All SARS-CoV-2 articles
-
News‘Raman barcodes’ can distinguish 20 SARS-CoV-2 variants
Viruses may carry a molecular ‘barcode’ hidden not just in their genetic sequence, but in the way their RNA folds and vibrates. Researchers have used Raman spectroscopy to distinguish 20 SARS-CoV-2 variants and subvariants, pointing towards a potentially faster way to screen emerging viral strains.
-
NewsSpouses mattered more than genes for the risk of severe COVID-19
Researchers ound no evidence that genetic factors played an important role in determining who was hospitalised with COVID-19. Instead, spouses of hospitalised individuals had more than three times the risk of being hospitalised themselves compared with matched controls.
-
NewsVaccination has little impact on post-COVID smell and taste issues
Researchers examining whether COVID-19 vaccination affects persistent smell or taste problems after contracting the virus have found that, in most cases, it does not.
-
NewsA new generation of mRNA antibody therapies may tackle ever-evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants
Researchers have fashioned an advanced antibody therapy that can neutralize SARS-CoV-2 while constraining the virus’ ability to escape recognition. The therapy protected mice against infections with an immune-evasive Omicron variant, and provides a structural template for antiviral antibodies that can keep up with their constantly evolving viral targets.
-
NewsAn approach for novel antiviral compound discovery
Researchers in India have used an AI-based molecule generation platform to design a novel compound that computationally blocks one of the most conserved and functionally essential enzymes of SARS-CoV-2 — the main protease — with drug-like properties, no predicted toxicity, and a binding profile that compares favourably with clinically studied inhibitors.
-
NewsPeople with long Covid have drastically different microbiome in their lungs and mouth
A study of more than 700 people has shown that those with long Covid have distinct differences in the mix of bacteria that live in their mouths and lungs, according to a study. The research also shows that these differences in the lung microbiome are linked to respiratory symptoms, as well as the cognitive and digestive problems known to occur in long Covid.
-
NewsValue-aligned messages increased COVID-19 vaccination intentions, study finds
Vaccine-hesitant adults were more likely to consider getting a COVID-19 vaccine when public health messages acknowledged distrust of government and affirmed values such as personal liberty, a new study found.
-
NewsScientists identify gene signatures in children with severe COVID-19 infection
Researchers have identified patterns of gene activity associated with severe COVID-19 in children that are shared with other serious respiratory infections. They discovered ten groups of genes which were expressed in a similar pattern across the different lower respiratory tract infections.
-
NewsStudy examines political differences in perceptions of vaccine safety and effectiveness
Vaccine perceptions can influence acceptance and uptake, according to a new study. Respondents perceived the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine as the safest and most effective and the COVID-19 vaccine as the least safe and effective.
-
NewsCOVID-19 immunity may help protect against other bat coronaviruses
Scientists have found that bat coronaviruses most likely to infect a wide range of animal species are those most closely related to SARS-CoV-2 and most likely to be recognised by immunity generated through COVID-19 infection.
-
NewsViral infections can accelerate the progression of ALS, researchers find
A new study suggests that common viral infections — like influenza or COVID-19 — may accelerate the onset and progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. The findings suggest that it is the immune response triggered by these infections that accelerates the onset and progression of ALS.
-
NewsHow a single viral protein hijacks immune cells to supercharge COVID-19 infection
A new discovery reveals how a SARS-CoV-2 protein reprograms immune cells to accelerate viral spread—and points to a new strategy for therapeutic intervention.
-
NewsVaccination: why don’t we all experience the same side effects?
Researchers have found that, even before vaccination, some people’s innate immune systems are more reactive than others, showing a heightened response to interferons. The stronger this response, the more likely individuals are to experience these transient symptoms.
-
NewsUS officials suppressed warnings over flawed covid vaccine safety algorithm
US health officials knowingly relied on a compromised algorithm to detect signals of harm from mRNA covid-19 vaccines and silenced efforts to fix it, finds an investigation.
-
NewsTwo coronavirus master keys: new study unveils the mechanisms Covid-19 virus uses to enter our cells
To enter our cells, the Covid-19 virus fuses its surrounding membrane with the membrane of the target cell. The fusion peptides of the spike protein function as molecular keys that allow the virus to open the door to the target cell . A new study shows that SARS-CoV-2 does not have just one key, but two.
-
NewsHow to build an evolutionary trap for viruses
When a virus mutates, the world usually finds out the hard way. Variants of influenza and SARS‑CoV‑2 can slip past vaccines and antibody drugs before scientists fully understand what has changed. A new study suggests the hard way may not be inevitable.
-
NewsWidespread Covid death underreporting around the world raises broader questions about the reliability of official information
A new study finds that widespread underreporting of Covid-19 deaths cannot be explained simply by differences in countries’ ability to count and record deaths. Across 134 countries and territories, an estimated 45%–55% of governments misreported Covid mortality, with underreporting far more common than overreporting.
-
NewsShould adults with autoimmune rheumatic conditions receive updated COVID-19 vaccines?
Adults with autoimmune rheumatic conditions who developed COVID-19 and received booster or updated (2023-2024) COVID-19 vaccines were less likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19 compared to those who received only the initial series vaccines or who were unvaccinated.
-
NewsHaving COVID-19 is associated with lower subsequent development of type 1 diabetes among those aged under 30 years
New research shows that people who have had COVID-19 have a lower, rather than higher, risk of subsequent development of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Furthermore, the effect is evident only in people who did not receive the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.
-
NewsScientists uncover shared biology behind profound fatigue in five major illnesses
New research identifies a shared biological secret that helps explain chronic exhaustion in conditions including long Covid and PTSD.