Neutrophil infiltration is a hallmark of pulmonary inflammation during respiratory viral infections, yet the origin of these cells has been a subject of debate. Using a golden hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the study led by Professor Xuetao Cao’s team at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences unveiled a dynamic spleen-to-lung neutrophil axis that operates … Read more
The COVID-19 pandemic brought messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines to the forefront of global health care. After their clinical trial stages, the first COVID-19 mRNA vaccine was administered on 8 December 2020 and mathematical models suggest that mRNA vaccines prevented at least 14.4 million deaths from COVID-19 in the first year alone. Their extraordinary effectiveness in having … Read more
Even after the virus disappears, some people continue to experience altered taste. New research suggests that subtle molecular changes in taste receptor cells, not visible damage, may explain why sweet, umami, and bitter flavors remain disrupted long after COVID-19 infection. Study: Taste dysfunction in long COVID. Image credit: DimaBerlin/Shutterstock.com Some people with long COVID-19 report … Read more
Nearly a year and a half after infection, researchers examined whether long COVID leaves measurable traces of inflammation or neuronal damage in the blood and their findings challenge assumptions about persistent immune activation. Study: Long-COVID: assessment of circulating markers suggests no cerebral neuronal damage, neuroinflammation or systemic inflammation–a controlled study. Image Credit: p.ill.i / Shutterstock … Read more
Coronaviruses not only use the machinery of the human cells they infect: they modify it to achieve optimal conditions to produce viral proteins and thus spread more quickly. This is the main conclusion of a study by Pompeu Fabra University published in Nature Communications. The study identifies enzymes that modify transfer RNAs (tRNAs) –small cellular … Read more
Approximately one in seven adults in the United States has kidney disease, where the organs responsible for filtering waste and excess water from the blood are damaged, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Over time, this condition can lead to kidney failure, heart attack and stroke. But as many as 90% of people … Read more
Even a mild case of COVID-19 or the flu can impact the body long after the fever and cough fade, according to new Tulane University research that may help explain why some people struggle to feel fully recovered weeks or months later. Tulane researchers found that while both viruses can leave lasting lung damage, only … Read more
SARS-CoV-2 triggers the production of the antiviral protein IFN-γ, which is associated with fatigue, muscle ache and depression. New research shows that in Long COVID patients, IFN-y production persists until symptoms improve, highlighting a potential biomarker and a target for therapies. A University of Cambridge-led study identifies the protein interferon gamma (IFN-γ) as a potential … Read more
A novel nasal booster approach may help close the gap between systemic vaccination and infection-blocking mucosal immunity, offering fresh insight into next-generation COVID vaccine strategies. Study: Intranasal booster drives class switching and homing of memory B cells for mucosal IgA response. Image Credit: Jo Panuwat D / Shutterstock Current intramuscular vaccines excel at eliciting blood-based … Read more
The mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is not associated with autism or other neurodevelopmental problems in children whose mothers received the vaccine immediately before or during pregnancy, according to new research presented today at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) 2026 Pregnancy Meeting™. There are two types of COVID-19 vaccines recommended for use in the U.S.: the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine and a protein … Read more