This new research project that will potentially determine whether the infamous “man cold” is, in fact, a real condition.
By Matt Olson, Research Profile and Impact
Is the feared “man cold” real?
That’s the question at the heart of Marin Habbick’s research.
“It has been observed that male persons are more likely to get infected and become seriously ill when exposed to these coronaviruses, but it is unknown why they suffer greater disease compared to female persons,” she said.
This new project will form the core of Habbick’s research and potentially determine whether the infamous “man cold” is, in fact, a real condition.
Habbick’s research is conducted at the Vaccine and Infections Disease Organization (VIDO) at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) under the supervision of virologist Dr. Angela Rasmussen (PhD). She lauded the expertise and facilities at VIDO, calling it one of the only places in the country where she could hope to take on this kind of intensive post-graduate research.
By using cells in petri dishes that have been treated with hormones like estrogen and testosterone and exposing them to the different coronaviruses, Habbick hopes to be able to determine if and how those hormones alter the severity of the viruses.
While still in the early stages of the project, Habbick said their initial tests have held promising results connecting sex hormones to the efficacy of the coronaviruses being tested. As she puts it, this research can add “another piece in the virology puzzle” to help predict and prevent infection for those at the most risk.
Habbick’s unique research has already led her to public success and acclaim. Her presentation at the 2024 U of S Three Minute Thesis competition earned her first place among her peers.
As research moves forward after COVID-19, Habbick hopes she can be part of the next group of contributors to make a difference in virus research and pandemic prevention.
This content runs through a partnership between the Saskatoon StarPhoenix and the University of Saskatchewan.
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