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Coronavirus

·April 9, 2020·3 min read

Researchers working on decoy molecule to fool COVID-19

Researchers are working to create a decoy molecule that can trick coronavirus by attracting it before it can attach to lung cells, thus lowering the infection risk of COVID-19. The team aims to deliver the decoy product in an inhaler form to limit the risk of exposure to coronavirus.

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·April 9, 2020·5 min read

COVID-19: genetic network analysis provides ‘snapshot’ of pandemic origins

Using a phylogenetic network technique, researchers have mapped the evolutionary paths and genetic mutations of COVID-19 from its initial spread in China, to infections in the rest of the world. The method could be used to identify undocumented infection sources.

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·April 9, 2020·2 min read

World-first trial to test benefit of intravenous zinc in COVID-19 fight

University of Melbourne researchers are conducting trials to see if intravenous administration of zinc chloride will help combat some of the effects of COVID-19. Previous studies have shown zinc is effective at slowing the rate of other respiratory infections, such as SARS.

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·April 8, 2020·3 min read

Periodic physical distancing for COVID-19 control: New modeling study

Mathematical model incorporated several strategies to help flatten the COVID-19 curve, focusing on scarcity in hospital resources over two years. The models showed current physical distancing can help maintain healthcare capacity and reduce infections. The model also allowed for periodic economic and psychological breaks from social restrictions.

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·April 8, 2020·1 min read

Potential harms of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin for treating COVID-19

Study warns of the potentially serious adverse effects of prescribing hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin for the treatment of COVID-19. Some of the potential side effects include cardiac arrhythmias, hypoglycemia, and neuropsychiatric effects.

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·April 8, 2020·4 min read

Common coronaviruses are highly seasonal, with most cases peaking in winter months

Common coronaviruses are usually detected between December and May, with a peak of infection during January and February. Only 2.5% of cases occurred in the summer months. Researchers caution it is still too early to tell if COVID-19 will follow the same seasonal path as other coronaviruses.

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·April 8, 2020·1 min read

COVID-19: Anti-parasitic drug Ivermectin eliminates SARS-CoV-2 in cells in 48 hours

An FDA-approved anti-parasitic drug called Ivermectin appears to inhibit and eliminate SARS-CoV-2 in lab-grown cell cultures within 48 hours. Ivermectin shows promise as potential COVID-19 therapy. However, researchers stress the need for further testing and clinical trials in humans to confirm the effectiveness of the drug and appropriate dosage levels.

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·April 7, 2020·4 min read

Successful MERS vaccine in mice may hold promise for COVID-19 vaccine

Researchers have developed a new vaccine that fully protects mice against MERS by using a harmless virus to deliver MERS-CoV into cells and generate an immune response. The vaccine is an innocuous parainfluenza virus (PIV5) which carries the spike protein MERS uses to infect cells. Findings show the PIV5 based vaccine could be a useful platform for COVID-19.

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·April 7, 2020·5 min read

Coronavirus receptor abundantly expressed in certain progenitor cells

Certain progenitor cells in the bronchi are mainly responsible for producing coronavirus receptors. These cells normally develop into respiratory tract sells linked with cilia, that clear bacteria out of the lungs.

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·April 7, 2020·3 min read

COVID-19: Scientists find promising first step in antiviral treatment

Biological sequencing of the fusion peptides of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 found them to be a 93% match. Calcium ions interacting with the fusion peptide alters the peptide's structure, and how it interacts with membranes to promote infection. The findings provide a potential target for antiviral development to treat coronavirus.

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·April 7, 2020·3 min read

Could vitamin D help in fight against COVID-19?

Study reveals vitamin D could help to boost the immune system response and has been shown to help prevent other respiratory infections.

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·April 7, 2020·5 min read

Interstate Transmission of COVID-19 Is Now Most Urgent Threat

Domestic spread of coronavirus transmission via interstate travel is now more of a threat to people in American than from international travel. Findings repeat the need for more widespread diagnostic testing for COVID-19 at the state level and more intense tracking of people exposed to SARS-CoV-2.