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.....»»
Mutation in SARS-CoV-2 spike protein renders virus up to eight times more infectious
A mutation in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2—one of several genetic mutations in the concerning variants that have emerged in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Brazil—makes the virus up to eight times more infectious in human cells than the.....»»
Researchers have proved that that ozone is effective in disinfecting coronavirus
Studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 remains active on aerosols and surfaces for between several hours and several days, depending on the nature of the surface and environmental conditions. Presently, researchers from Tel Aviv University have demonstra.....»»
Hospital wastewater favors multi-resistant bacteria
Scientists from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden present evidence that hospital wastewater, containing elevated levels of antibiotics, rapidly kills antibiotic-sensitive bacteria, while multi-resistant bacteria continue to grow. Hospital sewers m.....»»
ViralLink identifies key proteins in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells: workflow open to all
Finding effective treatments for SARS-CoV-2 means identifying key pathways to target, which is made all the more difficult when facing a completely new disease. Researchers in the Korcsmaros Group at EI are therefore applying their expertise in syste.....»»
Wastewater treatment at one-third the size and cost
Wastewater treatment systems that combine conventional set-ups with a relatively new technology could reap a host of benefits: smaller plant sizes, lower energy costs and more nitrogen pollution removed......»»
NIH experts discuss SARS-CoV-2 viral variants
The rise of significant variants of SARS-CoV-2 has attracted the attention of health and science experts worldwide. In a new editorial, experts outline how these variants have arisen, concerns about whether vaccines currently authorized for use will.....»»
Researchers propose that humidity from masks may lessen severity of COVID-19
Masks help protect the people wearing them from getting or spreading SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, but now researchers have added evidence for yet another potential benefit for wearers: The humidity created inside the mask may help comb.....»»
New study suggests better approach in search for COVID-19 drugs
New research has provided crucial insights into the biological composition of SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19, revealing vital clues for the discovery of antiviral drugs......»»
Protein sequences provide clues to how SARS-CoV-2 infects cells
Researchers have identified sequences in human proteins that might be used by SARS-CoV-2 to infect cells. They have discovered that the virus might hijack certain cellular processes, and they discuss potentially relevant drugs for treating COVID-19......»»
Most people are naturally armed against SARS-CoV-2, study finds
The majority of the population can produce neutralizing antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in severe cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to a new study. Moreover, the results support th.....»»
Researchers uncover how mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 spike could lead to greater infectivity
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have compared the original SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with a mutated version which arose last spring. They have found structural differences which could help to explain why the mutated version remains the domi.....»»
Researchers demonstrate self-sterilizing polymers work against SARS-CoV-2
Researchers from North Carolina State University, Boston University and Kraton Corporation have demonstrated a family of self-sterilizing polymers that are effective at inactivating coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2—the virus that causes COVID-19.....»»
Method for temporal monitoring of microplastic sedimentation
The effects of microplastics on our health and the environment are being rigorously studied all across the world. Researchers are identifying microplastic sources and their potential routes to the environment by examining rainwater, wastewater, and s.....»»
Bats and pangolins in Southeast Asia harbour SARS-CoV-2-related coronaviruses, reveals new study
A new study shows that SARS-CoV-2-related coronaviruses (SC2r-CoVs) are circulating in animals as far away as Thailand. The study reported that high levels of neutralizing antibodies against the virus were present in both bats and pangolins found in.....»»
Coronavirus test from a suitcase
The PCR test is the most accurate tool to identify SARS-CoV-2. However, valid results are often available only after days. Moreover, the testing laboratory must be well equipped, have trained personnel and sufficient financial resources. All of this.....»»
Six previously FDA-approved drugs appear promising against SARS-CoV-2 in laboratory testing
Researchers havve discovered that six drugs previously approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for other indications could be repurposed to treat or prevent COVID-19......»»
Past coronavirus infections don’t seem to help with SARS-CoV-2
Neither T nor B cells seem to use memory of one virus to attack the other. Enlarge / False color image of viruses attached to a cell's surface. (credit: NIAID) While the SARS-CoV-2 virus is new to humans, coronaviruses in general aren't. There.....»»
All the coronavirus in the world could fit inside a Coke can with plenty of room to spare
When I was asked to calculate the total volume of SARS-CoV-2 in the world for the BBC Radio 4 show More or Less, I will admit I had no idea what the answer would be. My wife suggested it would be the size of an Olympic swimming pool. "Either that or.....»»
Social distancing in the natural world: Strategies to detect and avoid disease
The notion of social distancing rose to public prominence approximately a year ago, when health officials began recommending it as a way to slow the spread of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus. Despite the novelty of the concept among many contemporary huma.....»»
About Half of Global Wastewater Is Treated, Instead of Previous Estimate of 20%, Study Finds
schwit1 shares a report from UPI: The study published Monday in the journal Earth System Science Data, estimated 359 billion cubic meters of wastewater is produced each year -- which is "equivalent to 144 million Olympic-sized swimming pools," Edward.....»»