Articles tagged with Viruses
New research reveals that bacteria detect viruses when a viral enzyme cuts an important sensor molecule, triggering an immune response. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective phage therapies that can evade bacterial immune systems.
Researchers found that bacteria, such as E. coli, use CRISPR-Cas immunity to transfer and incorporate DNA, accelerating genetic reshuffling under starvation stress. This process may help bacterial populations adapt to changing conditions, resembling a primitive form of sexual reproduction.
A University of Maryland study predicts that repealing Florida's measles vaccine mandate could spark the largest measles epidemic in the US in nearly 500 years. The study shows that even without mandate removal, Florida's vaccine-induced herd immunity threshold is below the level needed to protect against sustained transmission.
New studies from Georgia State University researchers provide critical insights into Powassan virus disease progression, immune responses, and long-term neurological damage. The research sheds light on the molecular mechanisms driving neurological damage and identifies key immune defense mechanisms.
Researchers have identified a trait shared by broader-spectrum phages that allows them to target multiple bacterial strains. The discovery could lead to the development of more effective phage therapies, making them more accessible to patients with drug-resistant infections.
Researchers found strong initial protection from TB preventive treatment (TPT) in 24 countries, but long-term protection varied depending on TB disease burden. In high-burden settings, protection waned after just one year, while in low- and medium-burden settings, it lasted at least 8 and 13 years, respectively.
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic Children's have developed a new screening program for congenital cytomegalovirus, increasing detection rates by 2.5 times. The program identified 34 babies with the virus, showing that expanded screening can be successfully implemented in hospitals.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have discovered how SARS-CoV-2 protein ORF8 hijacks immune cells to cause hyperinflammation, leading to severe lung damage. Blocking ORF8 reduces lung inflammation and damage in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2, offering a promising new path for developing treatments.
A new study identifies bacteria-infecting viruses and antibiotic resistance genes as harbingers of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants. The findings suggest that these biomarkers can predict the disease up to eight days before clinical symptoms appear, offering clinicians a window of opportunity to intervene.
Researchers have captured the step-by-step assembly of virus-like particles, revealing how simple molecular interactions can reliably build complex biological structures. The study provides a molecular-level view of how protein shells assemble, allowing for the design of novel antiviral treatments and vaccines.
A new immunization, nirsevimab, has been shown to provide strong protection against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants, reducing hospitalizations and ICU admissions by 97% and 79%, respectively. Most infants with RSV infection were otherwise healthy, highlighting the value of a universal approach to RSV prevention.
A global virus atlas has been created by mapping RNA viruses in 102 cities worldwide, identifying nearly 55,000 different types, 80% of which were unknown to science. This data can be used for biological risk assessment, crime scene investigations, and environmental monitoring, providing a unique viral fingerprint for each location.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that the 2022 Mpox outbreak was caused by a weakened form of the virus, which may have helped it spread faster. The virus acquired mutations before spreading globally, resulting in less severe symptoms in patients who unknowingly spread it across borders.
The Single Cell Genomics Center is expanding its services, becoming more accessible, and exploring new applications of single-cell sequencing. New tools, including robotics and a sequencer, are streamlining the center's analytical workflow and enabling the team to explore new opportunities.
The researcher will investigate how infected cells live and die, and what chemical signals they release to surrounding cells. This work could lead to better antiviral drugs and virus-based cancer treatments.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that people who swim in rivers and lakes are more than twice as likely to develop skin problems. Higher levels of bacteria linked to faecal pollution are also associated with an increased risk of stomach bugs. The study, which analyzed data from 2,368 volunteers, found that swimmers ...
A study reveals that glacier retreat and changing vegetation may increase the overlap in resource use among bee species, potentially leading to pathogen transmission. This could have significant consequences for pollinator health and ecosystem services.
Scientists have identified multiple targets for antibodies that could treat Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, a deadly virus spread by ticks. The research found that antibodies targeting the nucleocapsid protein offer protection against the virus, regardless of strain, and could lead to the development of new treatments.
Researchers discovered HSV-1 rapidly rewires cellular metabolism, boosting energy production in infected neurons, but also leading to signs of stress, impaired mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress. The study suggests lactate may help neurons adapt to viral infection, but this adaptation may come at a cost.
Researchers have discovered compact viral RNA elements that can stabilize mRNA, increasing protein production. These elements, called tailons, work by extending the poly(A) tail of mRNA, slowing its degradation. This breakthrough offers a simple way to develop longer-lasting and more efficient mRNA technologies for various applications.
Researchers at Michigan State University identified a counter defense used by phages that helps them stay ahead of bacterial hosts. The discovery could lead to more effective phage therapies in response to the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers have compiled ten fundamental mechanisms governing the development of pandemics, highlighting the importance of understanding biological, mathematical, and social factors. These mechanisms can help improve preparedness and response to future pandemics by identifying key drivers of outbreak dynamics.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed an AI-powered tool called Evo 2 that can design novel phages to kill bacteria, including E. coli. The tool has already synthesized nearly 300 new phages and identified 16 exceptionally effective ones.
Researchers discovered that bacteriophages play a critical role in distributing nutrients, promoting microbial diversity, and supporting gut health by releasing vitamin B12. The study found that phage infection is necessary for B12 release, and the nutrient specifically drives growth in dependent microbes.
A novel treatment approach combining phage therapy and fecal microbiota transplantation has shown promise in treating recurring urinary tract infections. The study, published in Nature Microbiology, found that the treatment reduced UTI episodes and improved quality of life for patients.
Researchers at Tulane University discovered that vesper bats have two distinct copies of genes producing antibodies, which helps them recognize and fight infections. This finding opens up new areas of study on the evolution of immunity and how animals respond to diseases.
A UMBC researcher is exploring the effects of two key HIV prevention drugs in colon tissue, seeking to understand why they work better for some people than others. The study aims to provide knowledge that could lead to better dosing strategies and improved formulations, making PrEP more effective.
Researchers at Penn State will use the funding to develop new tools for investigating the genetics underpinning relationships between mosquitoes and various microbes. The projects aim to improve scientific understanding of mosquito-borne pathogens and eventually enable new discoveries that could help inhibit disease spread.
A recent study found that human lung tissue contains a vast reservoir of tissue-resident memory T cells (T RM cells) capable of targeting a range of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. These cells reside only in the lungs and can live for years, providing a vital line of defense against severe respiratory infections.
The study reveals how the encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) hijacks host ribosomes and translational factors to translate viral genes while blocking host gene translation. Targeting this mechanism could lead to new treatments for EMCV and similar viruses like poliovirus.
Scientists at La Trobe University discovered lipid droplets play a critical role in the body's early detection and defence against viruses. The study found these fatty structures can stop viruses from spreading by changing their structure and signalling to the immune system.
A new enzyme-free test strip detects mosquito-borne viruses with high sensitivity, promising rapid field testing and infection control in resource-limited regions. The multisite bridging-mediated lateral flow immunoassay outperforms conventional methods, offering a promising diagnostic platform for outbreak surveillance.
The Osaka Metropolitan University, K.K. DNAFORM, and INRB have developed a portable rapid diagnostic system for Ebola virus disease caused by Bundibugyo virus. The system utilizes the GenPad POCT platform and can be used near outbreak sites without power infrastructure.
The University of Minnesota Medical School research team has received a $10 million NIH grant to study how animals fight infection. The team will utilize a 'cellular zoo' of living cells from over 100 animal species to understand how different species recognize and respond to viral infections.
Researchers developed a new way to uncover differences in how viruses infect and destroy individual microbial cells. The study used a mathematical modeling framework to analyze infection outcomes in individual cells, revealing striking accuracy and new insights into viral behavior.
A new study suggests that hair can significantly influence the effectiveness of personal decontamination procedures in biocontainment facilities. Researchers found that a minimum standardized shower time may be necessary for effective removal of non-enveloped viruses, and that hair products with low or no detergent activity showed litt...
Researchers discover that emerging tick-borne viruses can escape the human immune system by producing enzymes that remove proteins attached to human proteins, rendering them undetectable. This finding has significant implications for developing a surveillance system to monitor these viruses and potentially mitigating large outbreaks.
Researchers uncover how a family of tick-borne viruses, known as orthonairoviruses, evade the immune system by manipulating cellular communication pathways. This study highlights a significant pandemic risk posed by these viruses and emphasizes the need for continued surveillance and preparedness.
A team of researchers from North Carolina State University has discovered a group of genetically stable viruses that infect an important plant pathogen. The findings suggest that these viruses could be used as tools to fight crop disease, and highlight the need for further research into viral diversity and evolution in agricultural set...
The new viral ORFeome tool allows researchers to analyze many thousands of viral proteins in a single experiment, expanding access to biologists who didn't train in virology. It identifies hundreds of viral proteins that interfere with immune response, providing a powerful foundation for understanding emerging viral threats.
Researchers found ultrafine particulate matter from cruise ships increases inflammatory signals and weakens cells' defense against viruses like COVID-19. The study suggests exposure to vanadium may facilitate viral replication, with potential implications for infection severity and spread.
A large dengue outbreak in Italy was analyzed to identify transmission patterns. The data show that more than half of linked transmission events involved people within 100m apart. Temperature played a role in reducing transmission, with a drop in autumn temperatures contributing to the decline.
Healthcare-associated transmission of Andes virus is uncommon but can occur when infection is not recognized early or protective measures are delayed, research suggests. Implementing transmission-based precautions at earliest stages of infection can prevent transmission in healthcare settings.
Researchers discovered over 47,000 endogenous viral elements in plant genomes, revealing the wide range of hosts infected by Caulimoviridae viruses. The study also found 35 previously undescribed taxonomic clusters, including a new clade in conifers.
A new study by Texas A&M University researchers uses a non-toxic virus to induce Parkinson's-like brain damage and movement problems in animal models. The breakthrough model confirms that viral infections can trigger Parkinson's disease, paving the way for future studies on early warning signs and biological markers.
JMIR Publications invites submissions on the 2026 Ebola disease public health emergency of international concern, focusing on response strategies, risk communication, and surveillance. The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency due to population mobility and ongoing uncertainty in the Democratic Republic of th...
Researchers have developed a dual-targeting strategy to combat emerging infectious diseases. A fully human monoclonal antibody cocktail provides complete protection against lethal Nipah virus infection, even when treatment is given after infection has begun.
Researchers at Texas A&M University develop a laser technique called TRIP to directly measure quantum forces shaping proteins, enabling accurate prediction of how pharmaceutical drugs interact with them. This breakthrough could lead to the design of medicines tailored to specific diseases, revolutionizing precision medicine.
A University of Minnesota Medical School research team led by Dr. Mark Schleiss has received a $3.87 million NIH grant to investigate congenital CMV transmission during pregnancy. The study aims to develop preventive and therapeutic strategies to improve pregnancy outcomes and prevent lifelong disabilities in children.
Hantavirus and Ebola virus disease are two deadly infectious diseases that require rigorous infection and prevention control (IPAC) practices. Both diseases present with similar early symptoms and can be treated effectively with proper precautions.
A recent study reveals that mosquitoes harbor viruses without killing them due to translational repression, allowing for efficient transmission. The virus takes a moderate approach in mosquito cells, limiting protein production to avoid overloading the host cell.
A study reveals that H5N1 bird flu causes severe infection in cow udders instead of lungs, and identifies a specific glycan receptor subtype as the key to its unusual behavior. This discovery provides a new way to predict the virus's next host jump and potential disease manifestation.
A study analyzing all known Ebola disease cases outside Africa since 1976 found a low overall risk of exportation. Local, community-based case management and infection prevention at the outbreak source are considered key strategies to mitigate transmission risk.
The Oropouche virus has infected over 9.4 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean since 1960, with 5.5 million cases reported in Brazil alone. The disease causes fever and symptoms similar to dengue, leading to serious complications like meningitis and microcephaly.
The study found that antigenically drifted viruses caused substantial morbidity and mortality, but vaccines reduced risk of influenza among vaccinated individuals. Recommended antivirals remained effective in treating the virus.
Researchers discovered a single amino acid change that allows coronaviruses to interact with human and bat immune systems differently, shifting the body's response to infection. This alteration enables benign animal viruses to adapt to humans and cause severe disease.
Researchers successfully reconstructed the evolution of the virus-human interaction over the course of an entire pandemic. They identified that strong selection pressure leads to rapid emergence of highly contagious variants, similar to Omicron. This study offers hopes that scientists may predict how viruses evolve in the future.
A study by Okayama University researchers revealed that SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels can assess infection history, symptom severity, and cognitive complications in long COVID. The findings suggest that declining S-antibody levels may indicate a greater risk of neurological complications.
A study led by Dr. Toni Gabaldón rewrites the origin of the first eukaryotes, suggesting a gradual and collaborative process involving multiple bacterial groups and giant viruses. The research provides new insights into the emergence of complex cells in animals, plants, fungi, and protists.
According to new research, a warming climate is making parts of California more suitable for dengue fever transmission. Nearly half of the state's population now lives in areas where conditions allow for local transmission. As temperatures rise, so does the risk of illness and potential outbreaks.