pneumonia Archives

Conjugation chemistry creates affordable childhood vaccines

Written by

Andrew Lees has developed a conjugation method for the development of conjugate vaccines using the chemical CDAP, and combining this with a minimal-profit business model, is providing vaccines at affordable rates to children in developing countries.

The immune system provides a formidable defence against pathogens. However, many bacteria possess a protective sugar polymer coat. In children, the immune system does not respond to these polymers unless they are chemically linked to a carrier. This is the basis of conjugate vaccines, a powerful but expensive means to fight diseases like pneumonia, the leading cause of death in […]

The role of testosterone in SARS-CoV-2 infection

Written by

Dr Marta Camici investigates the link between low testosterone levels and the severity of COVID-19 cases in patients

Data from multiple countries has shown gender imbalances in COVID-19 severity and risk of mortality, with worse outcomes seen in men. To explore why male gender is a major risk factor for more severe disease, Marta Camici, of The Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases (IRCCS), has explored the links between testosterone and COVID-19. Her research findings suggest that […]

Aerosolised medicines may reduce the high risk of coronavirus infection

Written by

Rapid development of vaccines and other preventative measures has been vital in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Michael Dubina, full member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, explores a novel method to reduce coronavirus infection risk. His pilot study explored the effects of an aerosolised combination medication in healthcare workers who had not previously been infected with the […]

Laboratory lungs: The implications of lung organoids for health and disease

Written by

Dr Leibel has developed stem cell-derived lung organoids to learn more about lung development.

Lung disease is a major public health concern. However, research is hindered by the challenges of developing translatable human lung systems in a laboratory setting. Dr Sandra Leibel, neonatologist and Physician Scientist at UCSD and Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, USA, is studying lung development and disease mechanisms. In order to do this, she has developed stem cell-derived lung […]

Understanding the impact of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae in domestic sheep

Written by

Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae is frequently present in domestic sheep operations and is associated with negative effects on productivity and profitability. Infection of a flock with this pathogen may increase frequency of pneumonia, reduce lambing rates, and impair feed efficiency, resulting in significant financial costs. In addition, presence of this pathogen is associated with increased risk for nearby wild bighorn sheep, which […]