A first-of-its-kind global-to-local study has found that COVID-19’s impact varied remarkably across 920 locations worldwide, even within the same country. By analyzing data on cases, deaths, and healthy years lost between 2020 and 2021, the researchers revealed that broad national or regional averages may mask substantial local disparities. The study calls for more detailed, location-specific data to guide better public health decisions in future pandemics.

Since the start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, several variants of the virus have developed into Variants of Concern (VOCs), as classified by the World Health Organization (WHO). VOCs are virus variants that are predicted or known to cause large waves of infections due to their altered phenotypic characteristics and with risk of altering disease severity, reducing vaccine effectiveness or otherwise leading to increased burden of health care systems. The CoVerage web platform for genomic surveillance of the SARS-CoV-2 virus enables a rapid, computational identification and characterization of potential Variants of Interest (pVOIs), with a lead time of almost three months before their WHO designation as a VOC or as related variant categories and predicts their ability to escape existing immunity acquired by prior vaccinations or infections. Researchers led by Alice McHardy have successfully demonstrated this in a comprehensive analysis published in Nature Communications. Early detection of VOCs is particularly important for vaccine development in order to ensure vaccine protection against new virus variants.

Borrowing from the anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil, Penn Engineers used a century-old chemical reaction to redesign the lipid nanoparticles that deliver mRNA. By adding phenol groups, antioxidant compounds found in olive oil, to the delivery molecules, they created a new class of lipids that reduce inflammation and enhance performance. The result is a safer, more effective platform for mRNA vaccines and therapies, with promising results in animal models of COVID-19, cancer and gene editing.

Long COVID continues to affect millions, with symptoms that mirror those of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). This research highlight reveals that both conditions share common roots in cellular oxidative stress and immune dysfunction, potentially leading to long-term brain damage. It proposes that ME/CFS is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and could serve as a useful model for understanding brain aging, energy failure, and the lasting neurological effects of viral pandemics.

Kyoto, Japan -- Respiratory infections such as COVID-19 have been responsible for numerous pandemics and have placed a substantial burden on healthcare systems. Such viruses can cause significant damage to our lungs, especially to the proximal region, or airway, and distal region, also known as the alveoli.

The responses of different lung regions to such infections are varying and complex, so accurately replicating them using traditional models, such as animals and simple in vitro systems, poses a challenge.

To solve this problem, a team of researchers at Kyoto University has developed a micro physiological system, or MPS, capable of emulating different regions of human lungs. Specifically, their device can simulate the airway and alveoli to investigate viral pathologies. Coupled with isogenic iPSCs, the team is preparing for more personalized and accurate treatment of respiratory diseases.

UC Davis researchers find cats could help us learn about long COVID. They've found a new cell therapy boosts immune systems in cats with severe coronavirus.

Researchers have developed an open-source molecular diagnostic assay for pathogen detection, successfully tested for COVID-19. The innovative RT-LAMP method is heat-stable, uses only non-proprietary reagents, and eliminates the need for expensive commercial kits and cold chain storage. Demonstrating performance in both Vienna and Ghana, the low-cost solution has potential for enhancing quick and equitable testing capabilities in resource-limited areas worldwide.