Drugs that can postpone or prevent the onset of debilitating diseases could enhance longevity and provide enormous societal benefits, geroscientists say.
Macaques and baboons show success as models to study SARS-CoV-2
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Researchers have shown rhesus macaques and baboons develop strong signs of acute viral infection from SARS-CoV-2, making them ideal models.
Scientists have published their findings regarding a comprehensive animal model that can be used to study SARS-CoV-2. The research was conducted at Texas Biomedical Research Institute (Texas Biomed) and Southwest National Primate Research Center (SNPRC), US.
The study evaluated three non-human primate (NHP) species (Indian rhesus macaques, African baboons and new-world origin common marmosets) and young and old animals, to determine susceptibility to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the development of COVID-19 disease.
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San Antonio, Texas (December 11, 2020) - The National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded Professor Mahesh Mohan, D.V.M., Ph.D., and collaborators more than $3.5 million over five years to investigate the effects of cannabinoids on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). This research project aims to evaluate whether delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) alone or in combination can potentially alter DNA methylation, which is a biological process that can create a change in the expression of certain genes.
Using Indian rhesus macaques with Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), the monkey equivalent of HIV, researchers will be able to study if changes in gene DNA methylation levels impact inflammation in the brain, which is the underlying cause of HAND. Understanding these basic biological processes will allow scientists to create better therapeutic options. Researchers will also study whether JWH133, a synthetic cannab