COVID-19
Antibody testing and why it matters
|
|
To tackle the coronavirus pandemic, we need to track prevalence, identify effective treatments, and protect ourselves from infection. In the absence of these solutions, we’re left with only blunt mitigation tools like statewide shutdowns. Antibodies may hold the key to tracking, treatments, and prevention — more precise tools for a “smart restart” — and that’s why leading institutions have pivoted to advancing our understanding of coronavirus antibodies and investing in potential solutions.
Antibodies are Y-shaped proteins produced by plasma and used by the body’s immune system to neutralize pathogens like viruses. The body forms different types of antibodies in response to viruses, including SARS-CoV-2: immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG). IgM antibodies are formed during early stages of infection, and IgG antibodies take longer to form; a positive IgM test indicates recent exposure to the virus and early stages of infection, and a positive IgG test indicates a past infection and perhaps some level of immunity.
This week, we look at what we can learn from antibody testing, what it will take to develop and scale accurate tests, and what’s happening now.
|
|
—
Our COVID-19 open innovation index now lists 145+ initiatives. The CovidX digest includes a roundup of new additions — as well as resources and opportunities for healthcare workers, funders, innovators, and policymakers. Sign up to receive updates.
—
Earlier today, the World Health Organization announced the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) accelerator, “a landmark collaboration to accelerate the development, production, and equitable distribution of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics.”
—
The Pudding looked at every question on every census from 1790 to 2020 to see how American culture and society has evolved.
|
—
“Open innovation isn’t just the realm of do-it-yourself hobbyists, but the world’s top engineering and medical minds.” Open licenses of medical technology can provide life-saving technology in a crisis.
—
The Center on Rural Innovation’s Employment Risk Index ranks the potential COVID-19 impact on U.S. counties, based on several factors: workforce age, small business concentration, and share of employment in high-risk industries.
—
The New York vs. Boston rivalry isn’t only about baseball and clam chowder. It also extends to the world of pigeons.
|
|
Cool jobs & opportunities
|
|
Conservation X Labs is hosting a virtual ideathon tomorrow, April 25, with activities and content from experts at Rare, WWF, Ree.ph, Oceanic Global, Emory University, and Michigan State University. Participants will work in small teams to generate new innovation ideas around specific conservation problem areas.
City Harvest is hiring a Director, Communications in New York.
Root Capital is looking for an Impact Associate in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
|
|
Share this newsletter with a friend.
Was this email forwarded to you?
Subscribe and never miss an issue.
|
Send us story ideas or job openings.
Email Jessica Hibbard, Head of Content & Community: editor@luminary-labs.com.
|
|
|
|
