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Wildflower 'armors' itself against disease

Scientists from Oxford University found that Alpine pennycress plants accumulate zinc, nickel, and cadmium to defend against bacterial infection. The study demonstrates a direct link between metal concentrations and resistance to disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateSep 13, 2010

Cold fronts linked to European H5N1 outbreaks

Researchers found that most H5N1 outbreaks occurred at sites with temperatures between 0°C and 2°C, where wild waterbirds congregated along freezing fronts. This congregation created ideal conditions for the transmission of the virus within and between species.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateApr 8, 2010

Researchers find new piece of BSE puzzle

A new treatment route for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and its human form Creutzfeldt Jakob disease (CJD) may be closer based on new findings from the University of Leeds. Glypican-1 has been shown to cause abnormal prion proteins to rise, and reducing levels in infected cells can lower their levels.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 19, 2009

Impaired transport in neurons triggers prion disease

A new study reveals that impaired axonal transport in neurons is a key factor in the development of prion diseases. The research shows that clinical symptoms correlate with reduced axonal transport in specific brain centers, providing new insights into the disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 21, 2009

Immune cell type controls onset and course of severe malaria

A subset of immune cells has been found to contribute to the development of severe malaria by suppressing the immune system and allowing parasites to grow uncontrollably. This discovery could lead to new drug targets and immunotherapies against malaria, as well as insights into other inflammatory diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateApr 23, 2009

Scientists discover new arenavirus associated with hemorrhagic fever

A newly discovered arenavirus, Chapare virus, has been identified in a fatal hemorrhagic fever case in rural Bolivia. The virus produces clinical hemorrhagic symptoms similar to those associated with other New World arenaviruses, but genetically it is distinct from Junin, Machupo, Guanarito, and Sabia viruses.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateApr 17, 2008

Researchers create first chikungunya animal model

The researchers have developed the first animal model of the chikungunya virus infection, which allows them to study the pathophysiology of the disease. The mouse model reveals that young age and inefficient type-I interferon signaling are risk factors for severe disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 19, 2008

New cause identified for necrotic enteritis in chicken

Researchers have reidentified the main cause of necrotic enteritis in chickens as Clostridium perfringens, producing extracellular toxins that attack the bird's intestines. The discovery of a new toxin, NetB, has led to hope for the development of effective vaccines within two years.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 7, 2008

New insights into vaccination for HIV

Researchers have developed new tools to understand HIV immune evasion. Vaccination timing significantly affects the rate of immune escape in macaques, suggesting ways to improve HIV vaccines.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 24, 2008

Q Fever microbe's genome is deciphered

The complete DNA sequence of Coxiella burnetii, the Q Fever microbe, has been deciphered, revealing information on its biology and ability to cause disease. Researchers found that the genome appears to be in the early stages of reduction, with numerous genes involved in virulence and interactions with its host.

SourceThe Institute for Genomic Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2003