Research on vaccines and immunization. Covers COVID and flu vaccines, outbreak response, long-lasting antibodies, and vaccination in vulnerable groups.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that mobilizing parent advocates through the Immunity Community program significantly improved vaccine-related attitudes, including increased confidence and knowledge about vaccination rates. The program empowered parents to communicate positively about vaccines without being confrontational.
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.
Vaccines have dramatically reduced global mortality rates, but maintaining community confidence in vaccination and ensuring widespread coverage are crucial. Research shows vaccines result in net economic benefits of almost $69 billion in the US alone.
A large clinical trial is being conducted to identify the most promising Ebola vaccination regimens to protect people from the disease. The PREVAC trial will enroll over 5,000 adults and children in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone to evaluate three experimental vaccine strategies.
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.
A Phase 2/2b clinical trial has begun testing an experimental DNA vaccine designed to protect against disease caused by Zika infection. The vaccine aims to gain more safety and immune response data and determine if it can effectively prevent disease caused by natural Zika infection.
A study found that previous exposure to dengue, West Nile virus, or Zika can enhance the effects of Zika infection through antibody-dependent enhancement. The researchers used human antibodies from infected individuals in mice and observed reduced survival rates with low doses of these antibodies.
Persistent stockouts and exposure to freezing temperatures are among problems in outdated vaccine supply chains, according to researchers. The challenges hinder the impact of vaccines on safeguarding people's health, with one in three countries experiencing at least one stockout of a vaccine for at least one month.
Researchers discovered that virus surface proteins can be used to improve vaccine purification by understanding their hydrophobic properties. By analyzing the protein structures and interactions with other surfaces, scientists hope to develop more efficient methods for detecting and concentrating viruses.
Researchers found that antibody production plays a limited role in clearing intestinal infection, and the immune response matures too slowly to fight off the bug within six weeks of age. Vaccines focusing on cell-mediated immunity or speeding up antibody production may offer promising solutions to controlling Campylobacter.
A new low-cost rotavirus vaccine has been found to be 66.7% effective in preventing severe gastroenteritis caused by the virus. The vaccine is heat-stable and adapted for African settings, offering a solution for vulnerable children in sub-Saharan Africa.
Strengthening non-medical vaccine exemption policies can boost vaccination coverage and reduce costs, potentially cutting the risk of measles outbreaks in half. Researchers found that states with weaker policies are 140-190% more likely to experience an outbreak.
A lab study identifies mutations in hepatitis C virus that evade the natural immune system and vaccines, highlighting a major barrier to vaccine development. Researchers found that these mutations occur outside of traditional vaccine targets and confer resistance to commonly used antibodies.
A Phase 1 clinical trial found that a two-vaccine regimen against Ebola virus disease induced an immune response that persisted for approximately one year in healthy adult volunteers. The investigational vaccines used harmless viral vectors to deliver proteins of the Ebola virus, prompting an immune response.
Researchers have developed a technique to precisely track the replication of yellow fever virus in individual host immune cells. The method could aid in the development of new vaccines against a range of viruses, including Dengue and Zika.
Researchers at UTHealth aim to increase HPV vaccination rates among minority youth in medically underserved areas by launching a three-year project. The initiative includes a parent-focused social marketing campaign and comprehensive school-based vaccination clinics to educate parents and adolescents about the vaccine's importance.
A novel vaccine developed by scientists at NIAID protected cattle from respiratory syncytial virus infection, with high levels of neutralizing antibodies and protection against viral replication. The vaccine's pre-F protein construct showed promise in a model that may be applied to human RSV vaccine development.
Researchers have characterized the structure of a protein from sand flies that can convey immunity to Leishmania parasites. The SALO protein showed promise in inducing long-term protection against leishmaniasis in mice, with no appreciable similarities to human proteins.
A new oral Ebola vaccine has shown effectiveness in a chimpanzee trial, offering hope for conserving wild ape populations threatened by diseases like Ebola and anthrax. However, the closure of captive chimpanzee facilities due to changing laws may hinder further research and development.
Researchers at GW University have developed a new relative potency testing program for the Na-GST-1/Alhydrogel hookworm vaccine, showing it remains stable and immunogenic after five years of storage. This innovation aims to improve vaccine effectiveness in developing countries where hookworm infections are prevalent.
A large yellow fever outbreak in rural Brazil is causing concern among world health authorities, who are warning of the risk of spreading the disease to non-endemic regions. The outbreak, which has already claimed several lives, highlights the importance of rapid public health response and vaccination efforts.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health warn that renewed focus on debunked autism-vaccine links diverts attention from growing threats to healthcare services. The Affordable Care Act and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are under attack, posing a serious risk to essential protections.
A new study from Southern Methodist University found that a self-persuasion app on an iPad motivated low-income parents to vaccinate their teens against human papillomavirus, a cancer-causing virus. The app used audio prompts and guided parents in thinking through the importance of vaccination.
A study published in AIMS Public Health estimates that the 1962 human cell strain breakthrough saved nearly 10 million lives and prevented over 4.5 billion cases of disease globally through vaccination. The development enabled vaccines to be produced safely, leading to widespread vaccination against multiple infections.
A new study by MIT scholars found that voters in the US heavily rely on their pre-existing views when deciding if politicians' statements are true or not. The study used Trump's statements during the 2016 presidential primaries to examine how partisanship and prior beliefs interact with evaluations of objective fact.
Researchers at Osaka University developed a plasmid-based reverse genetics system to study rotavirus invasion and replication. The system allowed them to mutate a key protein, NSP1, and decrease viral replication.
A new study from Drexel University found no correlation between day care density and pertussis cases in Philadelphia. Vaccination was the most important factor in preventing the illness, with 81% of uninfected children up-to-age-six current on their immunization.
A new article recommends establishing an institute focused on developing vaccines of public health importance without commercial interest. The proposed institute will require collaboration among stakeholders from industry, government, academia, and private foundations.
A Phase 1 clinical trial is underway to test the safety and tolerability of an RSV vaccine in healthy adults. The study aims to assess the vaccine's ability to prompt an immune response and reduce the burden of this important disease.
Researchers have successfully protected mice against Zika by injecting synthetic messenger RNA that encodes for virus proteins into the animals. The vaccine triggers an immune response and prevents viral replication in 95% of the mice.
A new model developed by Georgia Tech professor Eva Lee recommends response strategies for infectious diseases like Zika, with a focus on early intervention and containment methods. The model suggests that 20% compliance rate can reduce total infections by half in Brazil during the Zika outbreak.
Researchers from the University of Warwick have discovered that establishing a daily vaccination capacity can effectively control and eradicate foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks. By tailoring controls to this number, the UK could save up to £50 million and spare around 200,000 animals from culling.
A mathematical model determines the best vaccination strategy in the presence of uncertainty surrounding vaccination efficacy and animal vaccination capacity. The study shows significant cost savings can be achieved by accurately identifying our capacity to vaccinate, with £55 million in outbreak costs potentially saved.
A new Zika vaccine candidate has shown promising results in preclinical tests, protecting mice and monkeys with a single dose of mRNA-based vaccine. The innovative approach induces strong immune responses without adverse events, offering a potential solution to the global fight against Zika virus.
A novel mRNA vaccine has shown promise in protecting mice and monkeys against Zika virus infection. The vaccine, which uses messenger RNA to produce Zika virus proteins, was found to be highly effective in preventing the virus in both animal models.
Researchers have identified two specific dendritic cell groups, cDC1 and cDC2, present in human tumor tissues that stimulate strong anti-tumor immune responses. These cells show promise for developing innovative cancer immunotherapies by vaccinating tumors with the patient's own immune system.
A new study warns that framing by political advocacy groups may compromise the public's ability to understand the dangers of Zika virus. The researchers found that viral internet images associating Zika with hot-button issues triggered polarizing reactions in people.
A new study suggests that a 'psychological vaccine' can help build tolerance to climate change misinformation, shifting opinions closer to the truth. Researchers found that pre-exposing people to small amounts of misinformation can provide resistance against subsequent exposure.
Researchers found that smaller liposomes elicited higher levels of IgG and IgA antibodies in mice, while larger liposomes produced lower antibody titers. The study suggests that a mix of different liposome sizes can achieve similar results as the smallest liposomes.
A new study reveals that US men aged 18-59 have a high prevalence of genital HPV infection, with 45.2% of the population affected. The HPV vaccination coverage among eligible men is also low, at 10.7%, with age groups 23-27 and older showing higher rates.
A new study found that vaccinating 200,000 stray dogs annually can reduce rabies incidence by 90% in Tamil Nadu, India, while costing approximately $1.27 million per year.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health discovered that Streptococcus pneumoniae secretes pneumolysin toxin to exploit host immune defenses. This helps the bacteria survive on human airways and exit the body, ultimately spreading to a new host.
A University of Alberta researcher has developed a method to treat surgical masks, making them effective against airborne viruses. By using a salt-based treatment, the mask's fibre filter can trap and kill viruses, reducing the risk of transmission.
Scientists develop a nanoparticle-based method for delivering therapeutic molecules into cells, enabling the induction of strong immune responses against various viruses and diseases. The technique, which harnesses electrically activated gold nanoparticles, demonstrates safety and efficacy in animal studies.
Researchers at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have developed a novel chikungunya vaccine using an insect-specific virus that doesn't affect humans. The new vaccine elicits strong immune defenses and protects mice and nonhuman primates from disease when exposed to the chikungunya virus.
Researchers at UTMB have developed an oral vaccine against salmonella that can be taken by mouth to protect against poisoning. The vaccine was shown to produce strong immunity in mice and holds promise for future use in humans.
A Washington State University study found that vaccinating cattle for East Coast fever increases household wealth and income, leading to more food and education. Fewer cattle deaths also enable families to send their daughters to secondary school.
A Drexel study analyzed nearly 200,000 English-language tweets about the HPV vaccine between 2014 and 2015. The results show that 39% of tweets were positive, while negative sentiments accounted for only 25%. Prevention and protection were popular topics in positive tweets, while side effects dominated negative ones.
Researchers found that liposomal lidocaine combined with parental video instruction and oral sucrose significantly reduces acute pain during vaccinations. The study involved 352 healthy infants who received scheduled vaccinations, with the best results seen for those using lidocaine cream consistently.
Genetic analysis of ancient DNA reveals that the evolution of smallpox occurred far more recently than previously believed, with all available strains having an ancestor no older than 1580. Researchers found two circulating strains of the virus, variola major and minor, after English physician Edward Jenner developed a vaccine in 1796.
Researchers developed a standardized approach to analyze full costs of cholera vaccines in developing countries, revealing significant variability in costs. The analysis showed vaccine delivery costs ranging from $0.36 to $6.32 per person vaccinated, with procurement costs varying between $0.29 and $29.70.
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 have created two compounds that work as potential vaccines against opioid overdoses, preventing the drugs from entering the central nervous system and inducing addiction. The vaccine candidates showed promising results in mouse tests, with vaccinated mice surviving overdose fatalities at higher rates than unvaccinated mice.
A study published in Cell Reports reveals that the BCG vaccine's broad-spectrum effects could be mediated by metabolic and epigenetic changes in monocytes, leading to trained immunity. This discovery could pave the way for new therapeutic approaches to boost vaccine effectiveness.
Colorado State University's Jean Peccoud leads a multi-institutional team analyzing the nation's biomanufacturing infrastructure security. The project aims to provide specific recommendations to strengthen biomanufacturing processes and ensure data integrity.
The first licensed vaccine for the potentially life-threatening dengue virus is predicted to be most cost-effective and effective in reducing the burden of dengue disease in moderate-to-high impacted regions. Routine vaccination could reduce hospital rates by up to 25% in these areas.
Researchers have developed a simple and inexpensive method for stabilizing vaccines at room temperature using nanoparticles, polymers, or sugar. This approach could improve vaccine storage and distribution, especially in remote areas with limited refrigeration, reducing the cost of vaccination programs by nearly 80%.
A University of Arizona researcher is investigating how men perceive their role in preventing the spread of human papillomavirus (HPV). Her study found that most college-age males had heard of HPV but lacked knowledge about a vaccine that could prevent related cancers for both males and females. The researcher emphasizes the importance...
A team of CNIC scientists has characterized a cell signal called ISGylation that impairs the secretion of exosomes, which are crucial for intercellular communication. The discovery sheds light on how this signal affects exosome formation and could lead to new biomedical applications.
Researchers at TSRI developed a vaccine that blocks the pain-numbing effects of oxycodone and hydrocodone in animal models, also decreasing the risk of fatal opioid overdose. The vaccine uses the immune system's ability to recognize and neutralize invaders, potentially depriving users of euphoria.