Articles tagged with Viruses
Researchers at Mass General Brigham developed a modified herpes simplex virus that stimulates the immune system to attack glioblastoma cells, increasing T-cell and natural killer cell responses. The virus, engineered to recognize markers found on glioblastoma cells, also increases overall survival in preclinical models.
A Northwestern University study found that airplane and hospital air mostly contain harmless microbes from human skin, with some potentially pathogenic species in extremely low abundance. The study used worn face masks as a passive tool to monitor indoor air, revealing the invisible world of microbes floating in our shared air.
Researchers found that adding spironolactone to standard HIV treatment can significantly reduce the amount of virus in the bloodstream and decrease signs of inflammation. This combination also helps quiet viral activity without removing infected cells, suggesting a potential path to hasten suppression and mitigate chronic inflammation.
A new combination therapy approach enabled seven out of ten participants to keep the virus at low levels for many months after going off antiretroviral therapy. The results suggest a possible cure for HIV and offer a proof of concept that this approach could work.
Researchers developed VIRE, a comprehensive viral genome database with over 1.7 million genomes from diverse ecosystems. The platform provides taxonomic information, predicted hosts, and gene functions for viruses, enabling data-driven research across various fields.
This study reveals significant viral-host interactions in colorectal polyps, identifying specific viruses associated with oncogenic and tumor-suppressive transcriptomic profiles. The findings suggest that viral activity contributes to early neoplastic transformation, challenging the traditional view of viruses as mere bystanders.
Researchers have found that early-infancy RSV infection significantly increases the risk of developing childhood asthma, especially in those with family history of allergy or asthma. Protecting newborns against RSV could substantially reduce asthma cases later in life.
A study found that hepatitis C treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) improves immune function in individuals co-infected with HIV and HCV, even in those with advanced liver disease. The treatment resulted in significant declines in inflammation and liver damage markers.
Researchers have catalogued a new collection of bacteria-eating viruses to combat the growing threat of hospital superbug Klebsiella pneumoniae. The open-source phage library offers scientists a valuable resource to develop new treatments and improve understanding of phages and bacteria interactions.
The FluWarning system uses genetic code analysis to detect subtle changes in flu viruses that may indicate cross-species transmission. It has been successfully applied to H5N1 bird flu and detected clusters of viral activity in the US, issuing alerts before official reports were published.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a new method to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria using bacteriophages, which target the Klebsiella pneumoniae species. The evolved phages demonstrated improved effectiveness in killing multiple bacterial strains, including multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant K. pneumoniae.
The Applied Microbiology International (AMI) society has issued a warning about the threat of antimicrobial resistance in viruses and other pathogens. AMI is urging policymakers to strengthen the revised Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, including all types of pathogenic organisms.
Researchers have created a detailed map of a bacteriophage, a virus that targets and kills harmful bacteria. The study's findings hold promise for developing new therapies to combat antibiotic resistance.
Researchers discovered a 'sticky' molecule, P-selectin, that can cause blood clots and organ failure during COVID-19. A new mRNA therapy that drives P-selectin expression provides broad protection against coronavirus infection.
In response to rising RSV cases, ECDC advises policymakers and public health authorities on effective ways to mitigate the impact of RSV disease in infants. Immunisation interventions, including long-acting monoclonal antibodies and maternal vaccines, can prevent severe illness and hospitalization.
Researchers have mapped the full structure of bacteriophage Bas63 using cryo-EM, revealing unique decoration proteins and a rare whisker and collar structure. The detailed structural information will enable rational phage design and engineering efforts for specificity and target regions.
The University of Houston is part of a statewide effort to fight the opioid epidemic by investigating opioid use disorder among people living with HIV in Harris County. Researchers aim to integrate prevention methods, including Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), into treatment for those affected.
Research at Amsterdam UMC found that early HIV treatment improves immune system function in the short term but leads to dysregulation in the long term. After six months of treatment, the immune system functions similarly to that of people without HIV, but this improvement is temporary and does not last beyond three years.
Researchers are investigating co-evolution between viruses and the immune system to predict future variants and develop effective vaccines and preventive measures. The ERC Synergy Grant will fund a six-year project, CoEvolve, led by physicists Michael Lässig and virologist Florian Klein.
A new method enables scientists to read the genomes of individual cells and viral particles in the environment more quickly and efficiently. The approach, known as environmental microcompartment genomics, increases throughput by an order of magnitude and provides unique insights into the diverse world of marine viruses.
A new study identifies specific bat species carrying viruses with high epidemic potential. The research highlights that not all bats carry the same level of viral risk, and conservation efforts can help mitigate this risk by protecting habitats. Understanding which bat groups harbor deadly viruses can aid in developing therapeutics.
Researchers have discovered that human astroviruses bind to a protein in human cells called the neonatal Fc receptor. The study provides a key target for vaccine development and repurposing of existing treatments.
The USF Health Institute for Translational Virology and Innovation advances research on viral diseases, virus-associated cancers, and pandemic pathogens. The institute focuses on understanding the mechanisms of viruses causing tumors and developing comorbidities in HIV patients.
A multidisciplinary team has successfully mapped the entire genome of Phage G, a massive bacterial virus that can be grown in labs and studied directly. This achievement uses cutting-edge AI analysis to unlock new insights into phages and their applications in fighting disease.
Research found acute and chronic viral infections increase risk of heart attacks and strokes, while long-term risks persist for HIV, hepatitis C, and herpes zoster. Vaccination measures, including flu shots, can reduce cardiovascular disease risk by 34%.
Salk Institute researchers have determined the structure of HIV's integrase protein during its newly discovered function, enabling the development of better HIV therapeutics. The study reveals a surprising flexibility in the protein's architecture, which can interact with both DNA and RNA, paving the way for new integrase-targeting drugs.
Researchers found a genetic variant that protects against winter vomiting disease, which was introduced to Europe through early farmers around 6,000 BCE. The FUT2 gene variant is linked to an increased risk of stomach ulcers and gallstones, but provides full protection against the virus.
The Global Pathogen Analysis Platform (GPAP) will enable low- and middle-income countries to conduct research and surveillance of infectious diseases independently. The platform aims to prevent disease outbreaks from developing into pandemics by detecting genetic sequences of potential pathogens.
A*STAR researchers discovered that mosquito saliva not only transmits the virus but also influences how the body's immune system responds to chikungunya infection. Sialokinin, a bioactive peptide in Aedes mosquito saliva, binds to neurokinin receptors on immune cells and suppresses monocyte activation.
At least eight bat species frequent pig farms in Northern Italy due to lack of physical barriers, increasing risk of coronavirus transmission. Researchers used a multi-disciplinary approach to study the interfaces between bats and pigs.
A team of UCF researchers is creating a single low-cost test to detect multiple viruses simultaneously, which may be used in resource-limited settings. The test has the potential to save lives by providing quicker and more accessible results.
A study of 200 classrooms found that HEPA purifiers did not significantly reduce respiratory viral exposures, suggesting additional interventions are needed. Maintaining classroom humidity between 40% and 60% may help lower viral exposures and improve comfort for students and teachers.
Researchers investigated whether cut flowers from Africa could spread livestock viruses through tiny biting midges. While no midges were found in packaging or transport areas, the study highlights potential risks and suggests measures to reduce them.
A new vaccine against elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) has been shown to be safe and trigger a strong immune response, with the potential to prevent deadly EEHV disease in young Asian elephants. The vaccine was tested in adult elephants at Chester Zoo and successfully activated key parts of the immune system.
Researchers argue that AI can strengthen pandemic preparedness by detecting emerging diseases earlier. By combining data from humans, animals, and the environment, AI can reveal patterns and provide insights into potential pathogens.
A WSU study found that over half of Sudan Ebola survivors suffer from debilitating health problems two years post-infection. The virus can persist in semen and breast milk for up to six months after recovery, raising concerns about transmission risks.
An AI model successfully automates lymph node segmentation and extranodal extension classification from pretreatment CT scans in HPV-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma. Predicted extranodal extension is independently associated with worse oncologic outcomes, highlighting the potential for improved treatment planning.
A 17-year study found robust population-level effectiveness of the HPV vaccine, even among sexually experienced adolescent girls and young women who may not have completed the vaccination series. The study's results suggest that the vaccine offers sustained herd protection against HPV-related diseases.
New Cochrane review finds RSV vaccines protect against severe lung infections in high-risk groups. Vaccination with RSV prefusion vaccines reduces lower respiratory tract disease by 77% in older adults, while pregnant people's children benefit from reduced hospitalization risk by 54%.
A new Cochrane review finds RSV vaccines reduce the risk of infection in vulnerable groups, including older adults and infants. Vaccination also significantly reduces severe disease and hospitalization rates.
A team of international researchers, led by UC Riverside's Scott Pegan, are developing protective antibodies against CCHFV using monoclonal antibody treatments and exploring non-traditional viral targets. The study aims to identify life-saving therapeutics for future nairovirus outbreaks.
Research by University of California, Riverside physicist Roya Zandi reveals how viruses form highly symmetrical icosahedral structures around their genomes through a process of self-correction, driven by protein elasticity. This study could lead to designing synthetic nanocontainers for medical and biotech uses.
A new editorial reports that Guangdong Province is experiencing the largest outbreak of chikungunya fever in China, with over 4,000 confirmed cases. The disease is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and authorities are urging residents to remove stagnant water and reduce mosquito breeding sites.
A study published in eBioMedicine identified a specific immune response that controls Oropouche virus infections and prevents neurological damage. B cells produce antibodies quickly, helping to neutralize the virus and prevent its spread to the central nervous system.
A rat discovered on a flight from Miami to Berlin revealed hidden global health risks, including the presence of a methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus strain nearly identical to human variants. The study highlights the importance of standardized pathogen screening for animal stowaways and rats as indicators of ecosystem health.
Researchers at University of Würzburg uncover a previously unknown type of assembly chaperone in poxviruses, formed by an RNA molecule called tRNA. This discovery sheds light on the complex process of gene expression in viruses and could pave the way for new drugs against poxviruses.
Researchers found a unique microbial signature in colorectal cancer samples that can accurately distinguish them from other types of cancer. This discovery has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer.
A recent study by Michigan Medicine researchers has found that CRISPR-Cas9 forms immune memories in bacteria by boosting spacer acquisition when RNA levels are low. This discovery expands our understanding of how bacteria safeguard their immune memory and may inspire new ways to design CRISPR-based molecular recording tools.
Researchers have discovered Migrion, a novel unit for intercellular viral transmission that exploits host cell migration. Migrions facilitate accelerated replication kinetics and co-transmission of heterologous viruses, causing severe pulmonary and cerebral infections.
Researchers are collecting faeces from exotic animals at Dudley Zoo and West Midlands Safari Park to search for phages that can fight bacterial infections. The goal is to create a bio-bank of these phages to develop alternative treatments for life-threatening infections.
Researchers mapped the surface envelope glycoprotein of human endogenous retroviruses, opening doors to new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities. The study revealed specific antibodies that target the viral proteins, potentially leading to new cancer immunotherapies and treatments for autoimmune diseases.
A team of researchers at Mount Sinai discovered three powerful monoclonal antibodies that target the viral protein A35 and block viral spread in laboratory tests. These antibodies also protected rodents from severe disease and fully prevented death, suggesting they could be promising drug candidates for mpox treatment.
Researchers at Penn State have identified certain characteristics that can help predict whether a virus will persist in a new population. Infection prevalence and viral shedding were found to be significant predictors of long-term viral persistence. The study used a worm model system to examine disease transmission and emergence at a p...
A new Zika virus vaccine developed by Brazilian researchers has been shown to be safe and effective in tests with mice, inducing an immune response and protecting against brain and testicular damage. The vaccine uses a technology known as 'virus-like particles' (VLPs) without genetic material from the pathogen.
Researchers discovered a virus living inside Aspergillus fumigatus that significantly boosts the fungus's survival and virulence in mammals. Removing the virus weakened the fungus, while antiviral treatments improved survival outcomes.
Scientists have developed a monoclonal antibody to combat life-threatening inflammatory diseases like sepsis and ARDS. The antibody shows promise in blocking the immune system's hyperactive response and restoring healthy function without unwanted side effects.
A recent study reveals woefully low awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV), the HPV vaccine, and their association with cancer in the Midwestern and Southern US states. These states have seen a rise in HPV-associated cancers, making suboptimal HPV vaccination rates even more alarming.
A new study highlights how neighborhood conditions shape the seasonal surge of virus-triggered asthma emergencies among children. Children living in under-resourced communities face sharply higher rates of asthma flare-ups tied to viral infections during the first weeks of school.
Researchers identified key mutations in the H5N1 genome that enhance its human adaptive potential. The 2.3.4.4b clade has infected multiple mammalian species and is adapting to humans, posing a concern for increased mortality risk. Surveillance measures are recommended to counter this growing risk.
Researchers found that the caterpillars' cycles interact with natural controls like viral disease, and they're highly adapted to their environment. Outbreaks can be predicted and damage controlled, but the exact timing is linked to specific factors.