Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print New research identifies faster detection of viruses

New research identifies faster detection of viruses

February 17, 2009

A 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



Related Viruses Current Events and Viruses News Articles Viruses Current Events and Viruses News RSS Viruses Current Events and Viruses News RSS
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.

There's a speed limit to the pace of evolution, Penn biologists say
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a theoretical model that informs the understanding of evolution and determines how quickly an organism will evolve using a catalogue of "evolutionary speed limits."

Rice U. lab leads hunt for new zeolites
In all the world, there are about 200 types of zeolite, a compound of silicon, aluminum and oxygen that gives civilization such things as laundry detergent, kitty litter and gasoline. But thanks to computations by Rice University professor Michael Deem and his colleagues, it appears there are -- or could be -- more types of zeolites than once thought.

Global challenges and opportunities in fighting HIV/AIDS and neglected diseases
Responding to the HIV/AIDS pandemic and tackling so-called neglected tropical diseases are the focus of the November/December 2009 edition of Health Affairs.

Hooks hijacked? New research shows how to block stealthy malware attacks
The spread of malicious software, also known as malware or computer viruses, is a growing problem that can lead to crashed computer systems, stolen personal information, and billions of dollars in lost productivity every year.

Breakthrough in fight against Hendra virus
There has been a breakthrough in the fight against the deadly Hendra virus following the development of a treatment which shows great potential to save the lives of people who become infected with the virus.

USU scientists report major advance in human antibody therapy against deadly Nipah virus
A collaborative research team from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), Australian Animal Health Laboratory and National Cancer Institute, a component of the National Institutes of Health, reports a major step forward in the development of an effective therapy against two deadly viruses, Nipah virus and the related Hendra virus.

Immunotherapy demonstrates long-term success in treating lymphoma
Targeted immunotherapy has been an attractive new therapeutic area for a number of cancers because it has the potential to destroy tumor cells without damaging surrounding normal tissue. New study results demonstrate high success rates using specialized white blood cells to prevent or treat lymphoma associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV-lymphoma) in patients who have received a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT).

NIAID scientists propose new explanation for flu virus antigenic drift
Influenza viruses evade infection-fighting antibodies by constantly changing the shape of their major surface protein.
More Viruses Current Events and Viruses News Articles
The Invisible Enemy: A Natural History of Viruses

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

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.

Viruses and Human Disease, Second Edition

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...

Emerging Viruses and Vaccinations

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.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010  3-User

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!

Understanding Viruses

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!

CA Anti-Virus Plus Anti-Spyware 2010 - 3-User

CA Anti-Virus Plus Anti-Spyware 2010 - 3-User
by CA Inc.

Comprehensive Virus and Spyware Protection CA Anti-Virus Plus Anti-Spyware 2010 keeps your PC safe from harmful viruses and spyware that can slow down your system, destroy your important files, and compromise your confidential information. > Keep viruses and spyware out > Keep your PC protected > Keep your PC running smoothly > Netbook Friendly

Puchi Puchi Virus

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

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.

Nuestras 30 Mejores Canciones

Nuestras 30 Mejores Canciones
by Virus



© 2009 BrightSurf.com