mers

Tracing East Asia’s Ancient Coronavirus Epidemic

Our DNA holds traces of an ancient battle between our cells and a coronavirus, suggesting that an epidemic similar to COVID-19 struck East Asia about 20,000 years ago.

Asia’s Scientific Trailblazers: Malik Peiris

Inspired by French microbiologist Louis Pasteur, Professor Malik Peiris decided to specialize in virology, which led him to play a critical role in the identification and characterisation of the SARS coronavirus.

For MERS, Two Drugs Are Better Than One

Scientists have identified two drugs that, when combined, prevented the replication of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in human lung tissue.

China’s State Council Honours Two Eminent Chinese Scientists

A virologist and an explosive expert were recognised with the State Pre-eminent Science and Technology Award, which is the highest scientific award in China.

Asia’s Scientific Trailblazers: Michael Lai Ming-Chiao

A pioneer in coronavirus research, Michael Lai Ming-Chiao shares how a detour in his academic journey brought him to the battlefront of the SARS outbreak.

T-Cell Responses Predict MERS Prognosis

T-cell responses are more accurate than virus-specific antibody titers for assessing MERS prevalence and patients’ likelihood of recovery.

New PCR Primer Database Aims To Prevent Diseases From Going Viral

This comprehensive public database of PCR primers for RNA viruses could help the fight against future epidemics.

MERS ‘Super-Spreader’ Infected 82 People In South Korea: Study

A single ‘super-spreader’ patient in an overcrowded emergency room was linked to nearly half of the 186 MERS-infected patients in South Korea, according to researchers.

MERS Adapts By Weakening During Outbreaks

To survive in nature and live together with its host during an outbreak, the MERS virus develops mutations that 'weaken' its effects.

Between Panic And Complacency

Communicating the risks of infectious diseases as diverse as MERS and hepatitis C may not be easy, but is nonetheless essential.