Health

Selfless Science

UNC and NASA collaborate to study COVID-19

UNC and NASA collaborate to study COVID-19

An interdisciplinary research working group formed by NASA scientist Afshin Behesti has transformed to become theCoronavirus International Research TeamOpens in new window. Composed of biologists, virologists, epidemiologists, and technologists, the group — which includes more than 100 researchers across 31 institutions — is sharing data to explore how the coronavirus functions in the body.

Using recently released public data, multiple researchers within the group, including UNC-Chapel Hill biochemist and age researcherJonathan SchislerOpens in new window, are studying the molecular signatures of respiratory cells found in COVID-19 patients. 

Through their independent analyses, a common theme emerged: Genes that are important for mitochondria to function are affected by the virus. Mitochondria are the energy generators for our cells, and that loss of energy results in cell death. It seems that the mitochondria may be a casualty of the viral infection — resulting in massive amounts of cell destruction within the lungs of COVID-19 patients.

“It’s possible that older people may be more susceptible because they are less flexible to changes in how cells maintain their energy production,” Schisler says.

Read the complete Carolina Story…Opens in new window

Carolina on the Frontlines

UNC-Chapel Hill is on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. View the ways you can immediately support Carolina researchers, caregivers and students who drive change, accelerate impact and provide a future for us all.

Support Carolina on the Frontlines

Innovation & Impact Funding Priorities

    Readers Also Viewed...

    Veteran Matthew Colon stands in a barn with a horse, facing the camera. An American flag is in the background.
    Health

    Helping Veterans Thrive

    An empowering clinical outreach program at UNC-Chapel Hill offers veterans and first responders new hope through holistic health care.

    A male Blue Ridge two-lined salamander is held in the hand of a researcher
    Environment

    Seeking Salamanders

    Carolina students discover their passion and aptitude for fieldwork

    A phone screen with social media apps is shown
    Innovation

    Tackling Crisis of Teens and Screens

    New center providing groundbreaking research and public awareness

    Dante Pittman poses outside with hands on hips and whirligigs in the background.
    Community

    Strengthening North Carolina’s local governments

    Dante Pittman, member of the first cohort of Lead for North Carolina Fellows, is now human relations director for the City of Wilson, his hometown.

    Samantha Meltzer-Brody sits outside at a patio table with a cup of coffee.
    Research

    Improving child and adolescent mental health

    CHAAMP is one of the first research programs focused exclusively on addressing the gap in child and adolescent mental health services.

    A physician sits with her arms on a desk
    Health

    STEPPS to Address Physician Stress

    New recommendations seek to ameliorate stress among health care workers