Research on viral diseases and the response to them. Covers Ebola and mpox, diagnostics, post-viral fatigue, and outbreak control strategies.
Researchers at Aston University have developed a new antibiotic combination that successfully treated a cystic fibrosis patient's deadly lung infection. The combination of imipenem/relebactam with amoxicillin eradicated the infection, enabling the patient to receive a lifesaving lung transplant.
Researchers have found that gamma delta T cells can be trained to become extreme killers by recognizing abnormal target cells. This discovery has implications for developing novel cellular therapies to treat cancer and infectious diseases.
A new study reveals which bird species are driving the global spread of avian influenza, identifying ducks and geese as super-spreaders. The research also highlights the crucial role of gulls in transmitting the virus over long distances, with their ability to fly over oceans playing a significant role in its rapid spread.
A study in a mouse model found that viral infections during pregnancy can affect the mother's brain and disrupt maternal care behavior after birth. The research team identified structural, molecular, and functional changes in the brains of mothers with viral-like immune activation.
A recent study by the University of Helsinki found that scent detection dogs can accurately identify individuals with a coronavirus infection from skin swabs. The dogs' sensitivity and specificity were 92%, with only small differences in accuracy observed between individual dogs.
Researchers developed an algorithm to quickly identify two cancer drugs that work well together, reducing testing time from three years to eight weeks. The new method uses gene expression data to prioritize potential combinations and has been confirmed in lab tests.
A vaccine candidate for eastern equine encephalitis virus, western equine encephalitis virus, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus has been found safe and well-tolerated in a clinical trial. The vaccine induced a neutralizing antibody response against all three viruses.
A UC Davis study found a critical agent keeping KSHV dormant and undetected by the immune system. The virus is linked to various cancers and AIDS-related diseases. The researchers identified CHD4 as a key regulator of the latency-lytic switch, allowing the virus to stay silent.
Researchers have found that flu viruses can directly infect heart cells, leading to electrical malfunctions and scarring. The study suggests that clearing the viral infection may be key to reducing flu's effects on the heart.
Researchers determined the 3D structure of NTCP, a protein crucial for liver function and HBV/HDV infection. The study reveals two essential conformations: one 'open' pore for bile salt binding and a 'closed' conformation preventing virus recognition.
Research found that SARS-CoV-2 relies on human transmembrane proteins, especially IFITM2, to replicate efficiently and produce infectious viruses. Antibodies targeting IFITM2 can protect lung cells from infection, suggesting a promising therapeutic approach by targeting host factors instead of viral ones.
A study led by Washington University in St. Louis found that nonlethal parasitic infections reduce herbivory rates and trigger trophic cascades impacting plant communities. The research used a mathematical model and global meta-analysis to highlight the ecological consequences of common parasitic infections in wild animals.
A new canine coronavirus variant has been identified in human patients with pneumonia, showing a shift from infecting both the intestines and respiratory system to only the respiratory system. Researchers used state-of-the-art tools to assess evolution pressures that may have influenced this shift.
The 100-year-old BCG vaccine has been found to protect newborns and young infants against multiple bacterial and viral infections, including COVID-19. The study identified changes in metabolite and lipid profiles that correlate with innate immune system responses.
Researchers at the Babraham Institute found that two RNA binding proteins, ZFP36 and ZFP36L1, play a crucial role in T cell development and function. The absence of these proteins enhances the potency of T cells during viral infections, leading to improved cytotoxic immune responses.
Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) have developed a new technique to easily visualize viruses using an optical microscope, called the Gires-Tournois immunoassay platform. The platform uses 'slow light' technology to detect coronavirus particles by slowing down light that gets reflected around them.
A new study by University of Waterloo researchers highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to prevent infections from becoming harder to treat due to antimicrobial resistance.
A University of Houston program successfully reduces social isolation among seniors by connecting them with UH students in social work and nursing. Weekly telephone interactions establish trust, resulting in a decrease in loneliness and an increase in participants' well-being.
A recent study found that COVID-19 spreads extensively in households, with approximately 50% of household members infected from the first-infected individual. Children were less likely to spread the virus but equally likely to become infected as adults, highlighting their potential role in transmission.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered a Zika virus mutation that boosts its ability to replicate and infect humans. This mutation allows the virus to evade protective immunity from previous dengue exposure, increasing its transmission potential.
Researchers developed a virus that infects cancer cells, killing them while sending signals to nearby uninfected cells for viral attack. This approach shrinks tumors and enhances cancer-killing efficacy in various models, including pancreatic and ovarian cancers.
Scientists are working on understanding the interplay between flaviviruses and mitochondria in hopes of finding new treatment options. By deciphering this process, researchers may be able to find broad-spectrum therapeutic targets for diseases like Zika, dengue, and West Nile.
A recent study published in mBio discovered that the SARS-CoV-2 viral gene ORF8 plays a crucial role in the severity and spread of COVID-19. Researchers found that mutations in ORF8 contribute to inflammation and disease outcomes, suggesting new treatment options for patients with severe cases.
Indiana University is developing a groundbreaking combination oral rotavirus-norovirus vaccine for infants, aiming to protect against severe vomiting and diarrhea. The vaccine, based on the existing rotavirus vaccine, uses norovirus proteins to trigger an immune response.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes create mini-livers on a chip to study the immune system's response to hepatitis C infection. The platform enables precise control over cellular interactions, allowing for detailed insights into how the liver interacts with the virus and T cells.
A new tool, SPARCLD, speeds up the development of vaccines and pharmaceutical products by accelerating synthesis and analysis on a nano scale. This breakthrough method allows for the creation of 40,000 different molecules in an area smaller than a pinhead, reducing material, energy, and economic costs.
Researchers discover medusavirus undergoes four stages of maturation within host cells, with unique particle structures and DNA-protein exchange mechanisms. The findings provide new insights into giant viruses' biology and behavior.
Researchers found that changes in viral communities may enable persistent HPV infection and progression to cancer, associated with bacterial composition and inflammation. Low Lactobacillus abundance and bacteriophage presence were also linked to increased risk.
Researchers found that one viral protein suppresses infection with hepatitis E. However, experimental studies in mice revealed a different pattern, suggesting the two viruses affect each other in complex ways. Further analysis of liver cells is needed to shed light on the underlying causes of co-infection.
The Johns Hopkins-developed sensor combines accuracy levels approaching PCR testing with the speed of rapid antigen tests, offering a strong advantage over existing methods. It can be used for mass testing in disposable chip formats or on rigid or flexible surfaces.
Researchers analyzed nearly 100,000 pregnancies and found no association between COVID-19 vaccination and poor birth outcomes. The study provides further evidence on the safety of mRNA vaccines for pregnant individuals.
Researchers have developed a new compound that prevents and treats COVID-19 caused by the Delta variant in mice. The compound, N-0385, blocks entry at the cell surface without causing detectable cell damage.
Scientists have discovered a promising strategy to treat Ebola virus infections by targeting cellular protein GSPT1, which the virus hijacks for polymerase function. An experimental drug CC-90009 degrades GSPT1, halting viral multiplication.
Scientists have discovered a human antibody that effectively neutralizes two types of hantaviruses in animal models, providing a promising candidate for developing a 'pan-hantavirus' therapy. Collectively, hantaviruses cause about 50,000 severe and often fatal infections worldwide each year.
A new research project led by Professor Edze Westra aims to uncover the mechanisms of molecular communication in viruses, which coordinate their infections and replicate in infected cells. The team will use a combination of theoretical, experimental, and observational approaches to address key questions about viral communication systems.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have developed two human antibodies that target Ebola virus and Sudan virus, showing promise for a powerful antiviral therapy. The antibodies, 1C3 and 1C11, can block three glycoprotein sites on the virus at once and target the fusion machinery used by the viruses to infect host cells.
A new study found that making hepatitis C screenings a default order for patients who meet guidelines doubled the rate of screenings among those recommended. The no-click system resulted in an 80% screening rate, compared to 42% under a previous alert system.
A new UMaine study shows that a specific combination of pathogens and drugs can effectively treat fungal lung infections. Researchers found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa works with fluconazole to eliminate drug tolerance and clear Candida albicans infection, suggesting that nutrient availability can impact treatment efficacy.
A study found that maternal immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can reduce antimicrobial prescribing among young infants. The research, based on a blinded, multi-country trial, showed that infants of mothers assigned the RSV F vaccine experienced fewer antimicrobial prescription courses over the first 90 days of life.
A UC Riverside-led team developed a theory and performed simulations to understand how viruses package their genetic material. The research reveals that capsid proteins are inclined to form shells around viral RNAs due to lower stress distribution, which can aid in designing nanocontainers for drug delivery.
Researchers propose a framework that considers interactions between social, genetic, and environmental factors to inform COVID-19 studies. The work highlights the importance of integrating these factors to determine health risks, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Researchers from North Carolina State University found that trucks transporting pigs and farm workers can spread porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) among farms. The model estimated that vehicle movements contributed up to 20% of PRRSV transmissions, highlighting the importance of enhancing biosecurity measures ...
Researchers analyzed horse samples to understand hepatitis C virus tactics and found a region called hypervariable that changes quickly, protecting the virus from host cells. This study may provide a powerful model for gaining insights into hepaciviral evolution and immune evasion.
A study found that a subtype of Newcastle disease virus caused the deaths of dozens of pigeons in São Paulo City. The researchers sequenced the viral genome and identified tissue wounds to determine the cause of death, revealing subgenotype VI.2.1.2 as the responsible pathogen. The risk to humans and poultry is considered low.
Researchers have found that HPV and Chlamydia pathogens work together to reprogram cells, leading to cancer. The study used 3D organoids to investigate the interactions between the pathogens and tissues affected by disease.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that babies born with Congenital Zika Syndrome are at an 11x greater risk of dying during their first three years of life compared to those born without. The study highlights the importance of protecting women, especially those pregnant or of child-bearing age, against ...
Researchers at University of Texas at Austin create first-ever biologically authentic computer model of HIV-1 virus liposome, shedding light on replication and infectivity. The study reveals key characteristics of the liposome's asymmetry and its role in shaping macroscopic properties.
A new variant of the Hendra virus has been detected in Australian horses, emphasizing the need for ongoing disease surveillance. The discovery was made possible by a seven-year effort to create a network of frontline veterinarians and researchers aiming to detect new viruses.
A recent review of e-cigarette research highlights the significant health risks associated with vaping, including lung inflammation and injury. The study found that e-cigarettes can cause negative effects in multiple organs, from the brain to the bladder, and may even increase the risk of lung cancer.
A new bacterial strain, Noda2021, belonging to Candidatus phylum Dependentiae has been isolated and sequenced, revealing its genetic material and potential ecological significance. This discovery sheds light on the diversity of microorganisms in Japan's microbiological hotspots.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine significantly improved protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death. The study's results suggest that three doses of the vaccine provide greater benefit than two doses in preventing these outcomes.
A new study found COVID-19 hotspots in Canadian cities are concentrated along social determinants of health, including visible minority status. Prioritizing public health supports to specific neighborhoods can help curb transmission and improve pandemic response.
Researchers found that interleukin-2 promotes the development of two subsets of CD8 T cells, one producing IL-2 and the other not, with distinct fates. The IL-2-producing cells develop into immune memory cells with long-term protection, while the non-IL-2-producing cells gain effector traits but lose memory formation.
A recent study revealed that current tomato cultivars are vulnerable to the emerging ToBRFV, a damaging virus affecting tomatoes and other crops. The research also developed a molecular detection tool to identify infectious virus particles carried on contaminated seeds.
A human polyomavirus (HPyV9) has been identified as a cause of severe skin rash and subsequent organ failure in solid organ transplant recipients. Routine testing for the virus is now recommended to prevent such cases, with the use of a new technique called VirCapSeq-VERT.
Researchers examined Kappa and Delta variant structures using cryo-EM, finding Delta's spike protein binds stronger with human ACE2 receptor. This explains the rapid global dominance of the Delta variant. The study provides insight into COVID-19 variants' evolution.
A human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) was confirmed in England, with the individual remaining asymptomatic despite close contact with infected ducks. The investigation found that the virus exhibited four nucleotide mutations, but no increased zoonotic risk was detected.
Researchers have developed a method to assess drug potential for rare disorders by profiling FDA-approved drugs. The study identified NMD modulators that could potentially treat hundreds of disorders associated with nonsense-mediated RNA decay.
Researchers are using a salamander virus to predict the future of biodiversity amid a changing climate. The study aims to create better models to understand how climate change and infectious diseases interact, with potential implications for conserving species at risk of extinction.
A recent study found that most common hand disinfectants are ineffective against the hepatitis E virus (HEV), a leading cause of acute liver inflammation worldwide. Despite being non-enveloped and highly resistant to chemical influences, HEV can still be infectious after exposure to certain disinfectants.