Articles tagged with Viruses
Researchers discovered that New World arenaviruses enter cells through the transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), a well-known protein involved in iron uptake. Inhibiting this receptor may help reduce infection severity and develop a treatment strategy.
A University of Alberta study reveals that travelers are aware of some key factors in avoiding and treating travellers' diarrhea, but lack knowledge on others. The study found that hand-washing is an effective way to ward off the sickness, but many travelers are unaware of the risks of chlorinated water and viral causes.
Researchers in Taiwan create a new method to accurately analyze the masses of individual, intact viruses using a miniaturized ion trap. They achieve a margin of error of ±1% by employing a gentle ionization technique and a specially designed cylindrical ion trap.
Researchers found that Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) synthesizes a protein, called 2b, to bind and inhibit AGO1, attenuating RNA silencing. Understanding the function of 2b will enable designing novel strategies for crop plants to survive various viruses.
Researchers created a biosensor using quantum dots to mimic the clustering of MHC proteins on target cells, revealing strong contributions from non-viral peptide-MHC interaction with co-receptors. This cooperativity suggests that a single virus-MHC complex recognized in self-MHC complexes can activate a T-cell response.
Researchers found that some viruses, like the human polyomavirus JCV, may be evolving at higher rates than previously assumed. The virus is traditionally used as a genetic marker for human migration and evolution, but its reliability has been called into question by this new study.
Monash PhD researcher Ms Fleur Tynan has been awarded a Victoria Fellowship to study advanced cellular imaging techniques at Stanford University. Her research focuses on the human immune response to viruses, which may lead to developing therapeutics that assist in the anti-viral immune response.
Cells use a molecular signature to distinguish their own RNA from viral RNA, triggering an immune response and cell suicide. This discovery opens up new possibilities for therapy, including using triphosphate-end RNAs to trigger anti-viral responses and gene therapy.
Researchers discovered that viruses can infect cells more efficiently by attaching to different carbohydrates on the cell surface. This finding helps explain how flu and other viruses evade the immune system and may be useful for developing gene therapies for cancer and brain diseases.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have designed polymer macromolecules as effective gene transfer agents, overcoming the need for foreign DNA and viruses. The study's findings focus on the structure of these molecules, which can control their ability to transfer genes across cell membranes.
Stanford engineer James Swartz has made significant advances in cell-free protein synthesis, including the production of nanoscale viral spheres that can act as delivery trucks for new vaccines. These engineered capsids have the potential to provide safer and more effective vaccinations by targeting specific immune-system cells.
A team of researchers at Cornell University has developed a biodegradable absorbent wipe that can detect bacteria, viruses, and other biohazards using sensitive nanofibers. The innovative material is inexpensive, easy to use, and can provide fast indication of contaminant presence, enabling quick disinfection and retesting.
Scientists identified a genetic element that the dengue virus uses to replicate, triggering the potentially fatal illness known as dengue hemorrhagic fever. The discovery provides a model for RNA replication in flaviviruses, which cause millions of cases of human illness each year.
The Chikungunya outbreak in the Indian Ocean affects several islands and India, with a large portion of populations infected. The disease is caused by the chikungunya virus, spread by mosquito bites, and has no specific treatment. Genetic analysis reveals unique molecular features among outbreak strains.
Recent studies demonstrate improved virus suppression with novel therapy combinations for hepatitis treatment, including valopicitabine plus peg-interferon. Researchers found a higher dose of the drug showed promising results, but also led to side effects that forced dosage reduction.
Researchers have developed a mass spectrometry method to detect norovirus particles, a category B bioterrorism agent. This technique can identify different types and strains of viruses in complex environmental samples without prior knowledge, making it ideal for detecting emerging infectious agents.
The MIT team used an intricate assembly process to create a functional electronic device from viruses, producing dense films of cobalt oxide and gold. The result is a nanoscale battery material with high energy density, suitable for compact energy storage applications.
Research by Sallie Chisholm and colleagues reveals genetic variation related to the environment in even the smallest ocean organisms. The findings suggest that viruses play a key role in transferring genes between microbes, enabling them to adapt to changing conditions.
A study published in Nature found that cells deep within the human respiratory system have surface molecules that allow the avian flu virus to enter and infect cells, but not easily transmit between humans. The discovery provides a possible explanation for why bird flu is rarely transmitted among humans.
Research suggests that birds with large forehead spots, indicating good health, are more likely to produce antibodies against Newcastle virus. This study provides insight into the evolutionary pressures driving the development of attractive features in animals.
Research reveals that animals rapidly evolve genes controlling their immune system to fight viruses, outpacing most other genes in the process. This highlights the vital role of RNAi mechanisms in antiviral defense and demonstrates the dynamic evolution of host organisms in response to viral strategies.
Researchers found that carnivore parvoviruses and the human B19 erythrovirus undergo rapid evolution when switching host species. This contradicts the assumption that DNA viruses exhibit slower mutation rates compared to their hosts and other DNA viruses.
Biologists have completed the first computer simulation of an entire life form, a virus, to study its dynamics and mechanistic properties. The simulations provided crucial information on the virus's assembly and could contribute to improvements in public health and the creation of artificial nanomachines.
Researchers at EMBL and IVMS have obtained a detailed structural picture of the ZEBRA protein, which plays a key role in activating the EBV. The study reveals a potential weak point that could be targeted by antiviral drugs to block the virus's activation.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have successfully forced a benign virus to evolve into a more effective delivery vehicle for genes in gene therapy. By accelerating the process of viral evolution, they were able to bypass the immune system's defenses and increase the virus's ability to deliver genes to target cells.
A randomized controlled study found that pretreating patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing chemotherapy with lamivudine significantly reduces the risk of Hepatitis B reactivation and severe hepatitis. The study identified a lower viral load threshold as a better predictor of relapse.
A novel pathway for detecting intracellular DNA has been identified, suggesting a unique immune response differs from RNA viruses. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms of antiviral responses and how cells discern viral and self-DNA.
NIH-funded scientists developed a glycan array tool to detect changes in flu viruses that precede human infection. The technology can monitor the emergence of efficient flu strains from avian origin.
A Yale study reveals how toll-like receptors recognize viral infections without self-DNA recognition, highlighting potential for treating autoimmune disorders like SLE. The research also shows that TLR localization is crucial in maintaining the balance between viral and self nucleic acid recognition.
A randomized study of 73 Indian children with viral gastroenteritis found that Pedialyte and Gatorade were equally effective in improving stool frequency, consistency, and body weight. The solutions also proved safe, but a few patients experienced persistent potassium deficiency or hyponatremia.
Computer models aid understanding of antibody-dependent enhancement in the spread of dengue fever, finding that enhanced viruses can spread faster but face extinction due to over-exploitation. The research has implications for designing optimal dengue vaccination strategies.
A new NIH grant will use electrical engineering concepts to profile host-virus interactions and identify immune responses. The study aims to develop a quantitative method to analyze the interaction between viruses and host cells, potentially leading to faster diagnosis and treatment of viral infections.
A team of researchers has isolated the Ephrin-B2 cell surface protein as a functional receptor for both Hendra and Nipah viruses, shedding light on their ability to infect a wide range of hosts. The finding holds promise for developing countermeasures to prevent and treat these emerging global health threats.
Researchers at UCLA and USUHS discovered the Ephrin-B2 receptor as the doorway for Nipah and Hendra viruses to enter cells. This finding promises to lead to better understanding of how these viruses cause disease in humans and animals, ultimately aiding in vaccine and treatment development.
Researchers have genetically altered a herpes simplex virus to selectively target and kill malignant glioma cells, with promising results in mouse studies. The modified virus can extend the lives of animals with implanted human gliomas by several days.
Researchers found that anti-microbial agents were most effective in reducing bacteria, while physical removal with soap and water was best for removing viruses from hands. Waterless handwipes only removed 50% of bacteria, highlighting the importance of traditional hand washing.
Researchers have discovered a method to store biomaterials in cells' natural vaults, enabling targeted drug delivery and gene editing. This approach may prove safer than traditional methods by minimizing the risk of an immune response.
Researchers are drawing inspiration from honeybees' collaborative decision-making and ants' behavior to develop new collaboration frameworks for disaster relief efforts. The study aims to create flexible networks of responders who can act based on local information, mimicking the spread patterns of viruses and rumors.
Researchers use network theory to find invasion hubs where invasive species spread fastest, targeting control efforts at these points. The study found Lake Muskoka and two other lakes as potential invasion hubs in Canada.
Researchers have successfully grown the mouse norovirus MNV-1 in cells from mice with defective immune systems. This breakthrough enables scientists to study the virus and may lead to the development of a vaccine target, as it has already revealed an essential part of the capsid protein crucial for disease-causing ability.
Researchers at Cornell University have created a device that can detect as few as six viruses using a tiny paddle oscillator. The device, which uses the natural resonant frequency of the paddles to sense changes in mass, has the potential to differentiate between various pathogens and toxic organic chemicals.
Researchers have created a group of rhodium-based compounds that can target and kill cancer cells, as well as deactivate viruses like West Nile and yellow fever viruses. These compounds work by binding to DNA in tumor cells and rendering them inert, and they offer a promising alternative to traditional chemotherapy drugs.
Researchers at Purdue University have created a movie of the T4 virus infection process, revealing conformational changes in the baseplate that enable scientists to visualize the infection process. This improved understanding could lead to deeper insights into viral behavior and potential gene therapy techniques for human patients.
Researchers used naturally occurring bacteriophage to treat chickens infected with campylobacter, resulting in a significant reduction of bacteria. The effectiveness of the treatment depended on the specific bacteriophage and dose administered.
Researchers have identified a dual strategy used by viruses to subvert the immune system, involving the targeting of hematopoietic progenitors and inhibition of dendritic cell maturation. This study sheds light on the mechanisms of viral immunosuppression, enabling better understanding of immune evasion tactics.
A new norovirus variant was identified as the cause of increased gastroenteritis outbreaks in Europe in 2002. The data collected from ten European countries showed a striking increase in norovirus outbreaks that coincided with the emergence of the new virus variant, leading to an unusual seasonal pattern.
Researchers discovered a new mouse virus that can help study human noroviruses, which cause 90% of epidemic gastroenteritis worldwide. The findings suggest that innate immunity is essential for fighting off the virus and have implications for commercial facilities using immune-deficient mice.
Virginia Tech researchers are working on ways to protect battery-operated computers and wireless devices from hacking attempts that can drain their batteries. The project aims to develop built-in measures to prevent such attacks, which could become a major concern for the wireless industry.
Researchers found that a virus uses a protein called actin to destroy its own cells, allowing it to escape and infect other cells. The discovery provides new insights into viral infections and could lead to the development of antiviral agents.
Biologists have found that viruses can destroy entire algal blooms within days, particularly when nutrients are depleted. Free-living cells are highly susceptible to viruses, which break down the cell content and dissolve it in seawater.
A study of over 1,000 passengers flying between San Francisco and Denver found that recirculated cabin air did not cause more colds than fresh air. The researchers suggest that being on a plane packed with people may be the primary factor in transmission of colds.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have identified a protein called SSPase that plays a critical role in regulating natural killer cells, which attack foreign or mutated cells. The discovery provides insights into how the immune system works and how viruses and cancer try to evade it.
Researchers found that treated zeolite filters were effective in removing viruses and bacteria from drinking water, achieving 99% virus removal rates. The study suggests using zeolite filters as a low-cost solution for controlling the spread of diseases through contaminated wells.
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a new type of virus in an aborted calf, which is part of the calicivirus family that can infect various species. The discovery raises concerns about the potential spread of disease among livestock and its impact on public health.
A study led by the NIH/NIAID identified Norwalk-like viruses as the primary cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks in Maryland nursing homes. The research revealed six distinct genetic clusters among these viruses, with a predominant GII 'Bristol-like' virus strain detected in 14 of the 20 outbreaks.
Researchers have developed a new method for studying viral entry, which reveals that key steps occur much faster than previously believed. The study found that viruses can penetrate cells within minutes, using the cell's own transportation system to reach the nucleus.
Cornell University has received a $150,000 grant from Microsoft to develop language-based security for mobile code. The new technology aims to protect computers from viruses and malicious code downloaded from the internet.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory discovered that coxsackievirus forms pairs on the surface of human cells, increasing the likelihood of infection. The study reveals hidden binding sites on the virus that evade the immune system, making it hard to defeat.
A new DNA-based cancer treatment has shown promise by targeting and eliminating tumor cells. Researchers have discovered that DNA vaccination can place tumors in a state of immune activation, making them more susceptible to attack.
Researchers measured entropic forces exerted by rod-shaped viruses on particles in water, revealing additional effects of flexibility. The findings suggest that flexible viruses can effectively occupy more space, driving rearrangements in the system and increasing attraction between spheres.