SARS COV 2
Why scientists call PJ.2.1 a ‘jump’ variant: The COVID strain that arrived with dozens of mutations at once and spreads by gripping your cells more tightly
A new variant of SARS-CoV-2, named PJ.2.1, was detected in Canada and has spread globally. It has over 25 mutations in its spike protein, which enhance its binding to human cells. Researchers are observing its spread in countries like the US, Spain, and Australia among others. Currently, there is no evidence linking PJ.2.1 to increased severity of illness or hospitalization.
China confirms nomination of senior health official for WHO chief's post amid COVID scrutiny
China has officially nominated Dr. Song Li, a senior health official, for the WHO Director-General position. This nomination could draw international attention to China's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Song has extensive experience in public health, including maternal and child health coordination during health emergencies. The election results will be revealed after the current Director-General’s term concludes in August 2027.
China confirms nomination of senior health official for WHO chief's post amid COVID scrutiny
China has put forward the nomination of Dr. Song Li for Director-General of the World Health Organization. Her background includes significant experience in public health, especially during health emergencies. This nomination could attract renewed scrutiny on China's COVID-19 pandemic response and the origins of the virus. If elected, she would be the second Chinese official to lead the WHO.
COVID-19 cases are rising again in US: These states may see high coronavirus activity
The rise in COVID-19 cases is notably observed in the Southern and Western regions of the United States. Wastewater analysis indicates a concerning spike in viral activity, which suggests increased community transmission. Reports show infections are on the rise in 27 states, while 13 states experience a decline. With overlapping symptoms between COVID-19 and influenza, accurate diagnosis poses a challenge for health officials.
COVID-19 had a scientific head start; the next pandemic virus may be a stranger. NVIDIA and Google DeepMind are using AI to map 2,800 viruses before the next outbreak
An international collaboration has developed a dataset of predicted protein structures from more than 2,800 viruses. This data is accessible through the AlphaFold Database, aiding in pandemic preparedness. Researchers can accelerate their investigations of new viruses using this information for potential treatments. The dataset provides insights into protein interactions, making it a valuable resource for global scientists.
Long COVID could be caused by the virus lingering in the body. Here's what the science says
Long COVID refers to symptoms that persist for more than 12 weeks after a COVID-19 infection, encompassing up to 200 different symptoms. Evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, may not be fully cleared from the body after infection, which may be linked to long COVID. Studies have found SARS-CoV-2 genetic sequences and proteins in tissues and stool samples months following infection.
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IISc researchers provide alternative mechanism to render viruses like SARS-CoV-2 inactive
A protein-protein interaction is often like that of a lock and a key, the Bengaluru-based IISc noted in a statement. This interaction can be hampered by a lab-made miniprotein that mimics, competes with, and prevents the 'key' from binding to the 'lock', or vice versa.
IIT Delhi study reveals mechanisms driving SARS-CoV-2 evolution in humans
SARS-CoV-2 has a uracil-rich (uracil is one of the four building blocks of RNA) genome. The researchers have identified how uracils adjacent to CpGs contribute to the accelerated loss of CpGs from SARS-CoV-2 genomes.
Covid infection may induce severe bone loss, animal study suggests
The study found that SARS-CoV-2 infection induced severe bone loss from 20 per cent to 50 per cent progressively in particular to the trabecular bone in the long bones and lumbar vertebrae.
Nano bubbles in blood of Covid 19 patients could treat, prevent infection with coronavirus variants
The study, published in the journal Nature Communications on Thursday, is the first to show evACE2 are capable of fighting the new SARS-CoV-2 variants with an equal or better efficacy than blocking the original strain. The researchers found that evACE2 exist in human blood as a natural anti-viral response. The more severe the response, the higher the levels of evACE2 detected in the patient's blood.
Omicron infects 70 times faster but may cause less severe disease: Study
The researchers from University of Hong Kong found that Omicron infects and multiplies 70 times faster than the Delta variant and original SARS-CoV-2 in human bronchus, which may explain why it may transmit faster between humans than previous variants.
COVID-19 vaccines may protect against other coronaviruses: Study
The researchers found that mice immunised with a SARS-CoV-1 vaccine developed in 2004 generated immune responses that protected them from intranasal exposure by SARS-CoV-2.
Drug used to reduce blood fats may cut SARS-CoV-2 infection by 70 per cent: Study
The team led by researchers from the University of Birmingham in the UK found that fenofibrate and its active form fenofibric acid can significantly reduce SARS-COV-2 infection, that causes COVID-19, in human cells in the laboratory.
How virus detectives trace the origins of an outbreak - and why it's so tricky
In order to predict and prevent future pandemics like COVID-19, researchers need to find the origin of the viruses that cause them. This is not a trivial task.
Drug that blocks multiple coronavirus variants in mice identified
The findings, published in the journal Science Immunology, suggest that the drug diABZI activates the body's innate immune response, the first line of defence against invading pathogens.
The SARS-COV-2 variants at play: All you need to know
Any changes in the viral genetic sequence during replication is known as a mutation and viruses with new mutations are sometimes known as variants.
Oral drug effective against Covid in hamsters, now in final stages of human trials: Study
Scientists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US and the University of Plymouth in the UK found that MK-4482, also called Molnupiravir, was effective when provided up to 12 hours before or 12 hours after infection with SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
How lung temperature influences coronavirus replication decoded
Natural temperature differences which exist in the upper and lower respiratory tract influence the replication of the novel coronavirus and the subsequent activation of the immune system, says a new study that may lead to the development of new therapeutics and preventive measures against COVID-19.
WHO's coronavirus origins report: All you need to know about the four theories in play
The final report, a joint WHO-China study, which AFP obtained Monday ahead of its official release, spelled out how the joint team of Chinese scientists and international experts thrashed out the hierarchy of probability.
82 people have tested positive for new mutant variant of SARS-CoV-2 in India: Govt
Their close contacts have also been put under quarantine. A comprehensive contact-tracing exercise has been initiated for their co-travellers, family members and others and genome sequencing on other specimens is going on, the ministry said.
Novel coronavirus infections may have been present in US as early as December: Study
While the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the US was identified on January 19, 2020, the scientists, including Sridhar V Basavaraju from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US, noted that antibodies reactive against the coronavirus were detected in 106 of the 7,389 specimens.
ICMR issues advisory for use of Feluda paper strip test
The paper-strip uses cutting-edge CRISPR gene-editing technology to identify and target the genetic material of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in less than an hour.
Keep washing your hands: A study shows that coronavirus may survive on skin for 9 hours
The influenza A virus (IAV), in contrast, remained viable on human skin for nearly two hours.
'How coronavirus enters cells decoded, may help develop new drugs'
According to the researchers, including those from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in the US, understanding how the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, enters cells, and comparing it to other coronaviruses, is key to identifying treatments against COVID-19.
Quitting smoking may reduce risk of severe coronavirus infection, shows study
Smoking may cause an increase in the expression of ACE2, the protein that SARS-CoV-2 uses to enter human cells.
Coronavirus may infect intestinal tract along with respiratory system
Analysis has revealed that Covid-19 is closely related to SARS-related coronaviruses found in horseshoe bats.
Did the novel coronavirus originate in a lab? Close relative of SARS-CoV-2 suggests it evolved naturally, says study
Bats are the most likely natural hosts for the virus.
Avoid using plastic or stainless steel utensils. Coronavirus stays on them for 3 days
The novel virus can remain stable for about four hours on copper, and up to 24 hours on cardboard.
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