Articles tagged with Ebola Virus
Researchers at Penn State found that Ebola outbreaks are influenced by environmental and human factors, including weather patterns, vegetation health, and human movement. A strong positive correlation was found between the total length of roads and rivers in outbreak locations and the number of Ebola cases reported early in each outbreak.
Researchers identified three hotspots of hantavirus circulation in wildlife, including Virginia, Colorado, and Texas. The study found 15 rodent species as carriers, including six new hosts, and explored the impact of climate change on transmission.
Researchers at Kyoto University have captured the first high-resolution structure of Ebola's nucleocapsid using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. This visualization reveals sophisticated interactions between structural components, including VP24 and NP proteins, which govern virus assembly, RNA synthesis, and transport.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has developed an educational program and formal certification exam for nurse practitioners and physician assistants/associates in critical care. The program validates clinical expertise and demonstrates professional acumen, aiming to improve patient care.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered a human antibody called mAb 3A6 that may prove useful against deadly outbreaks. The antibody was isolated from an Ebola survivor and found to block infection by binding to the viral stalk, offering protection at a very low dose.
A new retrospective study found that nearly half of patients with fever of unknown origin in sub-Saharan Africa had a detectable pathogen, including bacterial strains and hemorrhagic fever viruses. The study highlights the need for strengthened laboratory capacity to improve diagnosis and treatment.
A recent study published in Communications Biology reveals that the Sudan virus binds to human cells through a specific protein called NPC1, which enables it to attach with nine times greater affinity than Ebola. This discovery may contribute to the high fatality rate of the Sudan virus.
Researchers developed a new model to identify potential hosts of ebolaviruses, focusing on bat species with strong NPC1 protein binding and previous outbreak locations. The study uses large-scale binding assays and machine learning to guide future surveillance efforts.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed two new nanobody inhibitors for Ebola: Nanosota-EB1 and Nanosota-EB2. These tiny antibodies target different parts of the virus, preventing it from attaching to cells and spreading. Lab tests show promising results, achieving a 100% survival rate in Ebola-infected mice.
Researchers at the University of Iowa Health Care have identified a cellular route used by Ebola virus to traverse skin layers and emerge onto the skin surface. The study suggests that the skin's surface may be one route of person-to-person transmission, with human skin specimens actively supporting EBOV infection.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have captured the first detailed images of the Ebola virus nucleocapsid structure, which is crucial for replicating in host cells. This breakthrough may accelerate the development of universal antivirals that target this viral structure to combat multiple filoviruses.
A VACCELERATE Consortium survey study found that 57% of global infectious diseases experts ranked influenza as the top pandemic risk, with Disease X and SARS-CoV-2 also among the most concerning pathogens. The study highlights the need for continued preparedness and surveillance to prevent pandemics.
Researchers found that Ebola virus creates tunneling nanotubes to transfer particles to new cells, evading treatments and spreading infection. The discovery suggests a new route of dissemination for the deadly virus.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered the inner workings of Ebola virus replication inside host cells, revealing 'viral factories' that form clusters of viral proteins and genomes. These microscopic structures are formed in host cells and play a crucial role in the virus's life cycle.
Biologists argue that building on genomic sequencing momentum is critical in society's response to future pandemics. The technology improved during the COVID-19 pandemic, but gaps remain in global infrastructure and data sharing.
Heidelberg researchers have identified key proteins that can prevent the formation of fusion pores, allowing viruses like influenza A and Ebola to be trapped in a lipid membrane. This breakthrough could lead to new approaches for preventing infections with these highly infectious viruses.
Researchers at MIT have created a vaccine printer that can produce hundreds of vaccine doses in a day, using microneedle patches that can be stored long-term at room temperature. The printer can be deployed anywhere vaccines are needed, providing on-demand vaccine production.
A study published in Scientific Reports predicts that less than 20% of endangered mountain gorillas would survive more than 100 days past the first confirmed case of Ebola infection. Vaccination strategies are suggested to increase survival rates, with at least half of habituated gorillas vaccinated within three weeks of confirmation.
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 new NIH-developed vaccine, VSV-SUDV, has been shown to completely protect cynomolgus macaques against a lethal Sudan virus challenge. The vaccine, based on the Ebola VSV vaccine concept, demonstrates cross-protective immune responses and provides rapid protective immunity to Sudan virus.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered the detailed mechanism of action of Inmazeb, a three-antibody cocktail designed to combat Ebola virus infection. The study reveals new information about how the drug interacts with the virus and its potential effectiveness against additional species of Ebolavirus.
Texas Biomed is at the forefront of developing a Sudan ebolavirus vaccine and antibody therapeutic to combat the ongoing outbreak in Uganda. The Institute has been awarded millions of dollars in contracts to run studies required for FDA approval, utilizing its BSL-4 laboratory facilities.
A large-scale randomized clinical trial confirms the safety of three Ebola vaccine regimens, inducing an immune response that persists for up to 12 months. The study suggests that vaccines can be a crucial tool in fighting the spread of the disease in sub-Saharan African countries.
The Ebola vaccine trials found all three regimens safe in both age groups, with antibody responses detectable for one year. The study enrolled over 3,100 volunteers in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Mali.
Dr. Fauci highlights the rapid development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines as a significant success in responding to emerging infectious diseases. He emphasizes the need to improve capabilities for established diseases like malaria and tuberculosis while addressing new threats.
A new study from the University of Maryland cautions that delayed interventions make it harder to eliminate monkeypox. The research suggests that stronger and better-adapted variants may evolve if case numbers are low, making it challenging to control outbreaks.
Using human stem cells, researchers investigated how the Ebola virus infects and damages the liver. The study found that major liver cell functions are compromised by Ebola virus infection and that the virus evades an early antiviral response, allowing it to replicate and cause damage.
Researchers have created a stem cell-based model of the human liver, allowing for the study of how Ebola virus infects liver cells. The infected cultures showed that viral infection directly disrupts liver function, while immune cells can transfer the virus to other cells.
A Tel Aviv University study challenges the widely-held assumption that COVID-19 originated from bats, instead highlighting their highly effective immune system. The researchers found that many reported findings on bat-borne viruses are based on antibody presence or PCR tests rather than actual virus isolation.
A new study from Lehigh University found that social, economic, and demographic factors can predict an individual's propensity to engage in high-risk behaviors that expose them to Ebola spillover. The research identified young adults and those with agricultural jobs as the most at risk populations.
The Midwest Antiviral Drug Discovery Center, led by the University of Minnesota, aims to discover effective responses to pandemics through basic, translational, and clinical research. Researchers at UIC are developing an antiviral therapy for filoviruses like Ebola with a potential drug ready for human testing within three to five years.
Researchers found that retinal cells are more susceptible to Ebola virus infection than iris cells, which could lead to uveitis diagnosis and treatment. This discovery highlights the importance of monitoring retinal cells during acute viral infections to identify patients at high risk.
Researchers have developed a new tool that can quickly identify the presence of Ebola virus in blood samples, potentially leading to faster diagnosis and better outcomes. The technology uses optical microring resonators to detect tiny amounts of Ebola-related molecules at low levels.
Scientists have discovered a promising strategy to treat Ebola virus infections by targeting cellular protein GSPT1, which the virus hijacks for polymerase function. An experimental drug CC-90009 degrades GSPT1, halting viral multiplication.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have developed two human antibodies that target Ebola virus and Sudan virus, showing promise for a powerful antiviral therapy. The antibodies, 1C3 and 1C11, can block three glycoprotein sites on the virus at once and target the fusion machinery used by the viruses to infect host cells.
A groundbreaking study reveals that Ebola virus can hide in the brain ventricular system and cause fatal disease even after treatment. Persistent infection was found in about 20% of monkeys treated with antibody therapeutics, highlighting the need for long-term follow-up of survivors.
Researchers have developed a novel method for detecting viruses like Ebola and SARS CoV-2 using simple, inexpensive, and fast nano-sensors. The Nano2RED technology provides 10 times better sensitivity than existing ELISA tests and can be produced at a cost of around 1 cent per test.
Scientists have developed a software that adds missing sugar components to protein models created with AlphaFold, enabling more accurate structural predictions. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize workflows in biology, allowing scientists to understand proteins and their mutations faster than ever.
Researchers developed an Internet information system, virusMED, to provide a comprehensive picture of viruses' most important regions. The database contains over 800 strains from 75 different families, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, Ebola, and HIV-1, enabling scientists to respond quickly and effectively against the next pathogen.
Researchers found that a family of proteins enhances the immune response to HIV, Ebola and Zika by boosting signals sent within immune cells. This discovery has implications for potential broad antiviral therapy.
A two-dose Ebola vaccine regimen has been found to be safe, well-tolerated, and produce a strong immune response in people over 1 year old. The study also supports the use of this regimen for Ebola virus disease prevention in children and adults.
A study published in The EMBO Journal identified several host proteins that interact with the Ebola virus protein VP30, inhibiting viral transcription and replication. These findings suggest a novel target for preventing Ebola virus infection, providing potential new therapeutic strategies.
A new study published in Science Translational Medicine reports on the protection offered by Ebola vaccines. The research found that different vaccine platforms conferred varying levels of protection, with RBD-specific antibodies and Fc-mediated immune functions playing key roles.
A Mount Sinai study reveals the complex mechanisms of Ebola virus evasion, highlighting the critical role of VP24 protein in disrupting the nuclear envelope. This disruption compromises cell function, DNA leakage, and antiviral immunity, ultimately contributing to disease severity.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered how Ebola virus evades the immune system by targeting the STAT3 protein. The virus uses a protein called VP24 to disable STAT3's messenger function, which is critical for regulating host immune and inflammatory responses.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute are receiving NIH funding to investigate the precise mechanisms of Ebola virus infection, including its ability to hijack immune cells called macrophages. The study aims to understand how the virus spreads in the body and potentially develops targeted treatments.
Researchers at Scripps Research have unveiled an innovative Ebola virus vaccine design that stimulates a better protective immune response. The new approach involves tethering copies of the Ebola virus outer spike protein to a spherical carrier particle, resulting in a more stable and realistic-looking virus particle.
Researchers at UTMB will investigate Ebola infections in human cell culture and nonhuman primates, with the goal of developing new insights into prevention and treatment. The $11.3M grant will also support the development of sophisticated models using 'big data' to predict infection outcomes.
Researchers develop a new sensor that can detect Ebola in a single drop of blood and provide results in just an hour. The technology also shows promise for detecting COVID-19 and other viruses.
Scientists at Scripps Research have discovered how some antibodies can broadly neutralize ebolaviruses by targeting a key site on the virus called the glycan cap. This breakthrough may lead to the development of an antibody-based treatment that can save lives against a range of ebolavirus species.
A new study reveals how Ebola virus's VP40 protein uses human mRNA to transform into different shapes, adapting to various functions. This discovery sheds light on the fundamentals of genome-encoded information and highlights VP40 as a key vulnerability for effective therapies.
A new diagnostic test, called the D4-assay, has been developed to detect Ebola virus infection earlier than the current industry standard PCR test. The test is highly sensitive and can detect the virus a full day earlier than PCR, making it a promising tool in addressing ongoing outbreaks.
A new model created by Penn State researchers finds that healthcare workers' illness during outbreaks significantly increases overall case counts and mortality rates. The model suggests that high loss impact paired with low redundancy leads to the most severe epidemic outcomes.
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens identified a key pathway that Ebola uses to gain entry into human cells. The researchers found that a specific FDA-approved drug can prevent the virus from using this pathway, potentially leading to new treatment options for Ebola patients.
A study found that over half of Ebola survivors experienced a rapid increase in antibody levels around 200 days after recovery, followed by decline, indicating potential long-term virus persistence.
A team of researchers used Stampede2 and Bridges simulations to analyze the stability of the Ebola virus's nucleocapsid, a protein shell that protects its genetic material. The study found that RNA helps stabilize the nucleocapsid through electrostatic interactions with its nucleoproteins, providing potential targets for new therapeutics.
Researchers found Ebola virus antibodies in 10% of patients seeking care in the year before the 2018 outbreak, highlighting potential for more frequent exposure. Women were significantly more likely to be exposed, consistent with other studies.
The study reveals structural features of the Ebola nucleocapsid, a promising therapeutic target for destabilizing the virus and knocking it out with antivirals. The researchers used supercomputers to simulate the inner workings of Ebola, observing the way molecules move to carry out their functions.
A computational study of Ebola's nucleocapsid reveals how ssRNA encapsulation stabilizes the virus, maintaining its structural integrity. The model includes all atoms and ions essential for the helical assembly, providing insights into the virus's ability to infect and replicate.
A new study is analyzing how SARS-CoV-2 spread rapidly in Asia before slowing down, with insights potentially informing secondary outbreak predictions and intervention strategies. By studying travel restrictions and quarantines, researchers are identifying factors that facilitated transmission and slowed it down.