Continuing the fight vs. COVID
T
Around Campus
he coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has a stubborn ability to resist most nucleoside antiviral treatments, but a new study led by Iowa State could help overcome the virus’s defenses. Researchers have detailed the structure of a critical enzyme present in SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. This enzyme – known as ExoN – removes nucleoside antiviral medications from the virus’s RNA, rendering many treatments ineffective. Scientists could use these data to find ways to block the enzyme and open the door to better treatments for patients with COVID-19. Studies since the start of the pandemic have noted pigs don’t show clinical signs of COVID-19, nor do they transmit the virus to other animals. Iowa State scientists
have discovered the nuclei of infected pig cells shred into fragments, but not those of uninfected pig cells. That shredding of the nucleus is a sign of apoptosis (programmed cell death), which may be key in helping pigs avoid symptoms after exposure. Triggering apoptosis early in the infection causes minimal tissue damage and confines viral replication, limiting severe illness. Further study could lead to therapies designed to trigger apoptosis in human cells, allowing people infected with the coronavirus to avoid severe symptoms. Researchers at Iowa State have found exercising directly after a flu or COVID-19 vaccine may provide an extra immune boost. In the newly published study, participants who cycled on a stationary bike or took a brisk walk for an hour and a half after getting a jab produced more antibodies in the following four weeks compared to participants who sat or continued with their daily routine post-immunization.
The design of ISU’s new solar farm is in development – this aerial image, provided by Alliant Energy, features one of their existing solar farms.
A bright future in solar The Iowa Board of Regents has greenlighted Iowa State’s plans to develop a solar farm in partnership with Alliant Energy. Iowa State will enter into a lease agreement with Alliant Energy who will design, construct, own, operate, and maintain the solar farm. The solar farm will be located on land that is part of Iowa State’s animal science teaching and research farms. The up to 900-kilowatt solar farm, at maximum output, could power 230 homes annually and provide an equal 6
amount of electricity to nearby teaching and research farms. Iowa State will receive renewable energy credits generated by the solar farm, which will off-set a portion of the university’s annual carbon emissions. Beyond the production of renewable energy, Iowa State and Alliant Energy are exploring future partnerships at the solar farm for education, research, demonstration, and training. Construction is expected to begin late in 2022 or in 2023. SPRING 2022 WWW.ISUALUM.ORG VISIONS
