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COVID-19

This shows a researcher performing a test

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 9, 2020·3 min read

False-negative COVID-19 test results may lead to false sense of security

The sensitivity of current RT-PCR testing for COVID-19 and overall test performance characteristics have not been reported clearly or consistently in medical literature. Researchers say doctors should expect a less visible second wave of coronavirus infections from people with false-negative test results.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·April 9, 2020·4 min read

COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 mapped out

Newly discovered modifications of the coronavirus RNA offers clues for combatting COVID-19. The findings also shed light on the lifecycle of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 9, 2020·5 min read

Modeling study estimates impact of relaxing control measures on possible second wave of COVID-19

Mathematical model uses real-time monitoring data of COVID-19 transmissibility and severity to fine-tune control strategies, offering a better chance of minimizing a second wave of infection in mainland China.

Featured Neuroscience

·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.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·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.

Featured Neuroscience

·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.

Featured Neuroscience

·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.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·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.

Featured Neuroscience

·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.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·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.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·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.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·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.