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Shingles vaccine is safe, according to new study

A recent Vaccine Safety Datalink study found the shingles vaccine to be generally safe and well-tolerated in adults aged 50 and older, with a small increased risk of local reactions. The study also ruled out any increased risk for serious conditions such as cerebrovascular diseases or meningitis.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateApr 23, 2012

Researchers link herpes to Alzheimer's disease

A new technique allows scientists to observe herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) infections growing inside cells, revealing a mechanism by which HSV1 leads to Alzheimer's disease. Frequent interactions between viral particles and cellular amyloid precursor protein facilitate viral transport while interfering with normal APP distribution.

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 4, 2011

USAID awards $5 million to CONRAD

CONRAD will receive funding to develop vaginal rings that provide both contraceptive and HIV prevention, addressing unintended pregnancies and HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. The grant aims to improve reproductive health choices for women and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.

SourceCONRAD·DateNov 2, 2010

Study pinpoints major causes of encephalitis in the UK, but many patients are undiagnosed and difficult to treat

A recent study in The Lancet Infectious Diseases identified herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus as the most common causes of encephalitis in the UK. However, up to 85% of patients worldwide have an unknown cause, emphasizing the need for further research to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateOct 17, 2010

Virus 'explorers' probe inner workings of the brain

Princeton University researchers are developing a new method for studying brain connectivity using genetically engineered viruses. The viruses, designed by Lynn Enquist's team, travel through the nervous system, tracing connections between neurons and reporting on their activity. This approach has significant implications for understan...

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that human growth hormone (HGH) improves sprint capacity in healthy recreational athletes, with effects nearly doubled in men who also received testosterone injections. The researchers also noted significant reductions in fat mass but no increase in muscle mass.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 3, 2010

Infectious virus hidden in chromosomes during latency can be passed from parents to children

A team of researchers at the University of South Florida discovered that a common herpesvirus can integrate its DNA into human chromosomes, allowing it to be passed down through generations. This finding raises concerns about disease risk and the potential for viral reactivation in individuals born with the virus's DNA in every cell.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2010

Herpes medication does not reduce risk of HIV transmission, UW-led international study finds

A five-year international study found that acyclovir suppressive therapy did not reduce the risk of HIV transmission in couples where one partner had both HIV and HSV-2. The study revealed significant reductions in plasma HIV levels and genital ulcers, but no impact on HIV transmission.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 20, 2010

Why circumcision reduces HIV risk

Male circumcision significantly reduces HIV infection risk by 60% in rural Uganda men. The removal of foreskin tissue containing HIV target cells explains most of the protection. Circumcision also reduces genital ulcer disease by lowering rates of trauma-induced ulcers, not just those caused by herpes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 23, 2009

UNC scientists tackle viral mysteries

Researchers discover that a secondary viral infection can trigger the reactivation of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), leading to uncontrolled cell growth and potentially developing into cancer. Activation of specific toll-like receptors allows the virus to replicate, spreading throughout the body.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2009

More compelling evidence on why circumcision should be routine

New data from Ugandan scientists find that adult male circumcision decreases rates of herpes and human papillomavirus (HPV), two most common sexually transmitted infections. Circumcision is linked to a 25% reduction in HPV risk and a third reduction in HPV risk, according to researchers at the University of Washington.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 25, 2009

Male circumcision reduces risk of genital herpes and HPV infection, but not syphilis

A study found that medically supervised male circumcision significantly reduces the risk of acquiring genital herpes (HSV-2) and human papillomavirus (HPV), but has no effect on syphilis. Circumcision was also associated with a 28% lower risk of HSV-2 infection and a 35% reduced prevalence of HPV.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 25, 2009