Research on vaccines and immunization. Covers COVID and flu vaccines, outbreak response, long-lasting antibodies, and vaccination in vulnerable groups.
Vaccine producers are accused of using monopoly power to determine who lives or dies, with prices often exceeding $120 per dose in wealthy countries. Experts argue for fair pricing that takes into account research and manufacturing costs, public health importance, and collective value creation.
Measles can spread quickly in schools, with one infected child potentially infecting up to 27 others on average. High vaccination rates are necessary to prevent transmission, and historical data from a 1904 outbreak supports this finding.
Portland State University has been awarded a $100,000 grant by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a new method for stabilizing stool samples. This technology could improve diagnosis and treatment of intestinal parasites in developing countries.
A recent UBC study found significant variations in kindergarten vaccination rates across Metro Vancouver, with some areas having rates as low as 60%. The study used Vancouver Coastal Health data and analyzed the impact of location, school type, and other factors on vaccine coverage.
A DNA-based Zika vaccine generated robust antigen-specific antibody and T cell immune responses that protected against infection, brain damage, and death. The vaccine was also neuroprotective, preventing the disease from spreading to the brain in animal models.
Researchers at Georgia Tech developed a unified approach to study behavior's impact on the environment, proposing an 'oscillating tragedy of the commons' that considers co-evolution of actions and environment. Cooperation can prevent tragedies, especially when incentives are aligned with environmental conditions.
The first of five clinical trials for an investigational Zika vaccine began at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, testing the safety and ability of the ZPIV vaccine to generate an immune system response. The Phase 1 trial aims to enroll 75 people aged 18-49 with no prior flavivirus infection.
A new U-M vaccine using siderophore molecules prevents E. coli growth in mouse bladders and kidneys, offering hope for a treatment against UTIs. The approach has shown success in mice but is still years away from human trials.
A new study found that patients with rare primary immunodeficiency disorders may be susceptible to serious side effects from the rubella vaccine. The study analyzed data from 14 patients and found that 7 had evidence of persistent rubella virus in their granulomas, leading to skin damage and ulcers.
A vaccine against cutaneous leishmaniasis has been developed using sand fly saliva, which induced antibodies in mice and reduced parasite levels. The study also found lower antibody levels in humans with active cutaneous leishmaniasis.
A team of scientists analyzed TB bacterial strains and found they can be genetically subdivided into generalists with worldwide distribution and specialists with localized ecological niches. Generalists have a slightly increased diversity of antigens, allowing them to adapt more specifically to different human populations.
A study of over 300,000 births found no significant link between Tdap vaccination during pregnancy and microcephaly or structural birth defects. The researchers concluded that the findings support routine Tdap administration during pregnancy.
New research from York University and Xi'an Jiaotong University finds that vaccinating against dengue fever can increase the spread of Zika. The study used mathematical modeling to investigate the effect of dengue vaccination on Zika outbreaks.
Researchers identified 17 cases of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) in California between 1998 and 2016, most developed symptoms after getting measles as infants before being vaccinated. Vaccinating everyone against measles can prevent SSPE, which is fatal and has no cure.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have found that neonatal vaccination with certain bacteria can prevent adult asthma in mice. The protective effect is due to the selection of specific immune system B cells that produce IgA antibodies, which bind and inhibit allergens before triggering asthma.
A WSU-led research team found that a commonly used rabies vaccine produces the same protective antibodies in dogs after being stored for six months at warmer temperatures. This could lead to improved vaccination coverage in hard-to-reach areas of Africa and Asia, reducing the likelihood of rabies returning to communities.
A Rochester Institute of Technology researcher is developing a comprehensive model for affordable vaccines in low-income countries through a three-year grant. The model aims to simulate a coordinated vaccine market that balances affordability with sustainability and profit.
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.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers demonstrates that digital scans of a young child's fingerprint can be correctly recognized one year later, allowing for proper medical care. The technique has the potential to save millions of lives by tracking vaccination records and providing lifelong identity.
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.
A study finds that Payment by Results (PbR) can lead to ineffective aid distribution due to a lack of accurate data. PbR may reward performance for improvements that would have happened anyway, highlighting the need for robust data sources.
Researchers from UTMB have developed three new potential vaccines against the plague that protect animals from developing pneumonic plague as late as four to five months after vaccination. The vaccines were engineered by deleting and modifying genes in Yersinia pestis bacteria, resulting in safe vaccine candidates.
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.
A modeling study suggests that supplementary vaccination campaigns triggered by measles outbreaks could prevent 28,613 cases over 15 years in high-incidence settings. Vaccination campaigns prompted by serological surveys could prevent more cases, but would need to occur annually in high-incidence settings.
A new study by Thomas Jefferson University shows that community outreach workers may help increase hepatitis B vaccine uptake among Asian Americans, reducing the risk of liver cancer. The program involved lay health workers who provided personalized calls to encourage vaccinations.
A UC Riverside-led study reveals that mother's milk contributes to the development of a baby's own immune system by transferring maternal immune cells. This process, known as 'maternal educational immunity,' enables the baby to gain immunity against infectious agents through exposure to its mother's environment.
IDRI aims to develop a safe and effective Zika vaccine using RNA-based technology, which can be rapidly manufactured without requiring egg growth or bacteria cultivation. The institute plans to leverage the Zika virus's own machinery for expression of immunogenic proteins.
A new Global Burden of Diseases study reveals that while improvements in sanitation and nutrition have led to longer lifespans, significant health challenges like obesity, high blood sugar, and alcohol abuse threaten progress. The study shows that many countries face health challenges despite income growth and education increases.
Researchers created a patented vaccine to combat Fusobacterium necrophorum infection, which affects sheep and cattle with liver abscesses and calf diphtheria.
Researchers develop a portable biological factory platform that can produce pharmaceuticals, specialized therapies, and experimental biomolecules using freeze-dried molecular components. The technology is applied in various fields, including vaccine production and designer antibody development.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed two successful Zika vaccines that protect against neurological damage in newborn mice. The microneedle array vaccine showed significant protection, while the adenovirus-based vaccine was used as a proof-of-principle vaccine to test the envelope protein antigen.
The European region is the most skeptical about vaccine safety, with seven countries ranking low in confidence. A global survey of nearly 66,000 people across 67 countries found that public trust in vaccines is precarious and influenced by concerns over side effects and scientific debates.
A new study suggests that the dengue vaccine can prime the immune system to make future infections more severe, particularly in people who have never been exposed before. The research recommends testing individuals before vaccination to minimize risks and maximize benefits.
Researchers in Northwestern China report ongoing transmission of rabies, highlighting challenges in reservoir animals such as dogs and wild foxes. The study emphasizes the need for oral vaccines for these animals, citing limited evidence on vaccination dosing and scheduling.
A new analysis of the world's first marketed dengue virus vaccine (Dengvaxia) provides critical insights for policymakers in dengue-affected countries. The study found that seropositive recipients gained a substantial benefit from vaccination, being 90% less likely to be hospitalized after contracting dengue.
Researchers find that a widely available dengue vaccine could worsen the disease in some settings, particularly in low-transmission areas. The vaccine has shown to reduce illness and hospitalization by 20-30% in high-transmission countries but may increase these rates in locations with lower transmission.
A Brazilian study found that some cases of Zika virus may be misreported as dengue, leading to an underestimate of the epidemic's size. The researchers analyzed blood samples from 800 people treated for suspected dengue and found over 100 positive for Zika.
Researchers tested an oral rabies vaccine in wild populations of Ethiopian wolves, with promising results. The trials found that 86% of vaccinated wolves had sufficient levels of protective antibodies, and all but one were alive 14 months later.
New research investigates how personality characteristics influence friendship patterns and attitudes towards vaccines. Studies also reveal the impact of spontaneous trait inferences on social media.
A 20-year study shows that probiotic supplementation in newborns can provide long-term protection against allergies. Meanwhile, a new vaccine for cat allergies lasts 8 times longer than existing ones, while research on dairy farm kids' immunity to milk allergies may lead to an asthma vaccine.
A national survey found that 21% of parents support HPV vaccination requirements without opt-outs, increasing to 57% when opt-outs are included. Despite the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing cervical cancer, many parents lack knowledge and are hesitant to vaccinate their children.
A study found that parents are more likely to support laws requiring HPV vaccination for school entry if their state offers opt-out provisions. However, the study's lead author warned that such opt-out provisions may weaken the vaccine requirements' effectiveness.
The VesiVax system uses virus-like particles to induce strong immune responses against various diseases. Dr. Qizhi Cathy Yao is developing better adjuvants for pancreatic cancer and Chagas disease using the system.
Analysis of three types of Zika vaccines reveals they are effective at protecting rhesus monkeys from the virus. The vaccines induce strong antibody responses and provide complete protection against Zika when exposed to the virus.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has launched a Phase 1 clinical trial to test the safety and ability to generate an immune system response in participants. The investigational DNA vaccine aims to prevent Zika virus infection, which can cause serious birth defects.
A recent study of 70,265 Swedish girls and women found that HPV vaccination did not increase the risk of developing another autoimmune disease. Vaccination was associated with a slightly reduced risk compared to not being vaccinated.
A new study by TSRI scientists identifies microRNA-155 as a key player in regulating protein levels and combating disease. The researchers found that miR-155 works by repressing a protein called Peli1, promoting normal T cell proliferation and antibody production.
Researchers propose that women in Zika-affected countries can safely conceive during the 'trough' of low mosquito activity, reducing the risk of birth defects. This approach could prevent thousands of cases per year, especially in Brazil and Puerto Rico.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed a novel vaccine candidate, BD584, which shows promise in reducing chlamydial shedding and hydrosalpinx by 95% and 87.5%, respectively. The vaccine has the potential to be widely protective against all Chlamydia trachomatis strains, including those causing trachoma.
Researchers at Colorado State University have designed a genetic modification that strips the ability of coxsackievirus B3 to replicate and cause disease. By changing a specific amino acid in the RNA polymerase enzyme, they aim to create a live-attenuated vaccine to protect against this virus and others like it.
A new study from Imperial College London predicts that the current Zika epidemic in Latin America will burn itself out within two to three years due to herd immunity. The team's analysis also concludes that large-scale transmission is unlikely to restart for at least another ten years.
Researchers found that immune checkpoint blockade improved survival and promoted immune cell infiltration into tumors when combined with an antitumor vaccine. The study suggests PD-1 and PD-L1 may help tumors evade vaccines, supporting testing of therapeutic combinations in clinical trials.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that HPV vaccination programs can reduce cervical cell anomalies in young women. The study showed that 3-dose HPV vaccination has demonstrated early benefits against high-grade cervical abnormalities, which are more likely to progress to cervical cancer.
A new E. coli-based transport capsule has been developed to improve the efficiency of next-generation vaccines, with promising results in fighting pneumococcal disease. The capsule uses a harmless strain of E. coli wrapped in a synthetic polymer to deliver antigens and trigger an immune response.
Researchers at Kansas State University's Biosecurity Research Institute are studying the relationship between Zika virus and mosquitoes to develop better controlling methods. They aim to target specific species of mosquitoes that transmit the virus, such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which are widely distributed in the U.S.
A vaccine developed by Brazilian and US researchers has been successfully tested in mice trials, preventing viral replication and inducing a protective immune response. The vaccine targets the premembrane protein and external envelope protein of Zika virus, offering hope for humans in the near future.
Two experimental Zika vaccines fully protected mice from infection, even after four weeks without inoculation. The DNA and inactivated virus vaccines induced virus-specific antibodies, correlating with protection against infection.
A new study published in Nature demonstrates complete protection against the Zika virus in mice using two different vaccine candidates. The researchers showed that a single dose of either a DNA vaccine or a purified inactivated virus vaccine provides complete protection, similar to existing vaccines for other flaviviruses.
A new preclinical study suggests that an effective Zika vaccine is achievable. Two vaccine candidates were tested and found to be safe and protective against the virus in mice. The purified inactivated virus (PIV) vaccine is being developed and planned for human testing later this year.
A new anthrax capsule vaccine has been found to completely protect monkeys from lethal inhalational anthrax infection. The study suggests that the capsule is a highly effective vaccine component that could be incorporated into future generation anthrax vaccines, offering a safer alternative to existing protective antigen-based vaccines.