Articles tagged with Viral Infections
A recent study found that ocean warming triggers dinoRNAV infections in coral colonies, intensified in unhealthy colonies. This is the first empirical evidence of reef-wide dynamics of viruses infecting coral symbionts during heat waves.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found a link between hemagglutinin protein stability and flu vaccine effectiveness, as well as pandemic potential in new strains. Incorporating this stability into the vaccine could prevent the emergence of unstable viruses.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have developed a high-resolution view of the LCMV glycoprotein, revealing its structure and potential vulnerabilities. The breakthrough enables the development of an engineered antibody that can prevent LCMV disease, offering a new route to treatment.
A study published in the Journal of Infection found that mNGS was significantly more effective at detecting bloodstream infections than conventional microbiological tests (CMTs), identifying 187 infection cases compared to CMTs' 81. Viral infections were the most common type, with CMV being the leading cause.
A new mosquito species, Culex lactator, has been found in Florida, with thriving populations reported in three counties. Scientists are concerned about the potential for this species to transmit diseases, particularly given the lack of research on its disease risk.
A study published in Nature Immunology found that female mouse and human NK cells have more of a specific epigenetic regulator called UTX, which boosts anti-viral function while repressing NK cell numbers. This suggests that therapies need to be tailored to individual differences, including sex.
A new study from Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University found that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was associated with the deaths of over 330 New England harbor and gray seals. The virus was detected in birds and seals on the same beach, highlighting a potential route of transmission.
A team of researchers has developed a sensitive method to detect viral nucleic acids using 'glow-in-the-dark' proteins, achieving high sensitivity and speed for clinical diagnostic tests. The LUNAS assay successfully detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in under 20 minutes at low concentrations.
Researchers at Linköping University found that C-reactive protein has a beneficial function in systemic lupus erythematosus, reducing interferon activity and promoting milder disease. The study's findings suggest new treatment strategies to reduce immune complexes and elevated interferon levels.
A study published in Nature found that a small group of neurons in the airway play a pivotal role in alerting the brain about flu infections. The researchers also identified a second pathway from the lungs to the brain that becomes active later in the infection, which may hold promise for developing new treatments.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology annual meeting will explore cutting-edge approaches in biochemistry and molecular biology. Leading experts will discuss the latest discoveries and advancements in fields such as AI, RNA regulation, and carbohydrates in health and disease.
A study from the University of Georgia found that less than half of bald eagle nests in coastal Georgia successfully fledged at least one chick in 2022, a 30% decrease below average. The highly infectious H5N1 avian influenza virus is killing off unprecedented numbers of mating pairs of bald eagles, with the number of infected wild bir...
Researchers analyzed zika virus effects on tumor cells and healthy cells, discovering its potential to treat prostate cancer but also triggering a persistent inflammatory process that damages the male reproductive system. The study's findings suggest long-term treatment could lead to recurrence of prostate cancer.
Scientists at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have created spherical nanoparticles inspired by amyloid proteins that bind to the SARS-CoV2 spike protein with high affinity, preventing cell infection. The biocompatible and stable nanostructures also show great potency in blocking viral particles.
A study by researchers from the University of Liège shows that group 2 innate lymphoid cells educate alveolar macrophages, reprogramming them to protect against respiratory allergens. This discovery highlights the central role of ILC2s in shaping the alveolar niche and modulating immune responses.
Researchers identified genetic variants associated with susceptibility to Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) in white-tailed deer. The study found that deer with specific mutations are less susceptible to the disease, which has been on the rise in northern Illinois and neighboring states.
Researchers confirmed the first cases of canine distemper virus in tigers and leopards in Nepal, which can cause fatal neurological disease. The study found that 11% of tigers and 30% of leopards had antibodies to CDV, indicating prior infection with the virus.
A study published in eLife has linked infection with the bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers found that individuals with high genetic risk scores for coronary heart disease were at elevated risk for cardiovascular events.
Researchers at Osaka University found that male patients with COVID-19 have a faster loss of circulating Treg cells, leading to dysregulated antibody responses. Females, on the other hand, have higher levels of these cells, which may help protect them from infection.
A study published in Hepatology reveals that the EGFR protein plays a crucial role in the entry mechanism of hepatitis E virus into human hepatocytes. The researchers found that suppressing the activity of the EGFR protein significantly reduced cell infections, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for approved cancer drugs.
A recent study monitored the Italian province of Pescara for 18 months and found no increased risk of serious diseases among vaccinated individuals. The study revealed that vaccinated persons were more protected against COVID-19 and had lower rates of deaths and disease occurrences compared to non-vaccinated individuals.
Researchers found that urine-diverting toilets expelled fewer virus particles than traditional toilets during flushing. The study simulated an average excretion event from a sick person and estimated viral emissions for different types of toilets.
A team of scientists led by Thomas Blankenstein presents a mechanism that prevents the immune response from overshooting its mark. The KRKR motif, a short sequence of four amino acids, is crucial in binding to connective tissue and preventing interferon-gamma from spreading throughout the body.
A single test can now identify all three genotypes of the Infectious Spleen and Kidney Necrosis Virus (ISKNV), a deadly virus that primarily affects fish. The development of this test has significant implications for fisheries and aquaculture, as ISKNV poses a substantial threat to these industries.
School of Veterinary Medicine researchers have identified a cellular pathway that hampers the Ebola virus' ability to exit human cells. By targeting the protein VP40, host cells activate autophagy, a process that digests and recycles proteins, reducing viral particle release into the bloodstream.
A study by Dartmouth College researchers found that bacteria can form protective clusters with rival species, making it harder to kill harmful bacteria. This discovery highlights the importance of studying multispecies biofilm structures and may impact the development of bacteriophages and predatory bacteria as antimicrobial alternatives.
A Rutgers researcher has analyzed data from Mexico's Ministry of Health to identify dengue fever hotspots, highlighting areas where severe outbreaks occur. The study found that lower socioeconomic status increases risk of dengue fever and that DENV-2 is the deadliest serotype.
Researchers identified HCirV-1 in a patient with unexplained chronic hepatitis, demonstrating its role in liver damage. After treatment, the patient's liver enzymes returned to normal levels, indicating the end of hepatic cytolysis.
A new study uses CRISPR-Cas9 to modify a gene that makes plants susceptible to viruses, resulting in strong resistance to multiple potyvirus isolates. This approach broadens genetic diversity and generates resistance without altering protein function or expression.
Researchers identified 11,378 viroid-like cccRNAs in 4,409 species-level clusters, exceeding previously known elements. These findings reveal viroids are more common and abundant than thought, with distant relatives of human Hepatitis Delta Virus discovered.
Researchers have developed an AI-based resource to assist individuals in identifying recommended actions based on their clinical profile and COVID at-home test results. The system uses a combination of symptoms and home tests to provide more accurate diagnoses and improve patient care.
A study by Osaka University compared the sensitivity of rapid antigen tests (RATs) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for the Omicron variant of COVID-19. The results showed that RATs had a high enough sensitivity to suggest frequent testing using RATs may still be the best approach.
Researchers found that measles virus mutations in its fusion protein allow it to infect nerve cells, leading to subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. The team's discovery sheds light on the evolutionary mechanisms of viruses like coronaviruses and herpesviruses.
Researchers from UC San Diego and Yale University are exploring the therapeutic potential of
A transnational collaboration led to the characterization of Physostegia chlorotic mottle virus (PhCMoV), a plant disease first identified in Austria in 2018. The study revealed that PhCMoV can infect at least nine plant species, causing severe fruit symptoms on economically important crops.
Researchers will investigate how ducks' immune systems act as a reservoir for the highly infectious H5N1 virus and engineer antibodies to prevent transmission to other animals and humans. They aim to develop ways to purify antibody-producing cells from ducks and assemble a pool of antibodies to understand their molecular features.
A new laboratory study shows that microplastics increase the severity of an important viral fish disease. Nylon fibers had the greatest impact on disease severity. The findings have major implications beyond fish farming, affecting human health and natural environments.
The Australian black swan's genetic makeup makes it highly susceptible to viral illnesses like avian flu. Without common immune genes found in other waterfowl, the species is at risk of decimation if HPAI enters its native habitat.
Researchers at Aston University have created the world's first computer reconstruction of a virus, including its complete native genome. This breakthrough could lead to the development of targeted treatments to kill bacteria that are dangerous to humans, reducing the threat of antibiotic resistance.
A recent study found that people with a specific genetic variation have a lower risk of developing infectious mononucleosis after initial Epstein-Barr virus infection. The researchers identified an EBV-specific immune response as the cause and suggest it could be a target for vaccine development.
A study found that a small number of Varroa mites can infect many adult honey bees, with high-risk mites spreading pathogens through frequent host switching. This mechanism amplifies the vectorial capacity of Varroa destructor.
A large cohort study found that long-term low-dose hydroxychloroquine use is associated with a low risk of developing retinopathy, while higher doses increase the risk. Regular screening can identify the issue at an early stage.
A new study found that COVID-19 primarily affected patients with a moderate to critical course, often with comorbidities, whereas many had mild courses despite metastatic melanoma and systemic therapy, recommending continued treatment whenever possible.
A new study reveals that smallpox originated more than 3,800 years ago, confirming historical sources and shedding light on the disease's history. The researchers used genetic analysis to trace the evolution of the virus, finding that different strains descended from a single common ancestor.
Researchers at UBC identified three compounds derived from natural sources that prevent COVID-19 infection in human cells. The discovery paves the way for developing new medicines using natural sources.
A study found that Ezo red foxes and Japanese raccoon dogs infected with HPAI virus had different outcomes due to varying diets. The fox died, while the raccoon dog survived but suffered damage to its eyes. The findings suggest that monitoring programs should be expanded to understand HPAI ecology and identify risk factors.
Researchers found that individuals who strongly agree with government restrictions on individual behavior during public emergencies are more likely to believe in just deserts. Men are also slightly more likely to hold this belief than women, while those who think it's unlikely they'll get infected have lower levels of just deserts.
A new study published in The Journal of Rural Health found that urban men who have sex with men (MSM) are more likely to get vaccinated and tested for Mpox than their rural counterparts. The study also revealed that rural MSM perceived themselves as less susceptible to the disease and had lower intention to be vaccinated.
Researchers have developed a simple mechanical model to understand how viruses replicate inside cells, highlighting the crucial role of virus size in this process. The optimal size range for efficient viral replication is suggested to be between 60nm and 100nm in diameter.
MIT researchers have identified molecules found in mucus that can block cholera infection by interfering with the genes that cause the microbe to switch into a harmful state. The protective molecules, known as glycans, prevent Vibrio cholerae from producing the toxin that usually leads to severe diarrhea.
Scientists create an artificial brain in a petri dish to study the effects of the Zika virus. The study reveals that viral noncoding RNA helps the virus evade antiviral responses and cause cell death in developing brains.
Researchers discovered that RNA interference, a viral defence mechanism, also prevents overproduction of body's own proteins in intestinal cells, promoting ER quality control. This interplay is crucial for maintaining protein balance and overall intestinal health.
A newly discovered immune response inside the nose fights off viruses, but is suppressed by colder temperatures, making an infection more likely to occur. The study offers the first biological mechanism to explain why viruses like COVID-19 spike in colder seasons.
A study analyzing data from 13 studies found that approximately one third of children born to mothers infected with Zika virus during pregnancy presented with abnormalities consistent with Congenital Zika Syndrome. The most frequently observed manifestations included microcephaly, neurological impairments, and sensory abnormalities. Ri...
A research team at the University of California, Riverside has discovered the structure of a human monoclonal antibody that protects against Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus. The study provides insights into fighting a broad range of viral strains and could lead to targeted therapeutics for infected patients.
A study found that individuals with blood group Rh(D) have a higher risk of contracting parvovirus, which causes fifth disease. The study screened over 160,000 blood donors in Germany and found all infected persons belonged to the Rh(D) blood group.
A new collaborative research centre, DECIDE, will investigate the interactions between pathogens and the human immune system, aiming to improve treatment strategies. The centre combines research on various bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and will involve numerous young researchers.
Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn have discovered a new function of CRISPR/Cas9 gene scissors, which produce small signal molecules that bind to proteins, activating an emergency response. This discovery opens up new possibilities for treating diseases using CRISPR technology.
Researchers studied the lung immune responses of cave nectar bats to Malacca virus, identifying unique white blood cell behaviors and gene signatures that help limit inflammation. The findings could lead to better ways of combatting human viral infections.
Researchers found that treatment with remdesivir within 9 days of symptom onset decreases mortality in Japanese patients with severe to critical COVID-19 who received corticosteroids. The study suggests early treatment with remdesivir and corticosteroids is associated with decreased mortality.