Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified thousands of genetic variants that are associated with a wide range of diseases. But these studies often fall short of establishing what a genetic variant does to bring about a particular trait or disease. “The challenge has been that many of these variants are difficult to interpret,” said Jesse […]
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New software provides detailed picture of diversity of COVID-19 virus variants
“B.1.1.7.” “B.1.351.” Before the COVID-19 pandemic, these were just a series of arbitrary letters and numbers. Now, we understand these as ‘variants of concern,’ versions of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with unique genetic codes. These variants represent just two branches on an enormous tree of the virus’ genetic diversity. As the virus transmits from person to […]
New software provides detailed picture of diversity of COVID-19 virus variants
“B.1.1.7.” “B.1.351.” Before the COVID-19 pandemic, these were just a series of arbitrary letters and numbers. Now, we understand these as ‘variants of concern,’ versions of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with unique genetic codes. These variants represent just two branches on an enormous tree of the virus’ genetic diversity. As the virus transmits from person to […]
Trials of retooled vaccines for variants could take months: U.S. FDA
(Reuters) – Drugmakers should test any COVID-19 vaccines that have been retooled to combat new variants of the coronavirus in clinical trials designed to track the immune response of hundreds of test subjects, which could take months, U.S. regulators said on Monday.Slideshow ( 3 images )Vaccine developers may need to modify their shots to provide […]
An expert explains viral variants, mutations and strains
What are variants? We asked Divya Shah, Epidemics Research Lead, to explain how variants happen, what they mean for treatments and vaccines—including for COVID-19—and how we can prevent them. What are mutations, variants and strains? Although the terms viral mutants, variants and strains are often used interchangeably, they generally hold different meanings. To spread, a […]
As new COVID variants emerge, do you need to ‘double mask’?
Could wearing two masks be better than one? The emergence of new and more infectious COVID-19 variants has led health experts to consider “double masking” as a potential way to better protect yourself and those around you. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating whether donning a medical mask underneath a typical […]
How can I avoid coronavirus variants?
Dr. Marty Makary on new coronavirus variant found in South Africa: ‘I’m really concerned’ Fox News contributor tells ‘America’s News HQ’ the new variant may ‘partially evade’ treatment measures. As health officials continue to root out cases of coronavirus variants across the country, Americans can take several steps to protect themselves against infection. As of […]
What you need to know about COVID-19 variants
New strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are emerging around the world, and evidence suggests that these new viruses—including a strain identified in the United Kingdom that seems to spread more quickly than others—have been circulating within the United States. For help understanding the implications of these new strains of the virus that causes COVID-19, the […]
New genetic variants predict outcome in dilated cardiomyopathy patients of African descent
Genetic testing is a powerful diagnostic tool that is increasingly being used for the diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease in which the heart becomes enlarged, making it difficult to pump blood. Cardiomyopathy affects more than 3.5 million people in the United States. African Americans are at especially high risk but have been underrepresented in […]