Preliminary studies carried out at CCMB show that people who have been vaccinated with Covishield have protection against the double mutant variant (B.1.617) first found in India. Protection against the variant was also seen in people who have been previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus. Preliminary studies show that people who have been vaccinated with Covishield … Continue reading Preliminary study shows Covishield protects against double mutant variant
CSIR
COVID-19: Protection against reinfection may last only for months
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
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?
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
Coronavirus: Randomised, control trial shows hydroxychloroquine does not reduce viral load
Results of a randomised, control trial using hydroxychloroquine drug in 150 COVID-19 patients show that the drug does not reduce the viral load even on day 28. However, patients who got the drug did show quicker alleviation of clinical symptoms.Results of a randomised, control trial using hydroxychloroquine drug in 150 COVID-19 patients show that the … Continue reading Coronavirus: Randomised, control trial shows hydroxychloroquine does not reduce viral load
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
Investigation into papers with problematic images complete, report submitted: CSIR director-general
An independent committee formed by CSIR in early June 2019 to investigate into image duplication and/or manipulation in published papers has submitted its report to CSIR Director-General Dr. Shekhar Mande. The report will be sent to the directors of four-five CSIR labs, which were investigated, for necessary action. An independent committee that was formed in … Continue reading Investigation into papers with problematic images complete, report submitted: CSIR director-general
Potential biomarkers for glioma brain tumour found in blood
Researchers have found potential gene biomarkers that can be used for prognosis and early diagnosis of primary brain tumour glioblastoma. The biomarkers can also indicate the chances of survival of patients with glioma. Researchers have found potential gene biomarkers that can be used for prognosis and early diagnosis of the most aggressive form of primary … Continue reading Potential biomarkers for glioma brain tumour found in blood
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
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