Pandemic News and Research

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A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. During a pandemic, transmission can be anticipated in the workplace, not only from patient to workers in health care settings, but also among co-workers in general work settings. A pandemic would cause high levels of illness, death, social disruption, and economic loss. Everyday life would be disrupted because so many people in so many places become seriously ill at the same time. Impacts could range from school and business closings to the interruption of basic services such as public transportation and food delivery.

Neanderthal gene variant associated with higher risk of developing severe COVID-19

Research has revealed that a part of DNA, which causes a almost three times higher risk of developing severe COVID-19, is inherited from Neanderthals.

5 Oct 2020

Study offers clues to optimize defense tactics against viruses

Science's pursuits of unraveling how human cells fight viral infections kicked into high gear in 2020 with the devastating emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

30 Sep 2020

New mobile app analyzes SARS-CoV-2 genome on a smartphone

A new mobile app has made it possible to analyse the genome of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on a smartphone in less than half an hour.

30 Sep 2020

Researchers identify risk factors for COVID-19 mortality

Scientists have proposed that carriers of two genetic mutations PiS and PiZ face a greater risk for severe illness and even death from COVID-19 disease.

25 Sep 2020

Researchers identify role of glycans in SARS-CoV-2 spike protein

With a surge in the COVID-19 cases, scientists are working actively to develop therapies and vaccines to impede SARS-CoV-2.

25 Sep 2020

Study reveals over 20% of Americans suffer from food shortage

More than 18 percent of U.S. adults do not know whether they will have enough to eat from day to day, and the numbers are worse for Hispanics, Blacks, people with obesity, and women, a new report shows.

24 Sep 2020

Druggable pocket in SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein can help eliminate COVID-19

Researchers have identified a druggable pocket in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein that could be utilized to prevent the virus from infecting human cells.

24 Sep 2020

Irisin hormone could have therapeutic effect on COVID-19 patients

A study conducted by researchers at São Paulo State University (UNESP) suggests that irisin, a hormone secreted from muscles in response to exercise, could have a therapeutic effect on COVID-19 patients.

23 Sep 2020

Mouse model reveals neurons responsible for guiding adaptive behavior

Humans, like other animals, have the ability to constantly adapt to new situations. Researchers at the Brain Research Institute of the University of Zurich have utilized a mouse model to reveal which neurons in the brain are in command in guiding adaptive behavior.

17 Sep 2020

Study pinpoints specific protein involved in the mass production of antibodies

A team of researchers has discovered how a specific protein called JAGN1 plays a crucial role in the production of antibodies.

17 Sep 2020

Researchers examine micromechanical behavior of plant tissues to improve food production

QUT researchers are working to design faster, cheaper, and better ways to store food. Published in journal PLOS ONE, researchers used QUT's supercomputing facilities to examine the micromechanical behavior of plant tissues and how biological cells behave while dehydrated or dried.

15 Sep 2020

New study can help develop effective COVID-19 vaccine

According to a new study, a detailed analysis of antibody responses in patients affected by COVID-19 could help develop an effective vaccine.

14 Sep 2020

Sociological study focuses on perceptions about food purity and impurity

Is an oozing apple with fuzzy white mold better than one that is fresh and green a month after you bought it? Yes, according to a new sociological study of Danes' perceptions about food 'purity' and 'impurity'.

11 Sep 2020

CRISPR in a Box: New educational gene editing tool kit

Introducing CRISPR in a Box™ - it's not a new crunchy cereal or the latest snack - it's an educational tool kit consisting of state-of-the-science gene editing technology that could be coming to a school near you.

10 Sep 2020

Computer-designed proteins protect lab-grown human cells from SARS-CoV-2

Computer-designed small proteins have now been shown to protect lab-grown human cells from SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

10 Sep 2020

Changing what we eat could offset years of climate-warming emissions

Plant protein foods can provide vital nutrients using a small fraction of the land required to produce meat and dairy.

8 Sep 2020

Combined point-of-care nucleic acid and antibody test can speed up COVID-19 detection

A Cambridge hospital has piloted the use of combined rapid point-of-care nucleic acid and antibody testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection after researchers at the University of Cambridge showed that this approach was superior to virus detection alone for diagnosing COVID-19 disease.

3 Sep 2020