1966 First identification of the corona viruses using immune electron microscopy (IEM)

Almeida succeeded in identifying viruses that were previously unknown, including—in 1966—a group of viruses that was later named coronavirus due to their crown-like appearance. Her immune electron microscopy (IEM) innovations and insights contributed to research related to the diagnosis of hepatitis B, HIV, and rubella, among other viral diseases. Her electron micrographs continue to be included in virology review textbooks, decades after she produced them. Almeida's work received new attention during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her little-known story became known through multiple publications about her work. According to professor of bacteriology Hugh Pennington, Chinese scientists credited Almeida's work, including techniques she developed, with the early identification of coronavirus disease 2019.

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Category:
Biology - Virology

Completion Status:
yes

Patent Number:
N/A

Co-Inventor:
None