All articles tagged with #sars cov 2
The article introduces SPRTA, a new computational method for assessing confidence in phylogenetic trees at pandemic scales, addressing limitations of existing support measures by focusing on mutational origins rather than topology, and demonstrating its efficiency and accuracy in large SARS-CoV-2 datasets.
Scientists in Japan and Brazil discovered a new bat coronavirus in Brazil that shares key features with SARS-CoV-2, raising concerns about its potential to infect humans, though further research is needed to assess its actual risk.
A new SARS-CoV-2 variant called XFG or 'Frankenstein' is emerging globally, with increased cases and hospitalizations reported in France and Southeast Asia, but current evidence suggests it does not cause more severe illness. Vaccination campaigns are underway with updated vaccines expected to remain effective.
Researchers at Swansea University have developed a synthetic sugar-coated nanoparticle that acts as a decoy to block Covid-19 from infecting human cells, reducing infection rates by nearly 99%, and offering a potential new approach for antiviral therapies.
The epidemiological update reports a rise in SARS-CoV-2 infections in some Asian countries linked to the NB.1.8.1 variant, which is currently under monitoring by WHO and ECDC. In the EU/EEA, infection levels remain low with no significant impact on healthcare, but a potential increase in cases and hospitalizations is expected due to waning immunity and suboptimal vaccination coverage among older adults. Continued surveillance, vaccination, and public health measures are recommended to mitigate future waves.
A recent study shows that prior COVID-19 vaccination continues to produce protective immune responses against new SARS-CoV-2 strains like Delta and Omicron, despite reduced antibody levels to mutated virus parts, indicating ongoing protection from severe disease. Additionally, a phase 2b trial of an oral norovirus vaccine demonstrated a 30% reduction in gastroenteritis and decreased viral shedding, suggesting promising progress in vaccine development. Meanwhile, Ethiopia has reported its first mpox cases, and outbreaks are increasing in Sierra Leone and other African countries, amid vaccine shortages.
A study at Belo Horizonte Zoo in Brazil found that 19.1% of tested animals were positive for SARS-CoV-2, likely contracted from humans. Researchers identified Alpha and Omicron variants in animals like wolves, deer, and gorillas, suggesting human-to-animal transmission. The findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring and genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife to understand transmission dynamics and prevent future zoonotic outbreaks.
A study published in BMC Infectious Diseases examines the long-term effects of Long COVID on quality of life and cognitive function, finding significant impairments even two years post-infection. Among 435 surveyed patients, those with Long COVID reported higher rates of fatigue, pain, and cognitive decline compared to those who recovered within three months. The study highlights that older age, lower education levels, and pre-existing comorbidities increase the risk of Long COVID, emphasizing the need for ongoing support and research into recovery strategies.
A study by MedUni Vienna reveals that COVID-19 causes long-term changes in the immune system, even in mild cases. Researchers found significant reductions in immune cells and changes in cytokine and growth factor patterns in recovered patients, suggesting potential long-term impairments in immune response and providing insights into Long-COVID.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo have discovered that SARS-CoV-2 can remain in sperm for up to 110 days after initial infection, potentially reducing semen quality. The study, published in Andrology, suggests a "quarantine" period for those planning to conceive post-COVID-19 recovery. The virus was detected in sperm from 69.2% of the patients studied, highlighting a new role for sperm in the immune response against pathogens.
A University of Maryland study found that N95 respirators, particularly the "duckbill" type, are highly effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 leakage into the air, blocking 98% of the virus. The research compared various face coverings and highlighted the superior performance of N95s over cloth, surgical masks, and KN95s, suggesting N95s should be the standard in healthcare settings during high transmission periods.
New research from the University of Bristol reveals that higher concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) in indoor environments can significantly extend the lifespan of airborne viruses like SARS-CoV-2, challenging long-held beliefs about CO2 as merely an indicator of poor ventilation. This discovery underscores the need for improved indoor air quality standards to mitigate the risk of viral transmission, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
Stanford University researchers have used super-resolution microscopy to capture highly detailed images of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA and replication structures within infected cells. This breakthrough could enhance antiviral drug development by providing precise insights into the virus's replication process and how it evades cellular defenses.
A physicist studying mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus claims to have found evidence for a new law of physics, the "second law of Infodynamics", which could indicate we are living in a simulated universe. He suggests that mutations are not entirely random and that information entropy tends to decrease over time. While these claims require further evidence, the study opens up possibilities for genetic therapies, pharmaceuticals, and pandemic research. The physicist proposes experiments to test his theory, including measuring the mass of information and observing the behavior of elementary particles, which could provide insights into the nature of the universe.
A study from the University of Georgia suggests that certain teas can deactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus in saliva by up to 99.9%, potentially reducing the introduction of the virus to the lower respiratory system. The research found that teas like raspberry zinger, eucalyptus mint, mint medley, green tea, and black tea significantly reduced the virus in saliva, with black tea showing the greatest reduction. While clinical trials are needed to understand the full effect on COVID-19 patients, the findings offer a promising additional layer of intervention to supplement medical care.