genetic variants that influence the amount or function of human “helper proteins” that support or facilitate SARS-CoV-2. The gene variants reveal potential target structures for new drugs. The researchers have now published their results in Nature Communications. The team examined 179 proteins known to be involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection for their naturally occurring variants. They discovered 38 targets for existing drugs as well as evidence that certain proteins that interact with the virus influence the immune system. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19996-z In all-cause excess mortality and COVID-19–related mortality during the early pandemic period among adults aged 25 to 44 years. Because unintentional drug overdoses are the usual leading cause of death in this demographic, COVID-19 deaths were compared with unintentional opioid deaths. From March 1, 2020, to July 31, 2020, a total of 76,088 all-cause deaths occurred among US adults aged 25 to 44 years, which was 11,899 more than expected. Among adults aged 25 to 44 years, 4,535 COVID-19 deaths were recorded, accounting for 38% of the measured excess mortality. Although the remaining excess deaths are unexplained, the authors write, inadequate testing in this otherwise healthy demographic likely contributed. These results suggest that COVID-19–related mortality may have been underdetected in this population. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2020.24243