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Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have isolated the biomolecule Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have isolated “the smallest biological molecule” that “completely and specifically neutralizes” SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the novel coronavirus. The antibody component is 10 times smaller than a full-sized antibody, and has been used to create the drug Ab8, shared in the report published by the researchers in the journal Cell on Monday. The drug is seen as a potential preventative against SARS-CoV-2. According to the report, the drug has been “highly effective in preventing and treating” the...

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine scientists have isolated the smallest biological molecule to date that completely and specifically neutralizes the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is the cause of COVID-19. This antibody component, which is 10 times smaller than a full-sized antibody, has been used to construct a drug — known as Ab8 — for potential use as a therapeutic and prophylactic against SARS-CoV-2. The researchers report today (September 14, 2020) in the journal Cell that Ab8 is highly effective in preventing and treating SARS-CoV-2 infection in mice and hamsters. Its tiny size not only increases its potential for diffusion in...

Lessen employer burden, forget selling the lottery, consider hiking tobacco tax -- Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez struck the right tone Wednesday in convening a hearing on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's health care proposal, which remains on life support in these waning days of this special session."I would ask you to keep in mind that there is a fair amount to praise in the governor's plan," Núñez said to his colleagues. "In fact, I would say that some of the governor's more progressive proposals haven't even been made by Democratic governors around the country." Given those words, you'd think that state leaders...

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez would be courting defeat at the ballot box by bypassing Republicans with a measure to increase taxes to provide health care for uninsured Californians, Assembly Republican leader Mike Villines said Tuesday. The Los Angeles Times reported Saturday the Republican governor and Democratic speaker are fashioning a strategy to raise business and hospital taxes through a ballot measure and circumventing Republican lawmakers who oppose any new taxes. Under the scenario outlined by the newspaper, the Democrats who control the Legislature would pass a bill that doesn't include funding for health care and ask...