Articles tagged with Viruses
Researchers from McGill University found that unmasked individuals can spread COVID-19 airborne particles up to 70% within a 2-meter radius, highlighting the need for mask-wearing and ventilation. The study suggests that current guidelines relying solely on physical distancing may not be sufficient to prevent transmission.
Researchers found a correlation between high levels of Gas6 and zika-induced neurological complications. Gas6 helps the virus invade human cells, facilitating viral replication and aggravating infection. The discovery paves the way for future research on developing drugs to combat the virus.
A new OSU study on African buffalo offers insights into the persistence of highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease pathogens. Researchers found that carrier transmission among certain strains can allow them to persist in populations, highlighting the need for public health interventions to limit transmission and endemicity.
A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that machine learning models using viral genomes can predict the likelihood of an animal-infecting virus infecting humans. The researchers identified generalizable features in viral genomes that are independent of taxonomic relationships and developed models to identify candidate zoonoses.
A large trial found that antibiotic amoxicillin has little effect on relieving symptoms in children with uncomplicated chest infections. The study also highlights the need for 'safety-netting' advice to parents, explaining illness course and when re-attendance may be necessary.
A team of international researchers has unraveled the inner workings of C5aR2, a key receptor involved in inflammation and COVID-19. The study provides an additional opportunity for therapeutic targeting with new drug molecules to block its activation and inflammation response.
Researchers at WashU Medicine and University of Pittsburgh discover that Rift Valley fever virus uses a protein linked to cholesterol metabolism to infect cells. The finding could lead to therapies preventing or reducing the virus's impact by interfering with its entry into cells.
A new DNA sensor can detect both the presence and infectivity of viruses in minutes, providing a significant improvement over current methods that only detect genetic material. This breakthrough could aid in tracking and containing viral outbreaks, as well as understanding mechanisms of infection.
Researchers investigated aerosol production from singing and playing wind instruments to develop recommendations for minimizing COVID transmission. They found that placing a surgical mask reduced plume velocities and lengths, decreasing aerosol concentrations.
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.
Researchers analyzed ancient DNA from victims of epidemics in Mexico and found evidence of newly introduced viruses, including smallpox, measles, and mumps. The study suggests that European colonists brought these viruses to North America, contributing to devastating epidemics among Indigenous communities.
Researchers at University of Queensland discover koala retrovirus is transmitted from mother to joey through close proximity, highlighting a significant threat to wild koala populations. This finding may lead to re-thinked conservation plans and the use of antiretroviral treatment to prevent transmission.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Helsinki found that low-density granulocytes (LDG) play a significant role in weakening the immune response in covid-19 patients. The study revealed that LDGs inhibit T lymphocyte division, leading to suppressed adaptive immunity against the virus.
Researchers have found that viruses like hepatitis B and C do not always kill infected cells, but instead cause long-term changes. These changes can affect genes related to cell division and metabolism, potentially contributing to increased risk of liver cancer in cured patients.
A physics model simulates hand-washing to estimate the time scales on which particles like viruses and bacteria are removed from hands. The study finds that vigorous movement for about 20 seconds is necessary to dislodge these particles, consistent with traditional guidelines.
A new MIT study highlights the importance of careful classroom ventilation in reducing the spread of Covid-19 aerosols. Researchers found that certain configurations, such as closed windows and limited upward air movement, can lead to higher concentrations of potentially problematic aerosols.
A new study reveals that the H5N6 avian influenza virus can be transmitted between different bird species, including domestic pigeons and mandarin ducks. The virus was found to replicate successfully in both birds, with higher viral shedding levels observed in mandarin ducks.
New research found that using electric drills instead of air-driven drills reduces aerosol spray by 99.98%, creating a safer environment for patients and dental teams. This could lead to a significant increase in treatments carried out, addressing the growing backlog of patients waiting for dental care.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that wearing masks and maintaining physical distance significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19. The study showed that both disposable paper medical masks and two-layer cloth masks were effective in blocking aerosol particles, with increased distance reducing particle counts to near baseline levels.
Research suggests that global warming could reduce the spread of dengue fever by making mosquitoes more sensitive to warmer temperatures. However, it may also limit the effectiveness of Wolbachia, a bacterium used to control viral infections in mosquitoes.
Scientists at Ohio State University have found viruses nearly 15,000 years old in Tibetan glacier ice, including four previously known and 28 novel viruses. The discovery sheds light on virus evolution and helps understand how microbes and viruses respond to climate change.
Berkeley Lab's Partnership for Advanced Window Solutions accelerates nationwide adoption of highly efficient windows. Researchers also discover unique microbial signatures in cities worldwide and investigate oxygen loss in lithium-ion batteries.
An interdisciplinary research team at TUM has developed nano-capsules tailored from genetic material using the DNA origami method to engulf and neutralize viruses. The strategy has been tested against hepatitis and adeno-associated viruses in cell cultures and may prove successful against corona viruses.
A recent study identified 363 marine invertebrate RNA viruses from 58 samples, revealing high genetic diversity and elasticity. The findings suggest possible virus transmission across different ocean areas and host species, shedding light on the origin of hantaviruses.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that social media posts criticizing opposing politicians or groups receive twice as many shares than supportive ones. Using terms related to the
Researchers developed a novel technique to study viral structure and evolution, revealing hallmarks of natural viruses in an artificial system. The findings suggest that these 'containers' efficiently package genetic cargo, potentially leading to new gene therapeutic applications.
Scientists discovered the molecular motor that packages genetic material into double-stranded DNA viruses. The advance provides insight into a critical step in the reproduction cycle of viruses such as pox- herpes- and adeno-viruses, which could inspire researchers creating microscopic machines.
A study of over 1,000 Americans found that conservatives were more likely to believe false claims about politics that benefited the right, while liberals were more likely to believe true claims that favored the left. This suggests that the political environment and widely shared news plays a role in shaping conservative misperceptions.
A new national study conducted over six months shows conservatives are less able to distinguish political truths from falsehoods than liberals. This is mainly because of a glut of right-leaning misinformation in the American media and information environment.
Researchers have identified 'pocket factors' as new therapeutic targets for flaviviruses, including dengue virus. The chimeric viruses mimic infectious particles with unprecedented detail, providing a universal path to structure determination and potential vaccines or diagnostic tools.
The study found that spinal cord injury-dependent effects on bacteria and viruses were observed, with beneficial bacteria decreasing and potentially pathogenic bacteria increasing. Functional microbial genes encoding essential pathways for central nervous system function were also reduced after spinal cord injury.
Researchers have improved a method to prevent human parainfluenza virus attachment to cells, leading to 30% to 40% of childhood respiratory illnesses. The new peptide is more effective and persistent in rodent models.
Researchers are analyzing the emergence and spread of infectious aerosols in human breath to understand why some people spread diseases more easily. The team is developing simulation models to predict aerosol distribution and develop medications that can reduce aerosol formation.
A new concept rapidly analysing for virus presence can detect viruses within 20 seconds, enabling clinicians to decide treatments and isolate patients. Additional tests are needed to identify specific virus types.
A new study has found that norovirus clusters are resistant to detergent and ultraviolet disinfection, suggesting a need to revisit current disinfection practices. The clusters can survive attempts to kill them with standard disinfectants, including UV light used in water treatment plants.
A new plasma device designed for consumers has been demonstrated to eliminate 99.99 percent of bacteria on surfaces, including textiles and metals, in just 90 seconds. The device uses room-temperature plasmas to produce reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that destroy bacterial cell walls and kill cells.
A UC Riverside virologist has received a $1.9 million award to investigate how the Zika virus beats human defenses, with the goal of developing a vaccine and antiviral drug. The research aims to understand how the virus triggers the degradation of STAT2, a key host factor in activating interferons.
The study created high-resolution molecular maps of coral reef organisms using 3D imaging techniques, revealing specific microbial and viral functions that are key components of the coral microbiome. The research has direct implications for coral reef restoration and management.
Researchers confirmed that doubling CO2 levels roughly doubles the risk of transmission. The model considers infection numbers in the local community but not air flow through rooms. Low CO2 levels can minimize COVID-19 risk, regardless of space activity.
Researchers identified a new hepatitis B virus in donkeys and zebras that causes prolonged infections, potentially leading to better understanding of chronic hepatitis B and development of new therapies.
A new review by the University of Surrey highlights the most effective techniques for collecting airborne pathogens, particularly viruses, using cyclone sampling methods. Harvard impactor samplers are also found to be suitable for capturing fine and ultrafine particles for toxicity assessments.
Researchers at Princeton University have discovered how five cellular proteins contribute to the formation of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) from relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA), a crucial step in HBV's life cycle. This finding provides potential strategies for developing new treatments for chronic HBV infection.
Two Cornell University scientists are tracking down the cause of rapid apple decline, a phenomenon causing trees to deteriorate and die in just weeks. They will analyze root systems, viruses, and commercial apple orchards to determine the underlying cause.
Researchers successfully filmed and restored the 3D structure of nanoparticles that share structural similarities with viruses using X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) and machine learning. This breakthrough enables high accuracy and speed imaging of viruses, opening new avenues for understanding their structures.
A Swiss research group has developed a novel cancer vaccine strategy utilizing two different viruses to stimulate the immune system against tumor cells. In animal experiments, this approach led to the elimination or slowing down of tumors in 20-40% of cases.
Researchers have developed a combination therapy that can potentially heal hepatitis B by shutting down the viral genome in infected liver cells. The treatment targets the HBx protein, which protects the genetic material from being silenced, allowing for sustained shutdown of the virus.
A standard water treatment technique, iron coagulation, efficiently removes and inactivates enveloped viruses by forming precipitates that trap the viral envelopes. This method is more effective than chlorine disinfection, with a reduction of 100,000 times active virus in 2.6 minutes.
The US is ill-prepared to confront disease outbreaks and food-supply threats caused by airborne organisms due to fragmented research. Unifying atmospheric biology research could improve the country's response to pandemics and other national security threats.
The study reveals that many virus-like insertions may remain undiscovered in animal genomes, highlighting the need for further research on endogenous RNA viruses. Machine learning was used to detect sequence patterns characteristic of endogenous RNA viruses in the human genome.
A study examined the association between a statewide COVID-19 shelter-in-place order and lower rates of seasonal respiratory viral activity in Northern California. The results showed that the shelter-in-place order was associated with reduced seasonal respiratory virus activity before and after its implementation.
Researchers investigated bamlanivimab's effects on mild to moderate COVID-19 patients, finding that higher doses of bamlanivimab significantly reduced severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 viral loads. Combination therapy with etesevimab also yielded promising results, highlighting its potential as a treatment option.
Researchers have discovered viral small RNAs in mosquito cells, shedding light on the transmission of viruses like yellow fever and dengue fever. This study provides a comprehensive platform for comparing the characteristics of small RNAs across four mosquito species.
A new antibody has shown broad-spectrum protection against multiple flaviviruses, including dengue, Zika, and West Nile. The discovery could provide a blueprint for safe and effective vaccines against these deadly diseases.
Advanced sequencing technique reveals 19 new RNA mycoviruses in fungus Aspergillus, including 9 undetected by conventional methods. The study also identifies novel RdRp gene structures, challenging existing understanding of RNA virus genetics.
Researchers from SUTD and MIT developed a procedure to link large-scale assembly processes to molecular simulations, allowing them to study the movement and interactions of atoms and molecules. They successfully simulated a large-scale virus, M13, with nanoparticles for fifty nanoseconds, overcoming previous limitations.
Researchers have developed a new method for deploying CRISPR/Cas9 directly into target cells using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) coated with green tea phytochemicals. This approach has the potential to reduce costs and increase safety compared to existing viral methods, which are currently the only approved methods in trial globally.
Researchers have developed a special type of cotton fabric that releases reactive oxygen species when exposed to daylight, killing microbes attached to its surface while being washable and reusable. The fabric showed promise in reducing the spread of diseases like COVID-19 by killing 99.9999% of bacteria and viruses within 60 minutes.
Researchers have discovered a key enzyme SphK2 that suppresses the immune system's response to viral infections. The study found that inhibiting this enzyme can clear persistent viral infections and treat some types of cancer by promoting activation of the immune system.
A new study suggests that combining T cell activation with antibody production could lead to longer-term protection against Zika virus. Researchers found that inducing CD8+ T cells was key in preventing Zika infection in mice, offering a promising approach for developing effective vaccines.
Researchers used microfluidic devices to study the interaction between viruses and cell membranes, revealing high-resolution understanding of electric shifts happening at the surface. The technique showed that glycine can interrupt capsid formation for replicated viruses within the cell.