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The coronavirus’s shape has an impact on how it spreads

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1 year ago

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The coronavirus’s shape has an impact on how it spreads

Since the start of the COVID-19 epidemic, images of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 have been permanently implanted in our minds. However, the virus is not exactly shaped like a sphere with spikes as we typically imagine it. Images taken under a microscope of infected tissues reveal coronavirus particles to be ellipsoidal in shape and to have a variety of compressed and elongated morphologies.

Researchers from Queen’s University in Canada and the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) in Japan are leading a global study team that has examined how different elliptical shapes affect how viral particles rotate within fluids, affecting how easy the virus can spread. Recent publication of the study in the journal Physics of Fluids.

According to Professor Eliot Fried, head of OIST’s Mechanics and Materials Unit, when coronavirus particles are breathed in, they move around inside the nose and lungs. “We want to know how mobile they are in these surroundings,” the researcher said.

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The speed at which particles rotate as they move through the fluid is controlled by rotational diffusivity, a particular type of movement that the scientists modelled (in the case of the coronavirus, droplets of saliva). Fluid drag is reduced and rotation speed is increased in smoother, more hydrodynamic particles. The ability of coronavirus particles to bind to and infect cells is influenced by their rotating speed.

In their research, the scientists modelled both prolate and oblate ellipsoids of revolution. Prolate shapes have one longer axis and oblate shapes have one shorter axis, which sets them apart from spheres (which have three axes of equal length). Prolate shapes grow into rod-like shapes when followed to their logical conclusion, whilst oblate shapes contract into coin-like shapes. On the other hand, coronavirus particles differ in a more subtle way.

The scientists improved the ellipsoids’ surface by coating them with spike proteins to create the most accurate model yet. The inclusion of triangular-shaped spike proteins slows the rotation of coronavirus particles, potentially increasing the virus’ ability to infect cells, according to earlier research from Queen’s University and OIST.

Each spike protein was represented by a single sphere on the surface of the ellipsoids in the scientists’ simplified model of the spike proteins.

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At order to determine the arrangement of the spikes on the surface of each ellipsoidal shape, Dr. Vikash Chaurasia, a postdoctoral researcher in the OIST Mechanics and Materials Unit, explained, “We then assumed that they all have the same charge. Similar charge spikes reject one another and seek out as much space as possible. They consequently surround the particle evenly, minimising its repulsion.

The researchers’ model revealed that a particle rotates more slowly the further it deviates from a spherical shape. This would suggest that the particles have improved alignment and cell-attachment abilities.

The model is still crude, the researchers acknowledge, but it advances our knowledge of the coronavirus’s transport characteristics and may help identify a factor that is crucial to the success of its infective process.

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The UN approves a second malaria vaccine. Experts caution that preventing the spread of the disease alone is insufficient.

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9 hours ago

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October 4, 2023

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The UN approves a second malaria vaccine. Experts caution that preventing the spread of the disease alone is insufficient.

The UN Approves a Second Malaria Vaccine: A Milestone in the Fight Against a Deadly Disease

Malaria, a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, has plagued humanity for centuries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in 2020 alone, there were approximately 241 million malaria cases worldwide, leading to an estimated 627,000 deaths, primarily among children under five years of age. Malaria’s impact on global health and economies has been devastating, making it a significant public health concern. Recently, the United Nations (UN) approved a second malaria vaccine, marking a milestone in the battle against this deadly disease. However, experts caution that preventing the spread of malaria requires a multi-faceted approach beyond just vaccination.

The Challenge of Malaria

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Malaria is a complex disease that poses significant challenges to eradication efforts. The parasite’s ability to develop resistance to antimalarial drugs and the adaptability of its mosquito vector make it a formidable adversary. Furthermore, many affected regions lack adequate healthcare infrastructure, making the delivery of prevention and treatment measures difficult.

The First Malaria Vaccine: A Step Forward

In 2015, the world saw the first-ever malaria vaccine, known as RTS,S/AS01 (trade name Mosquirix), receive regulatory approval. Developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in partnership with the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative, this vaccine showed promise in reducing the risk of malaria in children. While a significant advancement, it had limitations, such as being less effective in areas with high malaria transmission rates.

A New Hope: The Second Malaria Vaccine

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The recent approval of a second malaria vaccine, known as R21/Matrix-M, has reignited hope in the fight against the disease. Developed by the University of Oxford’s Jenner Institute in collaboration with Novavax and the Serum Institute of India, this vaccine has shown remarkable efficacy in clinical trials. It demonstrated an ability to reduce the risk of malaria by approximately 77% over 12 months, making it a significant breakthrough.

The Multifaceted Approach to Malaria Eradication

While the approval of a second malaria vaccine is undoubtedly a positive development, experts emphasize that it’s not a panacea for malaria eradication. Preventing the spread of the disease requires a multi-pronged approach that includes:

  1. Vector Control: Mosquito control measures, such as bed nets treated with insecticides and indoor residual spraying, remain essential in reducing malaria transmission.
  2. Effective Treatment: Access to prompt and effective treatment with antimalarial drugs is critical for those who contract the disease.
  3. Public Health Infrastructure: Strengthening healthcare systems in affected regions to provide proper diagnosis and treatment is crucial.
  4. Education and Awareness: Public awareness campaigns can help communities understand the importance of preventive measures and early treatment.
  5. Research and Innovation: Ongoing research into malaria prevention, treatment, and vector control is vital to stay ahead of the evolving parasite.

Conclusion

The approval of a second malaria vaccine by the UN is undoubtedly a significant stride in the fight against this deadly disease. However, experts caution that a comprehensive approach, encompassing vaccination, vector control, treatment, healthcare infrastructure, education, and research, is necessary to make substantial progress toward malaria eradication. With continued global efforts and investments, we can hope for a future where malaria is no longer a threat to millions of lives worldwide.

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