News and Views
Prior to receiving my PhD (Dr. rer. nat.) degree in molecular medicine, I completed my Masters (MSc) degree in molecular pathology and toxicology with a research thesis on the detection of coronavirus in human lung cell cultures and biopsies. Specifically, I worked with endemic coronaviruses (HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-229E) and optimised RT-PCR-based detection methodologies similar to the ones currently being employed for the detection of the COVID-19-causing virus, SARS-CoV-2. In addition, I developed protocols for the detection and visualization of coronaviruses on human tissue and biopsies by in situ hybridization and in situ RT-PCR methods.
Based on this research experience as well as my expertise in molecular biology and genetics, I am posting scientific commentary on SARS-CoV-2. The first post includes a primer and concise up-to-date summary of cutting edge publications. A second post contains links to resources such as live statistics, guidelines and updates from the World Health Organization (WHO) portal. Future posts will include scientific updates as important new findings come in. If applicable I will also include my own analysis based on publicly available genomic sequencing, biochemical and x-ray crystallography/structural data.
Where possible I strive to keep the content accessible not only to molecular/medical scientists but also to a wider audience.