The deadly virus forced several countries around the world to go into complete lockdown.
As the COVID-19 pandemic rages across the world, killing millions, scientists, researchers, have been working hard to find effective ways to treat the virus. Therefore medical professionals all around the world are trying to more about the structure of the virus and the way they attack the lungs.
Worldwide, the coronavirus has infected 28.5 million people worldwide, with 9,16,000 deaths.
Meanwhile, India reported a spike of 97,570 new COVID-19 cases and 1,201 deaths in the last 24 hours on Saturday. The total case tally stands at 46,59,985 including 9,58,316 active cases, 36,24,197 cured/discharged/migrated and 77,472 deaths.
The deadly virus forced several countries around the world to go into complete lockdown. Several countries were forced to impose draconian measures in an attempt to stem the spread of the virus.
However, the pandemic is still not over, and it widely advised that people follow proper health protocols like wearing a mask, and maintain proper hand hygiene.
Recently a researcher at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine laboratory obtained images of cells infected with SARS-COV 2. This will give the readers an understanding of how the virus attacks human cells.
1. Images captured by Camille Ehre, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine labora
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Camille Ehre, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine laboratory came upon images of cells that were infected with the SARS-CoV-2.
The report was carried in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Images captured by Ehre demonstrates how coronavirus infection damages the airways.
(Picture credits: The New Egland Journal of Medicine)
2. Virus was introduced into human bronchial epithelial cells in lab setting
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The researchers introduced the virus into human bronchial epithelial cells in the lab.
Using scanning electron microscopy, the cells were examined 96 hours later, to show how the infected ciliated cells with strands of mucus (can be seen in yellow) attached to the cilia tips (in blue).
The images were re-colourized by UNC medical student Cameron Morrison.
(Picture credits: The New Egland Journal of Medicine)
3. How does the SARS-CoV-2 attack the airways?
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Cilia are hair-like structures on the surface of airway epithelial cells that transport mucus from the lungs.
A higher power magnification image shows the structure and density of SARS-CoV-2 virions (red) produced by human airway epithelia. Virions are the complete, infectious form of the virus released onto respiratory surfaces by infected host cells.
(Picture credits: The New Egland Journal of Medicine)
4. Does research back empahsis on wearing masks?
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These images can help researchers understand the viral load or burden of SARS-CoV-2, which can also help determine how likely a person is to develop severe COVID-19 and transmit it to others. These images also back the studies that lay emphasis on the need to wear masks to slow down the transmission of the virus.
(Photo Credits: Ehre Lab, UNC School of Medicine)
5. How can the research help treatment of virus?
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According to the research, the images help identify the viral load , and the possibility of transmission of the pathogen through various mediums. The research will certainly help scientists find new and effective ways to treat COVID-19 by identifying the risks that can potentially lead to death.
(Photo Credits: Ehre Lab, UNC School of Medicine)
