News (1)
New biosensor can quickly detect SARS-CoV-2 proteins and antibodies
Reporter : Liu Xia / Publisher : Science & Technology Daily / http://news.sciencenet.cn/htmlnews/2021/2/452664.shtm / Translation, editing : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA
American scientists wrote in the latest issue of "Nature" that they have designed two biosensors based on viral proteins, which can be combined with the components of the new coronavirus or target the virus. When the antibodies are mixed, the sensor will glow. This breakthrough is expected to enable faster and more extensive detection of SARS-CoV-2.
At present, most medical laboratories mainly rely on reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) technology to diagnose covi infections. PCR technology can amplify the genetic material of the virus so that it can be detected. However, this technology requires specialized personnel and equipment, and the shortage of the supply chain has led to a serious shortage of testing capabilities in many countries and regions.
In order to directly detect covi in patient samples without the need for gene amplification, a research team led by Professor David Baker, director of the Institute of Protein Design at the University of Washington School of Medicine, used a computer to design a biosensor. It can recognize and bind to specific molecules on the surface of the virus, and then emit light through biochemical reactions.
Antibody tests can reveal whether someone has been infected with covi before. Scientists use this to track the spread of covid but this test also requires complex laboratory equipment.
In view of this, the research team also invented another biosensor, which also emits light when mixed with antibodies to the novel coronavirus. Moreover, this sensor will not react to other antibodies in the blood, including antibodies against other viruses, which is very important to avoid false positives.
Baker said: "We have demonstrated in the laboratory that these new sensors can easily detect viral proteins or antibodies in simulated nasal fluid or serum samples. Next, we will prove whether they can be reliably used in a diagnostic environment."
The research team also said that in addition to detecting covi, these biosensors can also be used to detect other human proteins, such as Her2 (a biomarker and therapeutic target for certain breast cancers) and Bcl-2 (in lymphoma and other Some cancers have clinical significance), as well as bacterial toxins and antibody viruses against hepatitis B.
News (2)
New mutation in mutated SARS-CoV-2 reported in the UK
Reporter : Zhang Jiawei & Jin Jing / Publisher : Xinhua News Agency / http://news.sciencenet.cn/htmlnews/2021/2/452764.shtm / Translation, editing : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA
According to the British Sky News channel on the 2nd, British health experts have observed a new mutation in some samples of the mutated new coronavirus reported in the UK. This new mutation may help The virus evades the attack of the human immune system.
The report said that the Public Health Service of England referred to the new mutation observed in the virus sample as E484K. This mutation has previously been observed in mutant viruses reported in South Africa.
Jonathan Stoyer, PhD from the Francis Crick Institute in the United Kingdom, said that previously, researchers had observed the same mutation, the E484K mutation, in the mutant new coronaviruses discovered in Brazil and South Africa. From a virological point of view, mutations are not unexpected, and whether mutations will bring great growth advantages to the virus needs further observation.
The United Kingdom announced the emergence of a mutated novel coronavirus in December last year. There is evidence that this virus has a stronger ability to spread.
News (3)
Nearly 70,000 employees at Hong Kong Airport must be tested for covid, 16 have been diagnosed
Report by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA
According to Hong Kong media reports, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has entrusted the Hong Kong Airport Authority to implement a series of testing programs to strengthen the protection of the health of Hong Kong International Airport employees and users. The plan includes a one-time mandatory test for airport employees. The SAR government estimates that nearly 70,000 people will be tested.
Relevant persons must go to the exclusive testing center set up by the AA in the airport area between February 4 and 25 to conduct free virus testing services by collecting combined swab samples from the nose and throat. The staff of the Hospital Authority (HA) in the airport area must be tested at the medical facilities under the Hospital Authority. In addition, the persons concerned can also go to private laboratories approved by the Department of Health at their own expense and conduct tests in accordance with the guidelines of laboratory staff.
As of 1 February 2021, 16 people have been diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 in the third runway project of Hong Kong International Airport. Reuters previously reported that the Hong Kong Airport Authority is considering issuing US dollar bonds for the second time within two months, raising up to US$1.5 billion to raise funds for the construction of its third runway. The last time Hong Kong Airport issued US dollar bonds was in December last year. Although the epidemic has caused a sharp drop in air passenger traffic, its first US$1.5 billion perpetual bond (S&P AA+ rating) has attracted strong demand.
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