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Researchers assess the binding behavior of SARS-CoV-2 virus

The binding of a SARS-CoV-2 virus surface protein spike -- a projection from the spherical virus particle -- to the human cell surface protein ACE2 is the first step to infection that may lead to COVID-19 disease.

8 Dec 2020

Amilorides reduce SARS-CoV-2 viral replication in vitro

A new U.S. study published on the bioRxiv preprint server reports the use of an amiloride-based scaffold that targets a viral RNA structure known to be essential in viral replication in the 5’-untranslated region (UTR) of the virus. The researchers say this heralds the application of these molecules as chemical probes to explore viral biology and produce specific antivirals targeting RNA regions of the coronavirus genome.

8 Dec 2020

$Using fractional exponents in epidemic models could improve predictions of disease spread$

Using fractional exponents in epidemic models could improve predictions of disease spread

A new class of epidemiological models based on alternative thinking about how contagions propagate, particularly in the early phases of a pandemic, provide a blueprint for more accurate epidemic modeling and improved disease spread predictions and responses, according to a study published recently in Scientific Reports by researchers at the University of California, Irvine and other institutions.

8 Dec 2020

UC Davis Health joins with Novavax to test a new experimental coronavirus vaccine

Despite the encouraging news of potentially successful COVID-19 vaccine trials, there is not yet an FDA-approved vaccine available. Research into other effective coronavirus vaccines continues, including at UC Davis Health.

8 Dec 2020

People with Bartonella infection exhibit neuropsychiatric symptoms, skin lesions

Bartonella bacteria are increasingly recognized as an emerging infectious disease threat. A new study by North Carolina State University researchers has found additional instances of Bartonella infection in humans who exhibited neuropsychiatric symptoms, a subset of whom also had skin lesions.

8 Dec 2020

GlycoNet scientists secure up to $4 million US investment to advance regenerative medicine

GlycoNet scientists Drs. Robert Ben and Jason Acker, who are revolutionizing the cryopreservation of cells, tissues and organs for human and veterinary therapies, have secured a $2-million USD equity investment for PanTHERA CryoSolutions (PanTHERA), a Canadian biotechnology start-up that they co-founded.

8 Dec 2020

FASLG gene may drive cytokine-linked adverse COVID-19 outcomes with age

A new study published on the preprint server bioRxiv in December 2020 reveals the role played by certain genetic factors in this group, in particular the FASLG gene belonging to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family.

8 Dec 2020

Troublesome COVID-19 symptoms could last more than 6 weeks

Physicians in Geneva have shown that some of the troublesome symptoms of COVID-19 could last more than 6 weeks, even in patients without underlying risk factors.

8 Dec 2020

New 'nanoPCR' technology can accurately diagnose COVID-19 in less than 20 minutes

A "nanoPCR" technology was developed for the point-of-care (POC) diagnosis of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19).

8 Dec 2020

High-performing multi-immunoassay for early diagnosis and prognosis of COVID-19

A new study published on the preprint server bioRxiv in December 2020 indicates the ability of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers and time of induction to differentiate between severe and mild COVID-19 and could lead to the development of a prognostic biomarker for use early in the course of the illness.

8 Dec 2020

Researchers develop new method to evaluate vaccine safety

A research group at the University of Turku, Finland, has led the development of a new method to evaluate vaccine safety. The new method may significantly reduce the use of animal testing in the vaccine industry.

8 Dec 2020

New review on retention of the health workforce in rural and remote areas

Rural populations across the globe continue to face health, economic and social inequities. A major contributor to pervasive health inequalities in rural and remote areas is a shortage of available, appropriate and motivated health workers.

8 Dec 2020

Iceland joins with WHO to support work towards integrated brain health

His Excellency Mr Harald Aspelund, Ambassador of the Permanent Representative of Iceland to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva and Ms Jane Ellison, WHO Executive Director for External Relations and Governance signed a new contribution agreement to support work towards integrated brain health, that will be led by a newly established unit within the Department of Mental Health and Substance Use.

8 Dec 2020