Tightly packed in its shell
Researchers found that even minimal mutations in viral RNA can make it too bulky for the capsid, preventing replication. The study used computer simulations and verified previous research on optimized RNA packing.
Viruses
Articles tagged with Viruses
Stay complex, my friends
Researchers found that long-lasting hosts evolved more complex defenses against parasites, providing a survival advantage. The study used the Avida platform to model co-evolution between host and virus, revealing a surprising large proportion of 'switching' mutations in co-evolved hosts.
Herpes virus rearranges telomeres to improve viral replication
Researchers found that herpes simplex virus 1 rearranges telomeres to improve viral replication, suggesting a molecular mechanism for viral efficiency. The study also highlights the role of telomere proteins in protecting against viral infection.
Response to viral infections depends on the entry route of the virus
Researchers found that immune mechanisms triggered by viruses differ depending on entry route, with Toll pathway activated for feeding-related infections. The study suggests that understanding these differences can help find targets to block human diseases transmitted by insects.
Natural gut viruses join bacterial cousins in maintaining health and fighting infections
Researchers at NYU Langone Health found that infection with a common virus helped mice repair damaged intestinal tissue and restore their immune defenses. The study suggests that the virome, or natural presence of viruses in the gut, plays a crucial role in maintaining health and fighting infections.
Some flu viruses potentially more dangerous than others
A study found that flu viruses expressing specific avian hemagglutinins led to fatal infections in mice and caused significant cell damage in human lung cells. These findings suggest that certain hemagglutinins may induce programmed cell death, leading to enhanced disease severity.
Self-repairing software tackles malware
Researchers have developed a self-repairing software called A3 that detects and eradicates malware, repairing damage and preventing re-infection. The software can repair complex security vulnerabilities in minutes without taking servers down.
How viruses expand their host range: Insights from parvoviruses in domestic and wild carnivores
Researchers analyzed the host range of canine parvovirus (CPV) and found that viruses in domestic dogs and raccoons could infect a wider range of wild carnivores than previously thought. The study identified specific genetic changes associated with host adaptation, suggesting that these mutations can overcome barriers to infection.
Viral switches share a shape
Researchers have discovered that multiple viruses share an L-shaped switch in their RNA genomes, which can be flipped to prevent replication. The discovery has implications for developing new drugs to inhibit viral replication, particularly for hepatitis C virus.
Amphibian communities collapse in wake of viral outbreak
A recent study reveals that two viruses have led to the collapse of three amphibian species and impacted six others in northern Spain, causing severe disease and mass mortality.
New research decodes virus-host interactions in ocean dead zones
A new study reveals that marine viruses are more important to microbial ecology below sunlit surface waters than previously suspected. The research focused on a sulfur-oxidizing bacterium called SUP05, which is dominant in oxygen minimum zones and has not been successfully cultivated in a lab setting.
61 percent fall in female genital warts due to free HPV vaccine
A study from the University of Sydney reveals a 61% decrease in genital wart management among young women since the introduction of the free HPV vaccination program. The vaccine has been effective in reducing genital warts and their treatment costs, with no significant change in other sexually transmitted infections.
Avian influenza virus isolated in harbor seals poses a threat to humans
Researchers found the avian H3N8 flu virus, which killed harbor seals, can spread through respiratory droplets and pose a threat to humans. Human immunity to the virus is lacking, raising concerns about possible person-to-person airborne spread.
Plug n' play protein crystals
Scientists from Aalto University create ordered structures by mixing oppositely charged proteins and virus particles, enabling modular functionalization with various ligands. The method opens possibilities for biomedical and materials science research.
Viruses take down massive algal blooms, with big implications for climate
Researchers found that viruses infecting algae drive the life-and-death dynamics of massive algal blooms, with a single bloom fixing about as much carbon as an equivalent patch of rainforest. This has significant implications for climate and ocean carbon sequestration.
Of bees, mites, and viruses
Researchers found that Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) is the most affected virus species by Varroa infestation, while Kashmir Bee Virus (KBV) peaks two years after initial infestation and disappears. The study highlights the importance of beekeeper awareness, mite monitoring, and efficient Varroa control.
GW researcher unlocks next step in creating HIV-1 immunotherapy using fossil virus
A GW researcher has discovered an antibody that recognizes ancestral fossil viruses in the human genome, providing a new target for HIV-1 immunotherapy. This breakthrough could help overcome the virus's frequent mutations and improve treatment options.
Tiniest catch: University of Arizona scientists' fishing expedition reveals viral diversity in the sea
Using lab-cultured bacteria as 'bait,' researchers sequenced complete and partial genomes of 10 million viruses from an ocean water sample, revealing distinct categories and enabling recognition of actual virus populations. This breakthrough enables scientists to study the ecology and evolution of viruses in nature.
Short circuit in the food web
Researchers discovered how viruses affect phytoplankton, like Emiliania huxleyi, altering global carbon cycle and marine food chain. Viruses rewire host lipid metabolism, diverting fixed carbon from traditional food web, with implications for ocean ecosystems.
Platonic solids generate their 4-dimensional analogues
Alicia Boole Stott and Ludwig Schlaefli showed that six platonic solids have four-dimensional counterparts, featuring strange symmetries. The spinorial construction explains these symmetries, shedding new light on both three- and four-dimensional geometries.
Dormant viruses re-emerge in patients with lingering sepsis
A new study reveals that late-stage sepsis triggers the reactivation of dormant viruses in the body, leading to secondary infections. Researchers found that 43% of sepsis patients had multiple viruses detected in their blood or urine.
CU researchers explain mechanism that helps viruses spread
Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have solved a biochemical mystery surrounding viral RNA molecules. The study reveals how these molecules mimic cellular RNAs as part of their strategy to infect cells and multiply, offering insights into potential treatments or vaccines against infectious diseases.
Relaxation helps pack DNA into a virus
Researchers discovered that DNA relaxes to pack into virus heads at speeds determined by physics. The process counteracts the molecule's tendency to repel itself due to its negative charge.
Viruses hijack deep-sea bacteria at hydrothermal vents
Researchers found viruses force bacteria to burn sulfur reserves, releasing energy for viral replication. The study reveals a new microbial interaction in deep-sea environments, hinting that viruses act as agents of evolution in chemosynthetic systems.
Undersea warfare: Viruses hijack deep-sea bacteria at hydrothermal vents
Scientists found viruses that infect bacterial cells in deep-sea environments, forcing them to burn sulfur reserves and release energy. The viral genes are similar to those used by the infected bacteria, suggesting a genetic exchange that helps the viruses propagate.
Viral infections: Identifying the tell-tale patterns
Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have identified the structural features that enable the innate immune system to distinguish viral from host RNAs. The RIG-I like receptors (RLRs) recognize specific patterns in viral RNAs, which differ from endogenous cellular RNAs.
How the body fights against viruses
The human immune system uses enzymes like ADAR1 to modify viral genetic information, rendering it useless for new virus particles. The study reveals how the cell protects itself from accidental import of viral RNA into the nucleus.
Nanocrystalline cellulose modified into an efficient viral inhibitor
Researchers at Aalto University have successfully developed a novel nanocrystalline cellulose that effectively inhibits alphavirus infection in cells. The compound was found to prevent viral spread in 88-100% of cases, with no negative effects on cell viability.
The taming of the shrew
Researchers have discovered that the bicolored shrew acts as a 'pathogen reservoir' for the Borna virus, transmitting it to horses. The virus is not directly contagious and requires an intermediate host to spread, highlighting the importance of keeping shrews away from stables to prevent transmission.
Virus structure inspires novel understanding of onion-like carbon nanoparticles
Researchers developed new mathematical tools to understand virus symmetry, revealing insights into viral genome and protein capsid interaction. This work also applies to carbon onions, providing a basis for nanotechnology applications.
Nano-paper filter removes viruses
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a paper filter that can remove virus particles with efficiency matching the best industrial filters. The filter uses 100% high purity cellulose nanofibers directly derived from nature, overcoming previous limitations in virus removal.
New research seeks beneficial qualities of viruses
A multi-institutional team, led by Rachel Whitaker, studies host-viral interactions to understand how viruses can protect hosts from competitors and aid in survival. The research aims to develop a theoretical model of eco-evolutionary dynamics between viruses and microbes.
Now in 3-D: Video of virus-sized particle trying to enter cell
Scientists at Princeton University have created a 3D video of a virus-like particle attempting to enter a cell, revealing unprecedented details about the interaction. The technique developed could help deliver drugs via nanoparticles and prevent viral infections.
Predatory organisms at depth
In deep, old, and nutrient-poor marine sediments, viruses outnumber microbes by up to 225 times, controlling the size and composition of microbial communities. Viruses produce new viruses that remain in sediment for longer periods due to limited enzymatic destruction, leading to a high turnover rate.
Gold nanoparticles help to develop a new method for tracking viruses
Researchers developed a novel method to study enterovirus structures and functions, allowing for tracking of viruses in cells and tissues. The method involves attaching gold nanoparticles to viruses, enabling studies on structural changes and mechanisms of virus uncoating.
Viral puzzles
Researchers identified weak points in capsids and inferred spontaneous assembly processes, discovering each shell is made of protein 'tiles' that spontaneously join up like Lego pieces.
Crop-infecting virus forces aphids to spread disease
Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that crop-infecting viruses use aphids as pawns to spread infection to healthy vegetation. By altering plant biochemistry, these viruses repel visiting aphids and force them to move to healthier plants, unwittingly transporting and spreading the virus.
New book 'Going Viral' explores nature, impact of Internet virality
Researchers Karine Nahon and Jeff Hemsley study thousands of blogs, posts, and tweets to explore the origins and impact of internet memes. They argue that viral information can shape public opinion and have a lasting impact on society.
Fruit bat population covering central Africa is carrier of 2 deadly viruses
Researchers have found that a population of fruit bats covering central Africa is infected with two deadly viruses. The African straw-coloured fruit bat was previously known to be a reservoir for these viruses, and its homogeneity and extensive movement make it easy for the viruses to spread.
Scientists discover why newborns get sick so often
New research reveals that newborns are born without the toll-like receptor 3, a key protein needed to protect against viruses. This impairment makes newborn immune cells unable to recognize and react to certain viruses, increasing their susceptibility to infections like herpes simplex virus.
Pregnant women with hepatitis C may pass heartier viral strain to newborns, study suggests
A new study suggests that pregnant women with hepatitis C can pass a more replicative viral strain to their newborns, which increases the risk of persistent infection. This occurs due to immune changes during pregnancy, which impair CD8+ T-cell function and allow the virus to thrive.
Food additive may prevent spread of deadly new avian flu
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a common food additive that can block a deadly new strain of avian influenza virus from infecting healthy cells. The compound, tert-butyl hydroquinone, targets a previously untapped region of the flu virus called hemagglutinin.
Foot and mouth disease in sub-Saharan Africa moves over short distances, wild buffalo are a problem
New research reveals that African buffalo are a key source of the SAT 2 virus responsible for foot and mouth disease in sub-Saharan Africa. The study shows that the virus can spread over relatively short distances through infected hosts, highlighting the importance of genetic tracking for predicting future outbreaks.
Drug activates virus against cancer
Researchers have found a synergistic combination of valproic acid and oncolytic parvovirus H-1PV that can effectively treat cervical and pancreatic carcinomas by activating virus-induced cell death and killing cancer cells. This new therapy has the potential to arrest tumor growth in severe cases of cancer.
How a ubiquitous herpesvirus sometimes leads to cancer
Researchers discovered distinct EBV subtypes with varying public health risks, including a strain associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This finding highlights the importance of tailoring prevention efforts to specific viral strains.
Making the most of what you have
The study reveals that the nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) protease of classical swine fever virus is capable of self-cleavage, generating two smaller proteins with distinct activities. This discovery sheds light on the complex regulation of viral replication and has significant implications for understanding persistent infections.
Antibiotics drastically overprescribed for sore throats, bronchitis, analyses show
A study analyzing two national surveys found that antibiotics are prescribed in 60% of sore throat visits and 73% of acute bronchitis visits, despite being ineffective for viral infections. The misuse of antibiotics contributes to the creation of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, posing a public health threat.
Viruses associated with coral epidemic of 'white plague'
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a group of viruses associated with the coral epidemic 'white plague,' which has killed 70-80% of some reefs. The study suggests that viral diversity is higher in diseased corals, highlighting the need for further research to prevent this disease.
New technology transforms research in viral biology
Researchers developed a new system to test how viruses interact with cells in the body, revealing insights that will improve viral therapy. The technology allows for the use of real viruses in real environments, enabling scientists to study host targets for antiviral drugs.
Shingles symptoms may be caused by neuronal short circuit
Scientists at Princeton University discovered that herpes viruses may cause repetitive nerve cell firing, leading to persistent itching and pain. Understanding this mechanism could lead to improved treatments for shingles, oral, and genital herpes.
Malware bites and how to stop it
Researchers have developed a new approach to virus detection that uses data mining algorithms and machine learning techniques to identify malicious code and behavior patterns.
Rice writes rules for gene-therapy vectors
Researchers at Rice University have made strides toward creating a set of rules to design custom viral capsid proteins for gene therapy. By combining pieces of different adeno-associated viruses, they can create new, benign viruses that deliver DNA payloads to specific cells. This research has the potential to treat diseases such as ge...
Ancient viruses that function in early human development may play role in cancer
Researchers at St. Laurent Institute discovered 'dark matter' in the human genome that functions in cancer biology and cell death. VlincRNAs triggered by ancient viruses may regulate gene expression in cancer cells, making them a potential target for therapy and diagnostics.
Profile of likely e-mail phishing victims emerges in human factors/ergonomics research
A study found that people who are overconfident, introverted, or women are more susceptible to phishing attacks. The results showed a disconnect between confidence and actual skill, with many participants misclassifying phishing emails.
New virus discovered in stranded dolphin
Researchers have identified a new virus associated with the death of a short-beaked dolphin in San Diego, belonging to the polyomavirus family. The discovery could help protect dolphins and other animals from disease outbreaks.
Placental cells may prevent viruses from passing from mother to baby, says Pitt/MWRI team
Researchers at Pitt and MWRI found that placental cells can resist viral infection by transferring genetic material called microRNAs through tiny spheres called exosomes. This trait could lead to new approaches to combat viral infections during pregnancy.
Computer modeling technique goes viral at Brandeis
Researchers at Brandeis University have developed a sophisticated computational model that helps scientists understand how viruses spread by analyzing genomic data, virus structure, and capsid formation. The team's tool predicts key structural features of the virus genome and controls capsid assembly.
Study builds dossier on JC polyomavirus
Researchers have found that common mutant forms of the JC polyomavirus are not infectious, but may still contribute to disease. The mutants appear to be up to no good by only being found in immunocompromised patients and possibly helping the main virus evade the immune system.
Android antiviral products easily evaded, Northwestern study says
Researchers tested 10 popular Android antiviral products and found they could be easily circumvented by simple transformations, such as changing virus binary code or file names. The products' shortcomings are due to overly simple content-based signatures and lack of static analysis.
New single virus detection techniques for faster disease diagnosis
Researchers developed optics-based methods for determining viral load by counting individual virus particles, allowing for faster and cheaper testing. These new methods could conduct measurements in a medical office or hospital instead of a laboratory, providing rapid results and fast turnaround.