Michael Greenwood

Feature Writer

B.Sc. Chemistry, M.Sc. Drug Design and Discovery

Michael graduated from the University of Salford with a PhD in Biochemistry in 2023, and has keen research interests towards nanotechnology and its application to biological systems. Michael has written on a wide range of science communication and news topics within the life sciences and related fields since 2019, and engages extensively with current developments in journal publications.

Articles from Michael

Study observes correlation between COVID-19 mortality and autoantibodies in corticosteroid treated patients

Corticosteroid anti-inflammatory drugs have been applied to COVID-19 patients over the course of the pandemic, though the results are mixed. In a recent study, the outcomes for such patients are collated, demonstrating a striking correlation between the development of autoantibodies and mortality.

25 Mar 2021

Researchers examine acriflavine's antiviral potential against SARS-CoV-2

Acriflavine is traditionally employed as a topical antiseptic, though has more recently been implicated as an antiviral agent at low doses, potentially by stimulating the production of interferon. In a new study recently uploaded to the bioRxiv* preprint server, the application of the drug to SARS-CoV-2 infection is investigated, demonstrating a broad activity towards a range of other betacoronaviruses.

24 Mar 2021

SARS-CoV-2 can cause persistent dendritic cell deficiencies

In a new study, the persistent influence of SARS-CoV-2 on dendritic cell deficiency seven months post-infection is asserted, and the mechanism of action investigated.

24 Mar 2021

Testing for Hormone-like Effects of Chemicals

Many chemicals are structurally similar to endogenous hormones and can disrupt the normal functioning of the endocrine system.

24 Mar 2021

Correlation of antibody titers with COVID-19 vaccine efficacy

In a new study the relationship between virus-neutralizing antibody and spike protein-binding IgG antibody levels is explored following vaccination by one of seven currently deployed vaccines. The findings support the use of antibody titers as correlates of protection for COVID-19 vaccines.

23 Mar 2021

COVID-19 vaccines reduce virus transmission in healthcare worker case study

In a new study, the ability of COVID-19 vaccines to lessen transmission was examined in a large study of healthcare workers and their families, with promising results that indicate a substantially reduced rate of transmission from the vaccinated to the non-vaccinated.

23 Mar 2021

What is the Global Preclinical Antibacterial Pipeline?

Antibacterial resistance requires prompt global action to ensure that new antibacterial drugs are continuously developed against mutating strains of bacteria.

23 Mar 2021

Single BNT162b2 mRNA dose induces humoral and T cell responses against mutated variants with a history of COVID-19

In a paper recently uploaded to the preprint server bioRxiv by Tauzin et al. (March 18th, 2021) the ability of a single dose of mRNA vaccine to induce humoral and T cell responses against mutated variants are demonstrated and found to be reinforced in individuals with a history of COVID-19.

22 Mar 2021

Simple SARS-CoV-2 mutations allow escape from the majority of polyclonal antibodies

The group identified a single class of antibodies that target a particular epitope on the RBD of SARS-CoV-2, suggesting that the human polyclonal response to SARS-CoV-2 infection is dominated by a worryingly narrow range of antibodies that target an epitope undergoing rapid mutation.

22 Mar 2021

The Thermal Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2

Viruses like SARS-CoV-2 are sensitive to thermal inactivation - temperature extremes that denature their constituent proteins and disable their function.

22 Mar 2021