Researchers have studied the mechanisms by which the novel coronavirus can reach the brains of patients with COVID-19. The results show that SARS-CoV-2 enters the brain via nerve cells in the olfactory mucosa.
Combination therapy might improve outcomes in treatment-resistant liver cancer
A combination cancer therapy that is effective against treatment-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by inhibiting tumor growth and increasing survival has been identified. The dual therapy — which combines the multikinase inhibitor drug regorafe…
Chemical compounds in foods can inhibit a key SARS-CoV-2 enzyme, study finds
Chemical compounds in foods or beverages like green tea, muscadine grapes and dark chocolate can bind to and block the function of a particular enzyme, or protease, in the SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to a new study by plant biologists.
Microbiota linked to dynamics of human immune system
Researchers have uncovered an important finding about the relationship between the microbiota and the immune system, showing for the first time that the concentration of different types of immune cells in the blood changes in relation to the presence o…
New method identifies adaptive mutations in complex evolving populations
A scientist has developed a method to study how HIV mutates to escape the immune system in multiple individuals, which could inform HIV vaccine design.
COVID-19 studies should also focus on mucosal immunity, researchers argue
More COVID-19 studies should be devoted to how immunity emerges to SARS-CoV-2 in the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth, a new paper argues.
New study explains important cause of fatal influenza
It is largely unknown why influenza infections lead to an increased risk of bacterial pneumonia. Researchers have now described important findings leading to so-called superinfections, which claim many lives around the world every year.
Research shows bariatric surgery may reduce severity of COVID-19 in patients with obesity
A new study shows that among patients who have obesity and who tested positive for COVID-19, a past history of bariatric surgery was significantly associated with a lower risk of hospital and intensive care unit admission.
Channeling the immune system for head and neck cancer
Researchers have discovered new clues into why some people with head and neck cancer respond to immunotherapy, while others don’t.
Study shows protective role sex steroids play in COVID-19
A new paper analyzes existing research to look at reasons why COVID-19 symptom severity and mortality are more frequent in men than in women and in older people. The research suggests female reproductive steroids play a protective role.