 This study investigates whether SARS-CoV-2 is present in the blood of COVID-19 infected patients, potentially explaining why the virus spreads to the heart. The researchers developed a cell-free test that can detect OFF3A e-channel activity of SARS-CoV-2 in blood samples from COVID-19 infected individuals, confirming a hypothesis that the virus spreads to the heart via blood circulation. This article was authored by Hangang Yu, Gina Sizemore, Petey Smoot, and others.