Antiviral

In the neverending human-vs-virus battle, scientists often focus on disrupting the protein coating on the bugs. New research shows an alternative: using certain compounds to act as molecular "pins" that pop the membranes holding viruses together.

A rolling compressor from Japan has extracted water from plants without the need for a heat source, creating water-soluble antiviral compounds from cedar and ginger while turning the plants into clean, efficient fuels.

While most of us wouldn't dream of not washing our spoons or forks after each use, we have no problem repeatedly using – or sharing – a never-washed tube of lipstick. That's why scientists have developed a cranberry-fortified antimicrobial lipstick.

Although there are coatings that kill harmful microbes on frequently touched surfaces, most of those substances either have to be frequently reapplied, or they take a long time to work. A new coating, however, is claimed to address both shortcomings.

Copper is known for its ability to kill microbes on contact, which is why it's often professionally coated onto commonly touched items. A copper nanowire spray may allow everyday folks to give existing surfaces the same treatment, using a spray can.

The FDA issued emergency use authorization to a second oral COVID-19 treatment. Molnupiravir is not as effective as Pfizer’s recently approved COVID pill and experts are concerned the drug has the potential to generate new SARS-CoV-2 variants.

The first oral treatment designed specifically for COVID-19 has been authorized for use in the US by the FDA. Called Paxlovid, the treatment is recommended for those at high risk of severe COVID-19 and is to be taken within five days of symptom onset.

Positive data has been announced from a trial testing Pfizer’s antiviral pill developed to treat COVID-19. The final analysis revealed the five-day oral treatment reduced COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths by 89 percent in high-risk individuals.

Ahead of a FDA advisory panel meeting, drugmaker Merck has revealed final analysis data from a Phase 3 trial testing its oral antiviral pill against COVID-19. The new data reveals the treatment is significantly less effective than early indications.

Pfizer’s experimental COVID-19 antiviral pill has shown extraordinary efficacy in the first data from a large clinical trial. The results reveal the oral treatment reduces hospitalization or death in high-risk patients by 89 percent compared to placebo.

As the US Government invests billions of dollars into COVID-19 antiviral research, scientists are racing to develop a pill that people can take at home to treat the disease in its earliest stages.

If there's one place where you don't want viruses or harmful bacteria to be present, it's in hospitals, where people are already vulnerable. A new process could help, by allowing aluminum surfaces in such buildings to kill the bugs.