Articles tagged with Viruses
Researchers found that infected mosquito saliva contains molecules called sfRNAs that can blunt the body's immune response. These molecules are injected during the mosquito bite, making it more likely for people to become infected with dengue virus.
A recent study found that ocean warming triggers dinoRNAV infections in coral colonies, intensified in unhealthy colonies. This is the first empirical evidence of reef-wide dynamics of viruses infecting coral symbionts during heat waves.
Researchers are using air flow modeling and simulations to understand how pathogens transport through spaces, shedding light on the impact of building design on human health. The study aims to develop interdisciplinary ventilation strategies to mitigate microbe spread and improve disease prevention.
Three real-world studies published in the Journal of Hepatology and JHEP Reports demonstrate that bulevirtide is well-tolerated and safe for treating chronic hepatitis delta. Long-term suppressive therapy with BLV monotherapy has the potential to reduce viral replication and improve liver function in difficult-to-treat patients.
Researchers at the University of California - Riverside have discovered a way to deactivate mosquito sperm, preventing them from swimming to or fertilizing eggs. This breakthrough could help control populations of Culex mosquitoes that transmit infectious diseases like encephalitis and West Nile Virus.
A study reveals an extremely long tail on a bacteriophage that allows it to infect tough bacteria in hot springs. The 'Rapunzel' virus has a nearly 1-micrometer-long tail and uses a unique 'ball and socket' mechanism for stability.
Researchers suggest a four-part framework to identify animal viruses that may infect humans, focusing on viruses from repeat offender families and those with known human compatibility. By studying these viruses early, scientists can develop diagnostic tools and treatments, and be better prepared to combat future pandemics.
A global study aims to better understand the burden of Human papillomavirus (HPV) among girls and women in low- and lower middle-income countries. The study will inform effective strategies to prevent infection and introduce HPV vaccine into national programs, protecting the health of girls and women and reducing rates of cervical cancer.
Researchers have uncovered the ancient roots of a gene in wheat that provides resistance to the devastating Wheat Yellow Mosaic Virus, which causes significant economic losses. The discovery could lead to more resistant wheat cultivars, increased crop yields, and reduced use of harmful fungicides.
Researchers analyzed zika virus effects on tumor cells and healthy cells, discovering its potential to treat prostate cancer but also triggering a persistent inflammatory process that damages the male reproductive system. The study's findings suggest long-term treatment could lead to recurrence of prostate cancer.
Scientists at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have created spherical nanoparticles inspired by amyloid proteins that bind to the SARS-CoV2 spike protein with high affinity, preventing cell infection. The biocompatible and stable nanostructures also show great potency in blocking viral particles.
A new method developed by Flatiron Institute researchers can diagnose COVID-19 with near-perfect accuracy, even in asymptomatic patients. The technique monitors the body's molecular response to a viral attack and measures mRNA molecules to identify an immune response.
Researchers found that severe herpesvirus infections can strongly activate host cellular immunity, leading to a therapeutic effect on refractory adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. This activation may play an important role in the survival of patients with this intractable disease.
Researchers found that a combination of symptom and high-level viral rebound after untreated COVID-19 infection is rare, occurring in only 3 percent of study participants. This suggests that accounting for underlying rates of symptom relapse is crucial when evaluating antiviral treatment effects.
A comprehensive analysis of over 1,000 studies reveals risk factors for severe COVID-19, including age, underlying diseases, sex, pregnancy, genetic polymorphisms, lifestyle, and environmental factors. The study highlights the complex interactions between these factors and their impact on disease outcomes.
AAHI will develop a prototype nasal spray using its novel adjuvant formulation platform, promising to shorten timelines for emergency response to and mitigate impacts from biological threats. The project aims to create a temperature-stable and broadly protective nasal spray against multiple respiratory viruses.
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against routine serologic screening for genital herpes simplex virus infection, even in symptomatic individuals. The lifelong nature of HSV infection means there is no cure, but antiviral medications can provide clinical benefits to those experiencing symptoms.
A phase 2 trial found that talimogene laherparepvec combined with chemotherapy provided strong responses and immune cell activation in 45.9% of patients with early stage triple-negative breast cancer. Tumor samples showed high levels of tumor-fighting T cells, indicating a potential for improved outcomes.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that COVID-19 is associated with higher mortality rates compared to bacterial and viral pneumonia among older patients in intensive care units. The study analyzed data from over 11,500 patients aged 70 years and older who were admitted to Dutch ICUs, revea...
A severe begomovirus-satellite DNA disease complex has been detected in okra fields in the lower Rio Grande Valley area of Texas, posing a significant threat to cotton production. The complex involves the exotic cotton leaf curl Gezira virus and its associated satellite DNA molecules.
Researchers have discovered that KSHV and EBV use the human protein barrier-to-autointegration factor 1 (BAF) to evade the innate immune response. This allows the viruses to spread and cause disease. Disrupting BAF activity with targeted therapies could prevent virus replication and transmission.
Researchers identified HCirV-1 in a patient with unexplained chronic hepatitis, demonstrating its role in liver damage. After treatment, the patient's liver enzymes returned to normal levels, indicating the end of hepatic cytolysis.
Researchers identified 11,378 viroid-like cccRNAs in 4,409 species-level clusters, exceeding previously known elements. These findings reveal viroids are more common and abundant than thought, with distant relatives of human Hepatitis Delta Virus discovered.
A new study uses CRISPR-Cas9 to modify a gene that makes plants susceptible to viruses, resulting in strong resistance to multiple potyvirus isolates. This approach broadens genetic diversity and generates resistance without altering protein function or expression.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen suggests that combining proteins and antioxidants in foods like coffee with milk may have an anti-inflammatory effect in humans. The researchers found that immune cells treated with this combination were twice as effective at fighting inflammation as those with only polyphenols.
Researchers found that measles virus mutations in its fusion protein allow it to infect nerve cells, leading to subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. The team's discovery sheds light on the evolutionary mechanisms of viruses like coronaviruses and herpesviruses.
Researchers developed a translational step forward in treating brain tumors using intraventricular immunovirotherapy, which has shown safety and efficacy in recent clinical trials. This approach uses oncolytic herpes simplex virus type-1 to target high-grade glioma with promising results.
A study found that a small number of Varroa mites can infect many adult honey bees, with high-risk mites spreading pathogens through frequent host switching. This mechanism amplifies the vectorial capacity of Varroa destructor.
Research on COVID-19 variants reveals that infants and toddlers with co-infections are significantly more likely to need oxygen therapy and ICU-level care. Co-infection rates were highest during the delta variant, followed by omicron and alpha.
A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Jake Haselswerdt suggests that partisan beliefs do not overshadow how people perceive the severity of COVID-19 in their communities. Local public health information appears to get through to individuals, regardless of their political leanings.
Researchers discovered host proteins APOBEC3 can aid HIV's latency, a major hurdle to cure research. The finding raises questions about the role of these proteins and potential ways to block their activity to inhibit viral persistence.
A recent University of North Florida study found that dual COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccinations significantly reduce reported COVID-19 infection rates. Individuals with dual vaccination were less likely to report COVID-19 infection compared to those unvaccinated, but symptom severity showed no significant difference.
A team of researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has discovered that certain microorganisms, such as Halteria, can eat high numbers of chloroviruses, which are known to infect green algae. This finding suggests that virovory, a virus-only diet, can support physiological growth and even population growth in an organism.
Researchers used high-voltage electron microscopy to image frozen tokyovirus particles in detail, revealing a novel capsid protein network and scaffold protein component. The study provides new insights into the structure and function of giant viruses, which are larger than small bacteria.
Researchers have created a deep red, antimicrobial lipstick using cranberry extract, which inactivates viruses, bacteria, and fungi within minutes. The novel formula could provide protection against a range of disease-causing microorganisms.
The study of 12,600 adults in Hong Kong found that viral rebound was not associated with increased risk of mortality. Novel oral antivirals like molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir-ritonavir may be effective treatments for more patients with COVID-19 in the early phase of the infection.
A newly discovered immune response inside the nose fights off viruses, but is suppressed by colder temperatures, making an infection more likely to occur. The study offers the first biological mechanism to explain why viruses like COVID-19 spike in colder seasons.
A research team at Tohoku University developed a batteryless device that can detect COVID-19 particles in the air using magnetostrictive composite plates. The device operates without batteries and transmits signals wirelessly, making it suitable for integration with IoT technologies.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that overweight women are more likely to experience symptoms of long Covid. The research also shows that people with long Covid are much more likely to need additional and lasting NHS care than those who make a swift recovery.
Researchers analyzed a child's genetic data to identify novel mutations in the GTF3A gene, which impair the innate immune response. The study found that these mutations make cells more susceptible to HSV-1 infection and loss of antiviral immune response.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Immunology found that four proteins - WFDC2, GDF15, CHI3L1, and KRT19 - are associated with severe COVID-19 progression. These proteins may serve as biomarkers to predict prognosis in patients with critical COVID-19.
A research team at the University of California, Riverside has discovered the structure of a human monoclonal antibody that protects against Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus. The study provides insights into fighting a broad range of viral strains and could lead to targeted therapeutics for infected patients.
Scientists have identified a protein complex called Ku that helps human cells detect viral DNA, and discovered how viral proteins can block this detection. The findings offer a new approach to improving the response to infections caused by viruses like monkeypox.
Two WHO-recommended hand disinfectants have been shown to effectively inactivate the monkeypox virus, with ethanol and isopropanol concentrations of 40-60% being particularly effective. The critical factor in determining their efficacy is the concentration of these ingredients.
Three circulating omicron subvariants have shown improved resistance to vaccine- and infection-generated neutralizing antibodies. BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 are dominating US infections, while BA.2.75.2 is the best at evading neutralizing antibodies.
Researchers have engineered a family of adeno-associated viral vectors that can deliver cargo to the primate brain, offering a safer and more efficient way to treat genetic diseases. The PAL family of AAVs has been shown to be three times better at delivering their cargo into the brain than current leading AAV delivery vehicle AAV9.
Researchers found reduced levels of D-amino acids in patients with severe COVID-19 and IAV infection, suggesting they could be used as biomarkers. Supplementation with D-alanine improved survival rates and clinical outcomes in mouse models of both infections.
Researchers have detected five emerging tick-borne pathogens in Central Canada, including those causing Lyme disease and babesiosis. Climate change and habitat fragmentation contribute to the spread of these pathogens, highlighting the need for increased awareness and protection measures.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new method called 3D Tracking and Imaging Microscopy (3D-TrIm) to capture real-time 3D footage of viruses approaching cells. This technique combines two microscopes in one, allowing scientists to study the early moments before infection begins and how viruses navigate complex barriers.
A study published in PLOS Genetics found that genetic variants linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may also provide protection against severe COVID-19 infection. The researchers identified TYK2, a gene involved in interferon production, as the key locus behind this protective effect.
A UK study found substantial monkeypox transmission before symptoms appear, with 53% of cases occurring pre-symptomatically. The study's findings have important implications for infection control globally and may affect isolation and contact tracing policies.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have identified a new signaling pathway that triggers inflammatory responses in the skin after UV damage. This pathway involves the activation of p38 molecularly modifying NLRP1, a critical switch for inflammation, and initiates the assembly of inflammasomes.
Researchers have uncovered a unique mechanism by which the SV40 virus infects cells by exploiting the nuclear pore complex and LINC protein. This finding may provide insights into the mechanisms underlying cancer-causing pathogens and shed light on basic cell biology.
A novel genetic analysis by University of Ottawa researchers reveals that climate change could lead to an increased risk of viral spillover in the High Arctic. This increased risk may result in new viruses infecting previously uninfected hosts, potentially leading to emerging pandemics.
Researchers found that ocean bacteria absorbing carbon dioxide from the air need more energy and resources when infected with viruses and facing predator attacks. This complex interaction can lead to increased carbon sequestration, a key factor in mitigating climate change.
Researchers have reverse-engineered a virus linked to chronic kidney disease in cats and described its mechanism of infection. The feline morbillivirus, or FeMV, can spread from host to host through urine, similar to the zoonotic Nipah virus.
A Cleveland Clinic-led research team created a discovery tool outlining interactions between COVID-19 and host proteins, identifying potential host-targeting therapies. The study confirmed over 200 interactions and discovered new ones, highlighting promising approaches for treating COVID-19.
A WVU biomedical engineer is working on a rapid diagnostic tool that can detect tick-borne infections such as Lyme disease via a blood sample on a single chip. The tool uses dielectrophoresis and machine-learning to detect diseases within one to two weeks after onset, reducing the risk of hospitalization and chronic conditions.
The COVID-19 pandemic is linked to increased malnutrition risk, as reduced access to food and healthcare worsens nutritional deficiencies. In turn, malnutrition amplifies the spread of infectious diseases, creating a vicious cycle that threatens global health.
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside successfully modeled the formation of SARS-CoV-2 using coarse-grained models, revealing key ingredients and components contributing to its packaging. The study could inform the design of effective antiviral drugs to arrest coronaviruses in their assembly stage.