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SARS-CoV-2

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·May 29, 2020·3 min read

New model predicts the peaks of the COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers used data of active COVID-19 case rates from China to set the parameters for the model. Applying the formula to other counties, including the UK, France, and Brazil, they found a match in the evolution of active cases and fatality rates over time.

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·May 27, 2020·3 min read

Study uncovers clues to COVID-19 in the brain

Altered mental state and strokes are the most common neurological symptoms associated with coronavirus infection.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·May 26, 2020·4 min read

First results from human COVID-19 immunology study reveal universally effective antibodies

While the amount of antibodies generated varies widely in patients who have recovered from coronavirus, most people generate at least some antibodies which are intrinsically capable of neutralizing the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

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·May 26, 2020·2 min read

Researchers flag similarities between COVID-19 deaths and severe rheumatic illnesses

After natural killer immune cells kill virus-infected cells, T and B immune cells produce cytokines. This makes the immune reaction stronger and results in the cytokine storm associated with severe COVID-19 infection.

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·May 26, 2020·3 min read

Dementia gene raises risk of severe COVID-19

People with the Alzheimer's associated ApoE e4e4 gene have increased vulnerability to developing severe symptoms of COVID-19 if they become infected with the virus. Findings suggest those with the dementia-related gene have double the risk of developing severe coronavirus symptoms compared to those who those with the common e3e3 form of the APOE gene.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·May 25, 2020·3 min read

Coronavirus mutations do not appear to increase transmissibility

Researchers have identified 6,822 mutations of SARS-CoV-2 across a global dataset. 273 mutations have occurred repeatedly and independently. Of those, researchers investigated 31 mutations that have occurred at least ten times during the current pandemic. They found no evidence that any of the common mutations are increasing the ability of the virus to be transmitted. Some common mutations are neutral, but most are mildly detrimental to the virus. New evidence also suggests the viral spike protein, D614G, is not associated with increased viral transmission.

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·May 25, 2020·4 min read

Scientists isolate live COVID-19 virus from feces, detect RNA on surfaces

Researchers isolated live SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, from the feces of patients who died as a result of coronavirus infection. Antigens to the virus were also found in post-mortem gastrointestinal surface cells. Isolating the live virus from fecal matter indicates evidence of the infectious virus in feces is a common manifestation of COVID-19. Researchers also found SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces and bedding samples in hotel rooms used by two presymptomatic people who were later diagnosed with COVID-19.

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·May 24, 2020·5 min read

Preventing ‘cytokine storm’ may ease severe COVID-19 symptoms

Treating coronavirus patients with alpha-blockers may help prevent the cytokine storm associated with severe COVID-19 infection. Alpha-blockers interfere with the cell signaling that triggers cytokine storms. Mice with bacterial infections that were treated with alpha-blockers experienced reduced cytokine storms and decreased death rates.

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·May 24, 2020·5 min read

No improvement in death rate for COVID-19 patients who received hydroxychloroquine

Coronavirus patients treated with chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine are significantly more likely to experience ventricular arrhythmias than those who were treated with other medications. The study also revealed that out of 100,000 COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized, the 15,000 who received hydroxychloroquine were more likely to have worse health outcomes than those treated with other drugs.

This shows a pregnant woman in a hospital bed

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 22, 2020·5 min read

Placentas from COVID-19-positive pregnant women show injury

The placentas of sixteen women who contracted COVID-19 during pregnancy showed evidence of significant injury, a new study reports. The placental injuries were consistent with abnormal blood flow between mother and baby in-utero, suggesting another complication of coronavirus infection in pregnant women.

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·May 20, 2020·3 min read

COVID-19 cytokine storm: Possible mechanism for the deadly respiratory syndrome

SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, enters human cells by attaching to ACE2 and utilizing TMPRSS2. Drugs that block ACE2 or inhibit the enzyme could help treat the coronavirus, but only during early infection. As the infection progresses, SARS-CoV-2 becomes engulfed in human cells, reducing the number of ACE2 receptors on a cell and leading to an increase of angiotensin II in the blood. Angiotensin II triggers an inflammatory pathway, providing a positive feedback cycle, named IL-6 amplifier, resulting in excessive immune activation and the cytokine storm associated with severe COVID-19.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 19, 2020·3 min read

Six feet not far enough to stop coronavirus transmission in light winds

A new study reveals the recommended 6 foot of distance to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 may not be enough. Researchers report that even with a slight breeze of 4 KPH, saliva and cough droplets travel 18 feet per 5 seconds.