Credit: MICROSTOCKHUB/E+/GETTY IMAGES PLUSPeople who have managed to avoid COVID-19 for over four years may owe their immunity to a newly discovered immune response, according to a recent study. Researchers deliberately exposed volunteers to the virus and found that those with the heightened activity of a little-known immune gene called HLA-DQA2 did not sustain...
The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, pivotal in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, faced a significant development "on May 7, 2024," when the European Commission revoked its authorization for use, following AstraZeneca's application to withdraw EU marketing authorization on "March 27, 2024."
Researchers are developing an ultra-fast COVID test inspired by crustaceans that possess natural bioluminescence. Credit: ACS.In the post-pandemic era, undergoing a rapid COVID-19 test has become all too familiar. Typically, individuals endure an anxious 15-minute wait before obtaining their results. However, drawing inspiration from bioluminescent crustaceans, a groundbreaking prototype test aims to reduce this...
Illustration of COVID viruses. Credit: Unsplash.The JN.1 COVID variant has rapidly gained prevalence, becoming the predominant strain of the virus in the United States, as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported. Its impact is also felt in the United Kingdom, China, and India.Uncertainty Surrounds JN.1 SymptomsHealth authorities are currently grappling...
Credit: UnsplashWhen utilized correctly, COVID-19 lateral flow tests demonstrate high accuracy and specificity. However, the introduction of acidic fluids can lead to the antibodies in the tests clumping, potentially resulting in a false positive indication.Viral TikTok clips depicting adolescents manipulating rapid COVID-19 tests by inserting sodas and other acidic solutions into the test inlets...
Willow Bark. Credit: joybileefarm.In light of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on global health and society, researchers are actively seeking new antiviral medications to prevent the recurrence of such crises. Surprisingly, a promising solution has emerged from an unexpected source – willow bark.Drawing Inspiration from NatureWhile "drug discovery" often evokes images of cutting-edge laboratories and...
JN.1 has its origins in the Omicron variant. Credit: Unsplash.The JN.1 variant of COVID-19 has recently captured attention after being highlighted in a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This highly mutated strain, a descendant of Omicron's BA.2.86 (Pirola) variant, shows signs of emergence in Europe and the United States,...
Credit: istockphoto.com/tbaonaUndoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant shift in the way the general public approaches hand hygiene and infection control. However, the vital question that arises is to what extent have people's habits changed and whether any modifications have since decreased or become less intense.The survey involving hand hygiene subjectsCascades PRO conducted...
The world of science is everchanging and progressive. Every day a new scientific discovery is made. Here are some of the most relevant this year:Consumption of Microplastics Can Cause Evolutionary ChangesAfter the non-biting midges of the species Chironomus riparius were exposed to microplastics, the genome of subsequent generations changed. Credit: Markus PfenningerIn April 2022,...
Until now, the commercial banking system has weathered the pandemic shock even if there are some looming effects, claimed the 2022 Economic Survey tabled in Parliament on January 24.According to the survey, the gross non-performing advances proportion of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) kept decreasing from 11.2 percent in 2017-18 to 6.9 percent by September...
