As vaccines are rolled out, researchers continue to keep up with the virus that is still rampaging across the world. Here, we provide you with the latest round-up of COVID-19 news and research from the past fortnight.
Statistics
At the time of writing, there have been:
- 105,471,226 cases
- 2,296,080 deaths
- 77,171,970 recoveries
Research
- New research demonstrates that antibodies generated by the novel coronavirus react to other strains of coronavirus and vice versa. (Tafesse et al, 2021)
- A new study suggests that T cells target a broad range of sites on the virus, meaning they may potentially recognise different SARS-CoV-2 variants. (Sette et al, 2021)
- Scientists uncover how remdesivir works – revealing that it is a delayed translocation inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 replication. (Johnson et al, 2021)
- Researchers have developed a new protein that tricks and neutralises COVID-19 in a human kidney organoid. (Battle et al, 2021)
- New protein-based biosensors can detect coronavirus proteins and antibodies within minutes. (Baker et al, 2021)
- A team of researchers have developed a novel strategy that redirects antibodies for other diseases existing in humans to the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2. (Han et al, 2021)
- Researchers have described how electronic health records can be valuable predictors of those likeliest to die from COVID-19. (Estiri et al, 2021)
Other news
- BioNTech-Pfizer mRNA vaccine is found to be largely effective against UK variant. (Muik et al, 2021)
- Johnson & Johnson vaccine is found to be 66% effective in preventing moderate to severe COVID-19. (J&J, 2021)
- Over 10 million people in the UK have received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. (UK Department of Health and Social Care, 2021)
Image credit: By starline – www.freepik.co.uk
