SARS-CoV-2 virus

Beyond COVID-19: How mRNA technology could transform how we treat disease

Dr. Anna Blakney, assistant professor at UBC’s Michael Smith Laboratories and school of biomedical engineering, describes how mRNA technology could transform how we treat disease.

Aug 4, 2021

SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7, also called the UK variant. The green depicts viral DsRNA and red shows viral nucleocapsid protein – these are both viral biomarkers, and indicate that the cell shown is infected by SARS-CoV-2. Credit: Dr. Guang Gao, UBC LSI IMAGING

Canadian researchers lead development and testing of promising treatment for COVID-19 variants

A new anti-viral drug could improve COVID-19 outcomes and survival rates — and is highly effective against multiple variants — according to a new study led by researchers at the University of British Columbia and Université de Sherbrooke.

May 11, 2021

Using cryo-electron microscopy, UBC researchers have revealed the structure of the N501Y spike protein mutant, shown above (in blue) bound to two copies of the ACE2 receptor (in red).

UBC researchers unveil first molecular images of B.1.1.7 COVID-19 mutation

UBC researchers are the first in the world to publish structural images of the N501Y mutation on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein—a change believed to be partly responsible for the highly infectious nature and rapid spread of variant B.1.1.7.

May 3, 2021

Researchers analyzed blood samples collected in late 2020 and early 2021 from residents and staff of long-term care homes in the Metro Vancouver area. Credit: Unsplash

Weaker antibody response to first COVID-19 vaccine dose found in long-term care residents

A single dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine produces a much weaker antibody response in long-term care residents than it does in younger healthy adults, new research has found.

Mar 25, 2021