Articles tagged with Viruses
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.
CSIRO scientists have discovered a long line of viruses emerging from the Hendra virus family, including 15 new paramyxoviruses in animal hosts worldwide. The Australian Animal Health Laboratory holds a collection of all major newly discovered paramyxoviruses.
Researchers followed women with advanced disease to see which HIV variants remain after HAART. They found that R5 viruses can re-emerge as the predominant population following treatment.
Researchers propose a new model of asthma that suggests epithelial cells play a crucial role in the development of the disease. They found that IL-12 p40 production is increased in airway epithelial cells during inflammation and is overactive in people with asthma.
Researchers identify gC1qR as a binding partner for Hepatitis C core protein, allowing the virus to evade immune response and persist in the body. The interaction between gC1qR and core protein may provide new targets for developing therapies to combat chronic hepatitis C.
Researchers found that early antiviral treatment primes the immune system to suppress viral levels without drugs, achieving temporary suppression in several months. Five patients remained off treatment for up to 11 months, maintaining low viral levels.
Chemists at Washington University in St. Louis have created knedel nanoparticles that mimic viruses and show potential for a new direction in gene therapy and other biomedical applications. The nanoparticles can escape detection by the immune system and are designed to behave like viruses, but without the risk of live virus effects.
Researchers found a key cell gene that aids viruses in multiplying by commandeering host cell machinery. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic approaches and antiviral drugs effective against various RNA viruses.
Researchers at Purdue University have solved the structures of two large icosahedral viruses, providing insights into their assembly and potential applications in antiviral agents. The viruses' shells are made up of large building blocks joined primarily in clusters of three, forming stable and highly symmetrical structures.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified a key mechanism by which some viruses, including Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, can hide in human cells for extended periods. The study reveals that a protein called LANA binds to host chromosomes, allowing viral DNA to remain dormant until the immune system is weakened.
Researchers have developed a model to study viral evasion and co-option of cellular defense strategies, revealing that persistent infection is achieved by suppressing cell suicide. Physiological changes occur, including slower growth and reduced virus infectivity over time.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University and Oxford University have found a promising drug against the hepatitis C virus (HCV), called N-nonyl-DNJ, which inhibits the activity of an important cellular enzyme, glucosidase. This drug may sidestep resistant viruses, a major problem with current treatments.
Researchers have discovered a prehistoric virus in Arctic ice that could potentially re-emerge as the climate warms. The ancient tomato mosaic tobamovirus was found in ice cores dating back 500 to 140,000 years, raising concerns about the possibility of new epidemics.
A new cotton additive with N-halamines effectively kills pathogenic and odor-causing bacteria and viruses. The treatment can be recharged by rinsing treated fabrics in a dilute bleach solution, offering a fast and cost-effective alternative to existing biocidal cottons.
Researchers Mark Young and Trevor Douglas have created a 'molecular cooking pot' using the protein case of a virus, enabling precise delivery of drugs to specific cellular addresses. The discovery has far-reaching implications for medicine, including breast cancer treatment.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that HIV-1 viral load in semen can fluctuate greatly and does not correspond to viral levels in blood, requiring new testing methods to monitor transmission risk. Testing viral load levels in semen may offer physicians a better way to assess transmission risk and target treatments.
Scientists have found that parts of the protein shell of the common cold virus flap open in a motion called "breathing", which can be stifled by compounds that stop viruses from infecting cells. This discovery could lead to rapid screening methods for antiviral drugs.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine discovered that a virus related to mononucleosis and Kaposi's sarcoma can injure arteries in mice, suggesting a possible link between viruses and vascular diseases. The study found lesions resembling early stages of human vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis.
Imperial College researchers are building artificial viruses from DNA, protein, and fat that can bypass the patient's immune system. These artificial viruses have shown great promise for gene therapy in corneal transplants, particularly for children at high risk of graft failure.
Hepatitis A virus is the most severe foodborne viral disease, causing liver damage and debility. Viruses are transmitted through direct or indirect contamination of foods with human feces, highlighting the importance of good hygiene practices in preventing transmission.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found a connection between viral infections and immune system B cells producing immunoglobin E, a protein that causes allergic reactions. The study suggests that vaccinating children against mild childhood viral diseases could reduce the incidence of asthma and allergies.