Antibody blocks coronavirus | Drug combats obesity in mice | Sex differences in disease

May 19, 2020 Edition COVID-19 is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation, and we at NIH are doing everything we can toward the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. You can find the latest public health information from CDC at www.coronavirus.gov and the latest research information from NIH at www.nih.gov/coronavirus. Meanwhile, science continues to progress on many other fronts, and we will continue to try to bring you stories across a wide range of topics. Llama antibody engineered to block coronavirus Based on antibodies isolated from llamas, researchers engineered an antibody that prevented SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, from entering cells in laboratory experiments. Repurposed drug combats obesity in mice Obese mice lost weight and showed improved metabolic function when treated with a drug that’s normally prescribed for alcohol use disorder. Sex differences in autoimmune disorders and schizophrenia A study suggests that an immune-related protein found in higher levels in men helps protect against certain autoimmune diseases but increases the risk of schizophrenia. Popular Stories Novel coronavirus structure reveals targets for vaccines and treatments Study suggests new coronavirus may remain on surfaces for days How stress causes gray hair Number of steps per day more important than step intensity Microneedle coronavirus vaccine triggers immune response in mice