Kiuas writes: Researchers from the Technical University of Munich and the University of Helsinki have discovered a second receptor (called neuropilin-1) which is used by the SARS-CoV-2 virus to enter into human cells via the nasal cavity. The discovery is important as it helps explain the rapid spread of the virus, and also helps define a potential target for antirviral intervention……
Tag: SARS
SARS-CoV-2 uses a second secret doorway into cells
Scientists have found a second doorway, called neuropilin-1, that the novel coronavirus uses to invade human cells. Source: https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-second-secret-doorway-into-cells.html
Covid-19 will probably become endemic. Here’s what that means
Rather than completely disappear – even when vaccines become available- it’s likely that the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 will be added to the family of infectious diseases known as “endemic” in the human population. Source: https://earthsky.org/human-world/covid-19-coronavirus-will-probably-become-endemic-defintion…
No, Mouthwash Will Not Save You From the Coronavirus
You may have noticed a rash of provocative headlines this week suggesting that mouthwash can “inactivate” coronaviruses and help curb their spread. While the news is based on a new study from researchers at the Penn State College of Medicine, it’s important to note that the study focused on a coronavirus that causes common colds — not the one that causes…
The coronavirus can last for 28 days on some surfaces
Scientists have found that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is viable even after sitting on surfaces such as glass and bank notes for 28 days. Source: https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-covid-lasts-28-days-some-surfaces.html
Coronavirus mutations: what we’ve learned so far
How fast is the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, mutating? And how have those genetic changes affected the virus? Source: https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-mutations-explained.html
CDC Report Links Dining Out To Increased COVID-19 Risk
gollum123 shares a report from CNBC: Dining out raises the risk of contracting Covid-19 more than other activities, such as shopping or going to a salon, according to a report published Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The findings come as many states consider the safest ways to reopen businesses, especially restaurants. Those who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2,…
Seven lineages of SARS-CoV-2 identified in Nigeria: Why that matters
There are over 1,000 lineages of SARS-CoV-2 circulating around the world. Nigerian scientists have found seven in the country and this is important. Source: https://www.livescience.com/seven-lineages-of-sars-cov-2.html
More Covid-19 Reinfections Found, But Researchers Urge Caution
That Covid-19 reinfection in Hong Kong was followed by similar reports in Belgium and the Netherlands. It was announced today that a 27-year-old woman in Karnataka, India also tested positive for the disease a second time (though the government is still seeking confirmation), and now researchers in Nevada are also reporting a “likely” case of reinfection. The health-news site Stat reports:…
Creepy images show airway cells teeming with SARS-CoV-2
The images were captured with a scanning electron microscope. Source: https://www.livescience.com/sars-cov-2-images-infecting-cells.html