CORONAVIRUS RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: 1-MINUTE READS
CRISPR pinpoints host genes that aid viral invasion
A trawl through a monkey genome using the CRISPR–Cas9 genome-editing system has identified a handful of genes that might help the new coronavirus to infect its hosts. The discovery of host genes that aid viral activity could assist in the development of new therapies, and reveal why some people are more susceptible to COVID-19 than others.
Reference: bioRxiv preprint (not yet peer reviewed)
More than one billion people face increased risk
A host of common health problems, such as diabetes and cardiovascular problems, boost a person’s risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19. An analysis of 188 nations reveals that more than 20% of the world’s population has at least one underlying condition that raises the risk of severe disease. The researchers also estimate that nearly 350 million people — some of whom do not have underlying conditions — would require hospitalization if infected.
Reference: Lancet Global Health paper
Evidence that children are less susceptible to infection
Children and the elderly are less likely than adults under the age of 65 to show evidence of past SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to a survey of people in Geneva, Switzerland. Only one out of the 123 tested children aged 5–9 came back positive, although 21 of them lived with someone who had COVID-19 antibodies. A separate study in Guangzhou, China found that people under the age of 20 had a 5.2% risk of being infected by a member of their household, compared with a 14.8% risk for people aged 20–59.
Reference: The Lancet paper & Lancet Infectious Diseases paper
Bars, karaoke and gyms can aid ‘superspread’
Clusters of coronavirus infections are often linked to events where many people breathe heavily while packed together, such as karaoke parties and gym sessions, according to a survey in Japan. Many of the 61 ‘superspreading’ incidents identified by the survey occurred in hospitals, nursing homes and other care facilities, but a little more than half took place at venues such as musical events, restaurants and workplaces. One concert, for example, was the source of infection for more than 30 people, including performers, audience members and staff.
Reference: Emerging Infectious Diseases paper
Modified mice could aid the quest for vaccines and drugs
Two teams have developed a short cut to generating COVID-19 mouse models: using a harmless adenoviruses to make the rodents’ cells susceptible to infection. Researchers used adenoviruses — a workhorse of gene therapy — to deliver the human ACE2 gene to the lung cells of mice. The SARS-CoV-2 virus invades a human cell by attaching to receptors, including ACE2, on its surface.
Reference: Cell paper 1 & Cell paper 2
A trawl through a monkey genome using the CRISPR–Cas9 genome-editing system has identified a handful of genes that might help the new coronavirus to infect its hosts. The discovery of host genes that aid viral activity could assist in the development of new therapies, and reveal why some people are more susceptible to COVID-19 than others.
Reference: bioRxiv preprint (not yet peer reviewed)
More than one billion people face increased risk
A host of common health problems, such as diabetes and cardiovascular problems, boost a person’s risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19. An analysis of 188 nations reveals that more than 20% of the world’s population has at least one underlying condition that raises the risk of severe disease. The researchers also estimate that nearly 350 million people — some of whom do not have underlying conditions — would require hospitalization if infected.
Reference: Lancet Global Health paper
Evidence that children are less susceptible to infection
Children and the elderly are less likely than adults under the age of 65 to show evidence of past SARS-CoV-2 infection, according to a survey of people in Geneva, Switzerland. Only one out of the 123 tested children aged 5–9 came back positive, although 21 of them lived with someone who had COVID-19 antibodies. A separate study in Guangzhou, China found that people under the age of 20 had a 5.2% risk of being infected by a member of their household, compared with a 14.8% risk for people aged 20–59.
Reference: The Lancet paper & Lancet Infectious Diseases paper
Bars, karaoke and gyms can aid ‘superspread’
Clusters of coronavirus infections are often linked to events where many people breathe heavily while packed together, such as karaoke parties and gym sessions, according to a survey in Japan. Many of the 61 ‘superspreading’ incidents identified by the survey occurred in hospitals, nursing homes and other care facilities, but a little more than half took place at venues such as musical events, restaurants and workplaces. One concert, for example, was the source of infection for more than 30 people, including performers, audience members and staff.
Reference: Emerging Infectious Diseases paper
Modified mice could aid the quest for vaccines and drugs
Two teams have developed a short cut to generating COVID-19 mouse models: using a harmless adenoviruses to make the rodents’ cells susceptible to infection. Researchers used adenoviruses — a workhorse of gene therapy — to deliver the human ACE2 gene to the lung cells of mice. The SARS-CoV-2 virus invades a human cell by attaching to receptors, including ACE2, on its surface.
Reference: Cell paper 1 & Cell paper 2
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