Infection researchers at the German Primate Center – Leibniz Institute for Primate Research in Göttingen have found that the most recently dominant variants are not being replaced by a new variant that spreads rapidly worldwide. Instead, an unusual variant, BA.3.2, is spreading relatively slowly. This variant is not successful in all countries, but it frequently infects children. These observations suggest that a complex immunity may have developed through vaccination and infections, making it difficult for new variants to break through.

Kyoto, Japan -- The Covid-19 lockdowns were difficult for everyone. Many people were stuck at home all day every day dealing with their uncertainty for the future, and some found it hard to avoid frequent eating and snacking habits during lockdown. For many, the effects of this were marginal, but the risks in such a situation are higher for people with glucose intolerance, a group of metabolic conditions that includes diabetes.

Previous studies examining glycemic control in individuals with glucose intolerance during the Covid-19 pandemic have reported mixed results: some showed worsening control while others found no significant changes. In one specific study on individuals in Japan, a team of researchers at Kyoto University found that the state of emergency led to increases in body weight, fat mass, and snacking frequency, all of which were associated with deteriorating glycemic control.

However, the researchers recognized that the longterm metabolic effects of this after the full relaxation of behavioral restrictions has remained unclear. This gap in knowledge motivated the team to explore the post‑restriction period in greater depth.