Researchers at Kumamoto University have discovered that behavioral changes during the COVID-19 pandemic—particularly widespread mask-wearing—may have reduced the risk of certain types of heart attacks triggered by air pollution.

The GENCOV study developed clinical laboratory‑based risk scores to predict mortality among hospitalized COVID‑19 patients in Ontario, Canada by analyzing routine clinical biochemical and hematological markers. Five laboratory markers were incorporated into a risk score model demonstrating 80% accuracy in predicting patient mortality. The authors conclude that laboratory-based risk scores offer a rapid, objective tool for early mortality risk stratification, though validation in larger, external cohorts is needed.

New research led by Flinders University and international experts has finally uncovered how a rare blood clotting condition can occur after some COVID19 adenovirus-based vaccines or after a natural adenovirus infection. The new research published in the eminent New England Journal of Medicine represents the culmination of years of international scientific detective work and has broad implications for future vaccine developments.

We demonstrates an innovative strategy for mucosal vaccine design by integrating bacterial N-terminal fatty acylation into a glycosylated RBD. LipoSC synergistically enhances the immunogenicity of RBD by acting as both a self-assembling scaffold and an intramolecular adjuvant, which in turn elicited robust mucosal and humoral immune responses in murine models. This approach effectively circumvents the challenge of pre-existing immunity associated with viral vectors. This methodology offers both essential theoretical foundation and empirical data for the design and development of mucosal vaccines, especially through innovative strategies aimed at enhancing antigen immunogenicity and optimizing antigen delivery. This study serves as a valuable reference for the advancement of next-generation COVID-19 mucosal vaccines and provides insights applicable to the broader development of respiratory mucosal vaccines.