Articles tagged with Viral Infections
Research found Covid infection may accelerate blood vessel aging around five years, especially in women, leading to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The study included 2,390 participants from 16 countries and found stiffer arteries in all three groups of patients who had been infected with Covid.
A synthetic glycosystem mimics natural sugars on human cells, binding to virus's spike protein and preventing infection. The molecule was found to be effective at low doses and worked against multiple SARS-CoV-2 strains.
A multi-year clinical research study in US children documents the rebound of endemic respiratory viruses after the COVID-19 pandemic. The study shows that non-pharmaceutical interventions decreased circulation rates of common respiratory pathogens in children, enabling more accurate predictions for future outbreaks.
A national study finds that the percentage of patients who wait four or more hours for a hospital bed has increased significantly, with even lower rates during non-peak months. The issue, known as 'boarding,' has become a major concern, putting patient safety at risk and straining emergency departments.
A new study found that most air cleaning technologies have not been tested on humans and their potential risks are not yet fully understood. Researchers recommend choosing technologies independently tested in real-world environments to reduce illness in homes, schools, or workplaces.
A new study shows that delivering a single injection of gene therapy at birth may offer years-long protection against HIV. The treatment uses an adeno-associated virus to deliver instructions to muscle cells, which produce broadly neutralizing antibodies capable of neutralizing multiple strains of HIV.
A study published in PLOS One found a clear link between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of being hospitalized by COVID-19. However, no association was found between low vitamin D and the risk of catching COVID-19.
Researchers have identified treatments to suppress transmission of HTLV-1 virus in mice using existing HIV drugs. The study also discovered a new drug target and selective killing method for infected cells, offering promising prospects for treatment and prevention.
A new UNLV-led study uses AI to detect emerging virus variants in wastewater samples, outperforming existing methods. The algorithm can identify unique signatures for different virus variants with as few as two to five samples, significantly earlier than current methods.
The team built a high-resolution 3D structure of the Powassan virus, shedding light on its transmission and potential therapeutics. The findings could inform future treatments and preventions for this emerging tick-borne disease.
A Brazilian researcher is studying induced pluripotent stem cells from centenarians to understand cellular resilience in COVID-19 survivors. The study aims to identify key cellular pathways that influence longevity and potentially contribute to therapeutic approaches for age-related diseases.
Dr. Xuyu Qian's pioneering research using MERFISH technology created an unprecedented developmental atlas of the human cerebral cortex, analyzing over 18 million single cells. His work aims to identify mechanisms disrupted in conditions like malformations and autism spectrum disorder.
A new analysis has found a higher risk of arterial and venous thrombosis after COVID-19 infection compared to vaccination. The study also identified an increased risk of thrombosis following the first dose of the AZD1222 vaccine, but not with subsequent doses.
Researchers create map of T cell responses to Chikungunya virus, shedding light on chronic disease triggers. They found that people with chronic disease have T cells targeting the same viral epitopes as those who cleared the virus.
Dr. Danielle Beckman's research uses animal models to understand how viruses like COVID-19 trigger neurological damage and accelerate Alzheimer's disease. Her work has established critical connections between viral infections and neurodegenerative processes.
A new study from the University of Kansas has identified a small protein domain called Mac1 as a critical target for inhibiting coronavirus replication. The research team developed molecules that bind to Mac1 and inhibit viral activity in cell cultures, providing potential antiviral therapies for future pandemics.
Researchers at Tulane University developed a handheld TB test inspired by the bombardier beetle's natural defense mechanism. The ASTRA device requires only a drop of blood and delivers same-day diagnoses without need for laboratory or trained staff, outperforming traditional tests in detection of TB with HIV co-infection.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has launched a critical care APP education and certification program, covering 11 topic areas including patient-centered care and pharmacology. The CCAPP Certification Exam is now available, with an August 5 deadline to apply for the 2025 exam.
Researchers found that HSV-1 deliberately reshapes the human genome within hours of infection, rearranging host genes to facilitate replication. Blocking a single host enzyme, topoisomerase I, completely halted the virus's ability to hijack the genome.
Researchers discover iguratimod, a rheumatoid arthritis drug, effectively treats excessive COVID-19 inflammation in mice by maintaining antiviral immune responses. The study provides hope for patients with severe COVID-19-related cytokine storms.
Researchers develop gene pyramiding technique to combine resistance genes for robust protection against mixed begomovirus infections. This approach overcomes limitations of individual resistance genes, providing a promising strategy for sustainable crop protection in regions affected by devastating viral diseases.
Researchers have identified a critical step in SARS-CoV-2 viral infection: the protective role of ORF3a, which forms dense bodies surrounding the spike protein to prevent it from being cut into smaller components. This finding could lead to new therapeutic targets and vaccine development strategies.
A national decline in measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations has been observed across US counties since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with an average decline of 2.67% and 78% of counties reporting drops in vaccinations.
A new study finds that bats are a reservoir for morbilliviruses, including the human measles virus, and can transmit them to other mammalian species, such as monkeys. The research suggests that these viruses have crossed species boundaries multiple times, posing a significant threat to human health and livestock.
A systematic review found that vaccinating children as early as four months of age for measles could provide sustained protection throughout infancy. However, several barriers exist, including cost-effectiveness and vaccine hesitancy, which need to be addressed to consider an earlier first dose.
Researchers analyzed trends in healthcare utilization among Japan's oldest-old population aged 75 years and above during the extended COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis revealed a modest drop in medical services and outpatient visits, while healthcare costs remained stable despite decreased patient volumes.
The Zika virus employs its host cells' autophagy mechanism to suppress proteins that would trigger an antiviral response, allowing for sustained infection. This unique strategy involves the manipulation of three proteins on the viral membrane, which are also involved in viral entry and replication.
A new study led by Boston University School of Public Health reveals that US excess deaths have been increasing for decades, with working-age adults disproportionately affected. The study found that over 1.5 million 'missing Americans' would have been averted if the US had mortality rates similar to other high-income countries.
CoVFit integrates molecular data with large-scale epidemiological data to predict the fitness of SARS-CoV-2 variants. The model was trained on mutations in the spike protein and population-level trends, enabling accurate predictions of variant fitness.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered that CD4+ T cells target Chikungunya virus, leading to chronic inflammation and joint pain. The study suggests that these monofunctional T cells may be the culprits behind arthritis-like symptoms in CHIKV patients.
A recent survey found that over 83% of Americans believe the benefits of the MMR vaccine for children outweigh the risks, despite a current measles outbreak. The survey also showed that vaccination rates are dropping and many people lack knowledge about measles symptoms and prevention.
A study by Korea University researchers has identified the association between viral infections and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's. They developed a therapeutic candidate ALT001 that improves mitophagy, reduces neuroinflammation, and suppresses viral replication.
Scientists have created a comprehensive bat organoid model to study zoonotic viruses, enabling early detection and drug testing for future outbreaks. The platform, comprising diverse bat species and organs, has led to breakthroughs in understanding virus behavior, isolation, and treatment.
Researchers at KAIST have identified a critical protein called SLIRP that acts as an 'immune switch' regulating immune responses to viruses and autoimmune diseases. Suppressing SLIRP can alleviate abnormal immune responses in patients with Sjögren's syndrome, coronavirus, and encephalomyocarditis virus infection.
A meta-analysis of over 140,000 participants found a significant association between excess weight and neurological/neuropsychiatric symptoms in post-COVID-19 condition. The study suggests that maintaining a healthy weight may be crucial in mitigating these symptoms.
Researchers have discovered that silver nanoparticles produced by the fungus Trichoderma reesei can inhibit the infection of SARS-CoV-2 in hamster lungs, reducing inflammation and viral load. The study also suggests that these nanoparticles could be used to prevent and treat other viral diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, shingles, and influenza.
Researchers discovered that herpesvirus protein kinases mimic human cyclin-dependent kinases, regulating viral infection and latency. Phosphorylation of the viral enzyme contributes to its survival and persistence, while phosphorylation downregulates its activity, allowing for balance between host survival and viral persistence.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified biomarkers in the blood associated with long COVID symptoms, particularly severe respiratory disorders. The study found that these biomarkers are also linked to inflammatory signal pathways involved in cell death and lung damage.
Scientists have discovered a novel immune signaling pathway in bacteria that turns viral infection machinery against the virus, potentially informing future biotech tools and phage therapy. This discovery reveals an ancient defense strategy that could help fight superbugs.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg discovered that the influenza A virus exploits a protein called AGO2 to regulate gene activity and weaken the immune system. An existing drug, arsenic trioxide, showed promise in increasing interferon production and reducing viral loads.
The VAST project seeks to understand the normal human virome, the vast ecosystem of viruses living in and on humans. By analyzing tens of thousands of samples from diverse populations, researchers aim to identify how a healthy virome shifts with disease or environmental factors.
A new study by Hokkaido University found that colder temperatures significantly increase the risk of gastroenteritis among Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh's Kutupalong and Nayapara camps. The study reveals a link between temperature changes and gastroenteritis risk, with both extreme cold and heat contributing to higher numbers of cases.
Severe RSV disease among children is more likely those aged 2 or older with pulmonary or neurologic conditions. Younger children under 6 months and prematurity are high-risk factors for severe RSV in younger kids.
Researchers at University of Würzburg unveil novel mechanisms in the immune system's defense cell proliferation and specialization. The findings reveal a cyclical activation process driving the immune response, with potential implications for immunotherapies targeting cancer and chronic infections.
Researchers found a novel virus in the model green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which is the largest temperate virus discovered to date with a latent infection cycle. The discovery sheds light on potential biotechnological applications, including gene editing.
Researchers have found that a specific protein modification to the immune protein MDA5 can block viral replication and reduce heart inflammation. The study's findings could lead to the development of broad-spectrum antiviral treatments that target multiple viruses.
Researchers found that full-genome differences between rotavirus strains influence vaccine effectiveness, highlighting the need for a broader approach to vaccine design. The study's results suggest that vaccines should be designed based on the whole genome of circulating strains, rather than just two surface proteins.
Researchers have made significant discoveries about the role of GP38 in viral infections and pathogenesis, highlighting its potential as a target for vaccines and medical countermeasures. Non-neutralizing GP38-specific antibodies have shown protective efficacy against lethal challenge, reducing circulating GP38 and vascular leak.
A single mutation in the spike protein of western equine encephalitis virus is enough to prevent it from attaching to human and horse cells. However, a change in the viral spike protein enables WEEV strains to attach to a different receptor, found on mammalian brain cells, which is shared by its cousin eastern equine encephalitis virus.
Researchers have discovered a protective cloaking mechanism in jumbo phages that shield their genetic material from the host's immune system. This innovation could lead to new therapies for antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers at the University of Surrey warn that mpox's sustained human-to-human transmission poses a significant risk to global health. The virus can cause a painful rash, fever, and swollen glands, and has the potential to spread among children, who are at greater risk of serious illness.
A new study reveals that the presence of Nora virus in laboratory strains of Drosophila fruit flies can increase their sensitivity to bacterial infection and limit their lifespan. Flies with persistent viral infections have higher stem cell growth rates, making them more susceptible to secondary pathogenic infections.
A cross-sectional study found that hospitalized adults with RSV vaccine eligibility were more likely to receive the vaccine. Sociodemographic differences in vaccine uptake occurred, suggesting appropriate prioritization of populations with increased risk.
A study by Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago strongly suggests that Kawasaki disease is caused by a single respiratory virus that has yet to be identified. The research found inclusion bodies in tissue samples from 20 years, indicating a common virus, and contradicting the theory of multiple pathogens.
Researchers tested various disinfectants to inactivate hepatitis A virus particles, finding only a few effective agents. The study suggests that surface disinfection could help prevent infection, especially in high-risk areas.
Larvae of wood frogs grow and mature precociously when infected with ranavirus, exhibiting accelerated growth and development. This may help tadpoles tolerate the energetic demands of infection or escape risky environments to avoid infection entirely.
A recent study reveals how Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) aggravates ulcerative colitis (UC) through macrophage pyroptosis, a form of inflammatory cell death. EBV infection accelerates glycolysis, leading to increased inflammation and intestinal damage in UC patients.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered how bacteria protect themselves from certain phage invaders by seizing genetic material from weakened, dormant phages and forming a biological 'memory' that their offspring inherit. This process allows the bacteria to recognize and fight off similar viruses in the future.
A groundbreaking study reveals a complete antiviral immune pathway in rice plants that recognizes viral coat proteins, degrades signaling pathways, and activates RNA silencing and reactive oxygen species to fend off viruses. This discovery paves the way for developing multi-target strategies for antiviral breeding of crops.
A recent study identifies 11 natural compounds that can inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, including caffeine, which exhibits high binding stability and excellent solubility. The discovery highlights the potential of natural products in combating COVID-19 and demonstrates the versatility of widely known compounds like caffeine.