Everyday Science in a Nutshell

A recent study published in the journal Function  14, 2020, indicated that mouthwashes may inhibit the spread of COVID-19. Researchers hypothesized that commonly accessible dental mouthwash components such as chlorhexidine, ethanol, cetylpyridinium chloride, hydrogen peroxide, and povidone-iodine may damage the viral lipid membrane of SARS-CoV-2. This might impede the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Although this appears promising, further evidence-based investigations are required before reaching this conclusion. References https://academic.oup.com/function/advance-article/doi/10.1093/function/zqaa002/5836301 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mouthwash-may-reduce-spread-of-the-new-coronavirus#Disrupting-the-envelopes

Recent research published in  Nature   on May 14, 2020, claimed that dogs received coronavirus from their owners . Using quantitative RT-PCR, serology, and viral genome sequencing, two out of fifteen canines from households with confirmed human cases of COVID-19 were discovered to be infected in Hong Kong. Coronavirus viral genetic sequences from the two dogs were similar to the coronavirus found in the relevant human cases. During quarantine, the animals exhibit no symptoms. The data implies that there are incidences of SARS-CoV-2 transfer from human to animal. It is still unknown if sick canines may spread coronavirus to other animals or back to people. References https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01430-5 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2334-5_reference.pdf

A recent study published in the journal Aging and Disease   on May 13, 2020, indicated that several of the human miRNAs targeting COVID-19 decreased with aging and underlying health problems. This may explain why elderly people and those with other underlying health concerns are more prone to severe COVID-19 symptoms. When the human body detects viral RNA within a cell, it produces a variety of microRNAs that can enhance the body's inflammatory response and operate directly on the virus, with a different response for each virus.   References https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/micrornas-attacking-new-coronavirus-reduce-with-age-health-condition http://www.aginganddisease.org/EN/10.14336/AD.2020.0428

New research published in the  New England Journal of Medicine   on May 13, 2020, discovered that cats may spread COVID-19 to other cats. SARS-CoV-2 was administered to three household cats. Then, a cat free of SARS-CoV-2 was kept with each of the injected cats to investigate if the virus could be spread through direct contact. After four days, the virus was found in all three cats who shared a home with the inoculated animals. It is also worth noting that none of the cats in this research had any symptoms. Because cats may be a quiet intermediate host of SARS-CoV-2, there is rising public concern about the possibility of a human-cat-human transmission cycle. This is a critical topic that must be acknowledged and examined. Reference https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2013400

On May 13, 2020, a stunning research published in Lancet   discovered that unique severe Kawasaki-like disease in children caused by COVID-19 was reported in several nations including Italy and the United Kingdom. This highlights the possibility of a link between COVID-19 and Kawasaki-like illness. Although SARS-CoV-2 infection affects children infrequently, a tiny fraction of them develop Kawasaki-like illness. Kawasaki illness, a rare acute paediatric vasculitis, mostly affects children under the age of five. Coronary artery aneurysms are the most common complication of Kawasaki illness. The presence of persistent fever, lymphadenopathy, conjunctival injection, and alterations to the mucosae and extremities is used to make the diagnosis (swollen extremities). The absence of a good diagnostic test impedes the diagnosis of Kawasaki illness, which is most reliant on laboratory and clinical criteria. Ongoing research is attempting to determine the link between COVID-19 and the Kawasa...

A new study published on April 30, 2020 in Journal Critical Care   indicated that the protein soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) may assist researchers anticipate who is likely to have more severe COVID-19 symptoms. In other words, suPAR may be regarded as a proxy measure of COVID-19 severity. The researchers examined data from 57 patients at Greece's University of Athens Medical School and 5 COVID-19 patients at Rush University Medical Center. They discovered that patients with greater amounts of suPAR in their blood needed intubation sooner than individuals with lower levels of suPAR. This is the first publication to suggest that suPAR is higher in COVID-19 and may be indicative of COVID-19 severity. This study is important not just for identifying patients who are more likely to require immediate intensive care, but also for identifying individuals who can safely manage the condition at home. References https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/study-sugges...

Groundbreaking research published in  Nature  on April 30, 2020, found 66 druggable human proteins or host factors. 69 molecules potentially target these factors: 29 FDA-approved medications, 12 clinical trial pharmaceuticals, and 28 experimental compounds. Researchers tested a selection of these compounds in various viral tests and discovered two types of pharmacological drugs with antiviral activity: mRNA translation inhibitors and anticipated regulators of the Sigma1 and Sigma2 receptors. References https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/covid-19-scientists-identify-promising-drug-candidates https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2286-9#Abs1