neutralizing antibodies from previously infected or vaccinated individuals, although it does show increased binding affinity to the ACE-2 receptor. The study highlights the subvariant's sensitivity and resistance to different classes of monoclonal antibodies, offering insights for future treatment and vaccine development.

2 Oct 2023

Aerosolized ACE2 neutralizes COVID-19 variants in lab and mice tests

Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern have developed an aerosolized, mutated form of ACE2 that effectively neutralizes various SARS-CoV-2 variants in both cell cultures and mice. The study suggests that this modified ACE2 has promising preventive and therapeutic potential against COVID-19, especially with its easy aerosolized administration.

28 Sep 2023

Vaxzevria vaccine boosts mucosal immunity in COVID-19 recovered

Study highlights the ability of the Vaxzevria vaccine in inducing robust mucosal antibody responses, especially in COVID-19-recovered individuals, showcasing a notable defense against various SARS-CoV-2 variants. However, it emphasizes the need for booster doses to enhance anti-SARS-CoV-2 mucosal immunity, especially in infection-naïve individuals, to broaden protection against emerging viral variants.

28 Sep 2023

New material more efficient at capturing coronavirus proteins with minimal impact on breathability

A research team at the University of Liverpool has developed a new material that captures coronavirus particles and could transform the efficiency of face masks and other filter equipment to stop the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

26 Sep 2023

Intranasal vaccine shows promise against COVID variants in hamsters

Intranasal mRNA-LNP vaccines show promise in Syrian golden hamsters, effectively reducing SARS-CoV-2 viral loads and lung pathology. The study suggests potential efficacy against new variants, setting the stage for future research in human applications.

25 Sep 2023

One gene variant could be a shield against severe COVID-19 lung damage

Researchers identify a specific genetic variant, rs2204985, linked to less severe lung involvement and a stronger immune response in COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia. The study suggests that understanding this genetic marker could help identify high-risk individuals and enhance strategies for prevention and treatment.