Articles tagged with Viral Infections
Researchers identify a concrete biological mechanism that triggers MS, focusing on B cells and Epstein-Barr virus. This understanding may help guide future strategies to prevent or treat MS.
A new study by the University of Tennessee shows that virus infection of cyanobacteria releases nutrients, fueling microbial growth and contributing to enhanced oxygen levels in the ocean. The findings suggest a direct link between viral activity and ecosystem functioning below the surface.
Researchers discovered a subcellular environment within the giant virus Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus that enables efficient translation of viral mRNAs despite mismatched codon usage with its host. This specialized environment alleviates the unfavorable translation condition, allowing for optimal viral replication.
The meeting report highlights the emerging importance of infection-driven senescence in understanding chronic diseases, including respiratory viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2. Researchers found that senescent cells contribute to persistent inflammation and reduced healing, particularly in older adults during chronic infections.
Researchers at Utah State University have discovered a new CRISPR system that can precisely target transfer RNA in invading pathogens, which could lead to the development of a single diagnostic test for COVID, influenza, and RSV. This discovery enables the detection and targeting of specific pathogens without damaging host cells.
Researchers detected Pteropine orthoreovirus (PRV) in five patients in Bangladesh with symptoms consistent with Nipah virus infection. The study highlights the importance of broad-spectrum surveillance programs to identify and mitigate public health risks from emerging bat-borne viruses.
Composite copper oxides La₂CuO₄ and Y₂Cu₂O₅ demonstrate exceptionally high antiviral activity against non-enveloped viruses, outperforming individual constituent oxides. The oxides' cation-rich surfaces enhance electrostatic adsorption of viruses, leading to protein inactivation and viral neutralization.
Researchers describe first reported mpox transmission of clade Ib in a healthcare setting outside Africa, with Ireland's nosocomial outbreak linked to local cases. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, community transmission shifted from sexual to non-sexual routes, driven by factors like overcrowding and child malnutrition.
A new nanoparticle vaccine strategy has been developed to protect against multiple filovirus strains, including Ebola. The vaccine candidates display filovirus surface proteins on engineered nanoparticles, helping the immune system recognize and respond to the virus.
Researchers developed a genetic method to produce dark males and pale females, making it easier to sort sex in mosquito control. The approach uses CRISPR gene editing to create an engineered sex-linked trait that enables fast and accurate sex separation without complex equipment.
Researchers found that valacyclovir, an antiviral medication, was ineffective in treating early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease and may even worsen cognitive function. The study suggests that individuals with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease and herpes simplex virus seropositivity should not be treated with valacyclovir.
Public Health Alerts provide concise, data-driven information on disease outbreaks and urgent health events. The new series, launched by NEJM Evidence and CIDRAP, offers expert-reviewed reports to support public health evidence-based care.
Research by Politecnico di Milano finds that even a small percentage of individuals who don't follow health measures can significantly increase the infection peak and strain healthcare facilities. The study emphasizes the need to monitor and adapt public health strategies to individual urban contexts, making interventions more effective.
Researchers used AI to identify a new viral surface protein that triggers the production of neutralizing antibodies, offering a breakthrough for developing effective vaccines and antibody therapies. The discovery could also provide insights into treating smallpox, a related virus posing a bioterrorism risk.
Researchers have created a simple and efficient system to understand norovirus gene functions, enabling the development of antivirals and vaccines. The new method involves injecting norovirus cDNA clones into zebrafish embryos to generate infectious human noroviruses.
A study found that viral interactions inside cells influence antiviral resistance outcomes, while a less potent drug may ironically improve its future utility by promoting social interactions in viruses. The researchers suggest a trade-off between hitting the virus hard and allowing resistance to rise.
A new study suggests that expanding seasonal immunization access could minimize off-season RSV epidemics, with higher rates of hospitalizations in urban areas compared to rural communities. Providing year-round access to RSV immunization would be more risk-averse and minimize risks of large seasonal outbreaks.
Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine created a comprehensive map showing how antibodies attach to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and how viral mutations weaken that attachment. The study highlights the limits of current antibodies and suggests new strategies for building longer-lasting antibody therapies and vaccines.
Scientists have developed a fast-acting and long-lasting vaccine against Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), which is one of the world's most dangerous infectious diseases. The vaccine, made from a virus-like replicon particle, provides durable humoral immunity for up to 18 months.
The FluWarning system uses genetic code analysis to detect subtle changes in flu viruses that may indicate cross-species transmission. It has been successfully applied to H5N1 bird flu and detected clusters of viral activity in the US, issuing alerts before official reports were published.
A new approach developed by University of Waterloo researchers uses social media posts to identify early warning signs of increasing vaccine skepticism. This method can detect patterns in data much more effectively than traditional methods, providing a bigger lead time before an outbreak occurs.
Researchers identified eight different long COVID trajectories, depending on severity and duration of symptoms, in a study of over 3,500 adult participants. The study found that 10.3% of patients had long COVID symptoms three months after infection, with 81% continuing to experience persistent or intermittent symptoms a year later.
Researchers discovered a 'sticky' molecule, P-selectin, that can cause blood clots and organ failure during COVID-19. A new mRNA therapy that drives P-selectin expression provides broad protection against coronavirus infection.
A study published in Nature found that wild birds, particularly ducks, geese, and swans, are driving the current US bird flu outbreak. The viruses were introduced to North America via migratory birds and have become better adapted to infect wild birds since 2020.
In response to rising RSV cases, ECDC advises policymakers and public health authorities on effective ways to mitigate the impact of RSV disease in infants. Immunisation interventions, including long-acting monoclonal antibodies and maternal vaccines, can prevent severe illness and hospitalization.
Researchers at EMBL-EBI developed SPRTA, an interpretable and efficient way to score the reliability of each branch in a phylogenetic tree. This method enables fast and reliable understanding of virus strain evolution, informing better decisions during outbreaks.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have captured high-resolution images of the yellow fever virus, shedding light on its structural differences between the vaccine strain and disease-causing variants. The study reveals that these differences impact how the immune system recognizes the virus.
Researchers found RSV to be of comparable severity to influenza and COVID-19, with higher death rates and intensive care admissions. Long-term cardiovascular and neurological complications were also observed up to 300 days post-hospitalisation.
A new study identifies specific bat species carrying viruses with high epidemic potential. The research highlights that not all bats carry the same level of viral risk, and conservation efforts can help mitigate this risk by protecting habitats. Understanding which bat groups harbor deadly viruses can aid in developing therapeutics.
The Annenberg Public Policy Center survey finds that most American adults are unclear about the dangers of measles and the value of vaccination. The survey also shows a decline in support for MMR vaccination among parents, from 90% in November 2024 to 82% in August 2025.
Research found acute and chronic viral infections increase risk of heart attacks and strokes, while long-term risks persist for HIV, hepatitis C, and herpes zoster. Vaccination measures, including flu shots, can reduce cardiovascular disease risk by 34%.
Researchers have uncovered a new mechanism by which the body's immune system responds to viral infections, potentially leading to a new approach for fighting cancer. The study reveals that infected cells produce their own unique RNA signal, Z-RNA, which sets off a chain reaction leading to cell death before viruses can hijack them.
A rare Seoul virus infection was reported in a German woman after visiting a private pet rat breeding facility. Laboratory tests revealed the presence of the virus in several rats from the facility, highlighting the need for better screening and hygiene practices.
In her book 'Sonic Socialism: Crisis and Care in Pandemic Hanoi', Christina Schwenkel explores how Vietnam used sound technologies to inform, regulate, and connect people during the pandemic. The country's success was largely due to its rapid communication systems, including loudspeakers and public health videos.
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to global challenges through applied microbiology. The awards celebrate excellence across various domains, including drug discovery and sustainable agriculture.
A study found a significant increase in type 1 diabetes cases among children under five and young adult men in Sweden during the Covid-19 pandemic. The incidence of diabetes increased by 12% in 2021 and 9% in 2022 compared to previous years, with no clear connection between Covid-19 infection and diabetes.
A recent study found that 90% of people in BC's Lower Mainland have detectable antibodies against measles, indicating high vaccine coverage and population protection. However, the study also found lower immunity rates among older adults, with only 75% of those aged 20-39 having measurable antibodies.
A study of 200 classrooms found that HEPA purifiers did not significantly reduce respiratory viral exposures, suggesting additional interventions are needed. Maintaining classroom humidity between 40% and 60% may help lower viral exposures and improve comfort for students and teachers.
A novel disease prevention strategy targeting the Aedes mosquito species has been shown to reduce mosquito numbers by 60% and cases of dengue fever by 24% in a community. The study, conducted in Merida, Mexico, tested an intervention that used targeted indoor residual spraying of insecticide before outbreaks occur.
A new report highlights how a California partnership, STOP COVID-19 CA, helped address health inequalities during the pandemic by bringing together researchers and communities. The network improved access to reliable information, testing, and vaccination, while laying the foundation for long-term health equity.
Researchers argue that AI can strengthen pandemic preparedness by detecting emerging diseases earlier. By combining data from humans, animals, and the environment, AI can reveal patterns and provide insights into potential pathogens.
A new study by Kaiser Permanente found that mailing human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling kits to patients increases cervical cancer screening completion rates. The study also shows that this approach is cost-effective, especially for health systems with a wide range of patient populations.
A new pediatric study found that young people infected with COVID twice are twice as likely to develop long COVID, with increased risks for heart disease, damaged kidneys, cognitive issues, and more. The study analyzed data from over 407,000 patients across 40 pediatric hospitals.
The Gladstone Infectious Disease Institute is broadening its research scope to tackle pressing health challenges beyond viruses. Scientists are discovering new ways to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and explore the interconnectedness of viruses and bacteria in causing chronic diseases.
Researchers used computer modeling and large datasets to understand how COVID-19 was transmitted in one community in South Africa. The study found that population density and household size significantly affected transmission patterns during lockdowns and government restrictions.
A Swansea University study found ambulance staff faced intense emotional and operational strain during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite challenges, staff showed strong resilience and adaptability in handling high-stakes environments.
A new review article highlights the need for effective control and prevention strategies for sexually transmitted gut infections, which can persist longer and be harder to treat. The authors emphasize the importance of prompt diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and community-level education and testing.
A Japanese study has identified four distinct patterns of immune response after COVID-19 vaccines, with a 'rapid-decliner' group experiencing faster decline in antibody levels. Monitoring changes in antibody levels may help identify individuals at greater risk of infection and inform more effective vaccination strategies.
The report makes recommendations for diagnosing, treating and preventing serious heart and blood vessel complications linked to the virus. Structured cardiac rehabilitation programmes are also recommended to prevent long-term problems after infection and aid recovery from long Covid.
Researchers found a significant drop in rescue breathing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for children, leading to increased death rates and worse outcomes. The study estimated that the decline may have caused about 10.7 more pediatric deaths each year during the pandemic.
Researchers develop a framework for biologging-based surveillance to detect disease outbreaks in wildlife, providing insights into the spread of zoonotic diseases like avian flu and COVID-19. The approach aims to revolutionize public health interventions by enabling early detection and proactive prevention.
A recent study provides insights into the true impact of chikungunya on pediatric health, revealing diagnostic challenges and limited public health responses. Infants are especially susceptible to severe complications, emphasizing the need for improved research, diagnostics, surveillance, and policy.
A comprehensive registry study in Sweden found that healthy, full-term babies under three months old are at risk of severe illness from RSV. The study highlights several risk factors, including birth weight and sibling age, which increase the risk of needing intensive care or dying.
Researchers at University of Würzburg uncover a previously unknown type of assembly chaperone in poxviruses, formed by an RNA molecule called tRNA. This discovery sheds light on the complex process of gene expression in viruses and could pave the way for new drugs against poxviruses.
Researchers have discovered Migrion, a novel unit for intercellular viral transmission that exploits host cell migration. Migrions facilitate accelerated replication kinetics and co-transmission of heterologous viruses, causing severe pulmonary and cerebral infections.
A new WSU study found that local communities were not overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases linked to returning students. The study suggests mitigation efforts like testing and social distancing limited the spread of the virus.
A team of researchers at Mount Sinai discovered three powerful monoclonal antibodies that target the viral protein A35 and block viral spread in laboratory tests. These antibodies also protected rodents from severe disease and fully prevented death, suggesting they could be promising drug candidates for mpox treatment.
A recent study found that people with a recent rhinovirus infection are significantly less likely to become infected with SARS-CoV-2. This effect is thought to be linked to the body's antiviral defenses, which can temporarily prime the immune system to fight off other viruses.
Researchers at Penn State have identified certain characteristics that can help predict whether a virus will persist in a new population. Infection prevalence and viral shedding were found to be significant predictors of long-term viral persistence. The study used a worm model system to examine disease transmission and emergence at a p...
Researchers found that HPV16 undermines the body's defenses by reprogramming immune cells surrounding tumors. Blocking IL-23 boosts experimental treatments for HPV to eliminate cancer cells.