Australia Enlists Particle Accelerator In Coronavirus Fight
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published March 31, 2020 | 02:48 PM
Australian scientists are using the largest particle accelerator in the southern hemisphere to help fast-track the hunt for a vaccine against COVID-19, researchers said Tuesday
Sydney, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 31st Mar, 2020 ) :Australian scientists are using the largest particle accelerator in the southern hemisphere to help fast-track the hunt for a vaccine against COVID-19, researchers said Tuesday.
The Australian Synchrotron in Melbourne uses intense X-rays emitted by electrons coursing through the accelerator to examine key proteins in the virus, programme director Andrew Peele told AFP.
Acting as a kind of microscope, the accelerator lets the researchers construct atomic-level 3-D maps of the proteins so they can develop drugs that bind to the virus, potentially preventing or treating the disease.
"We shine the light on the proteins and the light that scatters off them tells us where every atom in the (COVID-19)protein molecule is," Peele said.
"You need to know what the protein looks like so you can design a drug to attach to it," he added.
"It's like designing a key for a lock, you need to know the dimensions of the keyhole." Researchers from around the world have sent the Melbourne team dozens of sample of proteins which they think might bind with the COVID-19 virus in a way that could minimise or protect from the disease, Peele said.
"Using our technology, within five minutes you can understand why a drug does or doesn't work in attaching to a COVID-19 protein," Peele said, likening the process to completing a jigsaw puzzle.
The government-funded project hopes its fast-tracking technology will shorten the normal development time for effective vaccines.
Scientists around the world are racing to develop vaccines and treatments for COVID-19, which has turned into a raging pandemic that has killed tens of thousands and infected more than 750,000 people across the planet.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 29 March 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 29 March 2024
Journalists call for global action to end Gaza’s humanitarian crisis
CM for generating opportunities to bring direct int'l investment
Pakistan retains position in FTSE secondary emerging market
High Commissioner of Malaysia hosts Iftar dinner reception
NEPRA announces 2nd quarterly adjustment in power bills with Rs 1.68 cut per uni ..
Hoopo Inc. Collaborates with SAU to Install Solar-Powered RO Plant
04 killed in Spain as Storm Nelson looms
Russian military jet crashes into sea off Crimea: Governor
Rain-windstorm/thunderstorm likely at various parts of country
Implementation of Sindh Agriculture Workers Act-2019 demanded
More Stories From Health
-
Increased diagnostic testing for drug resistance
6 days ago -
IRD releases groundbreaking results of end TB programme
8 days ago -
Increased diagnostic testing for drug resistance TB will enhance patients’ treatment outcome
11 days ago -
JRF to provide insulin to underprivileged diabetic patients
13 days ago -
MBBS third professional annual exams 2023: check results here
14 days ago -
CM Maryam visits PIC, inquiries after patients
16 days ago
-
Health expert recommends exercise for weight loss in Ramazan
18 days ago -
Blood camp held at SNGPL office
18 days ago -
Free Medical camp for people with mental, physical disabilities
24 days ago -
Breast cancer has become most common disease in few years: expert
24 days ago -
Punjab Healthcare Commission shuts down 634 illegal treatment centers
24 days ago -
COMSTECH, Al-Shifa Trust team conduct free cataract eye surgeries in Somalia
24 days ago