#organoids COVID-19

[willowreader]

This abstract outlines how Covid can impact cardiac function.

[longhaulerbear]

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is associated with short- and long-term neurological complications. The variety of symptoms makes it difficult to unravel molecular mechanisms underlying neurological sequalae after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Here we show that SARS-CoV-2 triggers the up-regulation of synaptic components and perturbs local electrical field potential.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Study Reveals How COVID-19 Infection Can Cause or Worsen Diabetes - Published Sept 13, 2024

Researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine have used a cutting-edge model system to uncover the mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, induces new cases of diabetes, and worsens complications in people who already have it. The team found that viral exposure activates immune cells that in turn destroy beta (β) cells, the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. The study was published Sept. 2 in Cell Stem Cell.

“There has long been a hypothesis in the field that certain viral infections may trigger type 1 diabetes," said co-corresponding author Dr. Shuibing Chen, director of the Center for Genomic Health, the Kilts Family Professor of Surgery and a member of the Hartman Institute for Therapeutic Organ Regeneration at Weill Cornell Medicine. “But we were able to show how this happens in the context of COVID-19 infection.”

“When someone has severe COVID-19, of course the first priority is to treat the life-threatening symptoms,” said co-corresponding author Dr. Robert Schwartz, an associate professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine and a gastroenterologist and hepatologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. “But moving forward, there may be a way to develop clinical therapeutics that help avoid later injury to organs like the pancreas.”

Dr. Liuliu Yang and Dr. Yuling Han, who were postdoctoral fellows in the Department of Surgery, and Dr. Tuo Zhang, an instructor in microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medicine, were co-first authors of the paper.

From the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors caring for sick patients observed that the virus affected a number of organ systems, including not only the lungs, but also the heart, liver, colon and pancreas. For the current work, the researchers started with samples of pancreatic tissue from autopsies of people who had died of COVID-19. They observed that the pancreatic islets, the parts of the pancreas that generate the insulin to regulate blood sugar, were damaged.

They then used an analysis technique called GeoMx to study the samples in more detail. This revealed the presence of immune cells called proinflammatory macrophages in the tissues. The job of these macrophages is to kill off pathogens, but they sometimes cause collateral damage to healthy tissues.

To learn more about this activity, the team used a model system developed in the Chen Lab that had never been used before; pancreatic islet organoids (mini organs) that included both a vascular system and immune cells. “If we want to use organoids to study how a disease progresses, it’s important to be able to include components of the immune system in these models,��� said Dr. Chen. In this case, after infecting the organoids with SARS-CoV-2, they found the macrophages appeared to be killing off the β cells through a type of cell death called pyroptosis.

The team also used the organoids to study how the pancreas responds to infection with another infectious virus — coxsackievirus B4, which has been implicated in the onset of type 1 diabetes. They found a similar macrophage response. “Moving forward, this organoid system is going to be useful for looking at other viruses as well,” Dr. Schwartz said.

Further research on the signaling molecules that activate the macrophages also suggested potential interventions for protecting β cells from damage in patients with severe infections. Although it is too early to begin testing any treatments, this is something that may be possible in the future. This work could also help shed light on the underlying causes of long COVID, a condition that is believed to affect more than 15 million people in the United States.

Many Weill Cornell Medicine physicians and scientists maintain relationships and collaborate with external organizations to foster scientific innovation and provide expert guidance. The institution makes these disclosures public to ensure transparency. For this information, see profiles for Dr. Shuibing Chen and Dr. Robert Schwartz.

The research reported in this story was supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, through grant numbers R01DK137517, R01DK124463, R01DK130454, R01DK121072. The study also used data acquired from the Human Pancreas Analysis Program (HPAP-RRID:SCR_016202) Database), a Human Islet Research Network consortium (UC4-DK-112217, U01-DK-123594, UC4-DK-112232, and U01-DK-123716); and the Integrated Islet Isolation and Distribution Program (IIDP), NIH grant UC4DK098085.

The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Study Link: www.cell.com/cell-stem-cell/fulltext/S1934-5909(24)00293-5

[legendaryturtletheorist]

Advancing Cell Research with Mediray NZ: Excellence in Cell Culture Cell Lines and Cell Tissue Culture

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving field of life sciences, cell culture techniques play a critical role in biomedical research, drug discovery, and regenerative medicine. Among the key players in this sector, Mediray NZ has emerged as a trusted provider of high-quality laboratory solutions. Their commitment to excellence in cell culture cell lines and cell tissue culture has contributed significantly to scientific advancements across New Zealand and beyond.

This article explores the importance of cell culture, the role of Mediray NZ in supplying high-quality products, and how these advancements benefit researchers and industries involved in biotechnology, medicine, and pharmaceuticals.

Understanding Cell Culture and Its Importance

What is Cell Culture?

Cell culture is a laboratory technique used to grow and maintain cells outside their natural environment under controlled conditions. This process is crucial for studying cellular behaviors, drug responses, genetic engineering, and even producing therapeutic proteins. The two primary types of cell culture include:

Cell Culture Cell Lines: These are groups of cells that have been adapted to grow indefinitely in laboratory settings. Scientists use these cell lines for consistent and reproducible results in medical research and drug testing.

Cell Tissue Culture: This involves maintaining or growing tissue fragments in an artificial medium, enabling studies on cell differentiation, regenerative medicine, and tissue engineering.

Why is Cell Culture Important?

Biomedical Research: Helps scientists understand diseases, test drug efficacy, and explore genetic modifications.

Vaccine Development: Essential for producing vaccines, including those for influenza, polio, and COVID-19.

Cancer Studies: Allows researchers to test potential cancer treatments on specific cell types.

Regenerative Medicine: Supports stem cell research and tissue engineering for medical applications.

Mediray NZ: A Leader in Cell Culture Solutions

Providing High-Quality Cell Culture Cell Lines

Mediray NZ is recognized for supplying cell culture cell lines that are essential for various research applications. Their cell lines are sourced from reputable global suppliers, ensuring quality, reliability, and reproducibility. Some of the key benefits of their cell lines include:

High Purity and Viability: Ensuring cells grow efficiently in controlled environments.

Genetic Stability: Maintaining consistent characteristics over multiple generations.

Wide Range of Applications: Supporting drug discovery, toxicity testing, and genetic research.

With a focus on quality assurance, Mediray NZ ensures that all cell lines meet stringent laboratory standards, making them a preferred choice for researchers across New Zealand.

Excellence in Cell Tissue Culture Solutions

Beyond cell lines, cell tissue culture is another area where Mediray NZ excels. They provide specialized media, reagents, and equipment designed to support the growth and maintenance of tissue cultures. Their offerings include:

Specialized Growth Media: Ensuring optimal nutrient supply for different tissue types.

Advanced Culture Techniques: Supporting the development of 3D cultures and organoids.

Cutting-Edge Equipment: Providing incubators, biosafety cabinets, and imaging tools.

By delivering high-quality tissue culture solutions, Mediray NZ enables scientists to conduct advanced research in regenerative medicine, stem cell therapy, and personalized medicine.

The Impact of Mediray NZ on Research and Industry

1. Enhancing Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research

Mediray NZ’s cell culture products play a crucial role in advancing biomedical and pharmaceutical research in New Zealand. Their contributions include:

Supporting Drug Discovery: Researchers use their cell lines to test new drugs before clinical trials.

Enabling Precision Medicine: Providing cells that help tailor treatments based on individual genetic profiles.

Facilitating Vaccine Production: Supplying essential components for vaccine research and development.

2. Advancing Regenerative Medicine

The company’s expertise in cell tissue culture has significantly impacted regenerative medicine by:

Enabling Stem Cell Therapy: Supporting research that aims to repair damaged tissues and organs.

Developing Artificial Organs: Assisting in bioengineering tissues for organ transplants.

Improving Wound Healing Treatments: Providing cell-based therapies for burns and chronic wounds.

3. Empowering Academic and Research Institutions

Mediray NZ collaborates with universities and research institutions, providing them with high-quality laboratory materials and technical expertise. This partnership fosters innovation and ensures that New Zealand remains at the forefront of global scientific advancements.

Future Prospects and Innovations

As the demand for cell culture cell lines and cell tissue culture continues to grow, Mediray NZ remains committed to staying ahead of industry trends. Some of the exciting developments on the horizon include:

3D Cell Culture Models: Advancing research in cancer, drug discovery, and tissue engineering.

Organoids and Lab-Grown Tissues: Enhancing the ability to study complex diseases and test new treatments.

Automation and AI in Cell Culture: Improving efficiency and precision in laboratory experiments.

Conclusion

Mediray NZ has established itself as a leader in the life sciences industry by providing high-quality solutions for cell culture cell lines and cell tissue culture. Their commitment to excellence, innovation, and scientific advancement makes them a trusted partner for researchers and industries in New Zealand and beyond.

By supporting groundbreaking research in medicine, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology, Mediray NZ continues to shape the future of cell-based studies and therapies. Their dedication to quality and scientific progress ensures that the next generation of medical breakthroughs is within reach.

[cubojorbr]

Pesquisadores da USP criam minicérebros mais complexos para investigar a chave do envelhecimento saudável

Organoides foram desenvolvidos a partir de células sanguíneas de centenários que integram projeto conduzido no Centro de Estudos do Genoma Humano e Células-Tronco; objetivo é descobrir genes que protegem o cérebro dos efeitos da idade

Maria Fernanda Ziegler | Agência FAPESP – Com 116 anos, a Freira Inah Canabarro Lucas é a mulher mais idosa do mundo, segundo o Gerontology Research Group. A religiosa brasileira, que atualmente mora em Porto Alegre (RS), adora chocolates, detesta banana, dirigiu uma banda de música e viajou por todos os países da América Latina. Em 2022, contraiu COVID-19 e, surpreendentemente, recuperou-se sem…

[global-research-report]

Global Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Market: Opportunities in Drug Development and Disease Treatment

The global induced pluripotent stem cells market size is expected to reach USD 3.31 billion by 2030, registering to grow at a CAGR of 10.21% from 2024 to 2030 according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market for induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) is expanding quickly. The ability of induced pluripotent stem cells to generate any cell or tissue essential by the body to fight or combat illnesses such as leukemia, spinal cord injury, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes is the primary reason for their utilization.

Other factors driving market expansion include higher research funding, an increase in the number of genomics initiatives, and a surge in the application of genome engineering in personalized drugs. This has accelerated the adoption of iPSC, resulting in the market's profitable revenue growth. For instance, in October 2020, Axxam S.p.A. & FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, Inc. announced a strategic partnership to advance the drug discovery process. Through the use of the most cutting-edge drug discovery techniques to enable target evaluation, High-Throughput Screening (HTS), & High-Content Screening, the partnership will give drug development researchers along with scientists access to an integrative platform of hiPSC-based assays.

Investments in healthcare development and research have expanded significantly in recent years, and this trend is projected to have a significant impact on induced pluripotent stem cell demand over the forecast period. The expanding spectrum of human iPSC cell lines' applications in precision medicine and the growing emphasis on stem cell therapeutic applications are predicted to be important factors driving induced pluripotent stem cell market expansion. For instance, in March 2021, Sana Biotechnology, Inc. received authorization to use FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics' iPSC platform for the creation of commercially available cell therapies, according to a joint statement from both companies. Cell therapies can improve, fix, or substitute human biology, including cells, tissues, and organs.

The rise in research activity during the COVID-19 pandemic also enhanced iPSC-based research. In addition, scientists' ongoing efforts to discover novel therapies and treatments to manage the SARS CoV-2 infection have increased the need for iPSCs as research tools. Furthermore, induced pluripotent stem cells can create organoids or organ models that are physiologically equivalent, thus they can be utilized to study the pathophysiology of viral infection in humans. Thus, propelling the industry growth.

Furthermore, the government and commercial sectors are expanding funding along with growing industry that focuses on various scientific activities linked to iPSCs, and people are becoming more aware of stem cells through various organizations. However, challenges such as the high cost of cell reprograming, ethical concerns, and lengthy processes are inhibiting the growth of the induced pluripotent stem cell industry to a certain extend Moreover, low efficiency, potential tumor risk, and insufficient programming are other concerns restricting the expansion of the iPSC market.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Market Report Highlights

By derived cell type, the fibroblasts segment accounted for the largest share of 30.51% in 2023. The growing preference among healthcare professionals for fibroblast as potential treatments for skin problems are propelling the segment growth.

By application, the drug developmentsegment accounted for the largest share of 49.03% in 2023. The prevalence of chronic diseases, sedentary lifestyle, and others increase the demand for personalized therapies, and the increasing interest of pharma & biotech companies to develop drugs with the help of iPS cells promotes the industry growth.

By end-user, the pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies segment accounted for the largest share of 59.83% in 2023. This segment is projected to dominate the market since they make and develop various stem cell products & technology for various diseases employing induced pluripotent stem cells.

North America held the larger share of 36.11% in 2023. This is mostly due to increased use of innovative systems and technologies in drug research, toxicity testing, and disease modeling, as well as the region's growing acceptance of stem cell therapies are the major reasons for driving the market.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global induced pluripotent stem cells market based on derived cell type, application, end-use, and region:

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived Cell Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Hepatocytes

Fibroblasts

Keratinocytes

Amniotic Cells

Others

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Drug Development     

Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine

Neurology

Orthopedics

Oncology

Cardiovascular and Myocardial Infraction

Diabetes

Others

Toxicology Research  

Disease Modeling

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Academic & Research Institutes

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies

Others

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

North America

US

Canada

Mexico

Europe

Germany

UK

France

Italy

Spain

Denmark

Sweden

Norway

Asia Pacific

Japan

China

India

South Korea

Australia

Thailand

Latin America

Brazil

Argentina

MEA

South Africa

Saudi Arabia

UAE

Kuwait

Order a free sample PDF of the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

[screenshots123]

📆 13 Sep 2024 📰 Study Reveals How COVID-19 Infection Can Cause or Worsen Diabetes 🗞️ Well Cornell Medicine

Researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine have used a cutting-edge model system to uncover the mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, induces new cases of diabetes, and worsens complications in people who already have it. The team found that viral exposure activates immune cells that in turn destroy beta (β) cells, the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. The study was published Sept. 2 in Cell Stem Cell.

“There has long been a hypothesis in the field that certain viral infections may trigger type 1 diabetes," said co-corresponding author Dr. Shuibing Chen, director of the Center for Genomic Health, the Kilts Family Professor of Surgery and a member of the Hartman Institute for Therapeutic Organ Regeneration at Weill Cornell Medicine. “But we were able to show how this happens in the context of COVID-19 infection.”

For the current work, the researchers started with samples of pancreatic tissue from autopsies of people who had died of COVID-19. They observed that the pancreatic islets, the parts of the pancreas that generate the insulin to regulate blood sugar, were damaged.

They then used an analysis technique called GeoMx to study the samples in more detail. This revealed the presence of immune cells called proinflammatory macrophages in the tissues. The job of these macrophages is to kill off pathogens, but they sometimes cause collateral damage to healthy tissues.

To learn more about this activity, the team used a model system developed in the Chen Lab that had never been used before; pancreatic islet organoids (mini organs) that included both a vascular system and immune cells. “If we want to use organoids to study how a disease progresses, it’s important to be able to include components of the immune system in these models,” said Dr. Chen. In this case, after infecting the organoids with SARS-CoV-2, they found the macrophages appeared to be killing off the β cells through a type of cell death called pyroptosis.

The team also used the organoids to study how the pancreas responds to infection with another infectious virus — coxsackievirus B4, which has been implicated in the onset of type 1 diabetes. They found a similar macrophage response. “Moving forward, this organoid system is going to be useful for looking at other viruses as well,” Dr. Schwartz said.

[techtitan-01]

Stem Cells Market will grow at highest pace owing to growing R&D activities in regenerative medicine

Stem cells are undifferentiated biological cells that can differentiate into specialized cells and can divide through mitosis to produce more stem cells. They are found in all multicellular organisms. Stem cells are invaluable for drug development, personalized medicine and gene therapy. The major applications of stem cells are in regenerative medicine, drug screening and toxicity testing. On the basis of source, stem cells can be broadly classified into embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are derived from the embryo inner cell mass. Adult stems cells are isolated from adult tissues and cells including bone marrow, adipose tissue, heart, gut, skin and retina. The Global Stem Cells Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 14.87 Mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 7.9% over the forecast period 2024 To 2031. Key Takeaways Key players operating in the Stem Cells are Abzena Ltd., Clarivate, Immunetrics Inc., GNS Healthcare, Dassault Systemes, Evotec, Novadiscovery, Insilico Medicine Inc., and InSilicoTrials Technologies, among others. The key players are engaged in expanding their product portfolios in stem cell research by developing innovative techniques for isolation and differentiation of stem cells. The demand for Stem Cells  Market Demand is growing mainly due to increasing prevalence of chronic and lifestyle diseases and growing geriatric population globally. Stem cell therapy is considered as a potential treatment for various fatal diseases like cancer, myocardial infarction and diabetes. The increasing success of clinical trials is further driving the growth of the market. Technological advancements in stem cell manufacturing and 3D organoids are further enhancing the applications of stem cells in drug discovery and toxicity testing. Crispr/Cas9 gene editing, spheroid cell culturing and single cell sequencing are the latest technologies being used for manipulating stem cells. Market Trends Growing Focus on Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Induced pluripotent Stem Cell Market Size And Trends (iPSCs) have emerged as a major trend in stem cell research as they can be generated from adult tissues such as skin and blood cells. iPSCs have potential applications in disease modeling, drug development and personalized regenerative medicine. Increasing Adoption of 3D Organoid Technologies: 3D organoids are miniature 3D structures grown from stem cells which mimic in vivo tissue structures. Organoids technology is gaining significant popularity due to its potential to revolutionize drug development, toxicity testing and disease modeling. Organoids can replicate the complexity of human tissues better than 2D cell cultures. Market Opportunities Regenerative Medicine Applications: Stem cell therapy holds huge potential in the field of regenerative medicine in treatment of degenerative diseases. Areas such as cardiac disorders, bone disorders, diabetes, neurological disorders and skin injuries offer major opportunities. Drug Discovery and Toxicology Testing: Stem cells provide a predictive human disease model for drug discovery and toxicity assessment. Their ability to replicate human tissues makes them ideal for preclinical drug development and toxicology studies. This opens up major revenue opportunities. Impact of COVID-19 on the Stem Cells Market

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the growth of the stem cells market. During the initial outbreak, many research activities and clinical trials involving stem cells were halted to divert resources towards COVID-19 treatment and management. This led to delays in new product development and launch plans of various market players. The demand for stem cell therapy also declined as non-essential procedures were postponed during lockdowns to prevent virus spread in healthcare facilities. However, post-COVID, focus on stem cell research has increased as scientists are exploring its potential in developing therapies against complications arising due to COVID-19 infection such as pulmonary fibrosis. Market players are investing more in R&D activities involving mesenchymal stem cells for treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by coronavirus. Overall, though COVID-19 stalled market growth in the short-term, focus on stem cell based solutions for COVID-19 related issues is expected to boost the stem cells industry over the coming years. q The North American region currently holds the largest share of the global stem cells market in terms of value. This can be attributed to presence of major market players and higher healthcare spending on emerging cell-based therapies. The United States is the most prominent country dominating the North American as well as global stem cell market. The Asia Pacific region is identified as the fastest growing market for stem cells globally. This growth can be accredited to improving healthcare infrastructure, rising medical tourism, and increasing investments by global market players to tap the opportunities in emerging Asian countries like China, India, and South Korea.

Get more insights on,  Stem Cells Market

About Author: Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163)

*Note:1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public Source, Desk Research 2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it

[wellnessweb]

3D Cell Culture Market Size: Growth Trends and Forecasts

The 3D Cell Culture Market size was estimated USD 1.37 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 5.14 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 14.59% during the forecast period of 2024-2031.The 3D cell culture market is experiencing robust growth, driven by advancements in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Unlike traditional 2D cell cultures, 3D cell cultures provide a more accurate representation of the in vivo environment, enhancing the reliability of drug screening and disease modeling. This market is expanding due to increased investment in research and development, as well as the growing need for alternative methods to animal testing. Innovations such as scaffold-based platforms, organoids, and bioprinting technologies are at the forefront, offering significant improvements in the study of complex biological processes. As pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies seek more effective ways to understand cellular behavior and develop new therapeutics, the demand for 3D cell culture systems is set to rise, promising transformative impacts on medical research and personalized medicine.

Get Sample Copy Of This Report @ https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/3715

Market Scope & Overview

A competitive analysis, company market shares, and profiles of major revenue-generating companies are all included in the market research report. The 3D Cell Culture Market research report offers a thorough and insightful analysis of the commercial activities of all market leaders in this industry. It also includes a history of market development and a thorough analysis of the market's current state, taking into account the most recent news and media sources.

The market research on 3D Cell Culture Market aims to give readers both a broad overview and a thorough breakdown of the market's segments. Using research, market dynamics at the local and federal levels are examined during the market analysis. A thorough analysis of the market is provided by the market research, with an emphasis on global market trends.

Market Segmentation Analysis

By Technology

Scaffold Based

Hydrogels

Polymeric Scaffolds

Micropatterned Surface Microplates

Nanofiber Based Scaffolds

Scaffold Free

Hanging Drop Microplates

Spheroid Microplates with ULA coating

Magnetic Levitation

Bioreactors

Microfluidics

Bioprinting

COVID-19 Pandemic Impact Analysis

The COVID-19 epidemic had a significant impact on the 3D Cell Culture Market. Additionally, new projects have been postponed internationally, effectively ending the sector. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the development of new strategies for managing potential future challenges while maintaining growth rates.

Regional Outlook

Reports on industry research help to identify and visualize new market participants and portfolios so that decision-making skills can be improved and counterstrategies can be created that have a competitive advantage. The regional markets studied in-depth in the 3D Cell Culture Market research report are North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa.

Competitive Analysis

At various points along the value chain, industry actors keep an eye on how the value chain interacts with commercial activities. In-depth details on anticipated financial performance, company portfolios, and market leaders who are enhancing supply chain logistics, extending their global reach, and gaining a competitive edge are provided in the 3D Cell Culture Market research report. To gain a competitive advantage, businesses employ a variety of growth and expansion strategies.

Key Reasons to Purchase 3D Cell Culture Market Report

The market research includes crucial market trends, opportunities for the top players in the industry, and crucial market data.

The analysis considers the current state of the industry group as well as anticipated future developments that may forecast market growth over the forecast period.

Conclusion

The 3D Cell Culture Market research report will be a priceless tool for market players looking to comprehend market trends and create business plans to prosper in a cutthroat sector.

Read Full Report @ https://www.snsinsider.com/reports/3d-cell-culture-market-3715

About Us

SNS Insider is a market research and insights firm that has won several awards and earned a solid reputation for service and strategy. We are a strategic partner who can assist you in reframing issues and generating answers to the trickiest business difficulties. For greater consumer insight and client experiences, we leverage the power of experience and people.

When you employ our services, you will collaborate with qualified and experienced staff. We believe it is crucial to collaborate with our clients to ensure that each project is customized to meet their demands. Nobody knows your customers or community better than you do. Therefore, our team needs to ask the correct questions that appeal to your audience in order to collect the best information.

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[jayanthitbrc]

Global Human Liver Model Market Overview – Market Growth Analysis And Key Drivers

The Human Liver Model Global Market Report 2023, provides comprehensive information on the human liver model market across 60+ geographies in the seven regions - Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa for the 27 major global industries. The report covers a ten year historic period – 2010-2021, and a ten year forecast period – 2023-2032.

Learn More On The Human Liver Model Market’s Growth:

The global human liver model market is expected to grow from $1.83 billion in 2022 to $2.07 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.1%. The Russia-Ukraine war disrupted the chances of global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The war between these two countries has led to economic sanctions on multiple countries, a surge in commodity prices, and supply chain disruptions, causing inflation across goods and services and affecting many markets across the globe. The market size of global human liver model is expected to reach $3.32 billion in 2027 at a CAGR of 12.6%.

Get A Free Sample Of The Report (Includes Graphs And Tables):

Product innovation has emerged as a key trend gaining popularity in the human liver model market. Major companies operating in the human liver model market are concentrating on creating innovative products to strengthen their position in the market. For instance, in April 2023, LifeNet Health Life Sciences, a US-based human cell and tissue-based solution provider launched TruVivo, a ground-breaking liver system made entirely of human cells that will aid in the crucial research and development of new drugs and compounds. This innovative 2D+ solution combines the robust data that goes with 3D models with the flexibility and simplicity of a 2D model.

The human liver model market is segmented:

1) By Product: Liver Organoids, Liver-On-A-Chip, 2D Models, Animal Models, 3D Bioprinting

2) By Application: Educational, Drug Discovery, Other Applications

3) By End Users: Research Institutes, Pharmaceutical Companies, Other End Users

North America was the largest region in the human liver model market in 2022.

The table of contents in TBRC’s human liver model market report includes:

1. Executive Summary

2. Market Characteristics

3. Market Trends And Strategies

4. Impact Of COVID-19

5. Market Size And Growth

6. Segmentation

7. Regional And Country Analysis

.

.

.

27. Competitive Landscape And Company Profiles

28. Key Mergers And Acquisitions

29. Future Outlook and Potential Analysis

Learn About Us:  The Business Research Company is a market intelligence firm that pioneers in market, company, and consumer research. TBRC’s specialist consultants are located globally and are experts in a wide range of industries that include healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, chemicals, and technology. The firm has offices located in the UK, the US, and India, along with a network of proficient researchers in 28 countries. Through the report businesses can gain a thorough understanding of the market’s size, growth rate, major drivers and leading players.

Contact Us:  The Business Research Company  Europe: +44 207 1930 708

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[bpod-bpod]

Lab Bat

Infamously implicated in the COVID-19 pandemic, bats can host many viruses dangerous to humans, from coronaviruses to Ebola, yet are rarely affected themselves. As studying bats in the laboratory is challenging, their extraordinary resilience remains relatively-poorly understood. Researchers are working to overcome this, developing methods for culturing bat cells in self-organising 3D structures, or organoids, which provide more realistic insights into viral interactions with bat organs, compared to traditional cell cultures. Most recently, organoids (pictured) were developed from cells in the intestines of a fruit bat, Rousettus leschenaultii. After confirming they contain cell types typical of the bat intestine, initial tests suggest these organoids are susceptible to infection with Pteropine orthoreovirus, which can cause respiratory disease in humans, but not with SARS-Cov-2. Expanding the approach to other bat organs and viruses will help understand how and when infection can occur, and hopefully uncover some of the secrets of bat immunity.

Written by Emmanuelle Briolat

Image from work by Mohamed Elbadawy and Yuki Kato, and colleagues

University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan

Image originally published with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Published in International Journal of Medical Sciences, October 2021

You can also follow BPoD on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

[navy--gravy]

The organoids helping to beat COVID

Many miniature lab-grown organs are helping researchers to study how SARS-CoV-2 attacks. The approach is in its early days, but organoids offer a middle ground between studying the virus in cell lines, which lack the complexity of real tissue, and in animal models, which mirror human infection poorly and are expensive.

Here (above) the virus (white) is shown infecting a gut organoid, which could explain why some people get gastrointestinal symptoms with COVID-19.

Tonsil organoids include regions that nurture immune cells (red and green), and can mount a response when exposed to vaccines.

Organoids made out of tissue from bats, a known reservoir of viruses, can be infected with SARS-CoV-2 (green).

Source: "Nature" https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01395-z

[themedicalstate]

Can lab-grown brains become conscious?

A handful of experiments are raising questions about whether clumps of cells and disembodied brains could be sentient, and how scientists would know if they were.

By Sara Reardon (Nature)

Image: Hyacinth/Empinado/STAT

In Alysson Muotri’s laboratory, hundreds of miniature human brains, the size of sesame seeds, float in Petri dishes, sparking with electrical activity.

These tiny structures, known as brain organoids, are grown from human stem cells and have become a familiar fixture in many labs that study the properties of the brain. Muotri, a neuroscientist at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), has found some unusual ways to deploy his. He has connected organoids to walking robots, modified their genomes with Neanderthal genes, launched them into orbit aboard the International Space Station, and used them as models to develop more human-like artificial-intelligence systems. Like many scientists, Muotri has temporarily pivoted to studying COVID-19, using brain organoids to test how drugs perform against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

But one experiment has drawn more scrutiny than the others. In August 2019, Muotri’s group published a paper in Cell Stem Cell reporting the creation of human brain organoids that produced coordinated waves of activity, resembling those seen in premature babies. The waves continued for months before the team shut the experiment down.

This type of brain-wide, coordinated electrical activity is one of the properties of a conscious brain. The team’s finding led ethicists and scientists to raise a host of moral and philosophical questions about whether organoids should be allowed to reach this level of advanced development, whether ‘conscious’ organoids might be entitled to special treatment and rights not afforded to other clumps of cells and the possibility that consciousness could be created from scratch.

The idea of bodiless, self-aware brains was already on the minds of many neuroscientists and bioethicists. Just a few months earlier, a team at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, announced that it had at least partially restored life to the brains of pigs that had been killed hours earlier. By removing the brains from the pigs’ skulls and infusing them with a chemical cocktail, the researchers revived the neurons’ cellular functions and their ability to transmit electrical signals.

Other experiments, such as efforts to add human neurons to mouse brains, are raising questions, with some scientists and ethicists arguing that these experiments should not be allowed.

The studies have set the stage for a debate between those who want to avoid the creation of consciousness and those who see complex organoids as a means to study devastating human diseases. Muotri and many other neuroscientists think that human brain organoids could be the key to understanding uniquely human conditions such as autism and schizophrenia, which are impossible to study in detail in mouse models. To achieve this goal, Muotri says, he and others might need to deliberately create consciousness.

Researchers are now calling for a set of guidelines, similar to those used in animal research, to guide the humane use of brain organoids and other experiments that could achieve consciousness. In June, the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine began a study with the aim of outlining the potential legal and ethical issues associated with brain organoids and human–animal chimaeras.

The concerns over lab-grown brains have also highlighted a blind spot: neuroscientists have no agreed way to define and measure consciousness. Without a working definition, ethicists worry that it will be impossible to stop an experiment before it crosses a line.

The current crop of experiments could force the issue. If scientists become convinced that an organoid has gained consciousness, they might need to hurry up and agree on a theory of how that happened, says Anil Seth, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Sussex near Brighton, UK. But, he says, if one person’s favoured theory deems the organoid conscious whereas another’s doesn’t, any confidence that consciousness has been attained vanishes. “Confidence largely depends on what theory we believe in. It’s a circularity.”

Sentient states

Creating a conscious system might be a whole lot easier than defining it. Researchers and clinicians define consciousness in many different ways for various purposes, but it is hard to synthesize them into one neat operational definition that could be used to decide on the status of a lab-grown brain.

Physicians generally assess the level of consciousness in patients in a vegetative state on the basis of whether the person blinks or flinches in response to pain or other stimuli. Using electroencephalogram (EEG) readings, for instance, researchers can also measure how the brain responds when it is zapped with an electrical pulse. A conscious brain will display much more complex, unpredictable electrical activity than one that is unconscious, which responds with simple, regular patterns.

But such tests might not adequately probe whether a person lacks consciousness. In brain-imaging studies of people who are in a coma or vegetative state, scientists have shown that unresponsive individuals can display some brain activity reminiscent of consciousness — such as activity in motor areas when asked to think about walking.

Image: In developing human brain organoids, pre-neuronal cells (red) turn into neurons (green), which wire up into networks (white). Credit: Muotri Lab/UC San Diego.

In any case, standard medical tests for consciousness are difficult to apply to brain cells grown in dishes, or disembodied animal brains. When Muotri suggested that his organoids’ firing patterns were just as complex as those seen in preterm infants, people were unsure what to make of that. Some researchers don’t consider the brain activity in a preterm infant to be complex enough to be classed as conscious. And organoids can’t blink or recoil from a painful stimulus, so they wouldn’t pass the clinical test for consciousness.

By contrast, it’s much more likely that an intact brain from a recently killed pig has the necessary structures for consciousness, as well as wiring created by memories and experiences the animal had while it was alive. “Thinking about a brain that has been filled with all this, it is hard to imagine that brain would be empty,” says Jeantine Lunshof, a philosopher and neuroethicist at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. “What they can do in terms of thinking I don’t know, but it’s for sure not zero,” says Lunshof. Bringing a dead brain back to a semblance of life, as the Yale team did, might have the potential to restore a degree of consciousness, although the scientists took pains to avoid this by using chemical blocking agents that prevented brain-wide activity.

Researchers agree that they need to take the possibilities raised by these studies seriously. In October 2019, UCSD held a conference of about a dozen neuroscientists and philosophers, together with students and members of the public, with the intention of establishing and publishing an ethical framework for future experiments. But the paper has been delayed for months, partly because several of the authors could not agree on the basic requirements for consciousness.

Increasingly complex

Almost all scientists and ethicists agree that so far, nobody has created consciousness in the lab. But they are asking themselves what to watch out for, and which theories of consciousness might be most relevant. According to an idea called integrated information theory, for example, consciousness is a product of how densely neuronal networks are connected across the brain. The more neurons that interact with one another, the higher the degree of consciousness — a quantity known as phi. If phi is greater than zero, the organism is considered conscious.

Most animals reach this bar, according to the theory. Christof Koch, president of the Allen Institute for Brain Science in Seattle, Washington, doubts that any existing organoid could achieve this threshold, but concedes that a more advanced one might.

Other competing theories of consciousness require sensory input or coordinated electrical patterns across multiple brain regions. An idea known as global workspace theory, for instance, posits that the brain’s prefrontal cortex functions as a computer, processing sensory inputs and interpreting them to form a sense of being. Because organoids don’t have a prefrontal cortex and can’t receive input, they cannot become conscious. “Without input and output, the neurons may be talking with each other, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything like human thought,” says Madeline Lancaster, a developmental biologist at the University of Cambridge, UK.

Connecting organoids to organs, however, could be a fairly simple task. In 2019, Lancaster’s team grew human brain organoids next to a mouse spinal column and back muscle. When nerves from the human organoid connected with the spinal column, the muscles began to spontaneously contract.

Most organoids are built to reproduce only one portion of the brain — the cortex. But if they develop long enough and with the right kinds of growth factor, human stem cells spontaneously recreate many different parts of the brain, which then begin coordinating their electrical activity. In a study published in 2017, molecular biologist Paola Arlotta at Harvard University coaxed stem cells to develop into brain organoids composed of many different cell types, including light-sensitive cells like those found in the retina. When exposed to light, neurons in the organoids began firing. But the fact that these cells were active doesn’t mean the organoids could see and process visual information, Arlotta says. It simply means that they could form the necessary circuits.

Arlotta and Lancaster think their organoids are too primitive to be conscious, because they lack the anatomical structures necessary to create complex EEG patterns. Still, Lancaster admits that for advanced organoids, it depends on the definition. “If you thought a fly was conscious, it’s conceivable that an organoid could be,” she says.

However, Lancaster and most other researchers think that something like a revitalized pig brain would be much more likely to achieve consciousness than an organoid. The team that did the work on the pig brains, led by neuroscientist Nenad Sestan, was trying to find new ways to revitalize organs, not to create consciousness. The researchers were able to get individual neurons or groups to fire and were careful to try and avoid the creation of widespread brain waves. Still, when Sestan’s team saw what looked like coordinated EEG activity in one of the brains, they immediately halted the project. Even after a neurology specialist confirmed that the pattern was not consistent with consciousness, the group anaesthetized the brains as a precautionary measure.

Sestan also contacted the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) for guidance on how to proceed. The agency’s neuroethics panel, including Lunshof and Insoo Hyun, a bioethicist at Case Western University in Cleveland, Ohio, assessed the work and agreed that Sestan should continue to anaesthetize the brains. But the panel hasn’t settled on more general regulations, and doesn’t routinely require a bioethics assessment for organoid proposals because its members think that consciousness is unlikely to arise. The NIH hasn’t arrived at a definition of consciousness, either. “It’s so flexible, everyone claims their own meaning,” Hyun says. “If it’s not clear we’re talking about the same thing, it’s a big problem for discourse.”

Fuzzy definitions

Some think it is futile to even try to identify consciousness in any sort of lab-maintained brain. “It’s just impossible to say meaningful things about what these bunches of brain cells could think or perceive, given we don’t understand consciousness,” says Steven Laureys, a neurologist at the University of Liège in Belgium, who pioneered some of the imaging-based measures of consciousness in people in a vegetative state. “We shouldn’t be too arrogant.” Further research should proceed very carefully, he says.

Laureys and others point out that the experience of an organoid is likely to be very different from that of a preterm infant, an adult human or a pig, and not directly comparable. Furthermore, the structures in an organoid might be too small to have their activity measured accurately, and similarities between the EEG patterns in organoids and preterm baby brains could be coincidental. Other scientists who work on brain organoids agree with Laureys that the question of whether a system is conscious could be unanswerable. Many avoid the idea entirely. “I don’t know why we would try to ask that question, because this system is not the human brain,” says Sergiu Pasça, a neuroscientist at Stanford University in California. “They’re made out of neurons, neurons have electrical activity, but we have to think carefully about how to compare them.”

Muotri wants his organoid systems to be comparable, in at least some ways, with human brains, so that he can study human disorders and find treatments. His motivation is personal: his 14-year-old son has epilepsy and autism. “He struggles hard in life,” Muotri says. Brain organoids are a promising avenue, because they recapitulate the earliest stages of brain wiring, which are impossible to study as a human embryo develops. But studying human brain disorders without a fully functioning brain, he says, is like studying a pancreas that doesn’t produce insulin. “To get there, I need a brain organoid model that really resembles a human brain. I might need an organoid that becomes conscious.”

Muotri says he is agnostic about which definition to use to decide whether an organoid reaches consciousness. At some point, he says, organoids might even be able to help researchers answer questions about how brains produce conscious states. For instance, mathematician Gabriel Silva at UCSD is studying neural activity in Muotri’s organoids to develop an algorithm that describes how the brain generates consciousness. The goal of his project, which is partially funded by Microsoft, is to create an artificial system that works like human consciousness.

At the moment, there are no regulations in the United States or in Europe that would stop a researcher from creating consciousness. The National academies panel plans to release a report early next year, outlining the latest research and making a judgement on whether regulations are needed. Members plan to weigh in on questions such as whether to obtain people���s consent to develop their cells into brain organoids, and how to study and dispose of organoids humanely. The International Society for Stem Cell Research is also working on organoid guidelines, but is not addressing consciousness because it doesn’t think the science is there yet.

Hyun says that the NIH neuroethics panel has not yet seen any proposals to create complex, conscious organoids that would necessitate new guidelines. And Muotri says he doesn’t know of anyone else deliberately trying to create conscious organoids either, although a sufficiently complex organoid could, by some definitions, reach that status accidentally.

Still, Muotri and others say they would welcome some guidelines. These could include requiring scientists to justify the number of human brain organoids they use, to use them only for research that cannot be done in any other way, to restrict the amount of pain that can be inflicted on them, and to dispose of them humanely.

Having such advice in place ahead of time would help researchers weigh up the costs and benefits of creating conscious entities. And many researchers stress that such experiments have the potential to yield important insights. “There are truly conscious people out there with neurological disorders with no treatments,” Lancaster says. “If we did stop all of this research because of the philosophical thought experiment,” she adds, “that would be very detrimental to actual human beings who do need some new treatment.”

Treatments could still, however, be tested in brain organoids made using mouse stem cells , or in regular animal models. Such experiments could also inform discussions about the ethical use of human organoids. For instance, Hyun would like to see researchers compare the EEG patterns of mouse brain organoids with those of living mice, which might indicate how well human organoids recapitulate the human brain.

For his part, Muotri sees little difference between working on a human organoid or a lab mouse. “We work with animal models that are conscious and there are no problems,” he says. “We need to move forward and if it turns out they become conscious, to be honest I don’t see it as a big deal.”

Nature 586, 658-661 (2020) doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-020-02986-y

[tamanna31]

Cell Culture 2023 Industry – Challenges, Drivers, Outlook, Segmentation - Analysis to 2030

Cell Culture Industry Overview

The global cell culture market size was estimated at USD 16.59 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.32% from 2023 to 2030.

Its growth can be attributed to the rapid adoption of cell culture techniques to develop substrates for the safe production of viral vaccines, and the rising global demand for advanced therapy medicinal products. Furthermore, novel three-dimensional cell culture techniques and the growing need for them in biopharmaceutical development & vaccine production are expected to drive the market growth over the forecast period. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented researchers with the opportunity to investigate the novel contagious virus for the creation of therapeutic and diagnostic tools.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Cell Culture Market

Numerous prominent pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have been engaging in extensive R&D efforts to produce innovative vaccines, therapies, and testing kits. As a result, there has been a substantial increase in the need for cell culture tools in research applications. Furthermore, the pandemic has increased the demand for new cell-based models, organoids, and high-throughput screening platforms for research & drug discovery efforts. The urgency to combat the pandemic increased the demand for bioreactors and culture systems for applications in vaccine production and drug testing during the pandemic. In addition, several emerging and established players undertook various initiatives to capitalize on the increased demand for cell culture products due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For instance, in January 2021, Captivate Bio, based in Massachusetts, U.S., launched its portfolio of cell culture tools for accelerating research applications for COVID-19 and other emerging diseases. Furthermore, in August 2022, Thermo Fisher Scientific expanded its New York-based dry powder media manufacturing facility to support the global demand for media products required for manufacturing COVID-19 vaccines and other biologics. Such initiatives are likely to positively impact the market growth over the forecast period. Furthermore, cell culture technology has applications in the development of functional tissues and organs as it enables researchers to create artificial organs that can replace damaged or malfunctioning organs in patients.

The potential impact of artificial organs in improving the quality of life for patients with organ failure is substantial and can drive the demand for cell culture techniques. In addition, cell culture-based vaccine production has gained prominence in recent years due to several advantages, including improved safety and faster production timelines offered by such vaccines. As a result, cell culture technology is being widely used for the production of several U.S.-licensed vaccines, including those for polio, rotavirus, smallpox, rubella, hepatitis, and chickenpox. Similarly, cell-based flu vaccines have been approved for use in several European countries. Hence, with the growing healthcare awareness and rising demand for vaccines, the market is anticipated to witness rapid expansion in the near future.

Browse through Grand View Research's Biotechnology Industry Research Reports.

• The global recombinant DNA technology market size was valued at USD 728.9 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2024 to 2030.

• The global DNA diagnostics market size was estimated at USD 10.64 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.51% from 2024 to 2030.

Global Cell Culture Market Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth and provides an analysis of the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the cell culture marketreport on the basis of product, application, and region:

Product Scope Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Consumables

Sera

Fetal Bovine Serum

Other

Reagents

Albumin

Others

Media

Serum-free Media

CHO Media

HEK 293 Media

BHK Medium

Vero Medium

Other Serum-free Media

Classical Media

Stem Cell Culture Media

Chemically Defined Media

Specialty Media

Other Cell Culture Media

Instruments

Culture Systems

Incubators

Centrifuges

Cryostorage Equipment

Biosafety Equipment

Pipetting Instruments

Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

Biopharmaceutical Production

Monoclonal Antibodies

Vaccines Production

Other Therapeutic Proteins

Drug Development

Diagnostics

Tissue Culture & Engineering

Cell & Gene Therapy

Toxicity Testing

Other Applications

Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

North America

US

Canada

Europe

Germany

UK

France

Italy

Spain

Denmark

Sweden

Norway

Asia Pacific

China

India

Japan

South Korea

Australia

Thailand

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Argentina

Middle East and Africa (MEA)

South Africa

Saudi Arabia

UAE

Kuwait

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Key market players are undertaking strategic initiatives, such as mergers & acquisitions, expansions, and new product developments, to extend their product portfolio and strengthen their market presence. For instance, in July 2023, Merck invested around USD 25.85 million (€23 million), in Kansas, the U.S., to increase the production of cell culture media. Some of the prominent players in the global cell culture market include:

Sartorius AG

Danaher

Merck KGaA

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

Corning Inc.

Avantor, Inc.

BD

Eppendorf SE

Bio-Techne

PromoCell GmbH

Order a free sample PDF of the Cell Culture Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

[mednerds]

The Eye and Coronavirus: An Update of What We Know

While it’s not the main route of transmission, it’s still possible.

Sometimes, coronavirus infection takes a person by surprise. A face mask is worn, and physical distance is kept, yet the laboratory test came back positive for SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of Covid-19.

How come? Maybe it’s the eyes left unprotected.

Last month, a research review titled “Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Through the Ocular Route” was published in the Clinical Ophthalmology journal, providing up-to-date information on coronavirus and the eyes. 

1. Receptor for entry

SARS-CoV-2 uses the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a receptor to infect cells. The co-factor, transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2), is also required for SARS-CoV-2 to complete infection.

So, cells that have ACE2 and TMPRSS2 on their surface could theoretically get infected by SARS-CoV-2. Indeed, many parts of the eyes — i.e., the cornea, limbus, retina, conjunctiva, and aqueous humor —have been shown to express ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in several studies.

Using a human eye organoid model, a study found that the most susceptible ocular cell type to SARS-CoV-2 infection is the limbus with relatively high ACE2 expression. The limbus contains stem cells that generate newer cells to replace older or damaged cells in the eye, especially the conjunctiva and cornea. Harboring stem cells means it’s a site of active cellular replication, a favorable thing for viral replication too.

2. Ocular (eye-related) symptoms

If SARS-CoV-2 could infect humans via the ocular (eye) surface, the initial symptoms should be eye-related. Indeed, many such incidences have been documented in many parts of the world. Sometimes, conjunctivitis is the only symptom a coronavirus-infected person may have.

A meta-analysis of 12 studies analyzed the specific ocular symptoms of Covid-19 patients. Increased eye fluid secretion is the most common with 10% pooled prevalence, followed by eye itching at 9%, conjunctivitis at 8%, and foreign body sensation in the eye at 6%.

3. SARS-CoV-2 in the eye

Many studies have found PCR-positive SARS-CoV-2 from eye samples — tears or conjunctival swabs — of infected persons about 5–10% and up to 29% of the time. These studies were summarized in an extensive table here.

But the PCR test only detects genes specific for SARS-CoV-2 and not the entire virion. So, a positive PCR test can’t conclude if the detected SARS-CoV-2 is just dead viral fragments or live viruses that are contagious.

Only one case study has successfully cultured live SARS-CoV-2 virions (in living human cells) from a patient’s eye sample. But another study failed to culture any live SARS-CoV-2 from four PCR-positive conjunctival swabs from four Covid-19 patients. In two other case studies, researchers also could not culture live SARS-CoV-2 from the patient’s eye sample that was PCR-positive.

Therefore, it’s assuring that contagious and live SARS-CoV-2 in the eye is rare to find. So, the PCR-positive eye samples are most likely dead viral fragments that are not contagious.

4. Eye infection

Another study revealed that SARS-CoV-2 isolated from the human nose could infect conjunctival cells (of the eye) as easily as respiratory cells. Scientists have also successfully infected monkeys with SARS-CoV-2 via the eyes. The monkeys developed mild Covid-19 and shed viruses through the nose and throat. High viral load was also found in the monkeys’ nasolacrimal system.

The nasolacrimal system drains tear fluid from the eye into the nasal cavity and then the throat. It’s no wonder that crying leads to sobbing. Therefore, the nasolacrimal system may serve “as a conduit for virus-containing fluid exchange between these sites,” stated a 2013 research review.

Viruses infecting the respiratory system through the eyes, presumably via the nasolacrimal system, are not unheard of. The respiratory syncytial virus could replicate efficiently in the eyes and then migrated into the lungs to cause respiratory disease in mice. Certain subtypes of adenoviruses and influenza viruses can also infect the eyes to reach the respiratory system.

5. Hand-eye contact

Only two studies had studied if frequent hand-eye contact is related to eye infection of SARS-CoV-2.

One study of 127 Covid-19 patients did not find any association between hand-eye contact and Covid-related conjunctivitis.

The other study involving 535 Covid-19 patients found that hand-eye contact independently predicted and correlated with the occurrence of conjunctivitis. Notably, wearing eyeglasses or goggles was not associated with Covid-related conjunctivitis in this study.

Although the relationship between hand-eye contact and SARS-CoV-2 is not definitive with two conflicting study findings, it’s best to avoid hand-eye contact nonetheless.

The CDC has stated that “it is possible that a person could get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes.” The WHO has also acknowledged the same.

6. Eye protection and risk of eye infection

As follows, eye protection is part of the personal protective equipment (PPE) healthcare workers use. But should the general public go as far as shielding their eyes as well?

In a meta-analysis of 44 observational studies on coronaviruses (SARS, MERS, and Covid-19), researchers found that physical distancing of over 1m and wearing face masks reduced the odds of infection by 82–85%, with a risk difference of minus 10–14%. Eye protection was also helpful in decreasing the odds of infection by 78%, with a risk difference of minus 10%.

Looking at risk difference is more meaningful since the odds ratio is relative. For example, reduced incidence rates from 10% to 5% would give an odds ratio of 50% reduction and a risk difference of 5%.

However, one major caveat is that the eye protection data only involves SARS and MERS patients, not Covid-19. Plus, only seven out of the 44 meta-analyzed studies are based on non-healthcare settings. So, it’s difficult to make informed decisions on whether the public should wear eye protection against Covid-19 based on this meta-analysis alone.

Later, an observational study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that only 5.8% of 267 Covid-19 patients in China's Hubei Province had myopia (nearsightedness), necessitating the habitual use of eyeglasses. In contrast, the prevalence of myopia in the general population is 31.5%. That’s an over 5-fold difference.

But in a commentary in the same medical journal, Lisa L. Maragakis, MD, associate professor of medicine and epidemiology, stated that “we must be careful to avoid inferring a causal relationship from a single observational study.” This study has notable limitations, such as low sample size and residual confounders, that make its findings less robust. An example of residual confounder is that persons who use eye protection may also be more conscientious in practicing physical distancing and mask-wearing.

That said, “we know that the virus can be transmitted via viral particles introduced into the eyes or mucous membranes, and it is plausible that eyeglasses might serve as a barrier against such transmission from droplets or contaminated hands,” Prof. Dr. Maragakis added. Eyeglasses “may serve as a partial barrier that reduces the inoculum of virus in a manner similar to what has been observed for cloth masks.”

Short abstract and closing remarks

We know that SARS-CoV-2 can easily infect animals via the eyes easily in lab settings. In humans, however, the evidence is scarce. Although studies have detected PCR-positive SARS-CoV-2 in eye samples, culturing live (contagious) SARS-CoV-2 from the eye is rarely successful. Probable hand-eye transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and efficacy of eye protection against Covid-19 have also been documented, but these are limited to just a few observational studies, so the evidence is still not definitive.Overall, the eye is not the main route of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. But eye transmission is still possible, so avoid touching the eyes and eye protection may help. This may be more important for healthcare workers or caregivers of infected persons in close contact with the coronavirus.“For the rest of us, wearing a mask, frequent hand washing and practicing social distancing continue to be our best bet against the virus,” the American Academy of Ophthalmology advised.

By Shin Jie Yong (Medium). Image by Nika Akin from Pixabay.

[neurosciencenews]

The Link Between ‘Alzheimer’s Gene’ and COVID-19

ApoE4, a gene associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, also appears to increase susceptibility and the severity of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for coronavirus, increased susceptibility to COVID-19 in ApoE4 neurons and astrocytes in brain organoid models.