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Roche Cobas SARS-CoV-2 Variant Set 1 Test

Roche has launched its Cobas SARS-CoV-2 Variant Set 1 Test for research use only to detect mutations in virus variants associated with increased human-to-human transmission. It detects and differentiates three mutations found in the UK B.1.1.7, South Africa B.1.351, and Brazil P.1 variants. Mutations E484K, N501Y, and del 69-70 for these variants are found in the spike protein and may be linked to increased disease transmissibility. 

The RT-PCR test runs on the high-throughput Cobas 6800/8800 systems and contains the necessary primers and probes in the 384-test cassette. 

The Scan

Positive Framing of Genetic Studies Can Spark Mistrust Among Underrepresented Groups

Researchers in Human Genetics and Genomics Advances report that how researchers describe genomic studies may alienate potential participants.

Small Study of Gene Editing to Treat Sickle Cell Disease

In a Novartis-sponsored study in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that a CRISPR-Cas9-based treatment targeting promoters of genes encoding fetal hemoglobin could reduce disease symptoms.

Gut Microbiome Changes Appear in Infants Before They Develop Eczema, Study Finds

Researchers report in mSystems that infants experienced an enrichment in Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Finegoldia and a depletion of Bacteroides before developing eczema.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment Specificity Enhanced With Stem Cell Editing

A study in Nature suggests epitope editing in donor stem cells prior to bone marrow transplants can stave off toxicity when targeting acute myeloid leukemia with immunotherapy.