 |
|
New research identifies faster detection of viruses
February 17, 2009A more specific and faster detection of viruses has been identified in new research by Trinity College Dublin's Professor of Physics, Martin Hegner at Trinity College's Centre of Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN) and an international team of researchers. These findings have been published online in Nature News and will be published in the international peer-reviewed journal Nature Nanotechnology* in March.
Viruses can be now detected in fluids and their detection is of major importance in medical diagnostics. However, despite these recent advances, current assays are time consuming and labour intensive. Professor Hegner's research shows a more efficient and practical system in detecting the viruses by using micro-sized cantilevers to directly detect viruses binding to membrane proteins.
Micro-cantilevers, which look like springboards are .5 millimetres long and 1 micrometre thick, bend in response to different forces. By measuring changes in the frequencies at which these tiny planks vibrate, researchers have turned them into super-sensitive virus-weighing scales.
Membrane proteins are the most important target for present-day drug discovery programmes. The interactions between transmembrane protein receptors and their ligands are responsible for viral detection and central to medical research. However, measuring these interactions is challenging due to the special architecture and consistency of transmembrane proteins in liquids.
For the first time, Trinity College Dublin's Professor Martin Hegner and his team have discovered how to perform these measurements in physiological conditions using nanotechnology devices. Their work shows that nanomechanical sensors based on resonating silicon micro-cantilevers can measure such interactions rapidly in such conditions.
The researchers used the protein receptor, FhuA of Escherichia coli known to bind to the T5 virus. Professor Hegner and his colleagues coated the cantilever surfaces with a molecular layer of FhuA proteins sensitised to recognise molecules from the environment. When the array was submerged in a T5 containing fluid, the researchers detected the virus binding to FhuA by measuring shifts in the vibrational frequency of the cantilevers.
Commenting on the significance of the discovery, Professor Hegner said: "These findings could lead to more specific blood tests and also will enable portable diagnostic devices in a hospital environment for a range of testing not just viruses, but also genomic markers and marker proteins."
Trinity College Dublin
Membrane proteins are the most important target for present-day drug discovery programmes. The interactions between transmembrane protein receptors and their ligands are responsible for viral detection and central to medical research. However, measuring these interactions is challenging due to the special architecture and consistency of transmembrane proteins in liquids.
For the first time, Trinity College Dublin's Professor Martin Hegner and his team have discovered how to perform these measurements in physiological conditions using nanotechnology devices. Their work shows that nanomechanical sensors based on resonating silicon micro-cantilevers can measure such interactions rapidly in such conditions.
The researchers used the protein receptor, FhuA of Escherichia coli known to bind to the T5 virus. Professor Hegner and his colleagues coated the cantilever surfaces with a molecular layer of FhuA proteins sensitised to recognise molecules from the environment. When the array was submerged in a T5 containing fluid, the researchers detected the virus binding to FhuA by measuring shifts in the vibrational frequency of the cantilevers.
Commenting on the significance of the discovery, Professor Hegner said: "These findings could lead to more specific blood tests and also will enable portable diagnostic devices in a hospital environment for a range of testing not just viruses, but also genomic markers and marker proteins."
Trinity College Dublin
Viruses Current Events and Viruses News RSSNew culprit for viral infections among elderly -- an overactive immune response
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have found that exaggerated responses of the immune system explain why the elderly succumb to viral infections more readily than younger people.
New research helps explain why bird flu has not caused a pandemic
Bird flu viruses would have to make at least two simultaneous genetic mutations before they could be transmitted readily from human to human, according to research published today in PLoS ONE.
Texas A&M Researchers Examine How Viruses Destroy Bacteria
Viruses are well known for attacking humans and animals, but some viruses instead attack bacteria. Texas A&M University researchers are exploring how hungry viruses, armed with transformer-like weapons, attack bacteria, which may aid in the treatment of bacterial infections.
No-entry zones for AIDS virus
The AIDS virus inserts its genetic material into the genome of the infected cell. Scientists of the German Cancer Research Center have now shown for the first time that the virus almost entirely spares particular sites in the human genetic material in this process. This finding may be useful for developing new, specific AIDS drugs.
Hoping for a fluorescent basket case
Although recent advances have raised hopes that a protective vaccine can be developed, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) remains a major public health problem.
Exposure to several common infections over time may be associated with risk of stroke
Cumulative exposure to five common infection-causing pathogens may be associated with an increased risk of stroke, according to a report posted online today that will appear in the January 2010 print issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Newly Discovered Fat Molecule: An Undersea Killer with an Upside
A chemical culprit responsible for the rapid, mysterious death of phytoplankton in the North Atlantic Ocean has been found by collaborating scientists at Rutgers University and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). This same chemical may hold unexpected promise in cancer research.
Scientists explain binding action of 2 key HIV antibodies; could lead to new vaccine design
A very close and detailed study of how the most robust antibodies work to block the HIV virus as it seeks entry into healthy cells has revealed a new direction for researchers hoping to design an effective vaccine.
New methods found useful for diagnosing myocarditis
Myocarditis is an important, and often unrecognized cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Several new diagnostic methods, such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are useful for diagnosing myocarditis, according to a study published in the November 2009 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Study reveals a 'missing link' in immune response to disease
The immune system's T cells have the unique responsibilities of being both jury and executioner. They examine other cells for signs of disease, including cancers or infections, and, if such evidence is found, rid them from the body. Precisely how T cells shift so swiftly from one role to another, however, has been a mystery.
More Viruses Current Events and Viruses News Articles
 |
The Invisible Enemy: A Natural History of Viruses by Dorothy Crawford (Author) Here is a compelling scientific account of viruses, their history, and the dangers they pose--now and in the future. Viruses are disarmingly small and simple. Nevertheless, the smallpox virus killed over 300 million people in the twentieth century before it was eradicated in 1980. The AIDS virus, HIV, is now the world's biggest killer infection and the single most common cause of death in Africa. In recent years, the outbreaks of several lethal viruses such as Ebola and Hantavirus have caused great public concern--yet most people remain woefully ill-informed. In this fascinating new book, Dorothy Crawford explains lucidly and accessibly all aspects of the natural history of these deadly parasites and discusses controversial subjects such as CFS and Gulf War Syndrome. The book considers... |
 |
How Pathogenic Viruses Work by Lauren Sompayrac (Author) A clever, accessible overview that uses a survey of 12 of the most common viral infections, to teach the fundamental principles of human virology. |
 |
Emerging Viruses and Vaccinations Starring: Dr. Len Horowitz Directed By: Dr. Len Horowitz Based on the best-selling book Emerging Viruses, Dr. Len Horowitz presents a definitive exploration into the origins of the AIDS and Ebola viruses, and the dangers of viral vaccines. AIDS and Ebola are just a couple of examples of germs that are undoubtedly man-made creations, accidentally or intentionally transmitted via tainted vaccines in the U.S. and Africa. Includes alarming details about the dangers of today's Vaccines and the potential motives of administrations responsible for this atrocity, and the methods they continue to use to deceive and kill unsuspecting populations. Vaccines - Are they safe? Effective? Which ones are risky, and might they be causing the current and coming plagues? This is important information for every concerned parent and citizen. |
 |
Understanding Viruses by Teri Shors (Author) Understanding Viruses is the ideal text for the modern undergraduate virology course. With a full-color design and rich pedagogy, the text provides a strong introduction to viruses in our daily lives and viral diseases from an epidemiological and global perspective. Its unique approach combines historical perspectives along with the clinical and molecular aspects of viral infections, and chapters discussing specific viral diseases include treatment and prevention information. Contemporary case studies, Refresher Boxes, Virus Files, and quality color figures enhance student learning while a comprehensive ToolKit CD-ROM provides ample course material for instructors. Understanding Viruses is a "must have" for virology instructors and students alike! |
 |
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 3-User by Kaspersky Lab Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010 offers the most trusted virus and spyware protection with the essential protection you need to protect against Internet threats. When you buy Kaspersky, you get more than just a box of software. You'll benefit from unique technologies that deliver the best protection, performance, and security utilities available. Raise your defenses against the ever-increasing threat of cybercriminals! |
 |
Viruses and Human Disease, Second Edition by James H. Strauss (Author), Ellen G. Strauss (Author) Completely revised and updated, the new edition of this groundbreaking text integrates basic virology with pathophysiological conditions to examine the connection between virology and human disease. Most virology textbooks focus on the molecular biology involved without adequate reference to physiology. This text focuses on viruses that infect humans, domestic animals and vertebrates and is based on extensive course notes from James Strauss' virology class at the California Institute of Technology taught for over 30 years. Expertly depicting in color the molecular structure and replication of each virus, it provides an excellent overview for students and professionals interested in viruses as agents of human disease. * Includes over 30% new... |
 |
Puchi Puchi Virus by KOEI Corp Puchi Puchi Virus does not resemble an ordinary puzzle game. The usual object drop style has been replaced with a more intuitive system of object linkage. Its simple design and surprisingly in depth gameplay can addict even the most demanding puzzle game enthusiasts. The objective is to form triangles by linking same-colored viruses together and erasing them from the screen. Victory conditions vary from mission to mission, but erasing all of the viruses will be the fundamental rule of this game. Erase all the viruses and you win, but if the screen gets filled with the emerging viruses you lose! |
 |
Yugioh Turbo Pack Booster One - Crush Card Virus Rare Single Card Tu01-en006 by Konami Tribute 1 DARK monster with 1000 or less ATK. Check all monsters on your opponent's side of the field, your opponent's hand, and all cards they draw (until the end of your opponent's 3rd turn after this card's activation), and destroy all monsters with 1500 or more ATK. |
 |
Wadu Wadu by Virus Paper sleeve version from Argentinean pop/rock band formed in the early '80s fronted by vocalist Federico Moura who passed away in 1988. The group then decided to play for the last time while opening for Bryan Adams and David Bowie in September of 1989. |
|
Uirusu = Virus by Maruzen Co Ltd |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |