Articles tagged with Viral Infections
A study found that a small number of Varroa mites can infect many adult honey bees, with high-risk mites spreading pathogens through frequent host switching. This mechanism amplifies the vectorial capacity of Varroa destructor.
A large cohort study found that long-term low-dose hydroxychloroquine use is associated with a low risk of developing retinopathy, while higher doses increase the risk. Regular screening can identify the issue at an early stage.
A new study found that COVID-19 primarily affected patients with a moderate to critical course, often with comorbidities, whereas many had mild courses despite metastatic melanoma and systemic therapy, recommending continued treatment whenever possible.
A new study reveals that smallpox originated more than 3,800 years ago, confirming historical sources and shedding light on the disease's history. The researchers used genetic analysis to trace the evolution of the virus, finding that different strains descended from a single common ancestor.
Researchers at UBC identified three compounds derived from natural sources that prevent COVID-19 infection in human cells. The discovery paves the way for developing new medicines using natural sources.
A study found that Ezo red foxes and Japanese raccoon dogs infected with HPAI virus had different outcomes due to varying diets. The fox died, while the raccoon dog survived but suffered damage to its eyes. The findings suggest that monitoring programs should be expanded to understand HPAI ecology and identify risk factors.
Researchers found that individuals who strongly agree with government restrictions on individual behavior during public emergencies are more likely to believe in just deserts. Men are also slightly more likely to hold this belief than women, while those who think it's unlikely they'll get infected have lower levels of just deserts.
A new study published in The Journal of Rural Health found that urban men who have sex with men (MSM) are more likely to get vaccinated and tested for Mpox than their rural counterparts. The study also revealed that rural MSM perceived themselves as less susceptible to the disease and had lower intention to be vaccinated.
Researchers have developed a simple mechanical model to understand how viruses replicate inside cells, highlighting the crucial role of virus size in this process. The optimal size range for efficient viral replication is suggested to be between 60nm and 100nm in diameter.
MIT researchers have identified molecules found in mucus that can block cholera infection by interfering with the genes that cause the microbe to switch into a harmful state. The protective molecules, known as glycans, prevent Vibrio cholerae from producing the toxin that usually leads to severe diarrhea.
Scientists create an artificial brain in a petri dish to study the effects of the Zika virus. The study reveals that viral noncoding RNA helps the virus evade antiviral responses and cause cell death in developing brains.
Researchers discovered that RNA interference, a viral defence mechanism, also prevents overproduction of body's own proteins in intestinal cells, promoting ER quality control. This interplay is crucial for maintaining protein balance and overall intestinal health.
A newly discovered immune response inside the nose fights off viruses, but is suppressed by colder temperatures, making an infection more likely to occur. The study offers the first biological mechanism to explain why viruses like COVID-19 spike in colder seasons.
A study analyzing data from 13 studies found that approximately one third of children born to mothers infected with Zika virus during pregnancy presented with abnormalities consistent with Congenital Zika Syndrome. The most frequently observed manifestations included microcephaly, neurological impairments, and sensory abnormalities. Ri...
A research team at the University of California, Riverside has discovered the structure of a human monoclonal antibody that protects against Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus. The study provides insights into fighting a broad range of viral strains and could lead to targeted therapeutics for infected patients.
A study found that individuals with blood group Rh(D) have a higher risk of contracting parvovirus, which causes fifth disease. The study screened over 160,000 blood donors in Germany and found all infected persons belonged to the Rh(D) blood group.
A new collaborative research centre, DECIDE, will investigate the interactions between pathogens and the human immune system, aiming to improve treatment strategies. The centre combines research on various bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and will involve numerous young researchers.
Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn have discovered a new function of CRISPR/Cas9 gene scissors, which produce small signal molecules that bind to proteins, activating an emergency response. This discovery opens up new possibilities for treating diseases using CRISPR technology.
Researchers studied the lung immune responses of cave nectar bats to Malacca virus, identifying unique white blood cell behaviors and gene signatures that help limit inflammation. The findings could lead to better ways of combatting human viral infections.
Researchers found that treatment with remdesivir within 9 days of symptom onset decreases mortality in Japanese patients with severe to critical COVID-19 who received corticosteroids. The study suggests early treatment with remdesivir and corticosteroids is associated with decreased mortality.
Three circulating omicron subvariants have shown improved resistance to vaccine- and infection-generated neutralizing antibodies. BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 are dominating US infections, while BA.2.75.2 is the best at evading neutralizing antibodies.
Climate change is expanding the geographic range of endemic fungal diseases, such as Valley fever, blastomycosis, and histoplasmosis, which can mimic pneumonia. Physicians are often misdiagnosing these conditions due to a lack of training and limited testing options.
Researchers found reduced levels of D-amino acids in patients with severe COVID-19 and IAV infection, suggesting they could be used as biomarkers. Supplementation with D-alanine improved survival rates and clinical outcomes in mouse models of both infections.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded over $12 million to three institutions for the development of antiviral therapies against pandemic viruses. The funding will support the optimization, development, and clinical testing of promising antiviral candidates.
A new study finds that children with severe forms of epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome, are at high risk of seizures triggered by the flu. The seasonal influenza vaccine is recommended for these children to protect them from complications and prolong their survival.
A new study found that maintaining universal masking policies in schools significantly reduced COVID-19 cases among students and staff. The study showed that lifting masking requirements led to a substantial increase in cases, highlighting the importance of universal masking in reducing transmission.
Researchers investigated Aicardi-Goutières syndrome and found that viral RNA recognition drives uncontrolled interferon production. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells due to the failure of safety mechanisms to distinguish between viral and host genetic material.
Researchers have developed a transport nanoparticle to deliver an anti-inflammatory drug, Necrosulfonamide (NSA), directly into macrophages to combat inflammatory overactivation. The mesoporous silica nanoparticle is fully biodegradable and non-toxic, showing remarkable efficacy in reducing inflammation.
The study found that protein kinase CK2 plays a key role in regulating CD8+ T cell activation, metabolic reprogramming and differentiation during infection by the intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. In mouse models, deletion of the CK2α catalytic subunit impaired CD8+ T cell function.
Researchers found that reducing SAMHD1 levels made brain tumor cells sensitive to chemotherapy drugs and slowed cell growth. They also suspect that glioblastoma alters SAMHD1's function to aid its own survival and treatment resistance.
Researchers developed investigational monoclonal antibodies targeting EBV's gH and gL proteins, blocking infection in human cells and providing nearly complete protection against EBV infection in mice. The findings highlight viable vaccine targets and potential treatment options for immunocompromised patients.
New research reveals a relationship between virus concentration and organic carbon in wastewater treatment plant effluents. The study found that viruses can affect the concentration of organic carbon, leading to potential negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems nearby.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have developed a new therapy for Lassa fever using a trio of rare human antibodies that can block viral infection. The therapy, called Arevirumab-3, was tested in non-human primates and proved 100% effective in treating the disease.
A new study finds American dog tick populations expanding into Colorado and identifies Rocky Mountain wood ticks in 5 more counties than previously documented by the CDC. The study leverages citizen science data, revealing a critical need for increased tick surveillance and preventative measures against ticks.
Researchers developed a machine learning-based diagnostic method that combines genomic sequencing and analysis of patients' immune response for remarkable accuracy. The approach identifies and predicts sepsis cases with high accuracy, potentially exceeding current diagnostic capabilities.
UTSW researchers found that COVID-19 increased pediatric mental health visits by 42.8% in 2020, with female adolescents and non-Hispanic patients most affected. A $2.5 million grant will fund a study on optimal oxygen therapy for preterm infants to reduce mortality and lung disease.
A new mechanism has been discovered for the passive transport of biomolecules through the nuclear pore complex, with implications for human diseases. The research team used supercomputing simulations on Frontera and Stampede2 systems to study the kinetics of the nuclear pore transport.
A WVU biomedical engineer is working on a rapid diagnostic tool that can detect tick-borne infections such as Lyme disease via a blood sample on a single chip. The tool uses dielectrophoresis and machine-learning to detect diseases within one to two weeks after onset, reducing the risk of hospitalization and chronic conditions.
A new study found that a protein called apoptosis inhibitor five (API5) protects most people with the mutation linked to Crohn's disease from developing the illness. Norovirus infection blocks API5 production in mice with Crohn's, killing gut-lining cells and tipping the balance towards autoimmune disease.
In some sub-Saharan African countries, up to 88% of adolescents express vaccine hesitancy due to safety and efficacy concerns. The study identifies determinants of this phenomenon, shedding light on strategies to improve vaccination rates in the region.
Researchers mapped the spread of pathogens in wild macaque populations near human settlements, finding that monkeys with high human interactions cause larger outbreaks. The study used computer simulations to predict disease transmission and identified key factors influencing outbreak size.
Researchers found that certain fungal species in tumors are linked to inflammation and reduced cell-to-cell adhesion, features associated with late-stage cancer spread. High levels of these fungi may serve as biomarkers for metastasis risk and lead to more effective treatment choices.
Researchers documented social ties between individual chimpanzees and gorillas that persisted over years and across different contexts. The study found enhanced foraging opportunities to be a key benefit of interspecies social interactions, with apes sharing knowledge of diverse plant species.
Researchers developed a highly effective and safe Zika vaccine technology that prevents systemic infection in pregnant mice and stimulates an immunogenic reaction. The vaccine was tested in various mouse models, proving safe and protective against the virus.
Scientists analyze environmental data to find temperature, rainfall, and pastureland areas as key factors contributing to viral transmission. The researchers project that areas hospitable to Lassa virus spread may extend into Central and East Africa in the next several decades.
Researchers have identified two NLRP sensors, NLRP1 and CARD8, as key players in Coxsackievirus B3-induced heart inflammation. Targeting CARD8 may prevent CVB3 infections from progressing to heart failure. The study provides new insights into the inflammatory response triggered by this common viral cause of viral myocarditis.
A team of scientists from SMART and NTU Singapore has developed a quick test kit that can determine a person's immunity against COVID-19 and its variants based on antibodies detected in a blood sample. The test kit, which requires just 10 minutes to show results, can be easily adapted for new variants of concern and other diseases.
The study proposes a model to understand the complications caused by zika virus infection during pregnancy. The researchers found that zika virus alters protein expression in neural cells, affecting energy production and RNA metabolism, which can lead to defective myelination and microcephaly.
A literature review found that only 53% of primary research supported the association between land change and zoonotic disease risk. Webpage content often overstated the evidence, neglecting uncertainty. The authors recommend more accurate and nuanced science communication to improve understanding.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that people with hospital-treated infections in early- and mid-life had a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The research analyzed data on over 291,000 cases and matched controls to identify the association between infections and neurodegenerativ...
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic's FRIC found that cytoskeleton disruption is a key signal for the body to respond to viruses. This discovery has potential implications for developing new anti-viral vaccines and treatments.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America highlights the need to strengthen antibiotic stewardship programs to address overuse of antibiotics in early stages of viral epidemics. The guidance provides strategies for hospitals and healthcare personnel to improve antibiotic prescribing and diagnostic testing.
Researchers found that gut commensal bacteria enhance the pathogenesis of a tumorigenic murine retrovirus by upregulating genes that suppress the immune response. This ability to evade the immune system allows tumors to develop and progress in mice infected with the virus.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered how Zika virus forces dendritic cells to churn out lipid molecules, allowing the virus to build copies of itself. This study provides a major step forward in developing antiviral therapies against multiple flavivirus infections.
Researchers developed a label-free SERS method to detect the cysteine residues of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein subunit, allowing consistent detection in human blood plasma, mucus, and saliva samples. This technique holds potential for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections in remote areas.
The NEUROCOV project seeks to understand the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the nervous system, with a focus on immune response and neuronal functions. The research aims to predict risk for neurological symptoms and develop effective treatments.
The University of California, Davis has received a $10 million grant to continue its work on managing and preventing mosquito- and tick-borne diseases. Researchers will focus on finding effective methods to stop these diseases while training the next generation of public-health scientists.
Researchers have created a stem cell-based model of the human liver, allowing for the study of how Ebola virus infects liver cells. The infected cultures showed that viral infection directly disrupts liver function, while immune cells can transfer the virus to other cells.
A review of evidence found that 2-3% of monkeypox patients experienced severe complications such as seizure or encephalitis. Mood disorders like depression and anxiety were also common among infected individuals.
Exosomes have been identified as possible vehicles for virus transmission, and a recent study found that the saliva protein exportin 6 plays a crucial role in this process. The researchers isolated exosomes from the saliva of insect vectors and showed that they can transport plant virions into rice plants.