The Rockefeller University Center for Clinical and Translational Science has awarded grants to university investigators to conduct early studies in translational science. These studies may lead to improvements in human health if successful.
Researchers employed intravital two-photon microscopy to study immune cells in mice with viral meningitis. They found that T-cells didn't attack infected cells but instead recruited monocytes and neutrophils, which caused fatal seizures.
Denise Galloway, a microbiologist, was honored for her work on human papillomaviruses causing anogenital malignancies. Her studies established that nearly all cervical cancers are caused by HPVs, leading to breakthroughs in Gardasil vaccine development. Gerald Smith, a geneticist and microbiologist, was recognized for his research on h...
The University of Adelaide is set to become a global leader in photonics and advanced sensing technologies thanks to a $28.8 million government investment. Researchers will utilize state-of-the-art facilities to develop breakthroughs in various fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science.
Dr Ben Berkhout's multi-disciplinary approach to RNA research has provided key insights into HIV-1 replication mechanisms. He was awarded the 2008 M Jeang Retrovirology Prize for his outstanding mid-career contribution to HIV research.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have demonstrated that RNA interference can be used as a tool in vaccine development, reducing virus replication and disease pathogenesis while inducing immunity. The study shows promise for a new approach to combatting viral diseases like RSV.
A virus causing human-like symptoms may have emerged from a bird virus 200 years ago, according to scientists studying the common cold. Human metapneumovirus has high evolutionary rates and is closely related to Avian metapneumovirus C, suggesting a potential species barrier crossing event.
A protein in H5N1 avian flu virus forms tiny tubules hiding double-stranded RNA from the immune system, allowing the virus to evade an antiviral response. The discovery could lead to drug development to block this action and potentially fight influenza worldwide.
A new study found a correlation between anti-HIV immune response and sexual activity in treatment-suppressed HIV patients. Individuals with regular unprotected receptive anal intercourse showed stronger anti-HIV immune responses.
Researchers have discovered a single vaccine that can protect chickens, cats, and humans against deadly bird flu pandemics. The vaccine uses a 'backbone' from the H9N2 virus to offer universal protection across multiple species.
Scientists have determined the structures of two important plant viruses, revealing their spiral-shaped structure featuring around nine molecular subunits per turn. This discovery may lead to new ways to protect crop plants from viruses and other forms of damage, as well as engineer molecules to interfere with virus infections.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have obtained detailed information about the structure of flexible filamentous viruses, responsible for over half of all virus damage. The findings could lead to new ways to protect crops from these viruses and potentially use them as agents of biotechnology.
Researchers have studied the spread of herpes virus among sumo wrestlers in Japan and discovered a new strain that could be even more pathogenic. The study found that the BgKL strain is reactivated, spreads more efficiently and causes more severe symptoms than other strains.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have found that a virus, Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV), is the cause of Merkel cell carcinoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. The virus infects normal cells before they turn into cancer cells, and its replication can lead to the death of cancer cells.
Researchers found that multiple viral genomes can increase overall viral gene expression, leading to a nonlinear effect on gene networks controlling cell fate. This can result in the host cell entering a latent state rather than immediately being killed by the virus.
Researchers have discovered that the antiviral drug acyclovir can suppress HIV in patients infected with both herpes and HIV. Acyclovir works by targeting the unique enzyme present in herpes virus HHV-6, converting it into a compound capable of attacking HIV directly.
Dr. Joseph DeRisi receives the Heinz Award for his pioneering work in viral detection platforms, including the ViroChip that detects new viruses and characterizes malaria parasites' life cycles. His open access approach to science enables free sharing of research and software.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have discovered a gene, Apobec3, that controls the production of antibodies neutralizing retroviruses, including HIV. This finding may lead to the development of an HIV vaccine by eliciting neutralizing antibodies.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a vulnerable step in the hepatitis C virus' reproduction process that can be effectively targeted with an obsolete antihistamine. The novel technique used microfluidic chips to screen over 1,200 drug candidates and identified clemizole as a promising lead.
Researchers at Ohio State University's Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered that mice can develop normally with just one of the four E2f genes. The study suggests that the location and timing of gene activity play a crucial role in development, contradicting previous assumptions about cancer-causing gene regulation.
Researchers have identified how maize streak virus (MSV) became a serious pest in Africa's most important food crop, potentially saving millions of lives. By comparing MSV genomes to its less harmful relatives, scientists discovered that recombination led to the emergence of a more severe disease strain.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that a component of intestinal bacteria helps HIV penetrate the blood-brain barrier, increasing the risk of cognitive disorders. The discovery could lead to new strategies for preventing HIV from entering the brain and causing serious complications.
A new study reveals that even slight stress and anxiety can substantially worsen allergic reactions to routine allergens, leading to longer-lasting symptoms. The researchers found that the next day's reaction was often stronger and more severe, suggesting an ongoing response to the allergens.
A recent study identified a bluetongue virus strain that originated in sub-Saharan Africa, rather than Europe. The discovery was made through multi-centre sequence analysis of the full genome of the virus strain and its comparison to other BTV strains.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found a rare case of an individual with HIV who remains symptom-free without treatment, attributed to the strength of their immune system. The study's findings offer hope for vaccine development and understanding of how immune cells can effectively halt disease progression.
Researchers have shown that early treatment for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) within the first months following an infection develops a rapid poly-functional immune response against HCV. This finding suggests that early treatment can restore immune response and help eliminate the virus rapidly, contributing to the development of new treatments.
Researchers found no correlation between traditional and standardized assays, highlighting the need for a physiologically relevant platform. Clade C antibodies showed broad cross-reactivity, neutralizing multiple viruses in both formats.
Researchers at UCSF have identified a new virus, Avian Bornavirus (ABV), as the cause of Proventricular Dilation Disease (PDD) in parrots and exotic birds. The discovery could have profound consequences on conservation efforts for endangered species like the Spix's Macaw.
Researchers found evidence that humans fought back against an ancient retrovirus with a defense mechanism called APOBEC3G, which is still used to attack modern retroviruses. This discovery provides insight into the evolutionary battle between humans and viruses.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that HIV-1 cripples the immune system earlier than previously believed, with significant cell death occurring within five to seven days after infection. The study suggests a new approach to vaccine design, requiring multiple arms of the immune system to be activated and targeted.
Scientists have made significant progress in understanding the replication of bluetongue virus, a major economic threat to farming. The 'heart' of the virus lies in its enzymes, which are crucial for initiating and sustaining infection.
Scientists have discovered how bird flu adapts in patients, offering a new way to monitor the disease and prevent a pandemic. The research found specific mutations in the virus that may allow it to adapt to humans, indicating a potential risk of a pandemic.
Researchers have identified two integrin receptors on intestinal cells that are used by rotavirus to cause diarrhea. The study provides new insights into the mechanism of rotavirus infection and may lead to the development of treatments to block this interaction.
Scientists have found that Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) does not replicate in Varroa mites, highlighting the need for further investigation into its transmission. Research suggests that the virus is transmitted to bees when the mite bites and picks up infected bees' saliva or gut contents.
The NIAID Vaccine Discovery Branch aims to remove fundamental obstacles to achieving a safe and effective HIV vaccine by focusing on the development and sharing of new knowledge. The branch will monitor scientific developments, identify gaps in knowledge, and promote research collaborations.
Researchers have identified HLA-G dimer as a powerful immune molecule that can help prevent organ rejection. This molecule works by down-regulating the immune response and has potential applications in treating autoimmune diseases and cancer.
A team of researchers at Thomas Jefferson University and Ohio State University Medical Center has identified a specific gene signature profile associated with metastasis. This signature is composed mainly of overexpressed microRNAs and may represent a new approach for diagnosing metastatic cancer.
Using total internal reflection microscopy, researchers have observed hundreds of thousands of molecules coming together to form a single HIV particle. The technique allows scientists to study the assembly process in real-time and gain insights into viral behavior.
A unique HIV vaccine formulation has been shown to induce strong and balanced immune responses in healthy human volunteers. The combination approach used in the study achieved high titer antibodies that recognized a diverse group of HIV envelope proteins, providing promising results for future efforts to optimize HIV vaccine formulations.
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) uses a viral protein to modify tumor-suppressing proteins in human cells, evading cellular control and leading to uncontrolled cell growth. This discovery provides new insights into how viruses cause cancer and could lead to potential treatments.
Researchers at ETH Zurich identify a unique invasion strategy used by the vaccinia virus, exploiting cellular waste disposal mechanisms and evading immune response. The discovery sheds light on a new mechanism of action for this virus, which could inform the development of new antiviral agents.
The study found that key codons responsible for antigenic drift were identified in the HA1 gene of H3N2 influenza viruses. The mutations occurred over eight flu seasons and affected four times of antigenic drift in Fujian, China.
A team of scientists discovered cellulose microfibers in ancient salt deposits, estimated to be 253 million years old. This finding suggests that cellulose may have played a role in the development of life on Earth and could potentially serve as a 'paper trail' for searching for life on other planets.
Zur Hausen demonstrated the role of human papillomavirus in cervical cancer, providing key findings that led to the recognition of HPV as a primary cause. His research also linked HPV to other cancers, including laryngeal carcinoma and penile carcinoma.
Researchers, led by Dr. X.J. Meng, are developing a vaccine against Hepatitis E, a major public health problem in developing countries. The team has discovered two animal viruses related to HEV, which can be used as models for studying the disease.
Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine genetically engineered immune cells to target and kill HIV-infected cells. This approach, using genes from elite controllers' immune systems, could lead to a new strategy for combating AIDS. The study shows promise in both test tubes and animal models.
A study published in AIDS found that neural progenitor cells can form HIV reservoirs in the brain, similar to astrocytes. These cells have the potential to replicate the virus and transmit it outside the brain. Researchers hope to investigate how to protect these cells from the virus and develop new treatments.
A study by Ohio State University found no improvement in immune status, wound healing, or pain control among participants exposed to aromatherapy oils. However, lemon oil showed a positive effect on moods, while lavender oil had no impact.
Researchers at Gladstone and UCSF found that growth hormone therapy stimulates the production of vital T-cells, leading to increased thymic mass and improved immune function. The study suggests that this treatment could help HIV-infected patients rebuild their compromised immune systems.
Scientists have discovered that immune cells confront viruses just inside the lymph node, not deep within the organ. This breakthrough could help design effective anti-virus vaccines against deadly viruses like HIV. The study sheds light on how the immune system operates during a viral infection.
Scientists at the University of Adelaide are developing new vaccines and treatments to combat hepatitis C, a virus affecting over 170 million people worldwide. The five-year project aims to identify antiviral proteins and improve treatment options, offering hope for those suffering from the disease.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered two genes, E2F7 and E2F8, that play a vital role in preventing massive cell death in developing embryos. The study shows that these genes suppress the activity of another gene, E2f1, which is involved in triggering programmed cell death.
A new study published in Current Biology confirms the disease threat facing great apes, finding evidence of virus transmission from humans to wild apes. The study also shows that research and tourism projects have suppressed poaching of chimpanzees, outweighing mortality caused by human disease introduction.
Researchers found that a protein produced by an immunity gene called ZAP has increased antiviral activity in humans, linked to evolutionary changes. The study suggests that studying evolutionary biology and virology can accelerate the discovery of viral-defense mechanisms.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center discovered that rapid evolution of protein ZAP is associated with increased antiviral activity in humans. The longer human ZAP protein isoform has higher antiviral activity against various viruses, including alphaviruses and filoviruses.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute have identified a novel virus strongly associated with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare but deadly skin cancer. The Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) was discovered using a novel sequencing technique and has similarities to human papillomavirus (HPV).
Researchers at University of California, Irvine have identified a modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) as a potential alternative to the existing smallpox vaccine. MVA produced similar antiviral responses in human and animal studies, suggesting its safety and effectiveness. The study marks a significant advancement in developing a safe...
The journal has added several Asian researchers to its Editorial Board, including Professor Huan-Yao Lei as the first Asian Editor. An Asian office will open at NCKU Medical Center in Taiwan, increasing visibility of EBM and SEBM throughout Asia Pacific scientific communities.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have developed a new drug that blocks the live viral infection of Hendra and Nipah viruses, which are on the US government's list of potential threats. The peptide-based entry inhibitor has been proven effective in blocking the infection of live virus in animal cells.
A new study reveals microRNAs can directly control a protein's function, preventing immature blood cells from maturing and contributing to the development of blast-crisis CML. Altering microRNA levels may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for CML patients who don't respond to targeted agents.