SARS-CoV-2: Neutralization of BA.1 and BA.2 by therapeutic monoclonal antibodies
Scientists studied the sensitivity of Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 to nine monoclonal antibodies, some of which are used in pre-exposure prophylaxis in immunocompromised individuals. The scientists showed a loss of neutralizing activity against BA.1 and BA......»»
Essential process for SARS-CoV-2 viral replication visualized
During the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a long string of connected proteins is cleaved apart into individual proteins. This process is interrupted by an FDA-approved drug to treat COVID-19; however, the mechanistic details of this cleavage pr.....»»
Scientists develop probe that could unlock the mysteries of a vital cellular messenger and lead to new drug discoveries
A study by Loughborough University and the University of Oxford has led to the development of a small molecule probe that could deepen our understanding of a crucial cellular messenger and lead to the development of new therapeutic drugs......»»
Next steps in monitoring bat coronaviruses
Since the emergence of SARS in 2002, coronaviruses have been recognized as potential pandemic threats. This emergence highlights a need for evidence-based strategies to monitor bat coronaviruses. Daniel Becker, Ph.D., a researcher at the University o.....»»
New production process for therapeutic nanovesicles
Particles known as extracellular vesicles play a vital role in communication between cells and in many cell functions. Released by cells into their environment, these "membrane particles" consist of a cellular membrane carrying a cargo of specific si.....»»
Compound from magnolia tree bark found to impede SARS-CoV-2 replication in certain cells
A compound called honokiol, which is found in the bark of multiple species of magnolia tree, inhibits replication of SARS-CoV-2 virus in several types of cells, according to a team of researchers in the Netherlands. The research is published in Micro.....»»
The "invisible" cellulose coatings that mitigate surface transmission of pathogens
Research has shown that a thin cellulose film can inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus within minutes, inhibit the growth of bacteria including E. coli, and mitigate contact transfer of pathogens......»»
Methylated cyclodextrin effectively prevents the crystallization of supersaturated drugs
In the medicine market, most newly introduced drugs and drug candidates show poor water solubility, which prevents their absorption in the body. This, in turn, limits their therapeutic efficiency. Solubilizing agents such as cyclodextrins (CDs) are c.....»»
Rare myocarditis after COVID shots: Study rules out some common culprits
Researchers ruled out overexuberant antibodies in an autoimmune response. Enlarge / Heart scan. (credit: Getty | BSIP) The mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines have proven remarkably safe and effective against the deadly pandemi.....»»
Examining the potential of bioflavonoids as SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors
Research in the International Journal of Computational Biology and Drug Design, has looked at the potential of various bioflavonoids as inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. The compounds—narirutin, naringin, neohesperidin and.....»»
Scientists use ultrabright X-ray beams to characterize broadly neutralizing antibodies against a range of coronaviruses
New variants of the coronavirus that caused the COVID-19 pandemic continue to emerge. To combat them, researchers are doing everything they can to find new therapies that can target a broad range of different coronavirus strains......»»
A potential therapeutic approach for treating colistin-resistant infections
Colistin is a last-resort antibiotic critical for treating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Resistance to colistin heralds the emergence of truly pan-resistant infections......»»
Researchers uncover new potential for botulinum neurotoxin E in therapeutic and cosmetic applications
A team of researchers from the University of California, Irvine, have revealed the first crystal structures of the receptor-binding domain of botulinum neurotoxin E (BoNT/E) in complex with its human neuronal receptors, synaptic vesicle glycoprotein.....»»
The role of mutation in nucleoproteins of SARS-CoV-2
Scientists from The Federal Research Centre "Fundamentals of Biotechnology" of the Russian Academy of Sciences, together with foreign colleagues, have demonstrated that human 14-3-3 proteins, which are known for their role in replication of many viru.....»»
Researchers devise genetically encoded DNA origami for targeted and precise gene therapy in vivo
As genetic information carriers, nucleic acid molecules have been developed as gene therapeutic drugs. On the basis of complementary base pairing, nucleic acid can not only encode functional genes, but also precisely self-assemble into nanostructures.....»»
Weird SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in mink suggests hidden source of virus in the wild
The lineage had not been seen in the area for over two years. Enlarge / Minks are seen at a farm in Gjol, northern Denmark, on October 9, 2020. (credit: Getty | Henning Bagger) Between September to January of this year,.....»»
What New Evidence from the Wuhan Market Tells Us about COVID"s Origins
Recently released data from samples of the COVID-causing virus SARS-CoV-2 at the market where many early cases of the disease occurred suggest animals were present but stop short of proving that they were infected and transmitted the virus to humans.....»»
New frequency comb breathalyzer detects COVID-19 with excellent accuracy
JILA researchers have upgraded a breathalyzer based on Nobel Prize-winning frequency-comb technology and combined it with machine learning to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection with excellent accuracy in 170 volunteer subjects. Their achievement represents.....»»
Investigating the druggability of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein RNA interactions
The Allain (IBC), Gossert (BNSP) and Leitner (IMSB) groups investigated the druggability of the SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid protein RNA interactions by a hybrid structure determination approach, which led to the identification of primary fragment hits. T.....»»
Bats in disrupted ecosystems are more infected with coronaviruses, reveals study
Over the past 20 years, coronaviruses in wild bat populations have led to three major disease outbreaks in humans: SARS in 2002, MERS in 2012 and COVID-19. The latter triggered an ongoing global pandemic. In turn, this has focused greater attention o.....»»
A tighter core stabilizes SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in new emergent variants
Just as a tight core is a component of good physical fitness for humans, helping to stabilize our bodies, mutations that tightened the core of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in new variants may have increased the virus's fitness......»»