Articles tagged with Pathogens
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.
Researchers have detected five emerging tick-borne pathogens in Central Canada, including those causing Lyme disease and babesiosis. Climate change and habitat fragmentation contribute to the spread of these pathogens, highlighting the need for increased awareness and protection measures.
Researchers developed disease-resistant maize genotypes for smallholder farmers, increasing safe yields and reducing aflatoxin contamination. The findings offer a promising strategy to protect food security in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Researchers found that shorter flower petals reduce the transmission of a harmful pathogen, increasing larval production and bee health. Planting flowers with trimmed corollas or even distribution of nectar also supports bee well-being.
The study focuses on reducing insects and pathogens that threaten crops, with manure serving as a potential solution. Researchers will investigate the most effective ways to apply manure to improve soil health and plant resistance to insect pests.
Researchers created theoretical models to explain geographical clustering of vaccine hesitancy, attributing it to both social selection and social influence. The models found that these two processes independently generate clusters of high hesitancy, with social selection playing a key role when societies trust propaganda.
A VUB study has mapped the immune system's response to brain infections, revealing that resident macrophages play a key role in defending against pathogens. The researchers found that blood-derived immune cells can eliminate parasites, but may retain 'memory' of past infections, altering their ability to respond to future insults.
The HOMED project developed a full panel of scientific knowledge and practical solutions for managing emerging native and non-native forest pests and pathogens threatening European forests. The project's results include over 60 scientific publications, policy briefs, practice abstracts, educational videos, and tools.
A recent study led by Dr. Luis Cuello and Alain J. Labro found that a known Shaker channel mutation differs structurally from its human counterparts, with implications for drug development and ion transport mechanisms. The research reveals a unique conformation of the W434F mutant that is distinct from wild-type channels.
The COVID-19 pandemic is linked to increased malnutrition risk, as reduced access to food and healthcare worsens nutritional deficiencies. In turn, malnutrition amplifies the spread of infectious diseases, creating a vicious cycle that threatens global health.
Researchers developed a highly effective and safe Zika vaccine technology that prevents systemic infection in pregnant mice and stimulates an immunogenic reaction. The vaccine was tested in various mouse models, proving safe and protective against the virus.
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic's FRIC found that cytoskeleton disruption is a key signal for the body to respond to viruses. This discovery has potential implications for developing new anti-viral vaccines and treatments.
A team of researchers identified the clubroot pathogen in Mexico, a crucial discovery for the country's broccoli production and global supply. The study used a detection methodology developed during Covid-19, allowing for accurate identification and potential future outbreaks.
Threespine stickleback fish evolved resistance to freshwater tapeworms by forming scar tissue around them, which prevents the worms from growing. However, this defense has a significant fitness cost for female sticklebacks, as they are 80% less likely to successfully breed due to the accumulated scarring.
A team led by York University has developed a new technique to keep drinking water safe in refugee settlements using machine learning and ensemble forecasting systems. The approach can predict the probability of residual chlorine remaining in stored water, providing critical information for aid workers to ensure safe drinking water.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee are investigating the movement of amphibian pathogens in wildlife trade networks, with a focus on disease mitigation strategies. The project aims to understand how socio-economic factors impact pathogen dynamics and develop market-based mechanisms to promote healthy trade.
Research suggests that climate change may lead to the proliferation of pathogenic fungi in drying soils, which could pose a significant public health threat. The study's findings are being used to inform policymakers on the potential risks of global climate change on soil fungal communities in the US Southwest.
Scientists uncover ancient herpes DNA, revealing the virus's prehistoric origins around 5,000 years ago. The discovery suggests a link between the emergence of facial herpes and cultural practices like romantic and sexual kissing in Europe during the Bronze Age.
Cognitive impairment can lead to population declines, particularly for species relying on learning and memory. Infections can impact cognitive abilities differently across animals, depending on their survival strategy and pathogen manifestation.
A unique fungus infects common houseflies, causing them to become necrophilic and mate with infected female corpses. The longer the corpse remains dead, the more attractive it becomes to male flies, allowing the fungus to spread its spores.
A new atlas of tissue-resident memory T cells reveals their adaptation to distinct tissue environments, offering insights into immune defense strategies. The study's findings could inform the development of targeted vaccines and therapies, leveraging 'first responders' in tissues vulnerable to infection.
A WHO-supported series has collected 13,700 new database records on mosquito-borne diseases, providing valuable resource for studying and containing infectious diseases. The data can be used to train machine-learning models for vector detection and classification, improving global human health.
A new study found that the delta variant surge in the US was partially due to overestimating population immunity, with only 67% of southern New Englanders actually immune. This underestimation led to inaccurate projections and an incorrect assumption about herd immunity.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have made important discoveries on the crucial role of malnutrition in global tuberculosis, highlighting how gut infections impair treatment outcomes. A new funding partnership will train Tanzanian postdoctoral researchers to work specifically on this intersection.
Emory University researchers have identified a mechanism for skin cell death that could lead to new treatments for skin infections, alopecia, hives, and potentially melanoma. The study reveals that a protein called gasdermin A induces pyroptosis in skin cells, serving as an early warning system against bacterial attack.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new technique called evanescent scattering microscopy (ESM), which allows for the visualization of proteins and other vital biomolecules with unparalleled clarity. This label-free imaging method reduces light-induced heating and requires no fluorescent dye or gold coating, making...
A recent study found that microplastics in the ocean can carry land-based parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia, which can infect humans and animals. The researchers used laboratory experiments to test whether these pathogens could associate with plastics in seawater.
Researchers discover medusavirus undergoes four stages of maturation within host cells, with unique particle structures and DNA-protein exchange mechanisms. The findings provide new insights into giant viruses' biology and behavior.
A team of researchers identified a stem rust resistance gene from wild goat grass species Aegilops sharonensis, which can be cross-bred into wheat for immunity against deadly crop pathogens. The genetic potential of this hardy relative has been largely unexplored and holds promise for reducing the threat of the stem rust disease.
Researchers found that a monkey variant of HIV uses different amino acids to counteract human tetherin than it does in monkeys, suggesting a potential route for SIV to infect humans.
A recent Cornell University study reveals that white-tailed deer can shed and transmit the COVID-19 virus for up to five days following infection. The virus replicates in the deer's respiratory tract, lymphoid tissues, and central nervous system, making them a potential reservoir for the virus in nature.
Research suggests that genetic material from E. coli bacteria in farm animals may contribute to the evolution of deadly pandemic strains. The study found that ColV plasmids in pigs, cattle, and chickens can increase the likelihood of antimicrobial resistance and extra-intestinal infections in humans.
A University of California, Davis study found that farms with surrounding natural habitat experience the most benefits from birds, including less crop damage and lower food-safety risks. The presence of natural habitat was the single most important driver differentiating a farm where wild birds brought more benefits than harm.
A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia recommends pretreating urological patients with antibiotics tailored to their local infection patterns. This approach may reduce postoperative infections in transurethral procedures, which affect up to 10% of patients annually.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a novel droplet manipulation method called WRAP, which can transport micro-sized droplets using electromagnets or programmable electromagnetic fields. The method overcomes challenges in traditional magnetic actuation, such as contamination from added magnetic particles.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict mosquito breeding ground temperatures, estimating populations and tracking vector-borne diseases. The model revealed that even in winter, certain breeding grounds can support mosquito growth.
Researchers have discovered that certain microbes can prevent Clostridioides difficile infection by consuming nutrients essential for its growth. This new understanding challenges existing approaches to probiotic treatment options, which focus on restoring secondary bile acids.
Researchers highlight the need for disease transmission assessments and mitigation measures to prevent pathogen spread from humans to wild animal populations. The study's recommendations include disease risk analysis to identify gaps in data and minimize the risk of disease transmission.
Researchers developed EDS-HAT, an AI-powered system combining machine learning and whole genome sequencing to detect clusters of similar infections in real-time. The system identified 99 clusters of infections and prevented potential transmissions in 65.7% of cases, saving the hospital $692,500.
A new study found that free-roaming domestic cats are the likely cause of toxoplasmosis in wildlife, with healthy ecosystems providing protection against these pathogens. The researchers suggest limiting cat roaming can reduce the impact of Toxoplasma on wildlife.
A systematic review of 28 studies identified 13 themes related to COVID-19 vaccination status in older, ethnic minority individuals. Factors facilitating access included vaccination reminders from healthcare providers, while misinformation and personal beliefs were barriers to uptake.
Scientists from the University of Tsukuba have created a method to grow conducting polymers with magnetic properties using harmless virus particles as templates. The resulting polymer networks exhibit helical antiferromagnetic behavior, opening doors for applications in biosensors and virus detection.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to reduced influenza reporting, but vaccination and strengthened surveillance are critical for a possible resurgence. Research highlights the importance of flu vaccination and early testing for non-influenza respiratory viruses.
A study by SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities found that people become more sensitive to feelings of disgust when they perceive their lives as being in danger. As a result, they tend to avoid foreigners, which is linked to an evolutionary response known as the behavioral immune system.
Researchers found that asymptomatic patients may not produce significant IgG antibodies, but rather a different kind of antibody count that can indicate disease severity. The study suggests using the ratio of these two counts as a marker to determine if a person has had COVID-19.
A multidisciplinary team of Lehigh University researchers will conduct experiments on thermophoresis in complex fluids for bioseparations at the International Space Station. The team hopes to understand how temperature gradients affect particles and improve virus separation techniques with potential societal impact.
Researchers at the University of Central Florida have identified food products that can alter a person's saliva to reduce the transmission potential of airborne pathogens. By adding ingredients like ginger, cornstarch, and xanthan gum to food products, people may be able to make masks more effective or even reduce their need for them.
A team of researchers has discovered a new group of coral-infecting microbes called Corallicolida. Despite lacking photosynthetic genes, they express chlorophyll genes and may still play a role in their host cells. The authors propose that Corallicolida could be an ancient parasite that lost its photosynthetic machinery.
A recent study explores the plant immune system using chimeric maize leaves with an auto-active R protein. Researchers found that Rp1-D21 triggers a defense response without recognition events, leading to cell death in affected areas but not neighboring cells.
A study by North Carolina State University found that surface waters in eastern North Carolina were more likely to face dual contamination from human and swine waste after Hurricane Florence. The presence of Arcobacter, a pathogen not associated with human or swine fecal markers, was also discovered.
A new approach to modeling COVID-19 spread incorporates real-time data on people's movements, showing promise for optimal lockdown policies. The study suggests a balance between controlling the pandemic and minimizing economic costs can be achieved through mathematical models and Google mobility data.
The new indoor module for Eddy3D software helps designers and architects maximize fresh air flow and minimize stagnant areas. By simulating airflow and identifying virus diffusion patterns, the tool reduces the risk of airborne pathogens in post-COVID offices.
Scientists used next-generation sequencing to study bumblebee health, finding evidence of pesticide exposure, including neonicotinoids, as well as pathogens. The technology allowed for quick detection of diseases and stressors, shedding light on the decline of bumblebee populations.
A new study suggests that the first COVID-19 case arose in China between early October and mid-November 2019, with November 17 being the most likely date of origin. The analysis reveals a more rapid spread than previously confirmed cases imply, with the disease spreading globally by January 2020.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge identified Yersinia Pestis in individual burials, showing that plague victims received individual care despite the outbreak. This contradicts previous assumptions of mass burials and improves our understanding of past pandemics.
Researchers led by Dr. Laura-Isobel McCall use liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and data science tools to understand how pathogens affect different body parts differently
A computer simulation tool called PoPS predicts when and where pests and diseases will attack crops or forests, helping manage strategies and pesticide applications. The tool improves with data feedback from natural resource managers, enabling more accurate predictions of future spread.
Lemon trees showed a lower molecular response to the citrus greening disease pathogen Liberibacter asiaticus compared to orange trees. This may be due to accumulated micronutrients and upregulated protease inhibitors in lemons, which hinder photosynthesis. The study's findings could aid in developing resistant citrus varieties.
The soybean cyst nematode is the most damaging pathogen of soybean in the US and Canada, with recent estimates suggesting it causes $1.5 billion in annual yield losses. SCN was found in over 100 new counties between 2017 and 2020, highlighting the need for continued research and management strategies.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed a new software tool called MagicDNA that can design more complex DNA robots and nanodevices in a fraction of the time. The software allows for 3D design and simulation, enabling fine control over individual component properties and increasing the complexity of overall geometry.