Articles tagged with Virus Testing
New diagnostic methods aim to detect RNA viruses with high sensitivity and specificity, overcoming the challenge of rapid evolutionary dynamics. The techniques include mutation-tolerant screening and precise mutation discrimination.
A new rapid test for hepatitis C could identify more patients who can be cured if insurers increase reimbursement to cover the test's high cost. The test's point-of-care feature makes it ideal for early screening and treatment in clinics and emergency rooms.
Scientists at Northwestern University have developed the fastest test yet for diagnosing hepatitis C virus, delivering results in just 15 minutes – up to 75% faster than current rapid tests. The highly accurate diagnostic could revolutionize HCV care by improving diagnosis and accelerating treatment uptake.
Experts Gregory Folkers and Anthony Fauci highlight promising therapeutic developments in antiretroviral treatments for HIV/AIDS. The authors emphasize the need for continued research to end the AIDS epidemic, citing recent advances as unfinished business.
A team of UCF researchers is creating a single low-cost test to detect multiple viruses simultaneously, which may be used in resource-limited settings. The test has the potential to save lives by providing quicker and more accessible results.
Researchers have identified a new strain of orthoreovirus in an Everglades short-tailed shrew, which is believed to be transmissible to humans. The discovery was made possible by the cat, Pepper, whose hunting prowess led to the finding of the virus.
Researchers have uncovered a key reason why HIV remains difficult to cure, revealing that subtle variations in the Rev-RRE axis influence viral replication and latency reactivation. Understanding this regulatory system could help develop strategies to flush out the dormant virus and eliminate it for good.
Diagnostics.AI has launched the industry's first fully-transparent machine learning platform for clinical real-time PCR diagnostics, delivering algorithmic transparency and per-test auditability. The platform is CE-IVDR certified and backed by over 15 years of experience and millions of successfully processed samples.
The CoVaRR-Net network successfully bridged critical research and public health gaps exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative approaches like wastewater surveillance. Its achievements include 139 peer-reviewed publications, evidence-based public health decisions, and a global leader in ear...
The CDC has awarded a $3 million grant to the Texas A&M School of Public Health to investigate avian flu among dairy farm workers in Texas. The team, led by Dr. David Douphrate, aims to identify the scope of exposure and workplace factors involved in transmission.
A new method for DNA detection uses heterogeneous probe particles and laser light to accelerate genetic analysis. This PCR-free technique offers greater sensitivity and speed than traditional methods, making it more accessible for medical, environmental, and personal health applications.
Researchers have identified a combination of drugs that prevents enteroviruses from replicating, which could lead to an effective treatment for global health problem. The combination includes pleconaril, AG7404, and mindeudesivir, which shows great potential for finding broad-spectrum treatment methods against enteroviruses.
The Phytovirome Focus Issue addresses fundamental and translational aspects of phytovirome science, highlighting the transformative role of high-throughput sequencing technologies. Researchers discovered a remarkable diversity of viruses in plants, with complex communities interacting with hosts in both pathogenic and beneficial ways.
Tulane University scientists developed a handheld device to deliver rapid and accurate tuberculosis diagnoses in under an hour. The device, called the lab-in-tube assay (LIT), can detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in saliva, blood, and sputum samples, offering a cost-effective tool for improving TB diagnoses in resource-limited areas.
A recent study reveals critical vulnerabilities in global testing capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic, with socioeconomic disparities playing a significant role. The findings underscore the need for increased diagnostic capacity, equitable access to healthcare, and sustained international cooperation.
A new molecular stool test has shown promise in detecting tuberculosis in adults living with HIV, particularly those with advanced AIDS. The test, known as Xpert MTB/Ultra, had a sensitivity of 23.7% and specificity of 94.0%, outperforming standard tests in some cases.
A new point-of-care technology developed by Northwestern University scientists can detect multiple HIV antigens at high sensitivity in a matter of minutes. The technology uses a nanomechanical platform and tiny cantilevers to measure the binding of p24 antigens to surface antibodies, demonstrating high specificity.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University develop a disposable microchip technology for HIV-1 self-testing during acute phase or viral rebound. The device is expected to be affordable and provide results within 40 minutes.
A new study found that reported tuberculosis diagnoses among incarcerated people in Europe and the Americas plummeted by up to 100% during the pandemic, despite consistent incarceration rates. This reduction was distinct from general population trends, highlighting the need for improved healthcare systems within prisons.
Richard Willson, a University of Houston professor, has been elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry for his contributions to the chemical sciences. He has developed innovative methods to detect viruses and other biological threats using glow-in-the-dark nanoparticles.
A breakthrough CRISPR-based test has been developed to diagnose Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP), a life-threatening fungal infection. The test detects RNA from live fungi in blood samples and throat swabs, providing a faster and more accurate diagnosis than current invasive bronchoscopy procedures.
Researchers developed a simple test that detects antibodies against four dengue virus serotypes and zika virus. The test achieved high sensitivity (87.8%) and specificity (91.4%), indicating its potential to monitor specific antibodies produced in response to exposure to the viruses.
Researchers have identified a new variant, clade 1b, of the mpox virus that has become more infectious and is spreading rapidly across borders. The study found that this variant primarily spreads through heterosexual contact in densely populated areas, with an estimated fatality rate of 3.4%.
A new study reveals that asymptomatic neonatal HSV infections in mice can lead to persistent CNS infection and long-term cognitive decline. Maternal vaccination may prevent this cognitive impairment, suggesting a potential strategy for reducing neurological damage in infected offspring.
US researchers found that self-sampling using vaginal swabs is as effective as speculum-based testing for detecting high-risk HPV types. The study suggests that self-sampling could reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in women with physical disabilities, who often face barriers to traditional screening methods.
Penn State researchers developed a portable and wireless device to simultaneously detect SARS-CoV-2 and vitamin C, enabling individuals and healthcare providers to make more effective treatment decisions. The device uses commercial transistors with printed laser-induced graphene, achieving high sensitivity and portability.
A new study aims to characterize the human virome, exploring its role in health and disease. The project will investigate nonpathogenic viruses and their potential impact on human phenotypes over time. Researchers hope to discover novel biomarkers for health and disease, as well as new therapeutic approaches.
Researchers tracked nearly 1,000 people with post-COVID-19 syndrome, finding persistent physical and cognitive impairments that worsened with exercise intolerance. The study's findings support the inclusion of cognitive and exercise testing in clinical evaluation for patients with suspected post-COVID-19 syndrome.
A novel diagnostic system called TwinDemic Detection offers simultaneous and rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus. The system has a detection limit of 0.46 picomolar for CoV and 0.39 pM for IAV, correctly predicting positive and negative samples in high percentages.
A new study from Johns Hopkins APL suggests that robust and rapid test development, production, and distribution are crucial for addressing future public health threats. The research found that public-private partnerships saved an estimated 1.4 million lives in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a DNA-made nanorobot called NanoGripper that can pick up COVID-19 viruses for rapid detection and block viral particles from entering cells. The device also has potential applications in cancer treatment and preventive medicine.
A groundbreaking metagenomic sequencing test has proven effective in rapidly diagnosing almost any kind of pathogen, including viruses, bacteria, fungus or parasite. The test analyzes all nucleic acids present in a sample, replacing multiple tests with a single one and speeding up diagnosis.
Researchers have developed a handheld, sound-based diagnostic system that can deliver precise blood test results in an hour with minimal finger prick of blood. The system uses functional negative acoustic contrast particles and a custom-built instrument to detect biomarkers in tiny amounts of blood.
A new study found significant disparities in at-home test use among older adults, with those having a college degree or higher and higher incomes being more likely to use them. However, Black older adults were less likely to use these tests compared to other racial/ethnic groups.
A new method combines confocal fluorescence microscopy with microfluidic laminar flow to detect nanoparticles and viruses quickly and accurately. The approach uses a 3D-printed Brick-MIC setup for sensitivity and specificity improvements, potentially changing virus detection in clinical settings.
A Nagoya University study suggests adopting testing-based protocols to minimize both premature and prolonged isolation for mpox patients. The approach characterizes viral shedding dynamics to optimize isolation strategies, potentially reducing patient isolation times by more than a week on average.
Researchers at Cranfield University have developed an innovative method for identifying biomarkers in wastewater using origami-paper sensors, enabling early detection of infectious diseases. The new test device is portable, fast, and cost-effective, making it a game-changer for public health measures.
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new quantitative testing system called the Express Biochecker, which uses Janus particles to detect coronavirus N protein. The system is simple, rapid, and low-cost, with potential applications for other viral illnesses and biomarkers.
The new diagnostic test system combines a field-effect transistor with a paper-based analytical cartridge, achieving over 97% accuracy in measuring cholesterol levels. This innovation has the potential to transform at-home testing and diagnostics with its high sensitivity, low cost, and machine learning capabilities.
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 28 studies with 1.2 million participants found that wearable technology can accurately detect conditions such as heart rate variability, blood pressure, oxygen levels, sleep quality, skin temperature, hydration, and stress levels. The study suggests that wearable activity trackers could r...
A five-year study led by Tulane University is investigating a new medication to treat trichomoniasis. The research compares secnidazole with metronidazole, finding that one-dose treatment could offer better options for the infection, which affects 156 million people annually.
A new study by Korea University College of Medicine shows that direct-acting antivirals significantly reduce liver-related clinical outcomes and lower the risk of disease progression to cancer or cirrhosis, increasing life expectancy for patients with Hepatitis C. The treatment approach has a high effectiveness rate of 90%.
A new study suggests a mouthwash-based test can help physicians predict disease recurrence in head and neck cancer patients by detecting biomarkers in saliva. Elevated levels of CD44 and total protein were associated with increased recurrence risk, highlighting the potential for early detection and reducing morbidity and mortality.
A recent NIH-supported study found that standard lab tests may not effectively diagnose long COVID due to the lack of validated clinical biomarkers. Researchers suggest the development of novel laboratory-based tests to better understand the pathophysiology of the condition.
A new study led by UMass Amherst and Tufts Medical Center will provide HIV prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for people with opioid use disorders who are incarcerated. The study aims to increase the number of incarcerated individuals tested and treated, addressing a critical gap in healthcare access.
A novel application of repurposed COVID-19 rapid antigen tests combines lateral flow assays with machine learning to evaluate coagulation status in cardiovascular care. The approach enables clinicians to perform immediate and accurate anticoagulant dosing adjustments using existing resources.
A research team has identified novel biomarkers in cervical mucus samples that show high diagnostic power for detecting cervical cancer. The findings suggest that analyzing local expression levels may offer a superior diagnostic strategy, potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures.
A Cornell University study reveals efficient and sustained mammalian-to-mammalian transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 between cows and from cows to cats and a raccoon. The virus shows high tropism for the mammary gland and infectious viral loads in milk.
A new study led by UCLA found a 3% to 4% prevalence of ME/CFS-like illness among participants who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, similar to those who tested negative. The research suggests COVID-19 may not be the primary cause of ME/CFS.
Researchers found that most Powassan-positive bites cause nonspecific presentations without symptoms, and estimated 3,000-5,000 people in the US are exposed to ticks carrying the virus each year. The study used a new testing approach to detect the virus in ticks and linked it to human disease outcomes.
A new method called FAIRY uses a dye to rapidly determine whether a virus is infectious or non-infectious. The assay has been evaluated against various viruses and confirmed its potential for screening disinfectants and antivirals.
A study found that single laboratory-based HIV viral load tests used by U.S. clinicians in long-acting PrEP patients often resulted in false positives, but confirmatory testing improved accuracy.
The study analyzed over 1.8 million SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences to track virus variant spread and evolution. The introduction of free rapid antigen tests, mask regulations, and movement restrictions led to a significant decline in new variants entering Germany.
Co-circulation of Mayaro and chikungunya viruses has been observed in Roraima, Brazil's northernmost state, according to a recent study. The finding highlights the need for more effective epidemiological surveillance in the region. Deforestation and human activities may facilitate transmission in urban areas.
A new study suggests that exposure to raw milk infected with the currently circulating H5N1 virus poses a significant risk to humans. However, the virus may not spread very far or quickly to others, as experiments on mice and ferrets show limited airborne transmission.
A new lab test developed by Weill Cornell Medicine can detect persistent HIV strains in Africa, a vital tool in the search for an HIV cure. The test helps measure the persistence of HIV in people affected by viral strains found predominantly in Africa, where women are disproportionately affected.
Scientists at IOCB Prague have developed two new types of catalytic DNA molecules that can reveal target molecule presence through fluorescence or color. The research uses directed evolution to discover novel fluorescent and colorimetric deoxyribozymes, with potential applications in diagnostic tests.
A new mathematical model suggests that waiting two days after symptoms arise for rapid COVID tests can increase accuracy by reducing false negatives. The model also recommends a 'test-to-exit' strategy to prevent infections and minimize inconvenience, which may be more effective than the five-day isolation policy.
A new CRISPR-based paper strip test could allow more patients to get the right treatment for the flu, researchers say. The test distinguishes between different influenza types and can be reprogrammed to recognize other viruses.
Researchers tracked mpox cases in a surveillance network of 13 emergency departments, finding three new cases among gay and bisexual men who have sex with men. The study highlights the need for vigilance and vaccination to prevent further transmission.