Hopes that Covid-19 survivors have long-lasting immunity is growing as scientists now believe crucial disease-fighting stay in the body for many years. Leading immunologists said T cells – a type of white blood cell in the immune system – are produced by almost everyone infected with the coronavirus. Until now most of the attention on … Read more
SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes Covid-19, evolved after several different coronaviruses merged into one, a study has found. Scientists came to the conclusion while trying to understand the evolutionary history of the coronavirus in a bid to help make a vaccine. High-resolution images reveal the spike on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 is 97 per cent … Read more
‘Hyper-activity’ in blood clotting cells could be the cause of strokes and heart attacks in Covid-19 patients, scientists say. University of Utah experts made the ‘important’ discovery by comparing the blood of 82 people — half of whom tested positive for the coronavirus. Platelets, blood cells that clot, were much more active in samples taken … Read more
The coronavirus zombifies human cells and causes them to sprout tentacles in order to spread around the body, scientists have discovered. A study led by the University of California saw researchers take microscopic images of this process, which they have described as ‘so sinister’. Images show infected cells growing tentacle-like spikes, known as filopodia, which … Read more
‘Mini brains’ grown from human stem cells containing Neanderthal DNA could shed light on how our ancient ancestors’ genes have influenced the development of our species They showed they can track the role of Neanderthal genes in the model organs The principle may be used with other bodily systems and ancient human species Around 2 … Read more
Wormwood grub: Inmates boast about ‘village shop’ prison cells with extraordinary collection of stockpiled food and toiletries stacked to the ceiling Photos posted on Facebook shows stockpiles of food and electronics in cells Prisoners believed to be jailed in separate prisons posted photos from mobile phones It is not illegal for prisoners to be sent … Read more
An embryo-like model researchers created from stem cells can provide a ‘blueprint’ of the human body as it forms, a study has reported. The development by researchers from the University of Cambridge will allow experts to study the so-called ‘black box’ period of human development, gastrulation. Scientists are unable to directly observe this time in … Read more
Miniature human livers grown from skin cells are successfully transplanted into rats for the first time – offering hope for ‘made-to-order’ organ replacements in the future Researchers took human skin cells and then reprogrammed them into stem cells They then managed to coax these new stem cells into converting into liver cells The liver cells … Read more
Coronavirus can damage men’s fertility by triggering changes to sperm-making cells in the testicles, study suggests Researchers examined the testicular tissue of 2 men who died of coronavirus Only one of the 12 showed signs of virus in their testes, and the lung tissue of 10 out of 12 was positive for COVID-19 Although there … Read more
Better than the real thing: Scientists create synthetic red blood cells that not only carry oxygen around the body but also administer drugs and detect dangerous toxins Tests in mice revealed they could carry oxygen and squeeze through capillaries But it also showed the ‘cells’ can transport lifesaving drugs and detect toxins Future studies will … Read more