Research on viral diseases and the response to them. Covers Ebola and mpox, diagnostics, post-viral fatigue, and outbreak control strategies.
A new Yale-led study finds that older adults are more susceptible to flu due to a reduced antiviral response, leading to increased inflammation and damage. Researchers propose targeting inflammation to combat flu in vulnerable patients.
Researchers develop a broad-spectrum antiviral by targeting both viral surfaces and human cells, potentially avoiding drug resistance. The new approach, using a modified polymer, shows promise in lab testing and animal models without toxic effects.
Researchers have discovered a novel host defense mechanism that protects cells from viral infection by sequestering virions near the nucleus. This discovery has implications for new drug discovery and therapeutic gene delivery, and may lead to improved strategies for rAAV-based gene therapy.
The new study found that higher levels of antibody against neuraminidase protein were better predictors of protection against flu infection and its side effects. Participants with high levels of HA antibodies experienced lower incidence of mild-to-moderate influenza, but not necessarily less severe symptoms.
A new mouse model developed by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine enables the study of Zika virus infection and its effects on the brain. The model, which lacks key immune system components, allows for the testing of vaccines and antivirals against the virus.
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have created a mouse model to study Zika virus, allowing researchers to test vaccines and antivirals while understanding the virus's effects on human brains. The model, lacking key immune system defenses, shows the virus causes severe pathology in brain tissue.
A clinical trial of the experimental Ebola drug TKM-130803 has shown that it does not improve survival in adults with severe Ebola infection. Despite this, the study suggests that the drug may have a benefit for patients with less severe disease.
A recent study by Duke-NUS Medical School scientists has revealed the Zika virus structure and identified potential sites to target with therapeutics. The findings suggest that destabilizing the virus's structure may help reduce disease severity or limit transmission.
A study in mice reveals how antiviral immune response alters brain activity, impairing neuronal firing in the hippocampus and causing depressive-like behavior. The CXCL10/CXCR3 signaling pathway acts as a bridge between rising interferon levels and changes in neuronal activity, explaining mood changes.
Researchers from Inserm and Aix-Marseille University have confirmed that the ZIKA virus can be transmitted sexually. Genetic analysis showed a 100% correlation between the virus forms present in a man who contracted the virus in Brazil and a woman who had never traveled to an epidemic area but had sexual relations with him.
A recent study re-affirms the use of interferon alpha as an effective treatment for patients with Hepatitis delta virus, a severe form of viral hepatitis. The research found that 35% of patients who responded to this therapy achieved sustained suppression of the virus and had favorable outcomes.
A surface mutation in canine parvovirus (CPV) allows it to infect hosts of different species, including wild forest-dwelling animals like raccoons. This critical step increases the virus's ability to spread.
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection can cause abnormal brain development in the fetus by activating a key signaling pathway. Studies have found that HCMV substantially reduces the rate of neurons generated by neural stem cells.
Salk Institute scientists have developed a new reagent to map the brain's complex network of connections, 20 times more efficient than the previous version. The improved tool allows researchers to visualize neural circuitry and learn more about conditions like motor diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers analyzed data and samples from 364 patients with acute skin rash, detecting ZIKV RNA in 119 blood samples. The study found the virus was introduced to Brazil from Asia, with at least some cases transmitted locally through mosquito bites or person-to-person contact.
Researchers tested Zika virus in human neural stem cells to understand its effects on developing brains. The study found that the virus preferentially killed brain cells, reducing growth by 40% in a brain organoid model.
Researchers found that exposure to cigarette smoke and flu viruses reduces the effectiveness of common COPD medication salbutamol. A new model could help identify alternative treatments for patients with these symptoms.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge found that diagnostic tests are crucial for forecasting major epidemics. The study shows that precise estimates of infected individuals cannot be inferred from data based on symptomatic cases alone, highlighting the need for reliable diagnostic tests to detect presymptomatic infections.
A novel virus, Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV), has been identified as the cause of massive tilapia die-offs in Israel and Ecuador, with significant implications for the global aquaculture industry. The discovery provides critical genomic and protein sequences necessary for disease detection, containment, and vaccine development.
Researchers discovered a new fish virus, Tilapia Lake Virus (TiLV), causing mass die-offs in Ecuador and Israel, affecting wild and farmed tilapia populations. The team identified the virus's genetic sequence and showed it replicates in fish cells, providing a foundation for developing a vaccine.
Researchers have established a mouse model that mimics aspects of Zika virus infection in humans, allowing for the testing of vaccines and therapeutics. The model shows high levels of the virus in the brain, spinal cord, and testes of male mice, supporting clinical data on sexual transmission.
A team of NIH doctors detailed a severe case of Ebola virus disease involving the central nervous system. Despite multi-organ failure, the patient survived with intensive supportive care, highlighting near complete recovery is possible with such care alone.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that quality of care varied significantly among eight commercial virtual visit companies, with differences in diagnosis accuracy and adherence to guidelines. The variation was greater for certain conditions, such as viral pharyngitis and acute rhinosinusitis.
Researchers have successfully developed a new treatment for the deadly Junin virus, providing complete protection against the disease. The laboratory-engineered antibody demonstrated effectiveness in guinea pigs and showed promise as a therapeutic solution for patients.
Researchers have determined the near-atomic level map of Zika virus, showing a notable difference in one key surface protein compared to other flaviviruses like dengue. This structure may provide clues for understanding how Zika enters human cells and suggest ways to combat the virus with drugs or vaccines.
A novel vaccine strategy has been developed to provide both short-term and long-term protection against the Chikungunya virus. The strategy combines a non-viral, vector-based monoclonal antibody delivery method with a DNA-based vaccine approach.
Coral reefs in the South China Sea are facing severe damage due to dredging and land reclamation. The study reveals that seven atolls have lost ~11.6 km2 of reef area while gaining ~10.7 km2 of land between 2014 and 2015. The researchers call for international cooperation to conserve this critical ecosystem.
A recent poll by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that four in 10 people mistakenly believe Zika virus infection in women is likely to harm future pregnancies. The general public also has misperceptions about Zika virus transmission, including incorrect beliefs about symptoms and transmission methods.
Researchers at the University of Kent have identified a new form of Ebolavirus that may cause human disease. The study suggests that only a few changes in a specific protein are necessary to render the Reston virus into a health threat.
A new study maps the global spread of Zika, linking it to two mosquito species that can effectively carry the disease, including Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Cities in the US, Europe, and Asia are at risk, with Miami and Houston among the highest-risk areas.
A study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences identified biological factors predicting viral transmission efficiency among humans. Low host mortality and extended survival time increase a virus's ability to spread, while envelope structures and insect vectors hinder emergence.
The Zika virus poses a significant threat to West Africa, particularly in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, due to the recent Ebola outbreak. Rapid testing for Zika is crucial to prevent confusion between Zika and early Ebola symptoms.
Research predicts increased suitability for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in southern and eastern US cities, leading to potential Zika outbreaks. Warm weather conditions facilitate mosquito populations, especially in April, June, July, August, and September.
Researchers found that viruses opt for 'piggyback-the-winner' strategy, integrating into hosts to reduce replication and avoid immunity defenses. This model better explains virus-host dynamics during microbial population booms.
Researchers found a promising single-dose dengue vaccine effective in preventing human volunteers from contracting the virus, protecting against infection. The study's findings could be the final piece in developing an effective vaccine against dengue, which infects nearly 400 million people annually.
Researchers at the University of Vermont and National Institutes of Health have developed a highly effective dengue vaccine requiring only one dose. The vaccine has shown promise in protecting against all four dengue strains, with no adverse reactions reported among test subjects.
A controlled human challenge study shows a dengue vaccine candidate can fully protect healthy volunteers from infection. The results support further evaluation of the vaccine and may help identify promising candidates and eliminate poor ones.
Researchers have found that the RNA virus bovine viral diarrhea virus relies on host miRNAs, specifically miR-17 and let-7, to replicate. Inhibiting this interaction may provide an effective target for developing new drugs to control BVDV.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found a compound called cathelicidin that directly attacks and stops RSV from binding to cells. Boosting natural production of this compound could protect babies and vulnerable adults from life-threatening illnesses.
A study by UCLA researchers found associations between Zika infection and grave outcomes, including fetal death, placental insufficiency, and central nervous system damage. The study suggests that Zika can cause a range of abnormalities in pregnant women, even if the fetus is not directly affected.
Researchers have found that Zika virus infects a type of neural stem cell responsible for brain development, leading to cell death and disruption of growth. The study provides new insights into the potential effects of Zika on neural tissue and may lead to the development of therapeutics.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine research team found that Zika virus selectively infects and kills cells in the brain's cortex, leading to disruptions in cell division and growth. This discovery using lab-grown stem cells may lead to identifying potential therapies for protecting these susceptible cells.
A study has created global maps showing the geographical limits of chikungunya and dengue viruses, highlighting a rapid expansion in chikungunya's global extent. The research emphasizes the need for improved diagnostic tests and clear protocols for controlling both diseases.
The Zika Response Working Group provides recommendations for countermeasures against the Zika virus, highlighting the need for open-minded responses and collaboration. Key findings include the potential of currently marketed drugs to have anti-Zika activity and the challenges of rapid vaccine development.
The risk of catching Ebola from a survivor is very low, with most body fluids cleared within weeks apart from semen. Studies found that infected blood is the most infectious, but social contact poses little risk.
Researchers have identified the three-dimensional structure of a hantavirus protein, providing a promising model for developing drugs against the disease. The protein's circular complexes may play a role in inhibiting viral growth, making it an ideal target for future treatments.
The Zika virus has been linked to neurological diseases, with estimated 1.5 million cases reported so far. Researchers are urging a rigorous approach to understanding the effects of the virus and developing treatment measures.
Researchers from Colorado State University have discovered a potential diagnostic tool for dengue fever by analyzing metabolomic profiles in patient serum. The study found that distinct metabolic clusters were associated with different disease outcomes, including the progression to hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome.
A single monoclonal antibody isolated from an Ebola survivor protected non-human primates even after lethal infection, offering hope for a potential treatment. The findings suggest a novel site of vulnerability on the Ebola virus and may lead to effective therapy.
A single monoclonal antibody isolated from a human Ebola survivor has been shown to completely protect monkeys from lethal infection with the virus. The antibody, known as mAb114, was effective even when given five days after exposure, suggesting it could be used as a potential treatment for human cases.
Researchers discovered two potent Ebola antibodies that eliminate symptoms in just five days after infection. The monoclonal antibodies target different regions of the virus's glycoprotein and work by interfering with its entry into host cells.
Researchers propose a novel framework to uncover hidden patterns of transmission and identify super spreaders in epidemics. Asymptomatic carriers can play a significant role in spreading diseases, and understanding their contribution is crucial for targeted interventions.
Recent gene therapy developments focus on viral vectors like AAV for safe gene transfer, and new gene editing tools offer targeted gene inactivation or insertion. These approaches aim to treat multiple diseases with platform strategies.
A recent study by the American Academy of Neurology has found that most Ebola survivors experienced brain symptoms six months after their initial infection. The study, which followed 82 Ebola survivors from Liberia, revealed common neurological problems such as weakness, headache, memory loss, and depressed mood.
Scientists have successfully altered the genetic code of pigs to make them more resilient to African Swine Fever. By modifying a specific gene, researchers believe they may be able to reduce the disease's devastating effects on infected animals.
ZMapp, a monoclonal antibody cocktail, was well-tolerated and showed promise in treating Ebola virus disease. The trial's results indicate that patients who received ZMapp appeared to do better than those who received standard-of-care only, but the difference was not statistically significant.
A study of Ebola survivors found high rates of eye, musculoskeletal, and neurological complications. The study also explored the risk of sexual transmission of Ebola, with most survivors reporting regular sexual activity but few using condoms.
Researchers have developed a method to make mosquitoes resistant to arboviruses like Dengue and Zika by introducing two strains of Wolbachia parasite. The superinfected mosquitoes showed improved virus inhibition and reduced transmission, making it a potential tool to combat mosquito-borne diseases.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have found a way to potentially track and stop viral outbreaks, including Hepatitis C in humans and plant viruses. By understanding how viruses replicate, they can develop new ways to control infection without causing host toxicity.
The Center for Infection and Immunity at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health is studying tick-borne bacteria and viruses to better understand their role in human disease. The $1.9M grant will support research into potential pathogens, such as Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease.