In a new Northwestern Medicine study in mice, researchers took one of the current vaccines, which is based on the novel coronavirus’ infamous spike protein, and added a different antigen, the nucleocapsid protein, to form a new, potentially improved version of the COVID vaccine. The nucleocapsid protein, which is an internal RNA-binding protein, may help … Continued
Recently, third-year medical student Skylar Nahi was the first author of a study published in PLOS One, which found that severe COVID-19 infection negatively impacted long-term kidney function in kidney transplant recipients, and was associated with a higher risk of acute kidney injury and a greater decline in kidney failure. In June, she had the … Continued
Northwestern Medicine scientists continue to investigate all aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic: from molecular mechanisms of infection, to child hospitalization and single-dose vaccine response.
In collaboration with Northwestern Medicine investigators, an international multi-center study has identified genetic factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity, according to findings published in Nature. Genetics are instrumental in determining a person’s susceptibility and responsiveness to viral infections, in conjunction with other environmental, clinical and social factors. In the case of SARS-CoV-2, the … Continued
COVID-19 vaccines are being doled out across the nation, almost exclusively to adults. Pfizer’s vaccine has been authorized for ages 16 and up and Moderna’s vaccine for 18 and up. So when might younger children be vaccinated for COVID-19? And what needs to happen before then? Northwestern’s William Muller, MD, PhD, offers insight.
Some dietary decisions, including high vegetable intake and coffee consumption, may impact a person’s likelihood of contracting COVID-19, a Northwestern Medicine study found, according to a Monday news release. The study also found being breastfed as a child and a reduction in processed meats in a person’s diet could, to an extent, mitigate the risk of … Continued
Inhibiting a specific protein complex in SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, may be a promising therapeutic target for treating the disease, according to a Northwestern Medicine study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Similar to other RNA viruses, the genome of the SARS-CoV-2 contains a “capping” modification which stabilizes and improves … Continued
Since SARS-CoV-2 was discovered in Illinois over a year ago, scientists at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine have been tracking the evolution of the disease in the Chicago area. Ramón Lorenzo Redondo, PhD, research assistant professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases, is part of the team leading this work. He talks … Continued
Recently, the director of the CDC officially recommended that pregnant women receive the vaccines for COVID-19. However, pregnant women are less likely than non-pregnant women to get vaccinated and are at greater risk of hospitalization and death from the disease. Emily Miller, MD, MPH, has been caring for pregnant patients at Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women’s … Continued
The Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive COVID-19 Center is committed to caring for and conducting research on behalf of patients who experience long-term complications from COVID-19.