For this week’s #SeaAndMe post, we’re headed to the deep sea, an ally in the fight against COVID-19. Did you know that the test being used to diagnose the novel coronavirus — and other pandemics like AIDS and SARS — was developed with the help of an enzyme found in marine hydrothermal vents and freshwater hot springs? Talk about hot!
But that’s not all. The sea may also offer an effective treatment for COVID-19. Aplidin, a chemical compound extracted from sea squirts, was recently suggested to have antiviral properties. Late April 2020, PharmaMar, a Spanish firm, launched the Phase II of a clinical trial using Aplidin on patients with COVID-19.
What other medical solutions has the sea already provided? Many, from compounds to treat cancer, inflammation and nerve damage. Stay tuned for more #SeaAndMe posts to find out more.
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NEWS
This month, EMBRC was proud to be highlighted in AgroServ’s Chronicles. Read their interview with Davide Di Cioccio, our access manager, to uncover how EMBRC is leveraging marine biology to address the intertwined challenges of agriculture and water within AgroServ’s network.
NEWS
EMBRC is attending the UN’s 2024 Ocean Decade conference in Barcelona (April 10–12) with our EU project MARCO-BOLO and the EMO BON observatory and will have a presence at two satellite events.
NEWS
For the move to a sustainable blue economy to be successful, actions must be based on scientific knowledge. How does EMBRC collaborates with industries to facilitate the development of new services for a sustainable future?