Vincent, Kathy and Rich discuss COVID-19 research paper overload, Moderna's mRNA vaccine Phase I results, increase of ACE2 RNA by cigarette smoke, and answer listener questions. Click arrow to play Download TWiV 616 (62 MB .mp3, 103 min) Subscribe (free): iTunes, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Become a patron of TWiV! Show notes at microbe.tv/twiv

Nels and Vincent continue their discussion of SARS-CoV-2 evolution, including understanding recurrent mutations in the viral genome, and the potential for re-emergence of the virus from an animal reservoir. Click arrow to play Download TWiEVO 56 (53 MB .mp3, 88 min) Subscribe (free): iTunes, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Become a patron of TWiEVO Show notes at ...

Vincent speaks with Peter Daszak, President of EcoHealth Alliance, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting wildlife and public health from the emergence of disease. Click arrow to play Download TWiV 615 (22 MB .mp3, 36 min) Subscribe (free): iTunes, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Become a patron of TWiV! Show notes at microbe.tv/twiv

Daniel Griffin provides a clinical update on COVID-19, then we review results showing requirement for the furin site in the SARS-CoV-2 spike for replication, US state vaccine exemptions, concerns with a rapid diagnostic test, and answers to listener questions. Click arrow to play Download TWiV 614 (100 MB .mp3, 167 min) ...

The spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 contains a cleavage site for host cell proteases called furins. Deciphering the role of this cleavage site during infection is important for understanding the origin of the pandemic virus and its disease pattern in humans. Back in February it was not known if the furin ...