The British variant is 45% more contagious than the original virus

A new study at Tel Aviv University found that the British variant (termed: B.1.1.7) of COVID-19 is 45% more contagious than the original virus. The researchers relied on data from about 300,000 PCR tests for COVID-19 obtained from the COVID-19 testing lab, which was established in collaboration with the Electra Group.

Base editors flex sights on sickle-cell disease

Researchers at Beam Therapeutics have developed a redesigned base editor that shows considerable promise in directly repairing the single-base mutation that causes sickle-cell disease (SCD). Many strategies are being pursued to harness genome editing approaches including CRISPR to treat patients with SCD and related hemoglobinopathies. The most advanced method in the clinic involves targeting an …

Noncalcified coronary plaque burden higher in people with HIV

People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and without known cardiovascular disease have two to three times the noncalcified coronary plaque burden of non-HIV healthy volunteers, according to a study from Canada published in Radiology. Researchers said the results underscore the importance of a heart-healthy lifestyle in people living with HIV.