Genetic engineering shows how 'foreign' DNA impacts evolution
A new study has demonstrated that "foreign" DNA -- DNA transferred horizontally into a species from a source other than a parent -- can become functional over time and can impact an organism's evolution and fitness, according to a paper published August 10 in Nature Ecology and Evolution.  Discuss
Biosimulation can mitigate risk of COVID-19 drug development
Drug development can be an expensive and tedious process. Add in the urgency of the COVID-19 pandemic, and you have a recipe for frustration. Biosimulation -- using computers to simulate drug response in humans -- can help accelerate the process, which Certara hopes to achieve with a new platform launched today targeted at COVID-19 vaccine development.  Discuss
COVID-19 vaccine based on peptide nanofibers shows promise
A new technology platform using self-assembling peptide nanofibers tagged with antibodies can be an effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, according to a proof-of-concept study published in Science Advances on August 7.  Discuss
Gum disease may affect COVID-19 severity
Patients with inflammation caused by periodontitis may experience more severe COVID-19 complications, according to an article published online July 30 in the Journal of the California Dental Association.  Discuss
Microbes shape antibodies prior to infection
Genetic analysis of antibodies reveals how microbes in the intestines impact overall B-cell populations and humoral responses to pathogens. The research was published in Nature on August 5.  Discuss
New COVID-19 vaccine candidate leverages earlier research
Could vaccine platforms developed for previous coronaviruses be converted to address the current COVID-19 pandemic? An August 5 report in Nature described how researchers leveraged previous vaccine research to develop mRNA-1273, a new SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate.  Discuss
Antiviral molecules targeting SARS-CoV-2 main protease are potent inhibitors
New compounds targeting the SARS-CoV-2 main protease could be potent inhibitors of the coronavirus. Researchers tested various engineered molecules for antiviral activity in an article published in Science Translational Medicine on August 3.  Discuss
Study analyzes how SARS-CoV-2 undermines immune defenses
A new research study used whole-genome sequencing to analyze the genetic profile of patients with the SARS-CoV-2 virus to gain more insight into how it turns the body's own immune system against itself. The findings could help researchers develop drugs to target the virus, according to an August 3 report in Nature Medicine.  Discuss
Researchers develop mouse model of COVID-19 infection
Researchers have generated a strain of SARS-CoV-2 that can infect mice and used it to produce a new mouse model of infection to help facilitate testing of COVID-19 vaccine candidates and therapies. The research article was published in Science on July 30.  Discuss
Researchers further define nonstructural protein targets of SARS-CoV-2
The crystal structure of nonstructural protein 16 of SARS-CoV-2, which plays a role in viral RNA capping to mimic host messenger RNA, reveals specific rational design targets that could be used to develop effective therapies against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. The research was published in Nature Communications on July 24.  Discuss
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