Research on viral diseases and the response to them. Covers Ebola and mpox, diagnostics, post-viral fatigue, and outbreak control strategies.
A team of researchers analyzed the immune system of P. aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis patients, finding diverse bacterial populations with varying responses to viruses. The study's findings have implications for phage therapy and understanding infectious disease.
Researchers have identified a new genus of filovirus from a Rousettus bat in China, which shares genetic similarities with Ebola and Marburg viruses. The M?nglà virus poses a potential risk of interspecies transmission and has only been detected in bats so far.
USC scientists have made groundbreaking discoveries about a tick-borne virus, including its molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. The research could lead to the development of medications and a vaccine to prevent or treat hemorrhagic fever.
Researchers used metagenomic nanopore sequencing to analyze 120 Lassa virus samples, implicating rodent contamination as the main driver of the outbreak. The technology provided rapid, real-time characterization of the pathogen, allowing for prompt public health responses and alleviating concerns about novel strains.
Hepatitis C infection affects 0.93% of US adults, with highest rates in opioid crisis-affected states, and varies by state and region
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a low-cost method to capture complete RNA transcription information in single-cell genomics. The new technique, called DART-seq, uses droplet microfluidics to simultaneously analyze multiple genes and identify virus-infected cells.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich discovered that immune cells attacking liver sinusoidal endothelial cells disrupts the organ's blood and nutrient supply, leading to overwhelming damage. A new perforin inhibitor agent has been identified to prevent this lethal process.
A new microneedle patch vaccine containing the inactivated RSV virus has been shown to be effective in enhancing protection against the disease and reducing inflammation. The vaccine, combined with an immune-stimulating compound, was found to induce a stronger immune response than traditional intramuscular vaccination.
Researchers discovered shared and virus-specific mechanisms used by dengue and Zika viruses to counteract human and mosquito immune defense, hijack host proteins, and disrupt brain development. They found that Zika virus causes microcephaly in fruit flies by disrupting the function of ANKLE2 protein.
Researchers identified a new interaction between the Ebola virus protein VP30 and human host protein RBBP6, which disrupts virus growth. The study provides potential therapeutic targets for treating Ebola virus infections.
Researchers discovered a human protein, RBBP6, that interferes with the Ebola virus replication cycle. By mimicking this protein's function, a small molecule drug could potentially block Ebola virus infection in human cells.
A lab study identified key ways the three viruses hijack human cells and found at least one potential drug that can disrupt this process in human cells. Researchers also discovered how the Zika virus might cause microcephaly in infants, a crucial step towards developing a treatment.
A recent study by RUDN medics revealed critical spread rates of five types of viral hepatitis in Somalia, with 18.9% of residents infected with hepatitis B and higher rates for hepatitis A and E. The researchers emphasize the need for immediate action to address this global health crisis.
A team from Osaka University has created a system to produce large numbers of human norovirus particles using intestinal epithelial cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. This breakthrough allows for the study of the virus and potential vaccine development without relying on human tissue or bile.
Scientists at Imperial College London discovered that persister cells manipulate immune cells, potentially opening new avenues to clearing these cells from the body. The study found that persisters weaken the power of macrophages, a key part of our arsenal against infection.
Research suggests that distinct HIV-1 strains differ in their interaction with CCR5 molecules, affecting cell infectability and entry efficacy. The study found that the nature of these receptor interactions regulates viral properties and has potential implications for developing targeted therapies.
Scientists discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis releases RNA into infected cells, stimulating interferon beta production to support pathogen growth. Mice lacking key protein required for responding to foreign RNA were better able to control MTB infection.
A new study has found that Rift Valley fever virus can cause high rates of stillbirth in pregnant rats and human tissue, with the virus evading the mother-child barrier more efficiently than other vertically transmitted viruses. The research aims to develop vaccines to prevent the virus from causing miscarriage and birth defects.
A recent study published in Nature Immunology reveals that lung-resident memory B cells can provide more effective immunity against influenza infections. These cells are able to respond quickly and produce antibodies after a second infection, suggesting they play a crucial role in respiratory virus immunity.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii have developed a recombinant subunit vaccine that uses only a small part of the Zika virus to protect against infection. The vaccine has shown efficacy in both mice and monkeys, providing an important milestone in its development.
Researchers developed nanoparticles that detect proteases produced by bacteria and immune cells, allowing for faster diagnosis of pneumonia. The sensors can indicate whether antibiotics are effective in treating the infection.
Researchers have generated six Zika virus antibodies that could be used to diagnose and potentially treat the mosquito-borne disease. The neutralizing property of these antibodies prevents the virus from infecting cells, rendering it harmless.
Researchers from Technical University of Munich identified a previously unknown virus causing mass mortality in brown trout. The piscine reovirus is related to the virus infecting salmon in North Atlantic and Pacific, causing significant economic damage.
Researchers analyzed severe influenza cases in Catalan hospitals to study vaccination effectiveness in reducing ICU admissions and deaths. Vaccination showed 23% effectiveness overall, with 44% for those over 65.
Researchers found that specific sugars in breast milk enhance infection of cells with a particular strain of rotavirus, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms in newborns. The study also identifies maternal components that could improve the performance of live, attenuated rotavirus vaccines.
Researchers found that protocadherin-1 (PCDH1) is essential for hantavirus infection of lung cells. Disrupting this recognition event could lead to a therapeutic against hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). The study, supported by NIH funding, used monoclonal antibodies to block virus entry and showed promising results in hamster models.
A global team of investigators has identified protocadherin-1 (PCDH1) as a crucial protein involved in Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), a serious respiratory disease. The study, published in Nature, reveals that PCDH1 facilitates lung cell infection and triggers HPS, providing a viable target for blocking the disease.
Researchers identified protocadherin-1 as a key receptor facilitating hantavirus lung cell entry. Deleting this receptor made lab animals resistant to infection, offering potential therapeutic strategy against hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
Researchers isolated antibodies from human survivors of Andes hantavirus infection that protected hamsters against the deadly disease. The antibodies shielded animals even after administration, suggesting they could be used as a preventative treatment for hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome.
Researchers developed a model predicting animal viruses capable of spreading among humans, highlighting potential targets for disease surveillance. The study identified 47 viruses with high transmissibility potential, including Carnivore amdoparvovirus 1 and Simian Foamy virus.
Research suggests that frogs from virus-exposed groups are breeding at significantly younger ages than those in disease-free populations. This decrease in breeding age poses a risk of local extinction due to environmental changes.
Scientists have discovered evidence of infectious prions in the eyes of deceased Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) patients, which could lead to early diagnosis and treatment of this fatal neurodegenerative disease. The finding raises concerns about the safety of routine eye exams and corneal transplants.
A new study of disease transmission in bats has quantified unseen interactions that play a crucial role in the spread of disease through populations and between species. The researchers found that infrequent and indirect connections among individuals are far more important in disease transmission than previously thought.
Researchers at Griffith University have discovered specific sugar molecules that bind to the respiratory tract, allowing influenza viruses like H5N1 to infect humans. This knowledge could lead to the development of novel anti-influenza drugs to prevent human infection.
The FluChip-8G test promises to reduce influenza A and B characterization times from two weeks to eight hours. The study uses the test alongside standardized WHO/CDC rRT-PCR tests, employing specimens collected from various locations including Vietnam, Malaysia, and the US.
Research suggests Zika virus may use the same immune transfer route as dengue to infect Hofbauer cells in the placenta, leading to increased viral binding and entry. This finding has implications for understanding Zika's ability to cross the placental barrier.
A team of engineers discovered a microgel powder that reduces bacteria and virus ability to infect by at least 99 percent. The powder, made from hydrogen peroxide, is reusable and can be used in various applications such as remote clinics or war zones.
A new study found that maternal Zika immunity can increase the severity of dengue disease in mouse pups, which has significant implications for vaccine development. The study suggests that a pan-flavivirus vaccine could be an effective way to elicit maximal protection against both diseases.
Researchers at Kanazawa University identify osteopontin as a key player in HCV replication and stemness in cancer stem cells. The study reveals that osteopontin regulates HCV replication, tumor initiation, and metastasis through the OPN-CD44 axis.
Julie Pfeiffer's groundbreaking research has redefined how we think about life-threatening viral infections, discovering new ways bacteria affect virus infection. Her work shows antibiotics can have antiviral effects, driving research into new treatments for viruses.
A new study reveals that Anopheles mosquitoes, including species found in the US, can carry and transmit Mayaro virus, which causes fever, joint aches, and other symptoms. The researchers tested six mosquito species and found that all four Anopheles species were competent laboratory vectors of the virus.
A new study finds that long noncoding RNA lincRNA-Cox2 regulates the activity of genes involved in inflammation and immune system responses. It boosts production of the Cox2 enzyme and influences expression of other genes, shedding light on previously dismissed 'junk DNA' functions.
Using a dataset of over 500 single-stranded RNA viruses, researchers developed a model that can predict animal reservoirs and arthropod vectors directly from viral genome sequences. This approach enables faster evaluation than existing methods, which often require years, and could aid in rapid response to emerging infectious diseases.
Researchers developed a diagnostic test that rapidly parses out infections of the brain from other diseases by analyzing cytokine profiles in cerebral spinal fluid. The test shows promise for quickly identifying central nervous system disorders and guiding immediate intervention.
The hepatitis B virus is highly stable at room temperature and can withstand temperatures of four degrees centigrade for nine months. Disinfectants are effective against the virus when applied undiluted, but their effectiveness decreases with dilution.
Three experimental Ebola vaccines showed persistent immunity for at least two and a half years, driving new vaccine development against diseases like Lassa fever, Nipah virus disease, and MERS-CoV. The study's findings have implications far beyond the Ebola fight, providing insights that could expedite vaccine development.
A PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases study finds that 7.3% of Gabonese adults and teens are infected with HTLV-1, a risk factor for adult T-cell lymphoma and other diseases. The study calls for nationwide sexual health programs, blood donor screening, and pregnant woman education to combat transmission.
Repeated exposure to anti-viral signaling molecules trains the innate immune system to react more efficiently. Fibroblasts exhibit faster and greater activation of anti-viral genes after subsequent stimulations, indicating specific memory in the innate immune system.
A genomic analysis of Lassa virus genomes from patients in Nigeria found that the surge in cases in 2018 was not driven by a single dominant virus strain. The study suggests that human-to-human transmission may be rare, with evidence pointing to multiple independent zoonotic transmissions through contact with rodent feces or urine.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati recommend universal screening for all adults due to the rise in hepatitis C cases among younger patients. The new strategy is cost-effective and aims to prevent long-term health problems such as liver cancer and cirrhosis.
Routine X-ray imaging for infants with bronchiolitis remains common, despite American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. Nearly half of children under 2 still receive X-rays from 2007 to 2015, highlighting the need for improved clinical data.
A genetic mutation in IFNλ4 reduces its effectiveness against the hepatitis C virus in humans compared to chimpanzees and African Pygmies. This discovery highlights a potential weakness in human immunity to certain viral infections.
A new Lassa fever and rabies vaccine has demonstrated effective protection in animal models of disease, suggesting a new way to test for protection against the virus. Researchers have also identified a new surrogate measure of protection that could aid in vaccine development.
A Phase II clinical trial found marked improvement in three patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare and often fatal brain infection. Patients infused with donor T cells targeting the BK virus experienced significant reductions in JC viral load and clinical improvement.
A new study on the 1918 flu pandemic reveals that a complex interplay of viral, host, and societal factors contributed to its severity. The researchers warn that future pandemics will face challenges such as changing population demographics, antibiotic resistance, and climate change.
A study found that at least 17 white-tailed sea eagles died from avian influenza virus H5N8 in Northern Germany during the winter of 2016/2017. The analysis revealed that the virus was highly aggressive and caused a lethal inflammation of the brain, with no evidence of lead poisoning as a cause.
A new study found that a web-based intervention is an effective approach to manage lifestyle changes in patients with NAFLD, reducing weight, and improving dietary intake. The web-based program was compared to group counseling and showed similar effectiveness after two years.
Researchers at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School identified a crucial step in the immune system's defense against viruses, which also sheds light on autoimmune disorders. The study found that an immune receptor called RIG-I 'flutters' to detect viral RNAs, triggering an antiviral response.
Researchers found two new genetic variations of H7N9 and H7N2 subtypes in unvaccinated ducks, indicating the virus has adapted to ducks. The vaccine largely prevented H7N9 infection in chickens, but the virus can still replicate in ducks.
Pea aphids can see and avoid virulent bacteria, led by Cornell University researchers who found the bacteria's fluorescent compounds that emit UV light. This ability may lead to organic farmers using pyoverdine or virulent bacteria on leaves to deter pea aphids.