Phd Mar News Today

Image Credit: Kriengsak tarasri/Shutterstock.com The ability to inactivate pathogens on contact by using inherently biocidal surfaces is at the core of some of the latest strategies for controlling the spread of harmful microorganisms in the healthcare industry, public transportation, and other sectors with a high risk of pathogen transmission via contaminated surfaces. Today, infectious diseases are the second leading cause of death globally, surpassed only by heart diseases. Traditionally, t...

New study tests how mutations in SARS-CoV-2 affect antibody neutralization Using pseudoviruses with single amino acid substitutions, researchers found that mutations in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reduce monoclonal antibody neutralization differently. However, convalescent sera samples did not lose neutralization potency many and were also effective against the B.1.1.7 (UK-derived) strain. As SARS-CoV-2 continues to infect people around the world, it is also mut...

SARS-CoV-2 can infect blood monocytes and trigger inflammation, finds study Researchers found about 10% of blood monocytes in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients are infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). These monocytes then die, leading to the release of cytokines – a feature associated with severe and critical COVID-19. In some COVID-19 patients, SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to acute respiratory distress and multi-organ failure and death. Seve...

Researchers have found a new SARS-CoV-2 variant in California, USA. This variant is more transmissible than circulating strains but slightly less transmissible than the new N501Y variant and moderately resistant to antibodies in convalescent sera and mRNA vaccines.

Although the researchers found that the rats tested negative for the virus, they say it is important to continue monitoring animals for the virus as it mutates, making previously resistant species susceptible to infection.

A genetic variant of TMPRSS2 may confer protection against severe COVID-19 Among a large sample of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, researchers found that a genetic variant – caused by an amino acid substitution from valine to methionine – is associated with a reduced chance of severe disease. Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19, can have a diverse range of effects on people. Some people develop no symptom...

Researchers studied SARS-CoV-2 viral loads in over a thousand individuals, including both adults and children. They found the loads to be comparable, suggesting they may play an equal role in COVID-19 transmission.

When researchers analyzed the responses of the COVID-19 Symptom Survey in the United States, they found an increased risk of COVID-19 for household members when children had in-person schooling.

Researchers found a small molecule that inhibits different virus proteins and significantly reduces infection in cells. Combined with the antiviral remdesivir, its potency increases significantly, suggesting it may be a potential antiviral candidate for the treatment of COVID-19.

In a paper published on the bioRxiv preprint server, researchers reported the results on whether IL-13 expression in asthma patients reduces their susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection.