Articles tagged with Viruses
Researchers have developed a new biotechnology platform to produce safer 'hybrid' viruses for vaccines and diagnostics against mosquito-borne diseases. The Binjari virus, inert to humans, is used to create 'dangerous-looking' viruses like Zika and dengue that cannot grow in humans or animals.
A study by Max Delbrück Center researchers explains that avian influenza A viruses are unable to transform infected human cells into effective virus factories due to a lack of the matrix protein M1. The virus requires this protein to export its genetic material from the cell nucleus, which is necessary for building new viruses.
A comprehensive new study by USC marine biologists reveals a stable virus community in the ocean, with constant churning of mutants allowing them to adapt and survive. The findings support the Red Queen hypothesis, suggesting that microbes must constantly evolve to outcompete each other.
The University of Oklahoma is leading a $2.5 million research project to investigate avian influenza virus diversity and transmission. The project aims to improve surveillance and pandemic preparedness by training researchers and engaging the public in disease ecology and evolution.
Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä have discovered that host cell calpain proteases can process enterovirus polyprotein in vitro. This finding sheds light on the mechanism behind the inhibitory effect of calpain protease inhibition on enterovirus infection.
Researchers have determined the structure of OLPVRII, a unique protein found in giant viruses. The protein forms pentamers and may act as an ion channel, shedding light on its potential role in hosting green algae during viral infection.
Researchers have discovered a way to stop the rabies virus from shutting down the immune system, solving a long-standing scientific puzzle. The breakthrough involves disabling the binding of viral proteins to host cells' STAT1 protein, paving the way for new oral vaccines.
Researchers at UofSC's Arnold School of Public Health discovered a novel treatment approach for Gulf War Illness by repurposing existing antiviral drugs. The study, published in the journal Viruses, shows that adjusting GI tract viruses can help alleviate symptoms such as chronic fatigue and widespread pain.
A new portable DNA sequencer has been developed to rapidly diagnose wheat viruses with high accuracy. The technology has been tested on four wheat samples from western Kansas and detected three different viruses, including a new strain. This breakthrough has broad applications for plant disease identification and field diagnostics.
Harvard researchers have captured the first-ever video of individual viruses assembling, offering a real-time view into their kinetics. The study reveals that viruses follow a specific pathway to form their capsid structure, with proteins arranging themselves into hexagons and pentagons around the RNA core.
Researchers used mathematical models and computer simulations to explain why multipartite viruses predominantly infect plants, rather than animals. The studies found that these viruses can colonize structured populations with less resistance, making them more advantageous for plant hosts.
A potent monoclonal antibody has been developed to impede henipavirus fusion with cell membranes, blocking viral genome injection. The antibody recognizes a specific area of the viral membrane machinery, preventing membrane fusion and keeping viral material out of host cells.
Researchers have developed a new mathematical framework that accurately predicts the positions of proteins in the containers of all icosahedral viruses for the first time. The discovery solves a scientific mystery that has endured for half a century and paves the way for new insights into how viruses form, evolve, and infect their hosts.
Research reveals that viruses have multiple structural models, leading to the potential for more targeted vaccines. The study also provides a new framework for classifying viruses and designing antiviral strategies.
Biologists at Columbia University created a detailed map of protein-protein interactions between human-infecting viruses and infected cells. The study revealed insights into Zika virus infection and HPV's role in cancer, with potential implications for diagnostics and vaccine development.
Scientists have found that Wolbachia's ability to block virus transmission may be maintained by natural selection, alleviating concerns about its long-term effectiveness. The study identified a gene within A. aegypti mosquitoes involved in Wolbachia's blocking trait.
Researchers detected a large unreported Zika outbreak in Cuba during 2017, using virus genomics and travel patterns to identify the outbreak. The study suggests that effective mosquito control campaigns can delay outbreaks, emphasizing the need for alternative detection methods when local case reporting is limited.
A new study reveals that circular Rep-encoding single-stranded DNA viruses have acquired their genetic components through complex evolutionary processes. The findings show that these viruses are 'obsessive borrowers', appropriating genetic material from various sources, including bacterial and eukaryotic cells.
Researchers have successfully created stable, cancer-like cells in the lab by simultaneously infecting white blood cells with two viruses, Epstein-Barr Virus and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. This breakthrough opens up new opportunities for understanding the progression of this rare blood cancer and developing treatments.
The LRH-1 protein plays a key role in controlling the immune system, and its inhibition may be used to treat inflammatory diseases. Without LRH-1, the body cannot trigger an immune response, leading to increased damage from pathogens.
A Rutgers-led study confirms the crucial role of viruses in controlling diatom populations, which produce 20% of Earth's oxygen and store carbon dioxide. Low silicon levels accelerate viral infection, releasing nutrients for recycling by other algae.
Researchers found that gut microbiota plays a crucial role in fighting off viral infections in the nervous system. A study using mice showed that bacteria-free animals were unable to eliminate viruses and developed paralysis, while those with normal gut bacteria were better protected.
Researchers found that RNA viruses from managed honeybees were transmitted to wild bumblebees through shared floral resources. The study suggests that managing apiaries may exacerbate the decline of vulnerable bumblebee species.
Researchers at the University of Vermont discovered that viruses from domestic honeybees are spilling over to nearby wild bumblebee populations, primarily through shared flowers. The findings suggest that careful monitoring and treating of diseased honeybee colonies could protect wild bees from these viruses.
A recent study has improved upon Nobel Laureate Prof. Shinya Yamanaka's cellular reprogramming method, reducing the waiting period from 3-4 weeks to approximately a week. The new method also increases the success rate up to ten-fold, making it easier to apply in clinical settings.
Researchers identified a previously unknown pocket on the surface of picornaviruses, which can be stabilized by a newly-discovered compound. This stabilization prevents shape change and interaction with host cells, making it a promising strategy for developing antiviral medications.
Researchers successfully control virus replication in mosquitoes using Wolbachia, which reduces the risk of human disease. The study shows promise for long-term efficacy of Wolbachia as a control option for mosquito-transmitted diseases.
Researchers found that creating a viral YouTube ad requires arousing strong emotion through captivating plots, surprising endings, and authentic characters. Ads placed at the end of the video and between 1.2 to 1.7 minutes in length are also more likely to be shared.
Researchers from Swansea University have published a study examining the unexpected genes carried by these giant viruses found inside amoebae. The findings provide valuable information on how these viruses may be linked to some forms of pneumonia, paving the way for new treatments and understanding their biology.
A team at Washington University School of Medicine has created a detailed picture of the chikungunya virus latched onto a protein found on cells in joints. This image promises to accelerate efforts to design drugs and vaccines to prevent or treat arthritis caused by chikungunya or related viruses.
A new statistical machine learning framework has been developed to reconstruct the original network after a viral attack, which is crucial for designing new medicines or gene therapies against viruses and diseases like cancer. The framework actively incorporates the influence and causality of the attack into its learning algorithm.
Researchers used cryogenic electron microscopy to visualize the virus's protein shell and its condensed genome, which forms a liquid crystal state. The study sheds light on how viruses replicate and may contribute to tackling viral diseases.
Researchers from Tomsk Polytechnic University proposed a new configuration for nanoscopes that uses special diffraction gratings with gold plates, allowing for accelerated image generation without losing magnification power. The study's results are published in Annalen der Physik and show improvements in resolution up to 0.3 λ.
Research suggests that e-cigarettes can diminish the body's ability to fight viruses, including those causing the flu. Cigarettes, on the other hand, appear to increase the risk of becoming sick from the flu due to different factors.
Researchers from Germany have found that a previous dengue infection can protect against Zika-associated damage. This discovery has important implications for pregnant women, particularly those living in regions with high Zika virus prevalence.
A study found that host-cell enzymes PARP12 and PARP14 play a crucial role in combating mutant coronavirus replication. The macrodomain of the virus is required to prevent these enzymes from inhibiting viral replication and enhancing the production of antiviral proteins.
An online intervention with real-time information on locally circulating viruses reduced mothers' intentions to visit the doctor for a respiratory tract infection. Participants in the intervention group had lower intentions than those in the control group, according to the study published in The Annals of Family Medicine.
A team of microbiologists and pulmonologists at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a previously unknown viral family, Redondoviridae, which is the second-most common DNA virus in human lung and mouth specimens. The virus is associated with severe critical illness and gum disease, respectively.
Scientists discovered a giant virus, Medusavirus, that turns amoebas into stone-like cysts and harbors ancient proteins crucial to eukaryotic life. This finding suggests a possible relationship between the virus and the emergence of complex life.
Studies suggest that fruit flies co-evolving with viruses have increased genetic variation underlying their susceptibility to future infections. The findings have implications for reducing disease, particularly in mosquito populations.
Research found that HSV-1 and HSV-2 are mixing together to result in several new, different recombinant versions of herpes. This blurring of lines has important implications for HSV vaccine development.
Researchers have cataloged over 200,000 ocean viruses, expanding our understanding of their impact on the environment and climate change. The study found high viral diversity in the Arctic Ocean, which may serve as an 'unrecognized cradle' of biodiversity.
A global survey of ocean viruses has identified nearly 200,000 species, exceeding prior estimates by 13,000. The findings have significant implications for understanding climate change, evolution, and the impact of microorganisms on the atmosphere.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy has designed new small molecules that can stop the replication of equine encephalitis viruses in the brain. These compounds have shown a high survival rate in mice, even when delayed treatment is administered.
Researchers developed a biophotonic technique that uses ultraviolet and red light irradiation to eliminate bacteria and viruses from organs before transplantation. The method significantly reduced viral load in eight patients and completely eliminated the virus in two others.
Acute flaccid myelitis, caused by recent infections including polioviruses or non-polio enteroviruses, presents significant challenges to patients and researchers. Early intensive physical therapy has shown promise in improving outcomes for polio patients, suggesting potential benefits for AFM patients.
A new study warns that global warming could lead to the spread of disease-carrying mosquitoes to areas previously too cold for them, putting 1 billion people at risk. The research suggests that temperatures are expected to rise, leading to year-round transmissions in tropical regions and seasonal risks elsewhere.
A study predicts climate change will lead to increased and new exposures to humans of diseases carried by mosquito vectors, with poleward shifts in Aedes-borne virus distributions. The model suggests a middle-of-the-road temperature increase could produce the greatest expansion in viral transmission by Ae. albopictus.
A new mass-spectrometry-based assay has been developed to detect flaviviruses like Dengue, Zika, West Nile, and Yellow Fever viruses. The assay can distinguish between multiple flaviviruses or strains of a single virus within the first 8 days of symptom onset.
Researchers have discovered how viruses evade detection by bacteria using a molecular decoy that tricks the CRISPR defense. This breakthrough expands scientists' understanding of viral strategies and raises possibilities for crafting anti-CRISPRs in the lab.
A team of researchers has systematically tracked protein interactions that strengthen the body's defense against viruses. The study identifies 104 interferon-stimulated genes and 1401 proteins that bind to them, revealing varied immune response strategies.
Scientists discover Zika virus has been circulating in Thailand since at least 2002, defying South American pattern of viral strain similarity. The finding highlights the need for effective long-term surveillance systems to monitor the virus's activity.
Researchers found elevated levels of enteroviruses in the intestinal tracts of children with islet autoimmunity, a precursor to Type 1 diabetes. The study suggests that these viruses may spread from the gut into the pancreas and trigger autoimmune responses.
Researchers discover that virus-infected bacteria can produce new viruses to attack their original invader, a form of resistance previously unknown. This competitive interaction helps stabilize microbial populations in marine systems, crucial for biogeochemical processes related to climate change.
A new citizen science project, 'Science Scribbler - Virus Project', aims to train AI to identify virus particles by having people of all ages view screens and locate virus particles. This will help automate data segmentation processes, dramatically speeding up scientists' ability to understand research data in days rather than weeks.
A study of Twitter activity reveals that viral videos of exotic animals can fuel demand for them as pets. Researchers analyzed nearly 14,000 tweets mentioning pet or captive lemurs and found a significant spike in searches for 'pet lemur' after a popular video went viral.
A novel host antiviral factor named Shiftless has been identified that inhibits programmed -1 ribosomal frameshifting in viruses. Shiftless interacts with the -1PRF signal RNA and translating ribosomes to stall the ribosome at the -1PRF site, leading to premature translation termination.
A new study found that prolonged spaceflights can impair natural killer cell function in astronauts, increasing the risk of cancer and viral reactivation. The effects are more pronounced in first-time astronauts, suggesting stress or age may play a role.
Gammaherpesvirus 1 (FcaGHV1) has been identified as a major contributor to feline cancer and chronic kidney disease, while morbillivirus has linked to tubulointerstitial nephritis. The viruses have no known zoonotic risk, but further research is needed.
Two outbreaks of respiratory illness in wild chimpanzees were identified, one lethal and the other non-fatal, caused by human metapneumovirus and parainfluenza virus 3. The viruses were found to be nearly identical genetically to common strains in humans, suggesting a human origin.