Researchers at the University of São Paulo's Biomedical Science Institute have discovered a new virus in a migratory bird species. The virus, type 15 avian paramyxovirus, was found to be closest to viruses previously identified in South America and does not pose a threat to humans or birds.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have developed a new animal model for hepatitis C using a virus closely related to the human disease, allowing for study of disease progression and immune system response. This breakthrough could accelerate hepatitis C vaccine development and lead to the eradication of the disease.
Researchers discovered that semen amyloids help dispose of excess and defective sperm, facilitating immune cell removal and quality control. This process may favor the survival of fittest sperm and contribute to successful reproduction.
Researchers tracked 35 years of speaker rosters from four prominent virology meetings and found that men were overwhelmingly represented. In contrast, parity among invited speakers lists has improved across all four meetings, with women making up an average of 53% of speakers in 2017.
Researchers identified a novel molecular pathway involving p300, C/EBPα, and microRNA-203 that helps maintain normal skin cell proliferation. HPV8's E6 protein disrupts this pathway in EV patients, potentially paving the way for skin cancer.
Researchers at Tulane University have identified a possible explanation for the rapid spread of the Ebola virus, pinpointing a small protein as the culprit. The delta peptide, produced in large amounts during infection, damages host cells and may contribute to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, leading to high mortality rates.
Researchers created a rapid biosensor to detect early-stage flu virus infections, outperforming existing kits in sensitivity and speed. The new device can identify minuscule amounts of H1N1 virus, allowing for timely administration of antiviral medication.
A new study published in Nature reveals that the Zika virus outbreak in Florida was not a single introduction but rather at least four separate introductions that led to local chains of transmission. The research found that most Florida introductions are linked to the Caribbean, and mosquito control efforts helped limit the spread of t...
A recent $540,000 NASA grant will fund a team of researchers at Portland State University to study the nature of a hybrid virus discovered by Ken Stedman in a hot spring. The study aims to shed light on the evolutionary history of viruses and their ability to adapt and infect hosts.
Asian elephants are carriers of virus types 1, 4 and 5, while African elephants carry types 2, 3 and 6. The transmission of Elephant Herpes has been largely unknown until now.
A University of Surrey-led study has developed a model to provide vital insight into controlling CMV infection, particularly in transplant patients and HIV/AIDS sufferers. The research identified four unique patterns of response and created a sophisticated mathematical model to predict therapy duration needed for viral clearance.
Researchers discover bacteriophages that can effectively reduce bacterial levels and improve health in mice infected with antibiotic-resistant 'superbugs.' The study's findings suggest phages could be a promising alternative to antibiotics, with potential benefits including fewer side effects and the ability to evolve against resistance.
Researchers developed a pill-form delivery system for DNA-based vaccines and gene therapies using a corn-based protein and chitosan. The bi-particle protected the synthetic DNA from stomach enzymes and delivered it to intestinal cells, triggering an immune response in mice.
Researchers have developed a transgenic mouse that can help identify new influenza virus strains with the potential to cause a global pandemic. The mouse expresses human MxA protein, which is thought to target influenza A viruses, and has shown resistance to avian but susceptibility to human flu viruses.
A cheap, temperature-stable, and easy-to-produce vaccine against both diseases is being developed by the RABYD-VAX consortium, led by KU Leuven. The vaccine has the potential to protect against two deadly diseases: rabies and yellow fever.
Researchers found that inhibiting Toll-like receptor 4 activation can silence Ebola virus-infected macrophages, a potential treatment option. The study also suggests this approach could work for other hemorrhagic fever viruses.
Researchers at Portland State University have found that only half of a virus's genes are necessary for infection, highlighting the resilience of these pathogens. The study's findings also shed light on the molecular basis of survivability under extreme conditions and potential origins of life.
A mouse study found that suppressed immunity during pregnancy creates a window of opportunity for the H1N1 influenza virus to infect and mutate into more virulent strains. The researchers believe that pregnant women are more susceptible to severe flu infections due to their dampened immune system.
A new classification system for viruses based on their structure could help identify and treat emerging viruses. The system uses computational tools to detect similarities in the genetic code of viruses with similar outer structures, suggesting a common ancestor.
In less than a year, researchers have developed multiple vaccine platforms providing robust protection against Zika virus challenge in animal models. However, safety considerations and unique challenges associated with the virus must be addressed in clinical development.
Researchers at Rockefeller University Press discovered that tumor suppressor protein RUNX1 can promote AML in some cases, particularly when combined with mutant FLT3. Targeting RUNX1 may be an effective treatment for certain AML patients, potentially offering a promising therapeutic strategy.
A new study found that international collaboration in scientific research has grown dramatically, with more than doubling of cross-border studies between 1990 and 2015. The fields of soil science and virology saw the highest growth rates, with a 550% increase in collaborating partners in soil science.
Researchers at the University of Kent have found that Ebolaviruses require fewer than five mutations to adapt to new host species, including rodents. This finding highlights the potential for these viruses to spread beyond their natural range and increase the risk to humans.
A study of 180 HIV-infected patients reveals a prevalence of 20% for AIDS-defining illnesses associated with ART. This investigation aims to educate physicians treating patients with HIV/TB, shedding light on the importance of timely treatment initiation.
The journal focuses on virus evolution and publishes work that benefits science, technology, and medicine. It offers fast decision times, timely publication, and high-quality peer review with an international editorial board.
A research team at the University of Leeds has identified new mutations that make 'empty capsids' stable enough to act as vaccines, replacing traditional killed poliovirus vaccines. The stabilised VLPs are suitable for use after the virus has been eradicated and can be produced without growing live virus.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have created two new live-attenuated vaccines against canine influenza viruses, which can be transmitted to humans. These vaccines provide better immune protection and longer periods of protection than existing inactivated vaccines.
Researchers used a laboratory model of the human gut to study how rotavirus evades the immune system. They found that the virus suppresses the production of IFN proteins aimed at controlling its growth, but adding type I IFN can reduce viral replication.
Researchers at UM SOM and SOD published 22 articles on infectious agents, vaccines, and immune system activation. Studies focused on Ebola, Clostridium difficile, biofilms, and other topics, advancing knowledge in infection and immunity research.
A team of researchers has found that certain anti-influenza compounds can also inhibit Zika virus infection, providing a potential new treatment for the disease. The study, published in Antiviral Research, shows that these compounds target host cell factors, making them effective against viruses that mutate easily.
Scientists have developed new HCV vaccination strategies using a model system, aiming to create durable and effective vaccines for all populations. The project, led by Professor Peter Simmonds, will focus on addressing the substantial societal problem of HCV infection.
Researchers have identified a new virus as the cause of congenital tremors in newborn piglets, a potentially life-threatening disease. The discovery represents a significant diagnostic breakthrough, enabling detection through molecular methods and highlighting the risk of sexual transmission.
Researchers develop a Retro94-based compound that effectively stops CMV from making copies of itself, providing a potential effective and safe therapy against human CMV. The treatment could protect immunocompromised patients with active CMV infection or prevent reactivation in the body.
Specific Technologies has developed a new paradigm for quantitative determination of antibiotic efficacy with minimal sample preparation and at a low cost. The SpeciFAST system offers phenotypic MIC matching CLSI gold standard results in most cases within 3 hours from positive blood culture.
University of Minnesota researchers have provided unprecedented images of cancer genome-mutating enzymes acting on DNA, offering vital clues into how these enzymes promote tumor evolution. The findings suggest ways to block enzyme activity in cancer, potentially making current anti-cancer therapies more effective.
A Rift Valley fever outbreak has been reported in Niger, with 64 human cases and 23 deaths confirmed. Umeå University's Osama Ahmed Hassan joined a UN expert mission to develop action plans to curb the spread of the disease. The mission aimed to implement short-, mid- and long-term strategies to prevent further outbreaks.
A modified rabies virus expressing a protein from the MERS virus protects mice against both diseases. The dual compound could lead to an effective human vaccine for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and prevent its spread in camels.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have created a mutated version of the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus that is less deadly and could lead to the development of a vaccine. The discovery was made by exploiting a weakness in the virus' genetic code, which could also help combat other RNA viruses such as HIV and Zika.
VirusDetect is a free, open-source bioinformatics pipeline that analyzes small RNA datasets to identify both known and novel viruses. Researchers can predict the presence of RNA viruses, DNA viruses, and viroids using an antiviral defense system called RNA interference (RNAi).
A pioneering study of invertebrates has uncovered 1445 viruses, including several new families, revealing people have only scratched the surface of the world of viruses. The research, led by Professor Edward Holmes, suggests these viruses have been associated with invertebrates for potentially billions of years.
Researchers have identified a specific site on the surface of the human astrovirus that can be targeted for development of a vaccine or antiviral therapy. By binding to this site, neutralizing antibodies can block the virus's ability to infect human cells, providing a potential roadmap for treatment options.
A new approach to an HIV vaccine has been developed by combining a common cold virus with a DNA-based vaccine, resulting in specific immune responses in mice. The vaccine targets the Tat protein that helps the virus replicate, preventing infection and replication.
Researchers found GALV retrovirus was likely transmitted to gibbons from rodents by medical researchers working on human diseases, causing a serious outbreak in the 1960s and 1970s. No evidence of ongoing infection or threat found in current captive gibbon populations.
Researchers developed a new laboratory system to study the deformed wing virus, showing viral antigens in all body areas, particularly in gland tissue. The discovery could lead to targeted strategies against disease-causing viruses and improve bee colony survival.
A new antimalarial compound, pyronaridine, has shown promising activity against the Ebola virus in laboratory tests. The compound, already approved for use in Europe, was identified through a machine learning model and is being tested in vivo to assess its potential as an Ebola treatment.
A new study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that predators can catalyze the rise and fall of chlorovirus populations by exposing algae to viruses. The research suggests that the structure of food webs in an ecosystem may influence viral propagation, with a potential game-changer for virology.
Researchers developed a vaccine combining with an innate immune stimulant to target dormant HIV cells. The combination showed reduced viral loads and delayed rebound in animal trials, offering hope for ART-free, long-term viral suppression.
A new global report calls for a 5-step plan to improve hygiene practices and reduce the burden of infectious diseases in children worldwide. The report aims to halve the incidence of diarrhoea and reduce common infections such as gastroenteritis, colds, and influenza in babies and children.
The ZikaPLAN consortium aims to address knowledge gaps, prevent disease spread, and educate affected populations in Latin America. The global network will also build sustainable response capacity for Zika and other emerging infectious diseases.
Researchers found HIV in brain, kidney, spleen & other tissues of treated patients with undetectable viral loads, suggesting continued disease progression. The study suggests that strategies to 'cure' HIV infection must consider targeting tissue-based sites of HIV.
A modified HIV-1 virus can integrate into the genome of the parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni, a major species of schistosomiasis-causing flatworm. This finding could aid research into potential new treatments for schistosomiasis and related neglected tropical diseases.
A recent study by Emory Vaccine Center-India collaboration reveals insights into CD8 T cells' role in fighting dengue virus infection. The research shows that these immune cells expand massively but keep cytokine production under control, retaining the ability to kill virus-infected cells.
Researchers developed a neurodevelopmental chick model that demonstrates fetal death and brain damage similar to microcephaly caused by the Zika virus. The study suggests that identifying critical windows of susceptibility could lead to therapeutic innovation.
Three different candidate Zika vaccines have been found to protect rhesus monkeys against the disease in trials. The vaccines, tested in preclinical trials, were found to be effective at warding off infection by the Zika virus strain circulating in Brazil and Puerto Rico.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University provide a detailed overview of Zika's history, transmission modes, and risks, including sexual transmission and miscarriage risks. The study also highlights the connection between dengue virus infection and Zika virus exacerbation.
Researchers found that Zika virus infection provides excellent protection against reinfection, offering potential relief from future epidemics. The study also revealed the virus remains in some tissues for an extended period, but clears from blood plasma and urine within 10 days.
Researchers used existing compounds to target the critical CHIKV protease enzyme, showing potent activity against the virus. Several compounds proved to be effective inhibitors of RNA synthesis and virus replication.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that the Zika virus can rapidly infect brain and nervous tissues, and is shed in bodily fluids such as semen and urine. The research highlights the need for enhanced clinical vigilance and the rapid development of vaccines and therapies against the virus.
Researchers found Zika virus does not multiply in Culex mosquitoes, disappearing instead, enabling targeted control strategies. The study's findings are crucial for controlling Zika in Florida and preventing its spread.
Researchers at Kansas State University developed a promising Zika virus vaccine using DNA technology. The vaccine is safer and more effective against the virus, offering long-term protection at a lower cost.