Global cases of the novel coronavirus have surpassed thirty-seven million, and the global fatality count is now more than one million. Most media and scientific coverage of the pandemic has focused on its impact on humans. But animals have also been affected by the virus — and many have also played major roles in SARS-CoV-2 …
23andMe Data Bolsters Link Between COVID-19 and Blood Types
Did you know that a person’s blood type may be linked to the likelihood that they will catch COVID-19 and experience severe symptoms? Recently 23andMe, a personal genomics and biotechnology company best known for providing direct-to-consumer genetic testing services, published preliminary data for an upcoming study that strengthens prior research on this subject. Although the study has not …
COVID-19 versus the Seasonal Flu: Facts and Figures
Since SARS-CoV-2 (or the novel coronavirus, the virus that causes COVID-19) emerged, many have compared it to the seasonal flu. The seasonal flu virus and SARS-CoV-2 can present with similar symptoms: both seasonal influenza strains (flu A and flu B) and SARS-CoV-2 are contagious viruses that cause respiratory illnesses in humans. The outcomes of the …
Marmosets as Primate Models of Familial Alzheimer’s Disease
The common marmoset, Callithrix jaccus, possesses complex social behaviors and sleep patterns that closely resemble those of humans. This South American monkey’s metabolism, immune systems, brain structure, and physiology are also very similar to humans. Common marmosets (henceforth referred to as marmosets) can live 10 to 15 years in captivity, and they naturally develop hyperphosphylated …
U.S. Plans to Offer Free COVID-19 Vaccines to All Americans
On Wednesday, September 16, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Defense (DoD) released two documents outlining the federal government’s strategy to provide all Americans with free, safe, and effective COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. The first document was a report to Congress, and the second was a …
The Latest in Weird & Whimsical Science: Part II
The QPS blog focuses on presenting our insights into news on topics that are highly relevant to the pharmaceutical, biotech and CRO industries such as drawn-on-skin electronics, Parkinson’s Disease and advances in smoking cessation. This September, we’re taking a break to talk about some weird, whimsical scientific news in two parts. Part I included REM …
The Latest in Weird & Whimsical Science: Part I
The QPS blog focuses on presenting news about topics such as Alzheimer’s Disease, COVID-19, and clinical research to our clients and the public. This week, we’re taking a break from our regularly scheduled programming for some fascinating — and whimsical — scientific discoveries.
Amodiaquine: Learning from the Hydroxychloroquine Mistake
Both the scientific community and the general public now know that hydroxychloroquine is ineffective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The FDA revoked its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the drug in June 2020, after it failed in clinical trials. Now there is another drug, a close chemical relative of hydroxychloroquine’s called amodiaquine, that …
FDA No Longer Requires Premarket Review for Some COVID-19 Tests
On August 19, 2020, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) no longer requires the premarket review of laboratory developed tests (LDTs), including certain tests used to detect COVID-19. A type of in vitro diagnostic test, an LDT is designed, manufactured, and used within a …
Tau Propagation Influences the Pace of Alzheimer’s Disease Progression
Progressive cognitive impairments are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), but the timing of their onset and progression varies by patient. Even among people with the typical amnestic form of AD, the speed with which the disease progresses can vary significantly: some patients experience rapid cognitive decline, while others deteriorate over a decade or more. …
