The loss of smell and taste with a COVID-19 infection during the delta surge was a prevalent symptom and wasn’t prevented by vaccination, new research suggests. The study also found some people with the earliest COVID infections had loss of these senses months later and didn’t even realize it.
Tag: SARS-CoV-2
Protein nanoparticle vaccine shows potential for broader, safe SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, biomedical sciences researchers find
A nanoparticle vaccine that combines two proteins that induce immune responses against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that has caused the global pandemic, has the potential to be developed into broader and safe SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, according to researchers in the Institute for Biomedical Sciences at Georgia State University.
Study shows that vaccinated individuals develop more robust and broadly reactive antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 variants than the unvaccinated after an Omicron infection
A recent study jointly conducted by the LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) and the Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CU Medicine) shows that vaccinated individuals can develop more robust and broadly reactive antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 variants than unvaccinated individuals after an Omicron infection.
COVID booster needed for broad protection against omicron variants
A COVID-19 booster shot will provide strong and broad antibody protection against the range of omicron sublineage variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in circulation, two new studies using serum from human blood samples suggest.
Comparing SARS-CoV-2 antibody response after Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines in immunosuppressed patients
About The Study: Researchers compared antispike antibody titers after the 2-dose Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines in incrementally immunosuppressed patients. These individuals, such as people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases and solid organ transplant recipients, have decreased immune responses to these…
COVID-19, MIS-C and Kawasaki Disease Share Same Immune Response
COVID-19, MIS-C and KD all share a similar underlying mechanism involving the over-activation of particular inflammatory pathways, UC San Diego study shows. Findings support novel drug targets for MIS-C.
New tool integrates microbiome and host genetic sequencing analysis
A new software tool makes it easier to study relationships between a host, its microbiome and pathogens like HIV or SARS-CoV-2.
Decoy receptor protects against Omicron infection
They say that the best defense is a good offense; and now, researchers from Japan have found that the best defense against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection could be a good decoy.
Asthma drug can block crucial SARS-CoV-2 protein
A drug used to treat asthma and allergies can bind to and block a crucial protein produced by the virus SARS-CoV-2, and reduce viral replication in human immune cells, according to a new study by researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
Assessing risk of myocarditis following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination
What The Study Did: The risks of myocarditis and pericarditis after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccinations were assessed by vaccine, dose number, sex and age among 23.1 million residents of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Authors: Rickard Ljung, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., of the Swedish…
Texas Biomed and partners discover new, potent COVID-19 antibody cocktail
Researchers at Texas Biomed and University of Alabama at Birmingham discovered an antibody cocktail against COVID-19 that appears effective against all variants and other coronaviruses. The cocktail has been exclusively licensed to Aridis Pharmaceuticals, which is seeking a manufacturing partner to advance the treatment to human clinical trials.
Plant-derived antiviral drug is effective in blocking highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, say scientists
A plant-based antiviral treatment for Covid-19, recently discovered by scientists at the University of Nottingham, has been found to be just as effective at treating all variants of the virus SARS-CoV-2, even the highly infectious Delta variant.
Yale researchers develop RNA-based therapy that clears SARS-CoV-2 from mice
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have discovered that an RNA molecule that stimulates the body’s early antiviral defense system can protect mice from a range of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. The study, published today in the Journal of Experimental Medicine (JEM), could lead to new treatments for COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients, as well as providing an inexpensive therapeutic option for developing countries that currently lack access to vaccines.
Genome sequencing reveals widespread COVID-19 infection in white-tailed deer
Houston Methodist’s SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing team has partnered on a study led by Penn State that revealed 80% of white-tailed deer sampled across Iowa at the height of the 2020-2021 deer-hunting season tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Analysis of the virus genome sequences revealed infections were likely the result of multiple human-to-deer transmission “spillover” events followed by deer-to-deer transmission from April 2020 through January 2021.
SARS-CoV-2 variant detected in dogs and cats with suspected myocarditis
A new study in the Veterinary Record reveals that pets can be infected with the alpha variant of SARS-CoV-2, which was first detected in southeast England and is commonly known as the UK variant or B.1.1.7.
Study finds the SARS-CoV-2 virus can infect the inner ear
Many Covid-19 patients have reported symptoms affecting the ears, including hearing loss and tinnitus. Dizziness and balance problems can also occur, suggesting that the SARS-CoV-2 virus may be able to infect the inner ear.
Carbon nanotube-based sensor can detect SARS-CoV-2 proteins
Using specialized carbon nanotubes, MIT engineers have designed a novel sensor that can detect SARS-CoV-2 without any antibodies, giving a result within minutes.
Same Treatment Tested for Kids with Kawasaki Disease and Rare COVID-19 Reaction
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine tested the same treatment for kids with Kawasaki disease and rare COVID-19 reaction.
Statins Likely Not Helpful In Reducing Covid-19 Mortality or Severity
Findings from a recent Johns Hopkins Medicine-led study of nearly 4,500 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 over a four-month period provide a stronger case for a very different conclusion: Statins likely did not confer any impact — positive or negative — on COVID-related mortality and may be associated with an significantly increased risk — nearly 1 chance in 5 — of more serious illness.
New potential factor contributing to severity of COVID-19 identified
The University of Kent’s School of Biosciences and the Institute of Medical Virology at Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, have identified a protein that may critically contribute to severe forms of COVID-19.
Inhibiting targets of SARS-CoV-2 proteases can block infection, study shows
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have shown how SARS-CoV-2 viral proteases attack the host cell, and how this can be targeted to stop virus replication in cell culture using existing drugs.
Previously Healthy Young Adults with ‘Long COVID’ Show Vascular Dysfunction in Limbs, but Not Brain
A first-of-its-kind study of young adults with positive COVID-19 tests from more than 4 weeks ago found that those who were still symptomatic (i.e., long-haulers) had impaired blood vessel function in their limbs, but not brains. Asymptotic participants had blood vessel function similar to controls.
Infection detection: DNA researchers develop critical shortcut to detect and identify known and emerging pathogens
Researchers at McMaster University have developed a sophisticated new tool that could help provide early warning of rare and unknown viruses in the environment and identify potentially deadly bacterial pathogens which cause sepsis, among other uses.
3D analysis of SARS-CoV-2 reveals clues on virus tactics
The most comprehensive analysis of the 3D structure of SARS-CoV-2 to date has revealed new insight on how the virus infects human cells and replicates.
UAMS Research Team Finds Potential Cause of COVID-19 ‘Long-haulers’
A research team has identified a potential cause of long-lasting symptoms experienced by COVID-19 patients, often referred to as long-haulers. The findings were published in the journal, The Public Library of Science ONE (PLOS ONE).
OFF-TARGET IMMUNE RESPONSE COULD PREDICT COVID-19 SEVERITY
The presence of special immune system defense molecules, called autoimmune antibodies, has been strongly tied to how poorly people fare when hospitalized with COVID-19, a new study shows.
Study: No Serious COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects in Breastfeeding Moms, Infants
Researchers found that breastfeeding mothers who received either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccination reported the same local or systemic symptoms as what has been previously reported in non-breastfeeding women, with no serious side effects in the breastfed infants.
Argonne collaborations bring computational tools to the forefront of COVID-19 research
Argonne, industry and academia collaborate to bring innovative AI and simulation tools to the COVID-19 battlefront.
Hopkins Med News Update
News stories in this issue
Second Breath: Region’s First Double Lung Transplant for COVID-19 Patient
After more than 50 days on advanced life support, a multi-disciplinary team at UC San Diego Health helps a patient who contracted COVID-19 become a candidate for a successful double lung transplant. The transplant surgery was the first in the region performed on a COVID-19 patient.
Antibody protects against broad range of COVID-19 virus variants
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified an antibody that is highly protective against a broad range of viral variants.
In transplant recipients, COVID-19 vaccines reduce infection and mortality risks
Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 substantially lowers the risks of “breakthrough” infections and death due to COVID-19 in adult organ transplant recipients, according to a pair of research letters in Transplantation, the official Journal of The Transplantation Society and the International Liver Transplantation Society. The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer.
Hopkins Med News Update
NEWS STORIES IN THIS ISSUE:
– COVID-19 NEWS: Johns Hopkins Medicine Study Shows Vaccine Likely Protects People with HIV
– Johns Hopkins Medicine Documents Stroke Risk in Cardiac Assist Device
– CBD Products May Help People with Epilepsy Better Tolerate Anti-Seizure Medications

Most of UC San Diego’s COVID-19 Cases Detected Early by Wastewater Screening
Part of UC San Diego’s Return to Learn program, wastewater screening helped prevent outbreaks by detecting 85 percent of cases early, allowing for timely testing, contact tracing and isolation.

Vaccine Hesitancy and Pregnancy: @UCSDHealth expert on why you should get the COVID-19 shot
With recent statewide vaccination mandates, members of the public may have questions or concerns about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination, especially in pregnant mothers. Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, MD, professor and chair of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at UC…
Licensed Drug Could Reduce SARS-CoV-2 Infection by Up to 70 Per Cent, Reveals Study
A licensed drug normally used to treat abnormal levels of fatty substances in the blood could reduce infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus by up to 70 per cent, reveals a study in the laboratory by an international collaboration of researchers.
Study shows neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 remain relatively high for up to 13 months following infection
New York, NY – Researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have found that most COVID-19 patients have persistent antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus at levels that are correlated with neutralization of the virus more than…
Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 Remain Stable, or Even Increase, Seven Months After Infection
The levels of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein remain stable, or even increase, seven months after infection, according to a follow-up study in a cohort of healthcare workers coordinated by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), an institution supported by “la Caixa” Foundation, in collaboration with the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona.
Rethinking Remdesivir
UC San Diego researchers modify remdesivir, creating oral version that can be taken earlier in COVID-19 diagnoses. In cell and animal studies, revised drug proved effective and safe.
No Particular Risk of Infection of SARS-CoV-2 From Cash
How long do coronaviruses remain infectious on banknotes and coins? Is it possible to become infected through contact with cash?
UAH’s Baudry Lab part of half-million-dollar efforts to target COVID with drug therapies
Two different strategies to discover and perfect pharmaceuticals active against the COVID-19 virus have attracted a half million dollars in research funding to support five institutions, including the Baudry Lab at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH).
Highly Potent, Stable Nanobodies Stop SARS-CoV-2
Göttingen researchers have developed mini-antibodies that efficiently block the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and its dangerous new variants.
利用人工智能筛选3000万种针对SARS-CoV-2的候选药物
妙佑医疗国际(Mayo Clinic)的研究人员和合作者利用计算机模拟和人工智能(AI)来筛选3000万种候选药物,这些药物有可能阻断导致COVID-19的SARS-CoV-2病毒。在一篇发表在《Biomolecules》上的论文中,研究人员阐述了他们如何加速药物发现,从而为开展进一步的研究确定最有希望的目标。他们的最终目的是寻找治疗COVID-19的新方法。
What if We Could Give Viruses a One-Two Punch?
Researchers at Stanford and Berkeley Lab’s Molecular Foundry have developed virus-killing molecules called peptoids. The technology could make possible an emerging category of antiviral drugs that could treat everything from herpes and COVID-19 to the common cold.

A rapid method to quantify antibodies against SARS-CoV-2
Scientists have developed a rapid, highly accurate test to detect antibodies against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 in human serum, opening a new avenue for understanding the full extent of the pandemic and evaluating the effectiveness of vaccines.
Scientists repurpose cancer and seizure medications to aid in the fight against COVID-19
Two teams of researchers using the Advanced Photon Source identified existing drugs — one used to treat cancer, the other an anti-seizure medication — that may work as treatments for COVID-19.
Usando a inteligência artificial para fazer a triagem de 30 milhões de possíveis medicamentos contra o SARS-CoV-2
Os pesquisadores e colaboradores da Mayo Clinic usaram a simulação em computadores e inteligência artificial (AI) para fazer a triagem virtual de 30 milhões de possíveis medicamentos que podem bloquear o SARS-CoV-2, o vírus que causa a COVID-19.
Imaging Test May Predict Patients Most at Risk of Some Heart Complications from COVID-19
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have shown that a type of echocardiogram, a common test to evaluate whether a person’s heart is pumping properly, may be useful in predicting which patients with COVID-19 are most at risk of developing atrial fibrillation — an irregular heartbeat that can increase a person’s risk for heart failure and stroke, among other heart issues. The new findings, published online May 30 in the Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography, also suggest that patients with COVID-19 who go on to develop atrial fibrillation more commonly have elevated levels of heart-related proteins called troponin and NT-proBNP in blood test samples.
Cutting out the proteins that give SARS-CoV-2 its power
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute (Texas Biomed) have narrowed down the proteins enabling SARS-CoV-2 to cause disease. Using advanced genetic engineering techniques developed at Texas Biomed, they systematically deleted the genetic code for five of the virus’s accessory proteins, one at a time, to see how each one affected the virus’s ability to spread and cause illness. The research was published online this month in the Journal of Virology.
UC San Diego Health Adopts SMART Health Card for Digital Vaccine Records
UC San Diego Health is now offering a verifiable digital vaccine record to its patients who have or will receive a COVID-19 vaccine. These secure online records, otherwise known as a SMART health card, can be accessed directly from the MyUCSDChart patient portal.