Novacyt COVID-19 Diagnostic Gains FDA Emergency Use Authorization
Under the EUA designation, the Primerdesign test is authorized only for the detection of RNA from SARS-CoV-2 virus and diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, and not for any other viruses or pathogens.
Sophia Genetics, Paragon Genomics Team on SARS-CoV-2 Testing
The collaboration will provide a COVID-19 test offering that combines Paragon Genomics' CleanPlex SARS-CoV-2 NGS panel reagent kit for whole-genome sequencing of the coronavirus with the advanced analytical power of the SOPHiA platform.
Scientists Uncover Protein that Inhibits Coronaviruses
The research reveals that the LY6E protein impairs the coronavirus’ ability to initiate infection, which could lead to treatments for the illness.
U.K. to Use Nanopore Sequencing to Map COVID-19 Spread
A notable addition to the effort is a team from the University of Birmingham, led by Nick Loman, Ph.D., professor of Microbial Genomics and Bioinformatics in the Institute of Microbiology and Infection, whose lab is known for fusing cutting-edge sequencing with microbial genomics.
Genetic Study Shows Coronavirus Evolved Naturally, Is not Lab-Constructed
Scripps researchers compare available genome sequence data for known coronavirus strains to determine that that SARS-CoV-2 originated through natural processes and note that their results “clearly show that SARS-CoV-2 is not a laboratory construct or a purposefully manipulated virus.”
Small Sequencer Developer GenapSys Completes $90M Series C Financing
GenapSys’ sequencing system is about the size of an iPad, costs under $10,000, and is based on a proprietary direct electronic sequencing chip, which is intended to eliminate the need for cumbersome equipment.
Crumpled Graphene Improves Detection of DNA Cancer Markers
Using computer simulations, researchers found that cavities within the altered graphene served as electrical hotspots, acting as a trap for DNA and RNA molecules, extending the time they engage with the rough graphene surface.
Ex-Geisinger Principals Team with Genome Medical to Expand Genetic Services
Hunt Willard signs on as chief science officer and VP of medical affairs, and Erica Ramos as VP of population genomics.
Biodesix, Bio-Rad Pursue FDA EUA Approval for ddPCR-Based COVID-19 Test
Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) would enable Biodesix and Bio-Rad to begin testing in the U.S. using the Droplet Digital PCR system.
Study: Coronavirus Can Stay “Live” for Days on Surfaces
“We found that the stability of SARS-CoV-2 was similar to that of SARS-CoV-1 under the experimental circumstances tested,” the authors wrote. “This indicates that differences in the epidemiologic characteristics of these viruses probably arise from other factors."
