Six months after contracting COVID, as many as 1.6 million people in the U.S. are still unable to smell or have experienced a change in their ability to smell. Scientists think it stems from damage to infected cells in the olfactory epithelium.
the persistent inability or reduced ability to smell and taste impacts relationships, physical health and psychological well-being.
After comparing the genetic differences between those who lost their sense of smell and those who reported that they did not suffer this effect, the study team found a region of the genome associated with this split that’s situated near two genes, UGT2A1 and UGT2A2. Both of these genes are expressed within tissue inside the nose involved in smell and play a role in metabolizing odorants.
To use these findings, scientists need to learn more about how these genes are expressed and what their functions are in olfactory signaling, Turner said.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
A genetic analysis hints at why COVID-19 can mess with smellPeople with some genetic variants close to smell-related genes had an 11 percent higher risk of losing their sense of taste or smell.
Read more »
Genetic risk factor found for COVID-19 smell and taste loss, researchers sayScientists are piecing together why some people lose their sense of smell after contracting COVID-19.
Read more »
Scientists Identify Specific Gene Variant That Protects Against Severe COVID-19Researchers have discovered a protective gene variant that seems to shield people from severe cases of COVID-19, and the finding could lead to new breakthroughs in fighting the coronavirus.
Read more »
Researchers zeroing in on ‘why and when’ COVID-19 patients suffer loss of smell and tasteIt’s estimated that about 1.6 million people in the U.S. are still experiencing loss of smell and taste more than six months after contracting COVID-19.
Read more »
Case Western converts vending machines to dispense COVID-19 tests for students, staffCase Western Reserve University has converted its vending machines to dispense COVID-19 tests for its students and staff.
Read more »