How RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and flu become infectious
RNA viruses of pandemic potential - viral infectivity
This project looks for what makes viruses such as SARS‑CoV‑2 and influenza infectious and aims to help create cheaper, open testing methods for patients and communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11163497 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study SARS‑CoV‑2 and influenza in the lab to find factors that change how infectious the viruses are. The team will test how sample handling, reagents, and other conditions affect viral infectivity and the performance of RT‑qPCR assays. A key goal is to develop protocols that avoid commercial RNA extraction steps so WHO open‑source tests can work during reagent shortages. Work will be done at the University of Vermont and may use clinical virus samples or laboratory models to mimic real-world testing conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recent or active SARS‑CoV‑2 or influenza infections who can provide respiratory samples would be the most likely participants for related sample collections.
Not a fit: People without respiratory viral infections or those seeking direct clinical treatment are unlikely to get direct medical benefit from this lab‑focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to faster, cheaper, and more widely usable virus tests and better ways to limit spread during future pandemics.
How similar studies have performed: Some extraction‑free and alternative RT‑qPCR approaches have shown promise and received emergency use authorizations, but open protocols compatible with WHO assays still need broader validation.
Where this research is happening
Burlington, United States
- University of Vermont & St Agric College — Burlington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bruce, Emily a. — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Bruce, Emily a.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.