At the close of 2019, i.e. on December 31 the WHO China Country Office was informed of a pneumonia of unknown cause, detected in the city of Wuhan in Hubei province, China. According to the authorities, some patients were operating dealers or vendors in the Huanan Seafood market. After 7 days the Chinese authorities identified the virus that caused the pneumonia-like illness as a new type of coronavirus (called novel coronavirus or nCoV). The first death in China due to this nCoV was recorded on January 10 even as officials confirmed a case of the novel coronavirus out of China-in Thailand-on January 13. WHO noted that it was not unexpected that cases of the novel coronavirus would emerge outside of China and reinforced why WHO calls for active monitoring and preparedness in other countries. Then it was no looking back for this novel coronavirus as it spread to over 200 countries with a total of 1,002,159 people being diagnosed across the world, a death toll of 51,485 and recovery of more than 200,000 patients as shown by the regularly updated tally of the Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering in the US as on April 2.
Disease outbreaks present a unique opportunity for research, but this can only happen if experts in different countries share information promptly. The decision by Chinese authorities to release the genetic sequence of the newly discovered beta coronavirus for researchers worldwide exemplifies the transparency needed to tackle unfolding public health emergencies. This helped the scientists to have vital genetic data that will help speed up the development of diagnostic tests, case detection and, potentially, a vaccine.
Denne historien er fra April 2020-utgaven av BioSpectrum Asia.
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Denne historien er fra April 2020-utgaven av BioSpectrum Asia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Promega unveils GloMax Galaxy Bioluminescence Imager for illuminating protein dynamics in real time
US-based Promega Corporation, a life-sciences research partner dedicated to providing intuitive tools that empower scientists to innovate, has unveiled the new GloMax Galaxy Bioluminescence Imager.
Singleron and Bioscreen to enhance access to single cell multi-omics solutions for Indian researchers
Singleron Biotechnologies, a leading innovator in single cell multi-omics solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Bioscreen, a renowned distributor of advanced life science products in India.
Eppendorf brings CO2 incubator shaker with integrated 180 °C sterilisation routine
Eppendorf has announced the launch of a CO2 incubator shaker with integrated 180 °C sterilisation routine.
Waters introduces new bioseparations tools to improve development of RNA-based vaccines using LC-MS analysis
US-based Waters Corporation has introduced a comprehensive set of sample preparation enzymes, reagents, and waters_connect software that simplify sequence and modification confirmation of large molecule RNA therapeutics using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) analysis.
Singapore designs novel gene therapy offering hope for epilepsy patients
Researchers from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore are working on a therapy that holds potential in treating patients with epilepsy, a neurological disorder defined by recurring seizures due to abnormal brain activity.
Spider venom heart drug moves to clinical trials in Australia
A University of Queensland (UQ)-led project in Australia to develop the first-ever drug to treat heart attack and protect donor hearts will move to human clinical trials, after receiving $17.8 million in funding from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
India develops portable ultrasound scanner for sports injury diagnosis
A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) has developed an indigenous portable Point-of-CareUltrasound (POCUS) Scanner for sports injury diagnosis and management.
Integris appoints medtech veteran Probir Das as new CEO
Integris Healthcare, a global diversified medical technology company, has announced the appointment of Probir Das as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He will join effective November 2024 and will be based in New Delhi.
Clarity Pharma promotes Michelle Parker to CEO
Australia-based Clarity Pharmaceuticals has announced the appointment of Michelle Parker as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective from October 11, 2024.
Dr Makoto Sugita steps in as President of Nxera Pharma Japan
Nxera Pharma Co., formerly known as Sosei Group or Sosei Heptares, has announced the appointment of Dr Makoto Sugita, as President of Nxera Pharma Japan, and Executive Officer, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Nxera Pharma.