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Coronavirus

All articles tagged with #coronavirus

One in ten Gen Z adults report zero face-to-face contact on a typical day
us-news7 days ago

One in ten Gen Z adults report zero face-to-face contact on a typical day

A Financial Times analysis of US Census data from the American Time Use Survey shows about 10% of Gen Z adults (ages 23–29) have zero face-to-face interactions on an average day, up from 3% before the pandemic and peaking at 10% in 2023; while the most social cohort recovered to about 83% of the day spent with others by 2025, the bottom quartile's in-person time remained essentially zero, with Americans also spending more time on screens and remote work rising to roughly 35% of workers in 2025.

via New York Post|
#census#coronavirus#social-isolation
AI-designed universal coronavirus vaccine shows safety and immune response in first human trial
technology2 months ago

AI-designed universal coronavirus vaccine shows safety and immune response in first human trial

Researchers from Cambridge and Southampton used AI to design a ‘super-antigen’ vaccine intended to protect against multiple Sarbeco coronaviruses. In a Phase I trial, the vaccine was safe and elicited immune responses in 39 healthy volunteers when delivered via a needle-free micro-fluid jet, suggesting a potential future-proof solution against current and emerging coronaviruses, though larger and more diverse trials are needed and concerns about AI in medicine remain.

via Fox News|
#ai#clinical-trial#coronavirus
AI-crafted universal coronavirus vaccine clears first-in-human trial
science2 months ago

AI-crafted universal coronavirus vaccine clears first-in-human trial

Cambridge researchers and DIOSynVax report the first-in-human trial of an AI-designed 'super-antigen' universal coronavirus vaccine. The DNA vaccine, created entirely by computer simulations and delivered via a needle-free micro‑jet system, was safe in 39 volunteers and elicited immune responses against SARS-CoV-2, SARS, and related bat coronaviruses, suggesting broad protection beyond current strains. A Phase 2 study is planned to confirm wider protection, with the approach potentially adaptable to other virus families.

via ScienceDaily|
#ai#clinical-trial#coronavirus
UNC's Baric to Retire, Ending a Pioneering COVID-19 Era
higher-ed3 months ago

UNC's Baric to Retire, Ending a Pioneering COVID-19 Era

Renowned UNC-Chapel Hill coronavirus researcher Ralph Baric will retire in June. His work helped advance COVID-19 vaccines and related diagnostics, contributing to the Moderna vaccine and other treatments, but also drew scrutiny over the virus’s origins and gain-of-function research. The retirement was announced by Gillings School leaders via email, with no reason given, as Baric’s career–including debates about Wuhan Institute of Virology connections and past funding concerns–continues to be reassessed.

via The Assembly NC|
#coronavirus#gain-of-function#higher-ed
Omicron offshoot BA.3.2 spreads across 25 states, vaccine protection under review
health5 months ago

Omicron offshoot BA.3.2 spreads across 25 states, vaccine protection under review

A newly identified Covid variant, BA.3.2, is spreading in the United States with evidence from travelers and wastewater tests across at least 25 states. Descended from Omicron and carrying many spike-protein mutations, it may evade protection from current vaccines. While not yet dominant or associated with more severe disease, scientists warn that vaccines might need updating and continued surveillance is essential.

via The Independent|
#ba32#coronavirus#covid
New Covid variant BA.3.2 spreads to 25 states, raising vaccine protection questions
health5 months ago

New Covid variant BA.3.2 spreads to 25 states, raising vaccine protection questions

A new Covid variant, BA.3.2, has been detected across the United States, with cases identified in travelers and widespread wastewater signals in at least 25 states. Early data suggest it may partially evade antibodies from current vaccines, though it has not been shown to cause more severe disease; health authorities say vaccine updates may be needed and ongoing surveillance is essential as thousands of Covid deaths continue this year.

via The Independent|
#coronavirus#covid#health
Natural origins favored: study finds pandemic viruses can jump to humans without pre-adaptation
science5 months ago

Natural origins favored: study finds pandemic viruses can jump to humans without pre-adaptation

A UC San Diego‑led genomic analysis of Ebola, Marburg, mpox, influenza A, and SARS‑CoV‑2 finds no evidence that most pandemic viruses required adaptation in an animal reservoir or in a lab before infecting humans; selection changes usually appear after human transmission. The study does note a possible lab‑linked signal for the 1977 H1N1 influenza and cites palm civet–associated SARS‑CoV as a historical example, but argues SARS‑CoV‑2 likely arose through natural zoonotic transmission. The authors stress that distinguishing natural spillovers from lab mishandling relies on genomic signals and call for strengthened surveillance and spillover prevention to prepare for future pandemics, challenging theories that COVID‑19 was lab‑engineered.

via CIDRAP|
#coronavirus#evolution#pandemics
Tiny llama nanobodies lock coronavirus spike to block infection across variants
biology6 months ago

Tiny llama nanobodies lock coronavirus spike to block infection across variants

Researchers identified llama-derived single-domain antibodies (nanobodies) that bind a conserved base region (S2) of the coronavirus spike and act like a clamp, locking the spike in its original shape and preventing the conformational changes needed for cell entry. In animal tests these nanobodies provided strong protection at low doses and showed a high barrier to viral escape, neutralizing a broad range of SARS-related coronaviruses and offering potential for long-lasting antiviral therapies resilient to future variants.

via SciTechDaily|
#biology#broad-neutralization#coronavirus
"Staying Healthy and Enjoying Summer Amid Avian Flu and New COVID Variant"
health-and-wellness2 years ago

"Staying Healthy and Enjoying Summer Amid Avian Flu and New COVID Variant"

As summer begins, concerns about new coronavirus variants and avian flu are rising. Dr. Leana Wen advises that while the risk of severe illness from Covid-19 remains low, high-risk individuals should stay updated on vaccines and consider wearing masks in crowded places. The CDC states that the risk of avian flu to the general public is low, and pasteurized milk and properly cooked meat are safe to consume. To prevent heatstroke, stay hydrated and seek cool environments during high temperatures. Additionally, use sunscreen to protect against skin cancer and stay on top of health screenings and chronic conditions.

via CNN|
#avian-flu#coronavirus#food-safety
"New FLiRT COVID Variants Raise Summer Surge Concerns"
health2 years ago

"New FLiRT COVID Variants Raise Summer Surge Concerns"

The new coronavirus variant KP.2, part of the Omicron family, has become the dominant strain in the U.S. It is highly contagious but does not cause more severe disease, and existing vaccines and treatments remain effective. Symptoms are similar to other Covid-19 infections, and home tests are still reliable. High-risk individuals should consider antiviral treatments, and updated vaccines expected in the fall may offer better protection. The CDC recommends isolating until fever-free for 24 hours and symptoms improve, with additional precautions for five days.

via CNN|
#antiviral-treatments#coronavirus#health