A molecule in mosquito spit called sialokinin has been identified as a potential new target for vaccination against Yellow Fever, Dengue and Zika. Researchers found that sialokinin causes blood vessels to become permeable, allowing viruses to infect the host.
A new Cornell University-led study found that low-income residents near new public transit stations in Medellin, Colombia experienced higher dengue fever rates. The researchers discovered that the proximity to these stations and socioeconomic status are significant factors in determining dengue incidence rates.
A WHO-supported series has collected 13,700 new database records on mosquito-borne diseases, providing valuable resource for studying and containing infectious diseases. The data can be used to train machine-learning models for vector detection and classification, improving global human health.
Researchers discovered that mosquito brains use a surprisingly simple mechanism to recognize human odor, involving just two nerve centers. The team identified the specific compounds decanal and undecanal as key components of human scent, which are also present in other mammal odors.
A new diagnostic kit called Cygnus detects Dengue Fever with improved rates, beating lateral flow testing and matching hospital-based lab diagnostics. The tests also identify the specific virus type causing the infection, offering a potential solution for widespread disease detection.
Researchers in Brazil developed a computer program that locates swimming pools and rooftop water tanks in aerial photographs, using artificial intelligence to identify socio-economically deprived urban areas at risk for diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti. The innovation can be used as a public policy tool for dynamic socio-economic ...
A new study found a strong association between school closures and declines in non-residential trips during COVID-19, leading to reduced risk of dengue transmission. Reduced time spent in public areas was closely associated with reduced dengue risk in countries where COVID-19 restriction measures began at the peak of dengue season.
Researchers found that male mosquitoes beat their wings up to 500-1,000 times a second, changing frequency to produce 'distortion tones' more audible to the male ear. This change is partly due to their circadian clock and allows males to detect females in swarms.
A UCF researcher is developing nanotechnology to detect and mitigate emerging animal-borne infectious diseases. Her team aims to create an active material that will change color in the presence of pathogens, significantly reducing the work involved in mosquito trapping and analysis.
Children with congenital zika syndrome exhibit different neurological development profiles, with varying abilities to respond to stimuli. Larger head circumference is associated with higher cognitive and motor scores, according to the study published in PLOS ONE.
Researchers at KU Leuven developed an ultrapotent inhibitor of the dengue virus, effective against all known variants. The antiviral molecule is also suitable for prevention purposes and has shown promising results in mouse tests, with a low dose being extremely effective.
Researchers at UC San Diego develop precision-guided sterile insect technique (pgSIT) to control mosquito populations. The system uses CRISPR to alter genes linked to male fertility and female flight in Aedes aegypti, reducing disease transmission.
A study maps dengue fever hot spots to predict future outbreaks of Zika and chikungunya, revealing a 62% overlap between dengue and Zika hot spots. Targeted indoor residual spraying is shown to be effective in controlling Aedes-borne diseases.
A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that extreme climate events can increase Aedes aegypti populations in Kenya, but preventative measures may reduce dengue fever cases. The researchers monitored mosquito abundance and dengue infections in a cohort of children.
A study in Delhi reveals that social and environmental factors contribute to dengue fever spread. Lack of access to running water is the major risk factor, creating heat islands and ideal mosquito habitats.
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology found no evidence linking CD4 T cells to severe dengue hemorrhagic fever. Instead, they discovered a novel T cell response that may help counteract inflammation, suggesting a new direction for developing effective vaccines.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that natural killer cells are robustly activated and primed for skin-homing during acute dengue virus infection. This activation had completely disappeared after about two months, providing new insights into the immune system's response to viral infections.
Researchers analyzed commuting patterns in San Juan, Recife, and Jakarta to model different scenarios, informing mosquito control strategies. The study found that investment in control measures affects disease risks, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
A study of dengue fever's economic burden in Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Cambodia found high costs for patients in African countries. The average cost of inpatient care was $26 in Burkina Faso and $134 in Cambodia.
Researchers developed a model that predicts dengue incidence based on local mosquito density and climate conditions. The model accurately reproduced observed dengue data and predicted 2015 incidence, suggesting future outbreak risks can be mapped.
Researchers at Rutgers University develop a citizen-led mosquito control approach that mobilizes neighbors to address local problems with scientific guidance. The program, called Citizen Action through Science (Citizen AcTS), resulted in a significant reduction of invasive Asian tiger mosquitoes in targeted areas.
Researchers at UC Riverside successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 to disrupt serotonin receptor Aa5HT2B in mosquitoes, reducing body size, lifespan, egg development, and fat accumulation. This breakthrough offers a novel approach for controlling mosquito populations and diseases they carry.
New research from the University of East Anglia found that limiting global warming to 1.5°C could reduce dengue fever cases by up to 3.3 million per year in Latin America and the Caribbean. Limiting warming further would also limit the spread of the disease in areas with current low incidence.
Studies suggest that restricting global mean temperatures to 1.5-2°C could reduce dengue fever incidence and spread in Latin America. According to models, limiting temperatures could prevent approximately 2.8 million dengue cases per year by the end of the century.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that mosquito saliva alone can trigger long-lasting immune responses in humanized mice, including activation of T helper cells and diverse cytokine levels. The study offers insights into developing effective strategies to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
A new study found that people with dengue fever have a higher risk of stroke, with the incidence being 5.33 per 1000 person-years. The risk of stroke is as high as 2.49 times in the first 2 months following infection.
Researchers identified genetic variants associated with blood vessel inflammation and metabolism that increase risk of severe dengue. These findings provide insights into the pathophysiology of the disease and may lead to new therapeutic approaches.
Researchers discovered a connection between genetic tRNA fragments in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and their ability to spread dengue fever and other diseases. This finding could lead to targeted approaches to controlling mosquito populations and preventing disease transmission.
New research published in Frontiers in Microbiology finds that higher temperatures and temperature fluctuations accelerate the growth of the dengue virus in mosquitoes, making them more infectious. This could help prevent outbreaks during warm periods by reducing mosquito numbers or controlling exposure.
Researchers genotyped Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in California and found two distinct introductions and populations. The northern population is genetically diverse and likely arose from a separate introduction.
A team of UC researchers is using gene editing to develop a new method to control disease-spreading mosquitoes, focusing on the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The Safe Genes project aims to introduce genetic elements that rapidly spread throughout a population, reducing the mosquito population and preventing disease transmission.
Researchers at UCLA have identified the structure of a molecule toxic to disease-carrying mosquitoes, including those that transmit dengue fever and Zika virus. The toxin, BinAB, is lethal to Culex and Anopheles species but not Aedes, which carries Zika virus and dengue fever.
A new study suggests that the risk of sports fans catching dengue fever during the Olympics is very low. According to mathematical modelling, only 23 tourists may bring home the illness and 206 catch it with no symptoms.
A new trap using human odor has reduced malaria mosquito populations by 70% and malaria cases by 30% on the Kenyan island of Rusinga. The combination of the odour-baited trap with nets, anti-malaria drugs, and social strategies effectively combats malaria and improves living conditions.
A team of scientists developed a system that forecasts dengue fever outbreaks by analyzing citizens' calling behavior on public-health hotlines. The system achieved high accuracy in predicting disease cases and locations two to three weeks ahead.
A comprehensive assessment of dengue fever's economic impact found the global cost to be substantial at $8.9 billion annually, exceeding several other major infectious diseases. The study provides valuable insights for governments and donors in making informed decisions about dengue programs.
Researchers from Colorado State University have discovered a potential diagnostic tool for dengue fever by analyzing metabolomic profiles in patient serum. The study found that distinct metabolic clusters were associated with different disease outcomes, including the progression to hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome.
The DengueTools consortium has accumulated knowledge on controlling the spread of Dengue fever by targeting its mosquito carriers. The global collaboration aims to develop practical tools for diagnosing and monitoring the virus in affected areas, as well as prevent infections in school children.
A large-scale clinical trial has been launched in Brazil to evaluate a candidate vaccine for dengue fever, which affects half the world's population and causes 500,000 hospitalizations annually. The vaccine, TV003, aims to prevent the mosquito-borne illness with a robust antibody and cellular immune response.
A new mathematical model helps researchers predict the spread of dengue fever in urban areas by analyzing neighborhood conditions and human travel patterns. The SIR-Network model reveals that central neighborhoods are crucial hubs for transmission, emphasizing the need for countermeasures before epidemics peak.
A comprehensive genomic analysis suggests that dengue fever can persist year-round in southern China, posing a significant threat to public health. The study found a complex mix of viral subtypes, increasing the risk of epidemic outbreaks when new variants emerge and infect people with no prior exposure.
A study by Emory University researchers found that large barges in the Amazon River are heavily infested with disease-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. These mosquitoes can transmit dengue fever and other diseases, highlighting the need for mosquito control programs on aquatic transportation.
Researchers from Mainz and Würzburg have developed new active substances for treating the dengue virus, showing a high effectiveness rate even at low concentrations. The new inhibitors target only dengue viruses without affecting similar Hepatitis C viruses.
QUT researchers have developed a system that can predict dengue fever outbreaks in China by combining internet search metrics with environmental factors. The system achieved a 99.8% success rate in detecting outbreaks within three days, highlighting the potential for early warning systems to reduce the impact of infectious diseases.
Experts warn that dengue vaccines could lead to short-term spikes in disease incidence, but long-term vaccination will reduce overall infections. The issue arises from the natural fluctuations in mosquito populations and the imperfect vaccine protection.
Research suggests that climate change could lead to an increased risk of dengue fever in Europe, particularly in coastal areas along the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas. The disease is spread by mosquitoes, which thrive in warm and humid conditions, making these regions most at risk.
A new study has shown that Celgosivir, a naturally occurring compound, is generally safe and well-tolerated in patients with dengue virus. The treatment regimen will be tested in the next phase to evaluate its therapeutic effect.
Scientists have developed an early warning system to predict dengue infections for Brazil's 553 microregions during the football World Cup. The system estimates little risk of dengue outbreaks in southern and central capitals, but predicts a moderate risk in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador.
Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have identified a target for treating Dengue fever and other flavivirus diseases. The team discovered that the virus produces a unique RNA molecule with an unprecedented 'knot-like' structure, making it resistant to an enzyme that normally destroys RNA.
Scientists have identified a crucial class of neurons responsible for mosquito attraction to human skin odor, offering potential solutions for effective mosquito control. Researchers discovered that compounds targeting these neurons can inhibit the attraction of mosquitoes, paving the way for new repellents and traps.
Researchers investigating dengue fever's presence in two US cities, Key West and Tucson, found similarities in resident behavior and mosquito population sizes despite differing climates. The study aims to understand why dengue is not more common in Tucson, where mosquito control campaigns are less intensive.
Researchers analyzed a unique 40-year data set to estimate short-term cross-protection between multiple dengue strains. The findings suggest that after an initial infection, a person is protected from other strains for 1 to 3 years.
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory has developed a novel method called PRedicting Infectious Disease Scalable Model (PRISM) to accurately predict dengue fever outbreaks several weeks before they occur. PRISM extracts relationships between clinical, meteorological, climatic and socio-political data in various regions.
A study published in PNAS reveals that dengue fever transmission is driven by human movement within residential networks. The research found that people visiting friends and relatives in nearby homes were the main driver of rapid transmission. This finding has implications for disease surveillance and control.
Sanofi Pasteur's CYD-TDV vaccine candidate has shown promise in a phase IIb clinical trial, with effectiveness against DENV 1, 3 and 4 but not DENV 2. The results mark a significant step forward in dengue vaccine development.
Researchers developed a predictive model that differentiates between dengue fever and its deadly form, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), using protein biomarkers. The model is based on IL-10 and seven distinct proteins, accurately predicting DHF in 100% of cases.
A new study found that mannose-binding lectin (MBL) plays a key role in targeting and destroying dengue viruses. Individuals with high levels of MBL may be better equipped to fight off the disease. This discovery could lead to the development of antivirals and vaccines to boost the immune response.
A study found that rural areas have a higher risk of dengue fever due to higher mosquito populations, while urban areas contribute significantly despite fewer cases. Improving water supply and vector control can increase the efficiency of control efforts.
A team of biochemists at the University of Arizona discovered that disrupting a molecular process used by mosquitoes to direct proteins to their proper destinations causes more than 90 percent of affected mosquitoes to die within 48 hours of blood feeding. This approach could be used as an additional strategy in the worldwide effort to...
A new study by Kate Mulligan examines the connection between cities, water, and health, finding that even in wealthy cities with excellent public services, dengue fever still spreads due to environmental factors. The research suggests that traditional links between poverty and water-related diseases may be overstated.