Sewer slime can hang on to SARS-CoV-2 RNA from wastewater
During the COVID-19 pandemic, monitoring the levels of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater entering treatment plants has been one way that researchers have gauged the disease's spread. But could the slimy microbial communities that line most sewer pipes aff.....»»
A rapid method to quantify antibodies against SARS-CoV-2
Scientists have developed a rapid, highly accurate test to detect antibodies against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 in human serum, opening a new avenue for understanding the full extent of the pandemic and evaluating the effectiveness of vaccines......»»
Common medication used to reduce cholesterol levels may reduce COVID-19 severity
Using anonymized medical records from a national registry, researchers confirmed earlier findings that statins may substantially minimize adverse outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection......»»
Thinking without a brain: Studies in brainless slime molds reveal that they use physical cues to decide where to grow
If you didn't have a brain, could you still figure out where you were and navigate your surroundings? Thanks to new research on slime molds, the answer may be "yes." Scientists from the Wyss Institute at Harvard University and the Allen Discovery Cen.....»»
Short chain fatty acids: An "ace in the hole" against SARS-CoV-2 infection
Scientists find that short chain fatty acids can be used to reduce susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and mortality from COVID-19......»»
COVID-causing coronavirus following predictable mutational footsteps
New research has shown that the mutations arising in the COVID-19-causing SARS-CoV-2 virus seem to run in the family -- or at least the genus of coronaviruses most dangerous to humans. After comparing the early evolution of SARS-CoV-2 against that of.....»»
Examining mRNA transcription difficulties
The corona pandemic has ensured that the term "mRNA" is now also known to a large public beyond laboratories and lecture halls. However, the molecule is much more than an important component of a successful vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. "mRNA.....»»
Gene editing "blocks virus transmission" in human cells
Scientists have used CRISPR gene-editing technology to successfully block the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in infected human cells, according to research released Tuesday that could pave the way for COVID-19 treatments......»»
Stem cells can use same method as plants and insects to protect against viruses
Researchers have found a vital mechanism, previously thought to have disappeared as mammals evolved, that helps protect mammalian stem cells from RNA viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and Zika virus. The scientists suggest this could one day be exploited in.....»»
Fighting COVID with COVID
Researchers design a new COVID-19 therapy that uses a defective version of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to drive the disease-causing version to extinction......»»
New study shows mathematical models helped reduce the spread of COVID-19
Researchers have published new findings that take a first look at the use of SARS-CoV-2 mathematical modeling to inform early statewide policies enacted to reduce the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in Colorado. Among other findings, the authors e.....»»
Stem cells can use same method as plants and insects to protect against viruses
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have found a vital mechanism, previously thought to have disappeared as mammals evolved, that helps protect mammalian stem cells from RNA viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and Zika virus. The scientists suggest thi.....»»
Wastewater has not significantly altered seismic stress direction in southern Kansas
Although wastewater disposal has been the primary driving force behind increased earthquake activity in southern Kansas since 2013, a new study concludes that the disposal has not significantly changed the orientation of stress in the Earth's crust i.....»»
Study shows laboratory developed protein spikes consistent with COVID-19 virus
A new study has found that the key properties of the spikes of SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19 are consistent with those of several laboratory-developed protein spikes, designed to mimic the infectious virus. The findings show how that viral s.....»»
A Massive Water Recycling Proposal Could Help Ease Drought
Members of Congress from Western states are pushing for $750 million to turn wastewater into pure water. Here’s how that works......»»
Researchers find potential path to a broadly protective COVID-19 vaccine using T cells
Using a method developed for HIV, researchers have identified stable T cell vaccine targets in SARS-CoV-2. These stable targets, known as highly networked epitopes, are highly likely to be stable in different variants of the virus. The results provid.....»»
Study shows laboratory-developed protein spikes consistent with COVID-19 virus
A new international study has found that the key properties of the spikes of SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19 are consistent with those of several laboratory-developed protein spikes, designed to mimic the infectious virus......»»
Ten talismans for a new understanding of cities in post-pandemic times
For more than a year and a half, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has kept the world locked down. Schools, universities, cafés and restaurants, cultural institutions and stores have been closed for long stretches of 2020 and 2021. In many parts of the world,.....»»
Study with healthcare workers supports that immunity to SARS-CoV-2 is long-lasting
One year after infection by SARS-CoV-2, most people maintain anti-spike antibodies regardless of the severity of their symptoms, according to a study with healthcare workers. The results suggest that vaccine-generated immunity will also be long-lasti.....»»
SARS-CoV-2 replication targets nasal ciliated cells early in COVID-19 infection
The establishment of nasal mucosal immunity against SARS-CoV-2 through a nasal vaccine could be the most efficient way to combat COVID-19 infection......»»
Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines prime T cells to fight SARS-CoV-2 variants, study finds
Researchers have found that T cells from people who have recovered from COVID-19 or received the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines are still able to recognize several concerning SARS-CoV-2 variants......»»