Articles tagged with Viruses
Researchers at NIST developed new standards and calibrations for optical microscopes, enabling accurate measurement of microdroplet volumes smaller than 100 trillionths of a liter. They combined microscopy with gravimetry to verify results, linking their findings to fundamental constants of nature.
Scientists have developed a fusion protein that successfully blocks replication of SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses in cell culture tests. The protein combines ACE2 with human antibody fragments, providing reliable protection against future mutations.
A new mathematical model developed by USC researchers uses a generator-based approach to analyze mutations in genomic datasets, allowing for the prediction of virus evolution and detection. This tool can be applied to various pathogens, including crops, enabling proactive protection measures.
Researchers report that combining infection and vaccination produces high-quality antibodies effective against COVID-19 variants. The study found that prior-infected individuals who received a vaccine had potent antibodies against new variants, contrary to previous findings suggesting reduced potency.
Chemists at UNIGE have developed a new method to rapidly generate millions of molecule combinations using DNA-pairing processes, finding the best match for target proteins within two weeks. This technique uses evolutionary forces to amplify the best combinations and generates diversity.
Researchers have identified pigtailed macaques as a suitable animal model for studying two emerging tick-borne hemorrhagic viruses, Kyasanur Forest disease and Alkhurma hemorrhagic disease. The study found that infected macaques exhibited symptoms similar to those in humans, including loss of appetite, dehydration, and hemorrhaging.
Researchers found 2.4 times the rate of arbovirosis as originally reported, including coinfections, suggesting underestimation of the incidence of the three viruses. The study enriches epidemiological information on these arboviruses, which can help improve estimates of burden and resource allocation.
Researchers have discovered that ulvan extracted from marine algae can prevent the infection of cells with the Corona virus. The study suggests that this cheap and accessible natural material may help solve the global spread of the pandemic in developing countries without access to vaccines.
Researchers found that drivers touch their face nearly 30 times an hour on average, with the most common areas being the face, hair, neck, and shoulders. This behavior can spread germs and infection, particularly when handwashing is inadequate.
A Houston Methodist study found that lifting COVID-19 restrictions led to a rapid return of seasonal respiratory viruses, highlighting the effectiveness of masking and distancing measures. The study's findings demonstrate that these precautions can suppress all respiratory viruses, not just COVID-19.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that rodents have a greater diversity and accelerated rate of evolution in the ACE2 receptors used by SARS viruses. This suggests that some rodent species may be asymptomatic carriers of SARS-like coronaviruses, potentially leading to new pathogen transmission to humans.
States allowing minors to consent to HPV vaccination without parental involvement showed higher vaccine series initiation rates from 2015 to 2018, according to a JAMA Pediatrics analysis of nearly 82,000 adolescents. The study found increased vaccine uptake in these states compared to those with parental consent requirements.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered that naturally acquired immunity to malaria works differently than immunity following vaccination. The immune system uses natural killer cells to fight the parasite, which is more tailored to the disease than other typical infections.
A Quebec research team conducted the first-ever study to examine the long-term protective effect of the BCG vaccine against COVID-19. Despite previous studies suggesting a correlation between childhood vaccination status and lower mortality rates, the researchers found no long-term protective effect of BCG against COVID-19.
Scientists have identified the molecular origins of recombination in RNA viruses, a process that can lead to the emergence of new variants. The study reveals a new class of antiviral drugs that target this mechanism, but warns of potential risks when used in large quantities.
A recent study published in eLife reveals that the shape of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) plays a crucial role in determining infection outcomes. Researchers found that RSV viruses change from long, rod-shaped particles to more rounded ones during infection, which affects the activation of complement proteins by the immune system.
Scientists at Einstein College of Medicine have successfully suppressed HIV infections in mice using a novel treatment strategy that boosts the immune system's CD8+ T cells. The therapy, known as synTac, selectively targets HIV-infected T cells, eliminating them from the body and offering a potential path to a functional cure for HIV.
Researchers found that a coagulation method using electricity effectively removes and inactivates nonenveloped viruses from untreated water. The process involves the use of iron electrodes to produce hydroxyl radicals, which aggregate with viruses, making them easier to remove.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to reduced influenza reporting, but vaccination and strengthened surveillance are critical for a possible resurgence. Research highlights the importance of flu vaccination and early testing for non-influenza respiratory viruses.
Researchers found that a light breeze of about 5 mph extends effective social distancing by around 20% due to increased viral load persistence. Wearing masks outdoors reduces the chances of infection, with stronger winds increasing virus spread.
The WSU-led DEEP VZN project aims to detect and characterize unknown viruses that can spill over from wildlife to human populations. The project plans to collect over 800,000 samples and screen the genomes of novel viruses with high zoonotic potential.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.