A study published in Journal of Virology reveals that primary cells from various bat species do not support SARS-CoV-2 replication, even those expressing ACE2, a key receptor for the virus. This finding contradicts previous theories about bats as potential reservoirs of the virus.
A recent six-country African study reveals that pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 are at double the risk of ICU admission and four times the risk of dying compared to non-pregnant counterparts. The researchers emphasize the need for pregnant women to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect themselves and their unborn children.
Giorgi Eliava's contributions to bacteriophage research are commemorated in a peer-reviewed journal. His life and work laid the foundation for phage therapy, which has potential applications in medicine, agriculture, and more. The Eliava Institute of Bacteriophage continues his legacy.
Research found that SARS-CoV-2 relies on human transmembrane proteins, especially IFITM2, to replicate efficiently and produce infectious viruses. Antibodies targeting IFITM2 can protect lung cells from infection, suggesting a promising therapeutic approach by targeting host factors instead of viral ones.
A research team at TUM has successfully used specific enzymes to destroy the genetic information of SARS-CoV-2 directly after it penetrates the cell. The study found that targeting the viral genome with siRNAs is most effective when the virus has just penetrated into the cell.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed a human nose organoid model that replicates the complex interactions between human cells and viruses. The model showed divergent responses to SARS-CoV-2 and RSV infection, providing insights into disease progression and potential new therapies.
A study conducted in six sub-Saharan African countries found high mortality rates among hospitalized children and adolescents with COVID-19. The research highlights the need for targeted resources to fight the pandemic in Africa.
A team of scientists has identified specific interferon-alpha subtypes that elicit a strong immune response against Sars-Cov-2. These subtypes were found to be highly effective in suppressing the virus, even when combined with antiviral drugs like remdesivir.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg mapped SARS-CoV-2 mutation patterns and found that ADAR1-induced mutations weaken the virus. These mutations are more common than other types of mutations, suggesting a protective mechanism against COVID-19.
A recent study found that most common hand disinfectants are ineffective against the hepatitis E virus (HEV), a leading cause of acute liver inflammation worldwide. Despite being non-enveloped and highly resistant to chemical influences, HEV can still be infectious after exposure to certain disinfectants.
A study from the University of São Paulo found that people infected with Chikungunya may develop partial immunity to Mayaro virus. The researchers observed a significant reduction in disease severity and viral load, suggesting cross-protection through neutralizing antibodies and immune memory.
Researchers have developed a new strategy to combat the tick-borne Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus by reconstructing its structure and identifying neutralizing antibodies. The study, published in Science, offers insights for developing therapeutics and vaccines against the virus.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine has been awarded a $6.5M grant to develop a treatment for alcoholic liver disease-associated kidney dysfunction. The Institute of Human Virology and MitoPower will conduct clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of MP-04, a lead compound in treating HRS.
Researchers at University of Maryland School of Medicine's Institute of Human Virology will use the grant to collect and analyze COVID-19 and HIV data from Nigeria and South Africa. The INFORM Africa project aims to provide new insights into virus mobility and impact, enabling governments to better respond to pandemics.
Researchers uncover intricate cellular response to rotavirus damage in intestinal epithelium, finding tuft cells contribute to repair process through production of immature enterocytes. The study provides new understanding of gut healing mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
A study by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine reveals that supercoiling and looping in DNA can transmit mechanical stress along the backbone, promoting separation of strands and exposure of DNA bases. This phenomenon, known as 'action at a distance,' suggests a new perspective on how DNA activities are regulated.
The University of Arkansas has established a research institute focused on virology and virus ecology, receiving a $6.1 million grant from the NSF. Researchers will study diverse virus systems across domains of life, including Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryotes, to establish fundamental rules of life.
Researchers discovered molnupiravir works by causing polymerase to make sloppy copies of viral genome, rendering them useless. The drug has shown promising results in eliminating SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in newly diagnosed patients after five days of treatment.
Research from INRS identifies ways to prevent coronavirus infection in the central nervous system, using protein S cleavage and innate immunity. The study suggests two potential therapeutic approaches to limit viral spread and severity of neurological disorders.
A new national research project will study the impact of emerging mutations in SARS-CoV-2 on its transmissibility, disease severity, and vaccine effectiveness. The 'G2P-UK' National Virology Consortium will work with leading virologists and Public Health England to better understand which mutations affect the virus.
Researchers have developed physics-based technologies to study virus reproduction, revealing dynamic processes like self-assembly. These findings may lead to the development of new antiviral drugs that disrupt critical steps in the virus cycle.
Researchers found comparable immune reactions in clinical follow-up of recovered and seriously ill Covid-19 patients. A strong T-cell and antibody response was detected in both mild and critically ill patients, but did not guarantee recovery.
Researchers have found that transferrin, a glycoprotein, may critically contribute to severe COVID-19 by increasing blood clotting risk. The study, published in Diagnostics, suggests that transferrin could serve as a biomarker for early identification of high-risk patients.
A new rapid test detects neutralizing antibodies against Sars-Cov-2 in 18 hours, faster and more accessible than traditional methods. The test's accuracy is comparable to conventional tests, making it a reliable tool for determining immunity and vaccine effectiveness.
A human immune system protein, LY6E-Protein, strongly inhibits corona viruses, including Sars-Cov-2, by preventing virus fusion with host cells. This finding may lead to the development of new therapies against coronaviruses.
Scientists have generated near atomic resolution images of a viral protein complex responsible for replicating the RNA genome of positive-strand RNA viruses. The results provide mechanistic insights into the virus life cycle and aid development of new antivirals.
A study published in the Journal of General Virology found that curcumin can prevent TGEV infection and kill virus particles. This antiviral property could be beneficial in preventing diseases caused by TGEV in piglets.
A slow-growing rotavirus mutant has allowed researchers to observe the early steps of viral assembly, providing new insights into the formation of viroplasms. The study found that NSP2 phosphorylation plays a crucial role in triggering lipid droplet formation, a key step in viroplasm formation.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine's Center for International Health, Education and Biosecurity (Ciheb) received $4 million from the CDC to support COVID-19 response activities in four countries. In Nigeria, a population-based study will estimate COVID-19 prevalence and inform local response efforts.
Viral particles move along microtubules to form a nuclear vesicle, releasing HIV-1 into the nucleus. This phenomenon is similar to cell endocytosis and reveals new insights into HIV-1 nuclear entry.
Researchers adapt a safe procedure from blood banking for use in coronavirus diagnostics, combining samples from up to 30 individuals in a single test tube. This approach significantly expands testing capacity and saves resources, particularly when infection rates are low.
Researchers have identified 284 open reading frames in the herpes simplex virus 1 genome, allowing for more precise study of individual genes. This breakthrough has implications for immunological therapies, such as oncolytic viruses used to treat certain tumor diseases.
Prof. Dr. Christian Drosten has been recognized for his accessible and transparent approach to explaining scientific knowledge during the COVID-19 pandemic. His fact-based communications have gained widespread acceptance and trust, including in politics, where he is a key adviser.
A WPI researcher's paper on the novel coronavirus has been published in a leading virology journal, revealing key findings on its structure and potential targets for treatment. The study found similarities between the COVID-19 virus and SARS, suggesting new antiviral strategies.
Researchers have visualized a broadly neutralizing human monoclonal antibody, RVC20, which blocks the entry of the rabies virus into cells. The findings highlight new perspectives for prevention and treatment of the deadly disease.
Researchers at Ohio State University have made a significant discovery in developing an RSV vaccine, targeting an epigenetic modification that can tame the virus and prompt a robust immune response. The study's findings could lead to a more effective and affordable vaccine that saves tens of thousands of lives annually.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has awarded grants to six interdisciplinary research teams, combining expertise in virology, epigenetics, microbiology, and developmental biology to advance groundbreaking discoveries. The research projects focus on understanding complex biological processes, such as viral manipulation of host cells, genetic v...
Recent advances suggest that plant viruses are not just disease-causing entities, but can also play a significant role in the functioning of diverse ecosystems. Viruses have been found to be present in humans, with around 100,000 pieces of viral DNA elements making up 8% of our genome.
Researchers have successfully created 'humanized' antibodies that can neutralize human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) infection. The antibodies target the gH/gL/gQ1/gQ2 protein complex and CD134 receptor, essential for HHV-6B infection.
Scientists have identified a novel infection route for influenza A viruses, utilizing MHC class II proteins to infect human and animal cells. This discovery raises questions about the risk of spill-over infections to other species and the evolutionary genesis of influenza viruses.
Researchers at the University of Illinois gained control over soft-molecule synthesis, enabling them to probe how shape, size, and composition influence function in soft materials. This breakthrough could lead to advances in virology, drug delivery development, and new material creation.
A new high-throughput sequencing technique enables quick diagnosis of viruses like Ebola and Zika in the field, avoiding sample transfer. The technology has been validated in plant virology, paving the way for real-time detection of chronic or emerging plant viruses.
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have identified a potential Zika vaccine that induces strong T-cell responses and substantial protection without producing antibodies. This breakthrough could be a 'huge leap' for immunology, potentially overcoming the obstacle of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of disease.
Researchers are collaborating with AFRIMS to test FluChip-8G Insight system for rapid characterization of influenza virus subtype from human and animal-origin samples. The system has been installed at AFRIMS sites in Bangkok, Kathmandu, and Manila, and will conduct side-by-side performance comparison with real-time RT-PCR assays.
Researchers discovered that a bacterial protein, DnaK, interferes with cell response to and repair of DNA damage, increasing cancer risk. The study suggests that bacterial infections may contribute to more cancers than previously thought.
The study reveals that CK1α is essential for the formation of rotavirus factories by chemically modifying viral component NSP2. This process triggers its localization and assembly into the virus factory, a critical step in new virus production.
Researchers found that specific sugars in breast milk enhance infection of cells with a particular strain of rotavirus, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms in newborns. The study also identifies maternal components that could improve the performance of live, attenuated rotavirus vaccines.
Researchers at German Primate Center found that MERS virus mutations make it more resistant to the human immune system. This could lead to a rise in severe cases and potentially trigger a pandemic.
Researchers identified protocadherin-1 as a key receptor facilitating hantavirus lung cell entry. Deleting this receptor made lab animals resistant to infection, offering potential therapeutic strategy against hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
The FluChip-8G test promises to reduce influenza A and B characterization times from two weeks to eight hours. The study uses the test alongside standardized WHO/CDC rRT-PCR tests, employing specimens collected from various locations including Vietnam, Malaysia, and the US.
A study published in Cell Stem Cell found that the PPM1D gene confers a survival advantage to blood cells exposed to chemotherapy, potentially favoring the development of secondary leukemia. The research suggests that the presence of this gene and other mutations should be considered when choosing chemotherapies.
The South African National Blood Service has increased the proportion of donations from black South Africans by fivefold since 2005. This significant improvement is attributed to the implementation of individual donation nucleic acid testing (NAT), which has reduced HIV transmission risks.
A study published in Scientific Reports found Zika virus in dead monkeys in Brazil, indicating a potential sylvatic transmission cycle. The infected animals were more vulnerable to attack by humans, highlighting the need for further research on the role of wild animals in maintaining the urban cycle of Zika.
The hepatitis B virus is highly stable at room temperature and can withstand temperatures of four degrees centigrade for nine months. Disinfectants are effective against the virus when applied undiluted, but their effectiveness decreases with dilution.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found three distinct phases in infant gut microbiome development from 3-46 months of age. Partial breastfeeding was associated with higher abundance of probiotic bacteria, while cessation accelerated maturation and change in microbial diversity.
A recent study by Imperial College London suggests that the flu virus can develop resistance to favipiravir, a potential pandemic drug, if it undergoes two specific genetic mutations. This finding highlights the need for close monitoring and surveillance to prevent the emergence of resistant strains.
Researchers have developed a new vaccine strategy that offers partial protection against the highly contagious infectious bronchitis virus. The recombinant virus vaccine approach has potential to be more cost-effective and respond to emerging new virus strains, but further research is needed to develop a more robust vaccine.
Researchers discovered that silencing Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) repressed HBV replication, while an FXR agonist reduced viral activity in mice. The study also found a link between immature bile salt pathway and chronic infection risk in newborns.
Researchers studying vampire bats and Morbillivirus aim to understand how viruses persist inside the body and trigger new infections. The project aims to gain fundamental insights into RNA virus persistence and potentially shed light on diseases like SSPE.
A new study published in Nature demonstrates that administering broadly neutralizing antibodies and immune-stimulating agents can delay viral rebound following ART discontinuation in monkeys. This two-pronged approach represents a potential strategy to target the latent reservoir, rendering infected cells more susceptible to elimination.