Articles tagged with Viruses
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Cassava Brown Streak Disease has been identified as the most serious threat among various cassava viruses, with outbreaks reported in several countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. The disease is caused by a highly infectious virus that can claim 100% of a farmer's harvest without their knowledge.
Scientists at UCSF have developed a new gene sequencing technique that can identify the Lone Star virus in less than 24 hours, significantly faster than conventional methods. The ultra-rapid deep sequencing approach has the potential to democratize viral surveillance and could help prevent outbreaks.
Scientists identified viruses closely related to Hepatitis C virus in rodents and bats, shedding light on the disease's origins and possible animal models for treatment. The findings also support the development of new vaccines and treatments, as the viruses share similar sequences with HCV.
A research project called Polly has demonstrated the potential for teaching poorly educated people about automated voice services. The system, which adds funny sound effects to recorded messages, has been used by over 160,000 people, including some non-Pakistanis, and has handled almost 2.5 million calls.
Scientists have discovered several new species of hepaciviruses and pegiviruses closely related to human viruses in frozen stocks of wild mice. These rodent viruses have genes and proteins similar to human strains, suggesting their potential use in studying hepatitis C disease and developing vaccines.
A University of Houston research team partnered with NASA and astronauts on the International Space Station to examine how spaceflight affects the immune system. They will collect blood, saliva, and urine samples from two astronauts before, during, and after a mission to monitor natural killer cells and assess viral reactivation risks.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina discovered that hepatitis A virus acquires an envelope from infected cells when found in the environment, blurring the distinction between enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. This unique behavior allows the virus to evade host immune systems and survive longer periods between hosts.
Researchers have found that blocking the immune response can enhance viral therapy against solid tumors, leading to a 90% cure rate in mouse models. The study suggests combining oncolytic viruses with anti-VEGF therapies could be an effective treatment strategy for certain types of cancer.
Researchers found that contaminated water used to dilute pesticides can carry human noroviruses, potentially contaminating the food chain. The study suggests that pesticide application may be a microbiological risk factor for public health.
Researchers at A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore have developed a novel technique called LoFreq, which allows them to detect microbe and cancer cell mutations in real-time. This breakthrough enables scientists to catch the development of resistance early on and investigate the effectiveness of new drugs.
Researchers have found a virus that can adapt to hosts with modified nuclear genetic codes, contrary to the long-held assumption that such changes prevent new viral infections. The discovery provides evidence of co-evolution between viruses and hosts with altered genetic codes.
A new device called the SXC ESP was created by Washington University engineers to better protect human lungs from allergens and airborne viruses. The device uses soft X-ray irradiation to capture particles, making it more effective than traditional air cleaners in removing biological agents from the air.
Researchers found that certain viruses and fungi work together with plants to improve drought and temperature tolerance. This collaboration is a key to sustainable agriculture and may lead to more natural methods of creating crops that are more heat, drought, and stress tolerant.
The Diamond Light Source facility has been upgraded to analyze pathogens requiring Containment Level 3, including serious viruses responsible for AIDS, Hepatitis, and flu. This capability enables scientists to study virus structures in detail, opening up new paths for therapeutic treatments and vaccines.
The measles virus uses a hairpin-like structure to bind to the MDA5 receptor, preventing it from forming filaments and signaling viral RNA. This interaction allows the virus to evade the immune system's defense mechanisms.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that immune cells from older adults can respond to virus infections similarly to those from younger individuals. This discovery has important implications for vaccination strategies targeting the elderly.
Scientists at the University of Exeter discovered a new way viruses evolve to switch their behavior in response to other viruses infecting a host. This means that even with manipulation, viruses will always adapt to serve their own purposes and cause maximum destruction.
A new study reveals that viruses can be spread through cross-contamination from utensils like knives and graters, posing a significant health risk. The study found that contaminated utensils can transfer viruses to multiple pieces of produce, highlighting the need for emphasis on utensil hygiene.
Researchers at Salk Institute discovered adenovirus proteins that hijack cell machinery, including growth and replication. E4-ORF3 protein assembles into polymers that capture tumor suppressors and silence genes, providing a new avenue for cancer therapies.
Researchers found that viruses work together to break down plant defenses, causing more severe disease. This phenomenon has important implications for controlling these viruses.