A longitudinal cohort COVID-19 study undertaken in India has found that infected people lack meaningful immunity against SARS-CoV-2 virus to prevent reinfection months later. The study found that 20-30% of infected people had declining virus neutralising activity despite having stable seropositivity six months later. The declining neutralising activity seen in 20-30% of infected people would … Continue reading COVID-19: Protection against reinfection may last only for months
Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB)
As cases spike in a few States, what is causing a decline in Kerala?
Even as daily new cases and test positivity rates have been declining in Kerala since end-January, the Health Ministry has been mischievously implicating the State for a surge in new cases. While researchers think the decline could be due to infection rate reaching close to herd immunity, serosurvey results show otherwise. Kerala pioneers post-COVID care … Continue reading As cases spike in a few States, what is causing a decline in Kerala?
IGIB: In vaccinated people, Covishield first dose is highly immunogenic if already infected
In a small study involving just 135 health-care workers who were vaccinated with Covishield, IGIB researchers found that antibody levels are significantly higher in those already infected prior to the first dose of vaccination compared with virus-naïve individuals. At day 14, antibodies were detectable in health-care workers who were not infected prior to vaccination, and … Continue reading IGIB: In vaccinated people, Covishield first dose is highly immunogenic if already infected
Coronavirus: Two rapid tests developed by Indian labs show why funding for R&D should increase
While the low sensitivity of rapid antigen tests arises from not isolating the viral RNA from the swab samples and amplification of the DNA before detection, the two indigenously developed tests follow these two vital steps, the reason why the sensitivity and specificity are far superior than that of the rapid antigen tests.
IGIB uses mass spectrometer for coronavirus detection
IGIB researchers have been able to detect novel coronavirus using mass spectrometer. The detection is based on the presence of two unique peptides of the virus. Sensitivity is 95% and specificity is 100% and takes less than 30 minutes from sample preparation to testing. Using mass spectrometer, researchers at the Delhi-based Institute of Genomics and … Continue reading IGIB uses mass spectrometer for coronavirus detection
CCMB, IGIB start sequencing novel coronavirus genome
With CSIR labs now permitted to test samples of novel coronavirus, Hyderabad-based CCMB and Delhi-based IGIB have started sequencing the genome. CCMB has already sequenced the genome of five isolates. As on April 7, India has shared nine whole genome sequences of novel coronavirus (SRAS-CoV-2) with the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) … Continue reading CCMB, IGIB start sequencing novel coronavirus genome
IGIB: Mutation in smell gene found associated with asthma
A study of four-generation Indian family with asthma and validation in a paediatric cohort led to the discovery of an associated olfactory gene variant. The expression of the gene is reduced in asthmatic people with the variant or suppression of gene expression by inflammation in those without the variant. Based on a study of a … Continue reading IGIB: Mutation in smell gene found associated with asthma
IGIB finds a protein with better gene editing precision
IGIB researchers have used a different Cas9 protein derived from another bacteria to make gene editing more efficient and precise. The new Cas9 protein shows very less tendency to bind to off-target (unintended) sites on DNA. The new Cas9 protein was able to correct sickle cell anaemia mutation in patient-derived stem cells. Researchers at the Delhi-based … Continue reading IGIB finds a protein with better gene editing precision
Scientists studying AYUSH drugs must involve domain expert, advisory says
An April 2 advisory issued by the AYUSH Ministry makes it mandatory for any non-AYUSH scientists undertaking research on AYUSH drugs or treatment to involve an AYUSH expert. The provocation for the advisory is publication of papers on AYUSH drugs and treatments by non-AYUSH scientists with unfounded statements and conclusions damaging the credibility and sanctity … Continue reading Scientists studying AYUSH drugs must involve domain expert, advisory says
A large study measures blood biochemical parameters of Indian adolescents
The blood biochemical parameters — lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides), plasma glucose, insulin, HbA1c, urea, and creatinine — of Indian adolescents were measured in a large study involving over 7,600 subjects. This can now be used as reference for Indian adolescents. Till now, since biochemical parameters for Indian adolescents were not available, … Continue reading A large study measures blood biochemical parameters of Indian adolescents
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