The COVID-19 Pandemic – News and Features

Scientists have identified the first mouse strain that is susceptible to severe COVID-19 without genetic modification, providing a new tool for vaccine and therapeutic development.

Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy resulted in significant reductions in depression among clinicians who provided front-line COVID-19 care.

MSK researchers discovered that aging cells mimic iron deficiency, reducing their ability to regenerate and develop cancer. However, this also makes older cells more resistant to therapies like ferroptosis.

The UCL-led CLoCK study tracked 12,632 teens for 24 months, revealing 70% of long Covid cases resolved within two years. However, 30% remained affected, with older teens, females and the most deprived groups recovering more slowly.

New research suggests severe COVID-19 arises in part from the SARS-CoV-2 virus’s impact on mitochondria, which can help trigger a cascade of organ- and immune-system-damaging events.

A study uncovers that CD8+ T cells in ME/CFS patients exhibit exhaustion-like states, a condition linked to chronic immune activation. This discovery raises the possibility of adapting cancer immunotherapies to reverse T cell exhaustion in ME/CFS.

A study reveals why monkeys resist HBV infection, showing that specific amino acid differences in their NTCP receptor prevent viral entry. Findings highlight evolution-driven resistance.

Pregnancy may trigger a boost in immunity to enhance protection against severe flu.

Researchers have discovered a novel cause of cytokine storm — the extreme inflammatory response associated with increased risk of death during COVID-19 infection.

A novel lysosomal strategy shows potential for inhibiting virus infection in cell and lung organoid models.