Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for sepsis and other responses to infection by using tiny doses of a cancer drug. The new treatment may benefit millions worldwide who are affected by infections and pandemics.
A handheld instrument has been developed to detect the Ebola virus quickly and efficiently, allowing for faster treatment and real-time monitoring of viral loads. The device can process four samples simultaneously and produces results in under 37 minutes, significantly reducing the testing time required by conventional methods.
Experts argue that good governance, long-term technology investment, and strong product management skills are essential to combat infectious outbreaks. The proposed global strategy aims to pool funds and coordinate efforts to develop effective countermeasures for these diseases.
Researchers develop a broad-spectrum antiviral by targeting both viral surfaces and human cells, potentially avoiding drug resistance. The new approach, using a modified polymer, shows promise in lab testing and animal models without toxic effects.
A new study reveals an unconventional antibody that targets the patient's vascular response to sepsis, converting a harmful protein into a protective one. This approach stabilizes blood vessels, strengthens barrier function, and quells systemic inflammation, prolonging survival in mice with sepsis.
A clinical trial of the experimental Ebola drug TKM-130803 has shown that it does not improve survival in adults with severe Ebola infection. Despite this, the study suggests that the drug may have a benefit for patients with less severe disease.
A phase 1 trial evaluated two candidate Ebola vaccines, Ad26.ZEBOV and MVA-BN-Filo, in healthy volunteers. The study found that immunization with Ad26.ZEBOV generated an initial immune response and sustained elevation of specific immunity, suggesting partial protection against Ebola.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center propose a new drug to treat life-threatening lung damage caused by infections, cancer treatments, and premature birth. The treatment targets FOXF1, a transcription factor that promotes recovery from acute lung injury.
An immunization regimen using two Ebola vaccine candidates was found to be safe and well-tolerated, inducing an immune response in healthy adult volunteers. The study's results suggest that the vaccines could provide durable protection against Ebola, which is essential for areas with intermittent outbreaks.
Researchers have identified a range of neurological and psychiatric symptoms in Ebola survivors, including vision complications and joint pain. The study's findings highlight the need for improved treatment options for those affected by post-Ebola syndrome.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge found that diagnostic tests are crucial for forecasting major epidemics. The study shows that precise estimates of infected individuals cannot be inferred from data based on symptomatic cases alone, highlighting the need for reliable diagnostic tests to detect presymptomatic infections.
A team of NIH doctors detailed a severe case of Ebola virus disease involving the central nervous system. Despite multi-organ failure, the patient survived with intensive supportive care, highlighting near complete recovery is possible with such care alone.
Chronic diseases like hypertension and heart disease are rising in Africa due to infectious disease spread, healthcare worker shortage, and lack of investment. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to address the growing epidemic and promote health equity.
A new automated Ebola blood test has been evaluated in a field setting and shown to provide accurate results, potentially facilitating expanded access to testing. The test performed well on both whole blood and cheek swab samples, with high sensitivity and specificity.
Scientists at Stanford University have revived an abandoned drug that shows promise in fighting two disease-causing viruses, dengue and VEEV. The drug works by boosting the human body's ability to resist viruses rather than directly targeting them.
Researchers propose an alternative Ebola entry screening policy in the US that incorporates social contact tracing risk levels, potentially reducing costs and improving public health outcomes. The study suggests this approach may justify additional data collection efforts to enhance public health decision-making.
Researchers at the University of Kent have identified a new form of Ebolavirus that may cause human disease. The study suggests that only a few changes in a specific protein are necessary to render the Reston virus into a health threat.
Researchers at TGen highlight the advantages of using RNA sequencing in disease detection and management, including its potential for non-invasive diagnosis and guiding treatment selection. The analysis reveals the promise of RNA-based measurements for broad application across diverse areas of human health.
The Zika virus poses a significant threat to West Africa, particularly in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, due to the recent Ebola outbreak. Rapid testing for Zika is crucial to prevent confusion between Zika and early Ebola symptoms.
Tracy Clinton and Michael Thompson received the Protein Society's Year 2015 'Best Paper' awards for their work on Ebola drug target mimics. The researchers, who came from diverse backgrounds, were chosen for their innovative approaches to solving complex protein problems.
A study published in Angewandte Chemie reveals how HIV and Ebola viruses attach to cells using nano-sized crystals called 'quantum dots'. The research offers a new way of treating such viruses by introducing a block on their interaction with cells.
Scientists have identified a new SARS-like virus, WIV1-CoV, that directly binds to the same human receptor as the SARS strain. The virus has the potential to infect humans without adaptation and replicate efficiently in human cells, raising concerns about a possible outbreak.
Vanderbilt researchers have identified a new antibody treatment for H7 avian flu with remarkable neutralizing potency, potentially offering short-term protection to people exposed or infected by the virus. The antibodies were isolated from human monoclonal antibodies generated in response to an experimental bird flu vaccine.
A novel small-molecule antiviral compound, GS-5734, has been shown to protect rhesus monkeys from Ebola virus infection when administered three days post-infection. This preclinical result demonstrates the compound's ability to block viral replication and reduce disease severity.
Researchers found a promising adjuvant, chitosan, induces immune response through a DNA-sensing pathway in cells. This discovery provides a roadmap for developing vaccines that trigger 'cell-mediated immunity',
A novel Ebola virus-encoded microRNA-like fragment serves as a biomarker for early diagnosis of Ebola virus disease (EVD). This fragment was found to be detectable in the blood of patients before the development of viremia, suggesting its potential to advance the diagnosable window for EVD.
The study found that monotherapy with favipiravir is unlikely to be effective in patients with very high viremia, but may offer benefits in those with lower viremia. The trial also highlighted the importance of adapting research protocols for emergency situations and integrated research into care.
A new clinical trial has begun at Oxford and Sheffield to test a potential vaccine for prostate cancer. The vaccine aims to stimulate the immune system's attack on cancer cells by recognizing a specific protein found on their surface. If successful, future studies will assess its effectiveness in preventing disease progression.
The risk of catching Ebola from a survivor is very low, with most body fluids cleared within weeks apart from semen. Studies found that infected blood is the most infectious, but social contact poses little risk.
A single monoclonal antibody isolated from an Ebola survivor protected non-human primates even after lethal infection, offering hope for a potential treatment. The findings suggest a novel site of vulnerability on the Ebola virus and may lead to effective therapy.
Researchers propose a novel framework to uncover hidden patterns of transmission and identify super spreaders in epidemics. Asymptomatic carriers can play a significant role in spreading diseases, and understanding their contribution is crucial for targeted interventions.
Researchers found that 70% of Ebola survivors reported musculoskeletal pain, while 48% experienced headaches and 14% had vision problems. The study highlights the need for further research into Post-Ebola Syndrome to understand its causes and consequences.
Researchers discovered two potent Ebola antibodies that eliminate symptoms in just five days after infection. The monoclonal antibodies target different regions of the virus's glycoprotein and work by interfering with its entry into host cells.
A single monoclonal antibody isolated from a human Ebola survivor has been shown to completely protect monkeys from lethal infection with the virus. The antibody, known as mAb114, was effective even when given five days after exposure, suggesting it could be used as a potential treatment for human cases.
A recent study by the American Academy of Neurology has found that most Ebola survivors experienced brain symptoms six months after their initial infection. The study, which followed 82 Ebola survivors from Liberia, revealed common neurological problems such as weakness, headache, memory loss, and depressed mood.
The Zika epidemic underscores the importance of prioritizing vaccine development for pregnant women, who face specific challenges in clinical trials and labeling guidelines. Researchers highlight the need for a pregnancy-specific ethical framework, standardized measurement of outcomes, and more baseline data to optimize vaccine safety ...
ZMapp, a monoclonal antibody cocktail, was well-tolerated and showed promise in treating Ebola virus disease. The trial's results indicate that patients who received ZMapp appeared to do better than those who received standard-of-care only, but the difference was not statistically significant.
Two investigational vaccines against Ebola virus disease induced an immune response among 1,000 participants in the Phase 2 PREVAIL I trial. The cAd3-EBOZ and rVSV-ZEBOV vaccines were well-tolerated and elicited measurable and demonstrable antibodies, respectively.
A study of Ebola survivors found high rates of eye, musculoskeletal, and neurological complications. The study also explored the risk of sexual transmission of Ebola, with most survivors reporting regular sexual activity but few using condoms.
Bats have a unique ability to carry but remain unaffected by lethal diseases due to their constant immune response. The Australian black flying fox has only three interferons, which is a fraction of the number found in people, yet it can control viral infections that are lethal in humans.
EPFL researchers have developed a low-cost, portable microfluidic diagnostic device that can detect various diseases with high accuracy. The device operates on battery power, uses inexpensive microscopes, and requires no pre-treatment of blood samples.
A research team has identified a new group of powerful antibodies to fight Ebola virus, isolated from the blood of a survivor of the 2014 Ebola outbreak. The antibodies showed significant protection against the virus in mouse models and could guide the development of a vaccine or therapeutic.
Georgetown infectious disease expert Daniel Lucey discusses the importance of global health leadership in responding to the Zika virus pandemic. He shares his experience working with clinicians and epidemiologists in Brazil and West Africa, highlighting the need for collaborative approaches to address emerging infectious diseases.
Researchers have isolated a collection of potent antibodies from an Ebola survivor that target the virus's glycoprotein stalk, providing significant post-exposure protection. These antibodies may lead to effective therapies to fight Ebola.
Researchers at Adimab isolated a broad panel of neutralizing anti-Ebola virus antibodies from a survivor of the 2014 outbreak. The study highlights the speed and effectiveness of Adimab's single B cell isolation platform, which was able to identify over 300 monoclonal antibodies within weeks of receiving a blood sample.
A new policy report in Science issues recommendations for responding to infectious disease epidemics, citing the Ebola crisis as a framework. The report proposes rebuilding local health care infrastructures and improving international response capabilities.
Researchers develop a vaccine vector based on cytomegalovirus expressing Ebola virus glycoprotein, demonstrating protection in rhesus macaque model. The study's findings suggest a unique immunological response, producing high levels of antibodies with minimal T cell responses.
Researchers developed a new technology to detect disease biomarkers in nucleic acids, which can be used as indicators of what's going on inside cells and tissue. The approach uses nanotechnology to identify specific target sequences and quantify them through electronic signatures.
Researchers present an experimental Ebola vaccine with 100% efficacy against the virus in West Africa and propose a novel vaccination strategy using ring vaccination. This innovative approach could be adapted to combat other emerging threats like Zika virus.
University of Leeds researchers will run computer software to identify compounds that could be the basis of antivirals for Ebola. The project focuses on finding effective anti-viral drugs, as vaccines are not yet available to treat infected patients.
Researchers developed a real-time system to track Ebola virus particles' interaction with human cells, revealing crucial host and viral proteins involved in fusion. The study identifies specific cellular proteins required for fusion, offering insights into designing future drugs or vaccines.
Researchers developed a portable DNA sequencing system to monitor outbreaks, generating sequencing information in under an hour and providing crucial clues to epidemiologists. This technology has vast applications, including cancer research, and can impact response efforts during epidemics.
Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München discover that Cistus incanus extracts prevent human immunodeficiency viruses from infecting cells and block Ebola- and Marburg viral envelope proteins. The study demonstrates broad antiviral activity of Ci extracts against various major human viral pathogens.
Two Georgetown University professors urge the World Health Organization to convene an Emergency Committee to advise on the emerging Zika pandemic and galvanize global action. They highlight the need for decisive action, mosquito control, health information campaigns, country-issued travel advisories, accelerated research, and vaccine d...
Researchers have identified antibodies in the blood of survivors that can kill various types of Ebola, providing a potential single treatment against several strains. The study's findings could lead to the development of treatments for Ebola and other related viruses.
Human monoclonal antibodies isolated from Ebola survivors can neutralize multiple species of the virus, including Bundibugyo, Sudan, and Zaire viruses. These findings suggest a common therapeutic or vaccine strategy could solve all Ebola viruses.
BioMARC, a high-containment biopharmaceutical unit at CSU, has been awarded $4.6 million to develop and manufacture vaccines for three additional viruses causing severe long-term disease. The facility will produce vaccines using VRP technology, which works to better immunize individuals.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that estrogen may offer additional benefits to hormone replacement therapy or infertility treatment. The research found that estrogen dramatically reduced the amount of flu virus that replicated in infected cells from women, but not from men.
A study by University at Buffalo expert Janet Yang found that holding collective, communitarian beliefs contributes to altruistic behavior, while individualistic values hinder it. Emotions like sadness and empathy play a significant role in promoting altruism.
Researchers have engineered antibodies that can potently neutralize Zaire and Sudan Ebola virus strains, providing high levels of protection for mice exposed to lethal doses. The findings are a significant step toward developing an all-inclusive treatment for Ebola virus that causes human disease.