Cold, Flu & Cough News and Research

Latest Cold, Flu & Cough News and Research

Failures and findings from randomized clinical trials in COVID-19 convalescent plasma

Researchers complete an extensive search on previously published studies to understand the efficacy of convalescent plasma in treating COVID-19.

20 Sep 2021

I got a ‘mild’ breakthrough case. Here’s what I wish I’d known.

The test results that hot day in early August shouldn’t have surprised me — all the symptoms were there. A few days earlier, fatigue had enveloped me like a weighted blanket. I chalked it up to my weekend of travel. Next, a headache clamped down on the back of my skull.

20 Sep 2021

New surgical mask with an intelligent fabric can instantaneously deactivate SARS-COV-2 virus

The intelligent fabric of these masks has been created by a team of researchers from the San Alberto Magno Traslational Centre (CITSAM-UCV), led by professor Ángel Serrano.

20 Sep 2021

Research on SARS-CoV-2 and dendritic cells may explain why virus is so virulent

In a recent study released on the bioRxiv* preprint server, the researchers suggest that an aberrant inflammatory reaction associated with COVID-19 could be a result of escape from direct sensing by toll-like receptors (TLRs). Moreover, the researchers indicate that this phenomenon might underlie the lack of efficient immunity to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) early during infection.

20 Sep 2021

The influence of prior seasonal coronavirus infection on disease severity in COVID-19

A new study posted to the bioRxiv* server attempted to explore anti-spike IgG responses, Fc-gamma receptor (FcγR) activation, IgG targeting of immunodominant regions, and recall responses due to seasonal hCoV infections in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

20 Sep 2021

Study shows efficacy of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 in individuals with obesity

A new study evaluated the antibody response against SARS-CoV-2 between individuals who were affected by abdominal obesity (AO) and those who were not,

19 Sep 2021

Specially designed lipid nanoparticles overcome resistance to anti-tumor immunotherapy

A specially designed lipid nanoparticle could deliver immune-signaling molecules into liver macrophage cells to overcome resistance to anti-tumor immunotherapy.

18 Sep 2021

A 100% French nasal vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 to move into the clinical phase in 2022

In contrast to intramuscular vaccines, only nasal vaccines are able to block the virus in the nose by inducing local immunity in the nasal mucosa, i.e. the portal of entry and multiplication of the virus.

18 Sep 2021

Scientists identify new approach to overcome resistance to cancer immunotherapy

Hokkaido University scientists and colleagues in Japan have found a way that could help some patients overcome resistance to immunotherapy treatment for cancer. The approach, proven in mice experiments, was reported in the Journal for Immunotherapy of Cancer.

17 Sep 2021

mAb treatment can rapidly select for SARS-CoV-2 resistance, suggests study

A study evaluates the efficacy of a mAb to prevent disease progression in non-hospitalized persons with symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection.

17 Sep 2021

Study finds risk factors for early COPD among Hispanics and Latinos in the U.S.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disorder that is often not diagnosed until a patient is over 60 years old and has substantial airflow obstruction. At this stage, it can be difficult to manage and treat the condition. To identify those at risk and intervene earlier, several studies have examined risk factors for COPD.

17 Sep 2021

Review: Long COVID symptoms rarely persisted beyond 12 weeks in young people

Long COVID symptoms rarely persisted beyond 12 weeks in children and adolescents, unlike adults. But more studies were required to investigate the risk and impact of long COVID in young people to help guide vaccine policy decisions in Australia, according to a review led by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI).

17 Sep 2021