Jan 20 2021 Read 13516 Times
In a novel twist for COVID-19 research, a team of neuroscientists from the NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has uncovered data suggesting llama antibodies could be used to prevent and diagnose human infections. The team managed to isolate tiny nanobodies’ produced by a laboratory llama named Cormac, with preliminary results suggesting a particular single-domain fragment known as NIH-CoVnb-112 could be used to latch onto SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins and prevent infection.
From brain imaging to epidemiology
Findings were published in the journal Scientific Reports, with senior author David L. Brody saying the study is an exciting step forward for COVID-19 research. “For years TJ and I had been testing out how to use nanobodies to improve brain imaging. When the pandemic broke, we thought this was a once in a lifetime, all-hands-on-deck situation and joined the fight, says Brody. We hope that these anti-COVID-19 nanobodi
Jan 15 2021 Read 12783 Times
While there has been plenty of doubt swirling around the safety and efficacy of the new COVID-19 vaccines, the latest statistics suggest uptake is high among Brits who have been offered the inoculation. There were fears misinformation could hinder efforts to kickstart the vaccination program, with hurdles including the speed at which the Pfizer/BioNTech, Oxford/AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines have been developed. All three have now been approved for use in the UK, though many people continue to mistrust vaccines in general. There’s also widespread mistrust surrounding pharmaceutical companies, as well as the fact the vaccine is so heavily endorsed by the government.