Articles tagged with Viruses
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers highlight diagnostic pitfalls in Zika and Chikungunya virus detection, particularly for Zika, where false positives can have fatal consequences. Combined testing methods offer higher reliability, with sensitivity improved through the use of Immunoglobulin A (IgA) as a marker.
A study using murine models found that a neutralizing monoclonal antibody, ZIKV-195, protects mice from Zika virus infection. The antibody targets and cross-links envelope proteins critical for viral membrane fusion.
Researchers discovered that viruses associated with the varroa mite have spilled over into the western yellowjacket, a honeybee predator, causing a change in genetic diversity. This finding suggests that introducing non-native species can have far-reaching effects on ecosystems.
Scientists have identified regions with high diversity of potential wildlife hosts for flaviviruses, including primates and birds. The study's model predicts hundreds of previously unobserved host species, which can help with disease detection and surveillance efforts.
A study by Michigan State University found that people with low self-control are more likely to fall victim to cybercrime involving Trojans, viruses, and malware. The research, which analyzed nearly 6,000 survey participants, identified impulsiveness as a key factor in increasing the risk of infection.
A recent study by RUDN medics revealed critical spread rates of five types of viral hepatitis in Somalia, with 18.9% of residents infected with hepatitis B and higher rates for hepatitis A and E. The researchers emphasize the need for immediate action to address this global health crisis.
Mayo Clinic researchers find that viruses can hijack the ADAR1 enzyme to avoid immune detection, but at a threshold of 1,000 double-stranded RNA molecules. This discovery offers hope for new antiviral therapies targeting ADAR1.
Researchers developed a model predicting animal viruses capable of spreading among humans, highlighting potential targets for disease surveillance. The study identified 47 viruses with high transmissibility potential, including Carnivore amdoparvovirus 1 and Simian Foamy virus.
Researchers isolated giant viruses from soil at Harvard Forest using a novel mini-metagenomics approach, revealing unprecedented biodiversity and challenging existing knowledge of viral diversity. The discovery highlights the importance of new methods in uncovering key discoveries in microbial ecosystems.
Researchers have discovered a possible path forward in preventing cancers linked to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV), which cause infectious mononucleosis. By blocking the viruses' defense proteins, it may be possible to treat mono and prevent cancer development.
A new study found that patients with bacterial pneumonia are at a 60% greater risk of a heart attack, stroke, or death compared to those with viral pneumonia. Researchers recommend aggressive treatment and close monitoring for patients with bacterial pneumonia, particularly those with pre-existing heart conditions.
A new study reveals that Anopheles mosquitoes, including species found in the US, can carry and transmit Mayaro virus, which causes fever, joint aches, and other symptoms. The researchers tested six mosquito species and found that all four Anopheles species were competent laboratory vectors of the virus.
A UC Riverside-led study deciphers the key elements for assembling large viruses, which may aid in interrupting their formation and containing viral diseases. The research uses continuum elasticity theory to explain how protein subunits arrange themselves into stable icosahedral structures with precision and symmetry.
Scientists have discovered how the Seneca Valley Virus interacts with tumor receptors, allowing it to selectively target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. The study provides detailed images of the virus and its receptor, enabling researchers to design improved cancer therapies.
Researchers have identified three chemicals that could develop into a new type of anti-cold drug by analyzing changes in cellular fat molecules during the infection process. By studying lipids, the researchers found changes to prevent key virus replication and limited further infection.
Scientists at NTU Singapore have engineered an antiviral peptide that exploits the Zika virus' viral membrane, reducing disease symptoms and deaths in infected mice. The peptide can cross the blood-brain barrier to tackle viral infection in mouse brains, a critical feature since Zika targets the brain and central nervous system.
A new study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry has identified a human RNA molecule called nc886 as a potent activator of the innate immune system. The RNA molecule's ability to turn on protein OAS sets off a chain of events that destroys viruses.
A Phase II clinical trial found marked improvement in three patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare and often fatal brain infection. Patients infused with donor T cells targeting the BK virus experienced significant reductions in JC viral load and clinical improvement.
Researchers at NC State have developed self-sterilizing antimicrobial materials that can inactivate bacteria and viruses using only visible-wavelength light. The new approach opens the door to a range of new products aimed at reducing the transmission of drug-resistant pathogens.
Researchers studying vampire bats and Morbillivirus aim to understand how viruses persist inside the body and trigger new infections. The project aims to gain fundamental insights into RNA virus persistence and potentially shed light on diseases like SSPE.
Researchers developed a cancer vaccine platform that can enhance oncolytic virus efficacy, activating human immune response against cancer cells. By using patient's own peptides, the treatment targets tumour cells, increasing T cell activity and improving therapy.
A study found that viruses influenced the evolution of humans, particularly in adapting to pathogens. Neanderthal DNA was shared with modern humans, providing resistance to viruses, and its presence suggests selective benefits.
A mushroom extract fed to honey bees greatly reduces virus levels, with a 79-fold reduction in deformed wing virus and a 45,000-fold reduction in Lake Sinai virus. The research shows promise for treating varroa mite-borne viruses and improving bee health.
A recent study by scientists at the Institut Pasteur has demonstrated that tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus) can transmit the yellow fever virus. The research found that the virus can adapt to this species, which is widely present in urban and forest areas, posing a major public health threat.
A team of researchers has successfully sequenced and assembled the cane toad genome, providing a reference for understanding its interplay with ecosystems. The findings also identify three new viruses that could potentially be used as biocontrol agents, offering new hope in controlling the invasive species' population.
A viral protein, W protein, targets critical human cell function to suppress immune responses and promote fatal disease. The findings suggest potential strategies for developing therapies to block the interaction between the viral protein and host proteins.
Researchers at the Salk Institute and University of Florida used cryo-electron microscopy to image an AAV2 virus with improved resolution. The study reveals key changes in the viral portal that enable it to be less infectious, potentially informing gene therapy applications for various diseases.
Researchers analyzed brain responses of people reading real news headlines to forecast popularity among readers. Infrequent news readers were better able to predict article success, suggesting they responded more broadly to content value. The study's findings could inform Army initiatives on communication and messaging.
Researchers used fMRI data to analyze brain activity of infrequent and frequent news readers, finding that the former group was better at predicting article popularity. The study suggests that people who don't normally read the news are more representative of general population trends.
Scientists developed a model to accurately predict the transmission dynamics of various viruses, enabling optimized vaccination programs. The analysis analyzed over 100 enterovirus serotypes and demonstrated patterns in their transmission cycles.
A plant virus manipulates aphid species to its advantage by increasing the nutrients in host plants, making it easier for aphids to feed. This allows late-arriving aphids to outcompete early arriving ones, leading to boosted reproductive success and increased spread of the virus.
Researchers found that people with the rare disease have genetic mutations in CIB1, EVER1, or EVER2, which compromises their immune response to ß-HPVs. The study revealed that ß-HPVs can replicate and cause skin lesions and cancer when this defense mechanism is disrupted.
A new understanding of thawing permafrost in Sweden could improve predictions and guide efforts to slow climate damage. Scientists have identified more than 1,500 microbial genomes and 1,900 new viral populations, shedding light on the role of microbes in methane production.
Two biological control agents, myxoma and rabbit haemorrhagic disease viruses, have been found to work together to control feral rabbit populations in Australia. The study used data from the largest wild rabbit study in the world to show that both viruses are effective when acting together.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a rapid, deployable, low-cost diagnostic test for Zika using mobile health technologies, targeting resource-limited settings and home testing for couples trying to conceive
Researchers have discovered the secret to the RSAD2 gene's success: an enzyme that generates a compound called ddhCTP, which sabotages viral replication by disrupting CTP conversion. This finding could form the basis for potent new antiviral drugs with a favorable safety profile.
A team of researchers has identified 27 new viruses in bees from around the world, shedding light on the impact of viral pathogens on bee health and agriculture. The discovery was made using a novel high-throughput sequencing technique that efficiently detected both known and unknown viruses.
Researchers found that cells use septins to form cage-like structures around viral particles, inhibiting their release and preventing the virus from spreading. The study provides new insights into the cellular mechanisms that control viral infections.
Researchers have discovered that giant viruses, known as pandoraviruses, can invent new genes through spontaneous mutations in intergenic regions. This suggests that these viruses may be