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Understanding the virological properties of SARS-CoV-2 variant JN.1

Since December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has posed a worldwide threat.

9 Feb 2024

Eleven stroke researchers to be recognized during the 2024 International Stroke Conference

Eleven scientists leading the way in stroke research will be recognized during the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2024 for their exceptional professional achievements.

6 Feb 2024

New DNA-based vaccine can induce strong antibody response against SARS-CoV-2

Using a virus-like delivery particle made from DNA, researchers from MIT and the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard have created a vaccine that can induce a strong antibody response against SARS-CoV-2.

30 Jan 2024

How does the nasal cavity's immune system combat SARS-CoV-2?

Researchers discovered that CD4+ and CD8+ T cells play a crucial role in clearing COVID-19 infection in the nasal cavity but have limited impact on lung infections, with implications for understanding and treating the virus.

28 Jan 2024

Curcumin spray shows promise in fighting SARS-CoV-2 and flu viruses

A study in the Virology Journal reveals a curcumin-containing oro-nasal film spray with potential antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses, boosting mucosal immunity without cytotoxic effects.

24 Jan 2024

Tulane scientists uncover key player in COVID's cell attachment

When SARS-CoV-2 enters the human body, the virus' spike protein binds to a cell, allowing the virus to infiltrate and begin replicating.

24 Jan 2024

Scientists demonstrate way to produce SARS-CoV-2 receptor protein in mouse cells

A team of scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory and Columbia University has demonstrated a way to produce large quantities of the receptor that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, binds to on the surface of human cells.

22 Jan 2024

Innovative COVID-19 test prototype uses bioluminescence for speedier results

Researchers used a luciferase-independent luminescence test to investigate whether the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 spike protein possesses pseudo-luciferase activity for Cypridina luciferin.

22 Jan 2024

Memory T cells learn and adapt: Post-Omicron immunity offers wider protection

It has been 4 years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 has yet to be eradicated and new variants are continuously emerging.

19 Jan 2024

Researchers develop a potential one-minute COVID-19 test inspired by bioluminescence

Cold, flu and COVID-19 season brings that now-familiar ritual: swab, wait, look at the result. But what if, instead of taking 15 minutes or more, a test could quickly determine whether you have COVID-19 with a glowing chemical?

18 Jan 2024

New vaccine turns preexisting flu immunity into COVID-19 weapon

After COVID vaccination, it usually takes weeks for our bodies to develop protective antibody responses.

17 Jan 2024

New Omicron variants relearn immunity dodging tricks

Recent SARS-CoV-2 variants such as BA.4 and BA.5 developed abilities missing from the first Omicron variants that allowed them to overcome humans' innate immunity, according to research from UCL.

16 Jan 2024

Study shows slight increase in Guillain-Barre syndrome risk with adenovirus COVID vaccines

Study investigates the link between COVID-19 vaccines and autoimmune/neurological diseases, focusing on Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) risks associated with adenovirus vector vaccines.

16 Jan 2024

JN.1 variant's spread not due to enhanced immune escape, study suggests

Study finds the JN.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2 may not have increased immune escape ability compared to its predecessor BA.2.86, suggesting other factors for its rapid spread.

14 Jan 2024

Study shows lasting T-cell immunity in healthcare workers against SARS-CoV-2 variants

Study reveals robust memory T-cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers over 1.5 years post-Omicron, suggesting durable immunity against highly mutated variants.

11 Jan 2024

Study shows engineered antibodies significantly boost Omicron neutralization

Researchers engineered IgA antibodies from IgG monoclonals, enhancing neutralization against Omicron by up to 75-fold and offering protection in mice models.

10 Jan 2024

Understanding unique characteristics of SARS-Cov-2 JN.1 variant and adapting public health strategies

Announcing a new article publication for Zoonoses journal. The relentless evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants remains a formidable challenge to global public health, thus prompting significant concern among health authorities due to emergent strains.

10 Jan 2024

Research reveals how light can help destroy infectious coronavirus particles

New research has revealed how light can be used to destroy infectious coronavirus particles that contaminate surfaces.

10 Jan 2024

Nasal drops with IgA antibodies may protect against COVID-19 and future variants

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have shown that nasal drops with IgA antibodies can protect mice from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

10 Jan 2024

New Omicron subvariants test vaccine limits, reveal unique infection challenges

Study reveals that the Omicron subvariants BA.2.86 and FLip show unique mutations and infectivity profiles, with BA.2.86 being highly infectious and resistant to most conventional antibodies, underscoring the need for updated vaccines.

9 Jan 2024