Articles tagged with Virus Testing
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.
Researchers found SARS-CoV-2 in male reproductive cells even when PCR testing failed, revealing a prolonged infection period of up to 90 days. The virus can remain in sperm for 110 days, reducing semen quality and raising concerns for natural conception and assisted reproduction.
A new molecular test WID-qCIN detects significantly more cancers and precancerous stages than current methods, identifying 100% of invasive cervical cancer and 93% of serious precancerous lesions. The test reduces the need for colposcopy examinations by 40%, improving the effectiveness of screening programs.
The Royal Statistical Society has published new recommendations to improve the evaluation of diagnostic tests, including guidelines on study design, regulation, and transparency. The report aims to prevent future issues with diagnostic test evaluations, particularly those related to infectious diseases.
Researchers from Flinders University tested on-site pathology testing and found it to be equivalent to laboratory tests in terms of quality and accuracy. The study was conducted across 100 remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia.
Researchers developed a synthetic biomarker technology that can differentiate between prior Zika and dengue virus infections. The technology, using epitope surrogates, correctly identified people previously infected with Zika virus 85.3% of the time.
Researchers found that metformin decreases the amount of COVID-19 virus in the body and lowers the chances of viral rebound. The study showed a significant reduction in long COVID cases and hospitalizations among adults treated with metformin.
A cross-sectional study in Bangladesh found a low prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes among women, with significant regional variation. The study revealed higher infection rates in rural areas, particularly in Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital reveals racial disparities in COVID-19 testing delays among healthcare personnel. Non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic HCP of other races experienced significantly delayed testing, with higher likelihoods among those without graduate degrees.
A team of researchers used a rapid metagenomics technique to sequence viral RNA and DNA from blood-engorged mosquitoes collected in São Paulo city, identifying vectors, viruses, and hosts. The protocol has the potential to extend our understanding of insect genetic diversity and arbovirus transmission.
Researchers have developed a urine-based test that detects pieces of DNA fragments released by head and neck tumors, providing a non-invasive alternative to traditional blood-based biomarker tests. The test has been shown to detect cancer recurrences far earlier than would typically happen based on clinical imaging.
Researchers developed a technology to detect infectious disease viruses in real-time using a single nano-spectroscopic sensor. The system uses molecular fingerprinting and can detect specific substances with tailored detection, enabling rapid and precise analysis.
A new lab-on-a-chip system combines optofluidics and nanopores to rapidly test for SARS-CoV-2 and Zika viruses with high accuracy. The tool, developed by UC Santa Cruz researchers, can detect viruses at extremely low concentrations and outperform PCR tests in some cases.
Researchers develop a new method using gold nanoparticle decorated polymers (GNDP) to improve detection of antigen-antibody reactions in infectious diseases. This approach results in higher optical density and improved sensitivity compared to traditional methods.
Scientists tested flood-control waterways near unsheltered encampments in Las Vegas, finding SARS-CoV-2 RNA in over 25% of samples. The study suggests a similar level of transmission among the unsheltered community as in the general population.
A new study shows that far-UVC light can virtually eliminate airborne viruses in occupied work environments, reducing infectious airborne virus levels by 99.8%. The technology has the potential to provide more protection against airborne-disease transmission than ventilation systems, making it a promising solution for indoor spaces.
Researchers developed a new triplex real-time PCR test to detect the emerging Powassan virus in deer ticks, improving sensitivity and accuracy. The method reduced false negative results, providing assurance that negative test results are true negatives.
Researchers at UVA Health discovered a potential blood test to predict patients with severe COVID-19 who are likely to recover well and those at risk of long-term lung problems. The study found that patients with late-resolving symptoms had fewer immune cells in their blood, correlating with symptom severity.
Researchers successfully implemented pooled saliva testing to detect congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection in newborns, achieving an empirical efficiency of 6 and reducing required tests by 83%. The study highlights the significance of early detection through this method, particularly for asymptomatic cases.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that COVID-19 infections cause significant physiological differences between males and females. Males experience larger increases in skin temperature, breathing rate, and heart rate during infections, while also maintaining higher levels during recovery.
Researchers at UNSW Sydney have developed a new technology offering test strips for rapid, on-the-spot disease detection. The test strips are accurate and cost-effective, making them suitable for various applications including public health, environmental diagnostics, and cancer cell detection.
A new review focuses on personalised care for diseases like influenza, enabling accurate determination of when the infectious part has passed. The approach involves dialogue about treatment and prevention options, as well as individualised risk assessments to promote transparency and equity in medical care.
A new tool called Subak, made from silver nanoclusters, can detect nuclease digestion at lower costs than traditional methods. This innovation could strengthen diagnostics and make diseases easier to detect.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine-led study found rapid antigen tests for detecting SARS-CoV-2 can be used at home with accuracy comparable to clinician-administered tests. The study involved nearly 1,000 patients and showed that self-administered rapid tests rivaled clinician-administered tests in both sensitivity and specificity.
Researchers developed a faster test for mpox using CRISPR and nanopore sensing technology, which can detect the virus in 32-55 minutes, compared to hours of current lab testing. The test is specific to mpox and was confirmed not to detect other viruses.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that many excess mortality rates from chronic illnesses were driven by COVID-19 infections, contradicting previous claims. The study estimated 1.2 million excess natural-cause deaths in US counties during the pandemic, with 163,000 uncounted COVID-19 deaths.
A study published in EuroSurveillance found that 40% of COVID-19 infected individuals were identified through contact tracing, with socio-economic factors influencing reporting rates. The effectiveness of contact tracing alone was relative, but its psychological impact on the population should not be overlooked.
Researchers used the 2022 FIFA World Cup to study COVID-19 spread and hospitalizations at mass gatherings. They found that pre-travel screenings did little to prevent infections, but pre-match testing with rapid antigen or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction tests was more effective.
Researchers have developed a rapid COVID-19 test inspired by bioluminescence, detecting SARS-CoV-2 protein with the same accuracy as current techniques but in just one minute. The test uses a molecule from crustaceans to produce light when interacting with the virus's spike protein.
A Swedish study found that up to 7% of blood donors had a history of TBE virus infection, affecting over 160,000 people. Vaccination coverage was estimated at 8-57% across different regions.
A new AI system developed by the University of Technology Sydney can rapidly detect COVID-19 from chest X-rays with high accuracy. The Custom Convolutional Neural Network (Custom-CNN) model streamlines the detection process, providing a faster and more accurate diagnosis.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have developed a community health report that analyzes the human virome in wastewater, providing valuable insights into emerging diseases. By detecting changes in viral trends in wastewater, scientists can identify outbreaks and transmission patterns, ultimately improving population health.
Researchers have identified sST2 and suPAR in the blood of dengue patients, which could accurately predict patients at risk of severe dengue. The test kits would improve patient outcomes by distinguishing between non-life-threatening cases and severe dengue, requiring hospitalization.
Researchers from Mass General Brigham found that patients experiencing virologic rebound after treatment may remain contagious. The study suggests that individuals shed live virus when experiencing a rebound, implying the potential for transmission after initially recovering from the virus.
Researchers created a blood-based test to detect both diseases, measure viral and bacterial loads, and track treatment progress. The test aims to improve patient outcomes by catching immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) earlier.
A study found that 20% of patients treated with nirmatrelvir-ritavir (N-R) experienced virologic rebound, a phenomenon where viral load increases after initial decline. In contrast, only 1 untreated patient was affected. The researchers suggest considering the risks and benefits of N-R treatment in patients at low risk for severe disease.
Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology developed metal-enhanced fluorescence probes for rapid and accurate detection of influenza viruses. The probes showed high sensitivity and specificity, detecting the virus even at low concentrations, with a remarkable accuracy of over 99%.
The LoCKAmp device uses lab-on-a-chip technology to detect Covid-19 and other pathogens in just three minutes, providing rapid and accurate results. The device has the potential to be used in remote healthcare settings and could also detect conditions like cancer.
A study found that COVID-19 transmission rates in child care centers were low, with only 2% to 3% of cases occurring within the centers. In contrast, household transmission was high, with 50% of children and 67% of adults contracting the virus once infected.
A study of 83 children in 11 child care centers found low SARS-CoV-2 incidence and transmission within the centers, as well as from infected children to households
Researchers will study the spread of SARS-CoV-2 among deer, including captive and wild populations, as well as its relationship with humans and the environment. The project aims to understand disease ecology in whole systems and inform better management practices for deer producers.
A Singaporean study found that unvaccinated COVID-19 survivors are at a heightened risk of heart complications almost a year after recovery. The study revealed a 56% higher risk of developing new heart complications among unvaccinated survivors compared to uninfected individuals.
A pilot study in Catalonia found that self-sampling is a feasible and acceptable method for diagnosing asymptomatic mpox. The study identified 7 positive cases, including 3 asymptomatic individuals, and estimated the prevalence of infection at 6.19%.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that viral pathogens, particularly SARS-CoV-2, are a significant contributor to sepsis. The researchers found that approximately 1 in 6 cases of sepsis were associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed an electronic diagnostic test for bacteria and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The 'Electro-chemical LAMP' (eLAMP) test is affordable, sensitive, and can be performed at home or in a hospital lab.
Researchers identified specific blood biomarkers that can accurately identify patients with long COVID, revealing distinct immune and hormone function differences. The study also found abnormal T cell activity, reactivation of latent viruses, and reduced cortisol levels in patients with long COVID.
A new analysis of COVID-19 cases in Africa found that the rate of infection was likely much higher than reported in the initial stages. The researchers estimated that approximately 66% of all infections were asymptomatic, while about 5% were severe and 27% were mild.
A new study published in Virology Journal confirms 25 different types of HPV prevalent in Nigeria, highlighting the need for region-specific vaccines. The discovery underscores the limitations of existing vaccines like Gardasil-9, which only protects against nine cancer-causing types.
A new CRISPR-based diagnostic tool, MPXV-CRISPR, has been developed in Australia to detect the monkeypox virus with high precision and speed. The tool can detect the virus in clinical samples in just 45 minutes, making it faster than current methods.
A new study introduces the concept of a 'noise barometer,' measuring biological age based on epigenetic changes. The researchers found that specific cytosines show increased variability with age, indicating a biomarker for aging and disease. This approach provides a novel perspective on aging research.
The new approach boosts immunity by engineering nanoparticles and antigens to stimulate a stronger immune response. The vaccine induces a strong immune response when delivered intranasally, potentially leading to longer-lasting immunity and reduced costs.
A recent study found that ChatGPT scored 9/10 in accuracy for debunking Covid-19 vaccine myths, making it a reliable source of non-technical information. The AI tool's responses were accurate in addressing both true and false contraindications, but highlighted potential concerns over changes in answers over time.
A team of researchers at the University of Waterloo and Dalhousie University have developed a method for forecasting short-term disease progression using limited data. The Sparsity and Delay Embedding-based Forecasting model, or SPADE4, uses machine learning to predict epidemic progressions with high accuracy.
A new study suggests that millions of Americans with post-viral syndrome similar to long COVID may have detectable immune responses to support a COVID diagnosis. The research found that 41% of participants had evidence of SARS-CoV-2 exposure, raising questions about the eligibility criteria for long COVID clinics.
Researchers developed a deep-learning model to assess CXR images for probable COVID-19 severity. The model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.78 when predicting intensive care need within 24 hours.
Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have developed a new method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, which takes just two hours from swab to result. The approach can also detect other pathogens and is more flexible than existing PCR tests.