COVID19 news
‘Biological fingerprint’ in blood could help identify COVID patients with no symptoms
Cambridge researchers are able to identify people who have had COVID-19 even if they displayed no symptoms. Read more
Key mutations in Alpha variant enable SARS-CoV-2 to overcome evolutionary weak points
One of the key mutations seen in the ‘Alpha variant’ of SARS-CoV-2 – the deletion of two amino acids, H69/V70 – enables the virus to overcome chinks in its armour as it evolves, Read more
Upgrading PPE for staff working on COVID-19 wards cut hospital-acquired infections dramatically
When Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge upgraded its face masks for staff working on COVID-19 wards to filtering face piece 3 (FFP3) respirators, it saw a dramatic fall – up to 100% – in Read more
Cambridge begins world-first COVID-19 vaccine booster study
Researchers in Cambridge have welcomed their first participants in a new UK study to understand the effects of a ‘booster’ dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.Read more
Differing immune responses discovered in asymptomatic cases and those with severe COVID-19
A UK-wide study part-funded by the NIHR has identified differences in people’s immune responses to COVID-19, depending on whether they have no symptoms or more serious reactions to the virus.Read more
Genomics study identifies routes of transmission of coronavirus in care homes
Genomic surveillance – using information about genetic differences between virus samples – can help identify how SARS-CoV-2 spreads in care home settings.Read more
Single dose of Pfizer BioNTech vaccine reduces asymptomatic infections and potential for SARS-CoV-2 transmission
New data suggests that a single dose of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine can reduce by 75% the number of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections.Read more
Can a tapeworm drug boost protection from Covid-19 for high-risk kidney patients?
A new trial led by Cambridge launches to see if the drug niclosamide, usually used to treat tapeworms, can prevent Covid-19 infection in vulnerable, high-risk kidney patients.Read more
Pfizer BioNTech vaccine likely to be effective against B1.1.7 strain of SARS-CoV-2
The Pfizer BioNTech vaccine BNT162b2 is likely to be effective against the B1.1.7 variant of SARS-CoV-2, even though its efficacy is modestly affected. However, when the E484K mutation – first seen in the South African variant – is added, it substantially increases the amount of antibody required to prevent infection.Read more
New research suggests COVID-19 severity can be predicted in hospitalised patients
Research conducted at Addenbrooke’s hospital and supported by the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre has found it may be possible to predict which patients will go on to develop severe or long-term COVID Read more
DNA test can quickly identify pneumonia in patients with severe COVID-19, aiding faster treatment
Researchers have developed a DNA test to quickly identify secondary infections in COVID-19 patients, who have double the risk of developing pneumonia while on ventilation than non-COVID-19 patients.Read more
Software tool will help doctors identify and prevent hospital transmission of SARS-CoV-2
A new software tool developed in Cambridge will help doctors identify where cases of COVID-19 were caused by transmission within a hospital, helping them to prevent further spread of the disease.Read more
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