Articles tagged with Viruses
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new face mask concept that aims to deactivate viruses in respiratory droplets, making the wearer less infectious. The masks feature anti-viral chemicals like phosphoric acid and copper salt that alter escaped droplets, reducing viral spread.
Scientists have sequenced the genome of New World screwworms, identifying ways to slash populations by targeting specific genes. This research could lead to a more efficient biological barrier system to prevent the species from moving north and causing massive livestock losses.
A new study reveals that CRISPR-induced immune diversification in host-virus populations leads to the emergence of weighted-nestedness immunity structure, enabling hosts to control virus diversification. This structure is crucial for understanding eco-evolutionary dynamics and designing stable microbial populations.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that viral infection is involved in coral bleaching, with bleached corals having a higher abundance of eukaryotic viruses and giant viruses. These findings suggest that viral assemblages shift between coral bleaching states.
A team of NYU scientists has developed a holographic imaging method to detect both viruses and antibodies, enabling rapid and accurate diagnoses. This breakthrough could speed up patient treatment, reduce misdiagnosis risks, and lower healthcare costs.
Researchers found that WUSCHEL proteins inhibit viral protein production, preventing replication and keeping plants virus-free. The discovery could lead to breeding broad-spectrum antiviral crop varieties in the future.
Researchers have identified a new virus, BV01, that infects a significant portion of the human gut microbiome, leading to changes in bacterial gene expression. The study reveals how the virus disrupts normal gut function and affects human health and disease.
A study published in Science Advances found that removing a single gene from the poxvirus genome renders it harmless, triggering a potent immune response. The researchers used the ectromelia virus and discovered that disabling this gene made the infection detectable to the immune system.
Researchers have discovered that a deadly combination of two mosquito-borne viruses may trigger stroke in adults. A new study published in The Lancet Neurology found that patients infected with both Zika and chikungunya were more likely to experience stroke, which could be caused by either virus alone.
Researchers from Texas A&M University have made significant discoveries on how the immune system detects hidden intruders. The study found that T-cells increase their detection power mechanically, using a 'catch bond' between T-cell receptors and MHC molecules when force is applied.
Scientists found that ocean viruses infect algae without killing them immediately, instead allowing cells to multiply and bloom before dying. This discovery changes how scientists view viral infections of algae and their impact on ecosystem processes like algal bloom formation and carbon cycling.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center are conducting a clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of nasal saline irrigations in reducing COVID-19 symptoms and transmissibility. The study aims to explore if nasal hygiene can be used as an affordable and accessible treatment option.
Global warming may make viruses more resistant to disinfectants like chlorine and heating, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. Researchers found that warm-water-adapted viruses are more resilient to inactivation than cold-water-adapted ones.
Researchers argue that rigid social distancing rules are based on outdated science and oversimplify transmission risks. Experts suggest a more nuanced approach considering activity type, indoor vs outdoor settings, ventilation levels, and face coverings.
UTSW scientists found that STING activates a pathway directly killing tumor-fighting immune cells, revealing a new opportunity for checkpoint inhibition immunotherapy. This finding could lead to longer-lasting immunotherapies and more effective treatments for cancer.
Scientists have discovered a simple and ingenious strategy used by the Zika virus to protect important parts of its genome from host cell defence mechanisms. The virus uses an automatic umbrella-like mechanism, where one end of the viral RNA strand is protected while the other is not, allowing it to replicate efficiently.
A new study reveals that the Vikings suffered from smallpox, dating back to the 7th century, and that the disease was more widespread than previously thought. The researchers found distinct viruses circulating during the Viking Age, which share a common ancestor with modern-day smallpox.
Researchers have sequenced the genome of six widely divergent living bat species, uncovering key findings on gene expansions and losses that contribute to bats' unique traits. The study reveals 'fossilized viruses,' evidence of surviving past viral infections, and genetic signatures of ancient viral interactions.
A doctoral student at Virginia Tech has been awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to research how migratory birds transmit diseases and carry pathogens. She aims to screen birds for various diseases in Trinidad and Virginia, determining which vectors and viruses are introduced during the winter months.
Researchers traced plant mitochondrial genomes' stability to the MSH1 gene, which exists in plants but not animals. Disrupting this gene led to increased mutations in Arabidopsis thaliana, suggesting its role in error correction machinery.
Researchers used HTS to analyze viral genomes, tracing the evolutionary history of two emerging viruses, GPGV and GINV. They found that these viruses likely originated in Asia before spreading globally through trade and human activity.
A white-throated sparrow's unique two-note-ending variant has replaced the historic three-note ending across Canada, a phenomenon unprecedented in bird species. The new song's rapid spread is attributed to overwintering grounds, where juveniles may learn and adopt new song types.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have engineered peptides that bind selectively to polysialic acid on cells, potentially providing a barrier against viruses. The findings suggest these peptides could be used to treat diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and cancer.
Researchers used bioinformatics to identify proteins expressed by arboviruses transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, finding similarities among them. The study suggests that protein profiles may help identify these proteins in the future.
A new study led by Liliana Dávalos explores how coronaviruses interact with goblet cells in bats, which may hold the key to understanding why some bats are resistant to these viruses. The research aims to compare the differences between bat and human nasal tissues, with potential implications for preventing future pandemics.
A new study finds that bacteria fed by algae biochemicals can harm coral health, leading to a shift in reef ecosystems dominated by turf and fleshy algae. The research reveals the role of microbiomes in coral-algae interactions, offering opportunities for probiotic engineering to improve coral resilience.
Researchers at KAIST developed a universal virus detection platform using reactive polymer-grafted double-stranded RNAs, which can detect viruses without prior knowledge of their genomic sequences. This platform provides enhanced sensitivity and can be used to quickly differentiate infected populations from non-infected ones.
Researchers found that cancer cells activate an inflammatory response when in contact with fibroblasts, making it harder for viruses to infect them. By blocking this signaling pathway, oncolytic viruses can more effectively target cancer cells, offering a potential treatment option.
Researchers discovered that SAR11 bacteria host a unique virus with a two-pronged survival strategy, allowing it to thrive in the oceans. The virus can multiply and split, producing large numbers of free viruses, contributing to its survival.
A study by the University of Surrey and Australian partners highlights the importance of adequate ventilation in indoor environments to prevent airborne transmission of COVID-19. Improving building ventilation is proposed as a key strategy to reduce the risk of infection, particularly in areas with high population densities.
Researchers analyzed RNA structure data to estimate virus subtypes' age and track spread in Eurasia. The study found that most viruses originated within the last three centuries, with significant expansion in the past 50-100 years.
Scientists have developed a new method called CIDER-Seq to sequence circular DNA, providing insight into its function in bacterial and viral genomes. The tool also sheds light on extrachromosomal circular DNA in human and plant cells, which has been difficult to study due to the lack of effective methods.
Researchers have found that South Australia's Grey-headed flying fox population has developed antibodies for Hendra, Cedar and Tioman viruses, indicating exposure. No evidence of Australian bat lyssavirus transmission was found, reducing the risk to humans in the region.
Researchers identified unique stress granules in cells that combat virus infections, providing a promising avenue for developing new treatments. The discovery has potential to lead to new drug therapies and improve human health by preventing serious damage from viruses.
Researchers have developed synthetic antibodies using bacterial superglue that can neutralize potentially lethal viruses like bunyaviruses. The antibodies were combined to form complexes that efficiently protected mice from the viruses.
The MIT-led consortium analyzed 18 incidents of viral contamination in biopharmaceutical drugs and found that most were caused by Chinese hamster ovary cells. The study recommends companies use rapid virus detection systems and new technologies to inactivate or remove viruses from cell culture media.
Researchers discovered that hepatitis C virus interacts with the immune system through the interferon-stimulated gene C19orf66, disrupting viral replication machinery and inhibiting its ability to replicate. The study found increased production of C19orf66 in hepatitis C patients, suggesting a potential antiviral effect.
Scientists studied 36 bat species from the western Indian Ocean and Africa, finding that different groups of bats had their own unique coronavirus strains. The research sheds light on how coronaviruses evolved and can help prevent future outbreaks.
Researchers have identified at least four new species of African leaf-nosed bats, which are cousins of horseshoe bats suspected of carrying the virus that caused COVID-19. The discovery highlights the importance of studying these animals to better understand disease transmission and prevention.