SARS-CoV-2 Infection May Affect Future Generations' Brain Health

Researchers infected male mice with SARS-CoV-2 and found offspring had altered brain development.
Pandemic's scale, including over 7 million deaths, prompted the study.
RNA analysis showed changes in molecules regulating brain development genes.
Female offspring had gene-activity changes in the hippocampus.
More research is needed to assess human relevance.
Lead researcher Anthony Hannan warned of long-term effects on future generations.
Male mice recovered for weeks before mating to isolate infection effects.
Carolina Gubert linked brain changes to anxiety via epigenetic inheritance.

Health | Biology | Pandemic

Australia

Anthony Hannan | Carolina Gubert

3 weeks ago