Articles tagged with Bioterrorism
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A new vaccine developed by UCLA researchers demonstrates high protection against melioidosis, a tropical disease that causes 89,000 fatalities annually. The vaccine was tested in mice and found effective even against a highly lethal strain of the bacteria.
Researchers at the University of Louisville are studying Yersinia pestis bacteria to better understand its ability to evade the immune system. The team hopes to develop new ways to control infectious diseases, including plague and other lung infections.
New research by Lancaster University and Bocconi University finds that Kenyan parents with access to mass media believe the risk of dying in a terrorist attack is 12 times larger than actual rates. This leads to children being kept out of schools, affecting their education and future earnings.
A new three-year project aims to strengthen biosurveillance of brucellosis in human and animal populations in Iraq. The team will use genomic sequencing to understand the disease's prevalence, risk factors, genetic diversity, and transmission, with a focus on the 'One Health' concept.
The University of Pittsburgh Center for Vaccine Research has received a $7.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to accelerate development of drugs and vaccines against alphaviruses, deadly viruses transmitted by mosquitoes. The team aims to develop therapies and protection against these diseases.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that US schools are not better prepared for pandemics than they were in 2011. Schools reported having less than half of the measured indicators for preparedness, with notable gaps in bioterrorism readiness and addressing student psychological needs.
Researchers have developed a set of genetic switches to control the function of genes in engineered organisms, preventing potential harm from theft or misuse. The switches use naturally occurring chemicals and can be customized for various products, including biofuels, food, and medicines.
The US CDC is building scientific capacity to detect and respond to novel health threats, with a focus on resilience and preparedness. The organization supports global health programs, including those aimed at combating infectious diseases, strengthening health systems, and improving disaster response.
Scientists at the University of Washington are developing new methods to rapidly identify and treat emerging infectious diseases. The researchers aim to create a flexible arsenal against multiple pathogens, using machine-learning computer modeling and genomic analysis to discover ways to measure disease severity.
A new detection test using nanotechnology may make food contamination testing more rapid and accurate, with a sensitivity one hundred times greater than the standard method. The test can detect toxins in as little as one hour, compared to four to six hours for current methods.
Researchers are developing ultra-sensitive devices using retroreflectors, the same technology that increases nighttime visibility of traffic signs, to detect multiple disease-causing microbes in a single test. This can help first responders identify the source of a bioterrorism attack or diagnose everyday infectious diseases more quickly.
The global bioterrorism threat is a growing concern for the world animal health office, with evidence of biological agent development in some countries. The article discusses potential perpetrators, priority diseases, modern biology, trade and regulatory restraints to prevent such threats.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new approach using magnetic nanobeads to detect chemical and biological agents, enabling rapid and accurate sensing in various fields. The technology has potential applications in bioterrorism detection, environmental monitoring, and medical diagnostics.
Research suggests that combining standard vaccines with interleukin-12 (IL-12) can induce high levels of protection against respiratory pathogens, including influenza virus and pneumococcal bacteria. This method could provide a non-invasive alternative to injections, offering improved protection against flu and other diseases.
Household bleach is an effective, low-cost, and widely available way to decontaminate food preparation surfaces tainted with ricin. Bleach significantly reduces ricin toxicity within five minutes, making it a practical solution for inactivating the toxin.
Scientists have discovered two new compounds that show promise as treatments for botulism poisoning, building on a multiple sclerosis drug. The compounds did not enter the brain and showed good potential in mice paralyzed by the toxin.
A study by Purdue University found that while federal funding for health departments has surged, its impact on local resources is limited. Leadership and director qualifications play a crucial role in supporting programs and activities.
Researchers at Tufts University developed a novel antitoxin strategy using 'tagged binding agents' that can bind to Botulinum toxin molecules and flush them out of the system. This approach has the potential to create more efficient therapies against toxins used in bioterrorist events, snake bites, and chronic diseases.
Researchers at Tulane University aim to evaluate antibodies from patients infected with the Lassa virus to develop a vaccine or treatment. The goal is to better understand how these antibodies neutralize the virus and ultimately prevent or treat the deadly disease.
Scientists have created antibodies in llamas to detect seven types of botulinum neurotoxins, which are highly toxic and can cause paralysis. These llama antibodies, called single domain antibodies, may play a role in future anti-botulism treatments and could improve biosensors for detecting toxins.
A federal program has improved metropolitan public health agencies' ability to rapidly dispense life-saving medications in the event of a large-scale bioterror attack or naturally occurring infectious disease outbreak. The Cities Readiness Initiative has helped increase staff training, strengthened partnerships with first-responder age...
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has launched a new $19 million research program to investigate the impact of laws on public health. The program, led by Temple University's James E. Beasley School of Law, will focus on pressing health challenges such as infectious and chronic diseases, and health emergencies like floods and epidemics.
A UCF professor has developed an oral vaccine that shows high effectiveness against the plague, which could provide a practical solution in the event of a bioterror attack. The vaccine is more expensive to produce than traditional injectable vaccines but offers a cheap and accessible alternative.
Researchers developed ultraviolet avalanche photodiodes to detect anthrax and other bioterrorism agents in the air. The devices offer high gain, reliability, and robustness, making them ideal for rapid containment of incidents like the 2001 anthrax attacks.
The study suggests that assigning each staff member a specific time for inoculation is the most effective method to ensure healthcare workers stay healthy and patients receive optimal care. This approach resulted in wait times of only slightly more than two minutes, even with low compliance levels.
Bubonic plague has a mortality rate of 50-90 ty, while pneumonic plague can be fatal in most cases. A Yersinia Pestis strain in Madagascar shows multiple antimicrobial resistance, making treatment challenging.
A study by Einstein researchers found that bioterrorism alerts can measurably raise anxiety levels, which could lead to adverse health effects. The team used volunteers to compare the impact of potent and neutral messages on anxiety levels.
Scientists from Stanford University have discovered how botulinum neurotoxin binds to individual nerve cells, which could lead to the development of preventive vaccines against botulism. The study may also pave the way for novel remedies for several neuromuscular conditions, including cerebral palsy.
Scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have determined the precise structure of the VEE virus protein required for replication. This achievement marks an important step toward developing effective drug therapies against the virus, which can cause widespread infections and death in Central and South America.
A report by the University of Toronto Joint Center for Bioethics advocates for a global network of scientists to balance biodevelopment and biosecurity. The proposed strategy aims to create conditions for fighting bioterrorism by building capacity for scientific discovery, particularly in developing countries.
The center aims to develop tools for early detection and a deeper understanding of microbial disease transmission, connecting science to the community.
A study found that physicians' ability to diagnose and treat bioterrorism-related diseases improved significantly after completing an online course. The online training showed a marked increase in correct diagnosis rates, with smallpox diagnosed correctly by 79% of doctors after the course.
Physicians can serve as investigators in bioterrorism cases, collecting forensic evidence like in a sexual assault investigation. They should also document the patient's medical history and physical exam. This helps prevent further attacks and achieves justice.
A study found that an online educational program for physicians significantly improved their knowledge of diagnosing and treating patients infected with bioterrorism agents. The program showed a substantial increase in correct diagnoses and management skills, with attending physicians performing better than residents.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded UC Irvine a $40 million grant to establish the Pacific-Southwest Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research. The center will focus on developing vaccines, antidotes, and new methods to prevent infectious diseases.
NIAID has awarded $27 million to institutions and companies to develop medical countermeasures against Category A bioterror agents, including botulinum toxin and Ebola. The awards will support the development of new treatments and therapies using promising scientific discoveries.
A new field of study, microbial forensics aims to attribute biothreat agents to their sources. The approach requires a multivariate method tailored to the threat encountered and situation addressed, coupled with scientific and investigative processes.
Experts say doctors need extensive training to prepare for bioterrorism threats, which can involve an incubation period of days or weeks. Doctors will be expected to recognize rare conditions and take appropriate action, balancing suspicion with hysteria.
A new study on smallpox in monkeys reveals how the virus subverts host defenses, providing targets for developing countermeasures to lessen or block disease. This knowledge can speed up development of protective measures against bioterror attacks.
Despite widespread concern about bioterrorism, only one in five patients who discussed anthrax with physicians received antibiotics or vaccines. Antibiotic prescription was most highly associated with patient requests and report of potential exposure.
Researchers at the University of Florida have created a new method for detecting bacteria using bioconjugated nanoparticles, which can identify single E. coli bacteria in less than 20 minutes. This technology has significant implications for food safety and bioterrorism detection.
The USF College of Nursing will create an interdisciplinary disaster and trauma management program with a focus on bioterrorism education. The college will work with hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home health agencies to provide quality training.
African-Americans and Asians are less likely to trust the public health system's response to a bioterrorist attack. The UCLA study found that only 63% of African Americans and 68% of Asians/Pacific Islanders believe the system would respond fairly.
Researchers found that shortness of breath and impaired gag reflex without diarrhea are key predictors of death in foodborne botulism. Accurate diagnosis and rapid treatment are crucial, with antitoxin and intensive care necessary for survival.
Researchers found specific features like nausea, vomiting, and altered mental status were more frequent in inhalational anthrax cases. Mediastinal widening or pleural effusion on a chest X-ray were the most accurate predictors of anthrax. Studies using prospectively collected data are needed to corroborate or modify these findings.
Researchers at Saint Louis University have demonstrated that the smallpox vaccine candidate LC16m8 protects mice from a virus related to smallpox when delivered via aerosol. The study aims to develop a safer smallpox vaccine for bioterrorism threats.
The MIDAS (Mathematical Information Domain for Assessment of Substantial Threats) project will create mathematical models to study infectious disease epidemics and community responses. The project, funded by the NIH, will provide user-friendly computer modeling tools for predicting and responding to bioterror threats.
A study found that anthrax survivors reported multiple body system symptoms, increased psychological distress, and reduced quality of life compared to non-survivors. The most common complaints included respiratory problems, fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive impairment.
Kansas State University professor James Stack presents a paper on the National Plant and Diagnostic Network, which uses diagnostic centers, regional labs, and expert databases to rapidly detect and diagnose potential bio threats in crops and livestock. The network has already been effective in detecting natural outbreaks like BSE and s...
Dawn Wooley, a WSU researcher, is working with a team of universities to develop diagnostic tools, therapeutics, and vaccines for deadly agents and viruses. The Midwest Center of Excellence aims to create solutions to counter biological threats, with a focus on airborne agents.
The Blanke Lab will conduct fundamental research about anthrax and methods to neutralize its impact, with a goal of generating novel therapeutics and vaccines. This project is part of the Regional Center of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research, bringing together leading researchers from various disciplines.
Tufts University has been awarded a $25-million NIH contract to collaborate with the University of Massachusetts on developing ways to diagnose and treat botulism poisoning, one of the most dangerous bioterrorism threats facing the US. The research will focus on identifying human pathogens that can cause disease in food or water.
The NIAID Biodefense Research Agenda has made significant strides in developing vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics for bioterror agents. The Institute has expanded partnerships with industry and academia to accelerate research and development of countermeasures.
A 2002 survey of US physicians found that while most are willing to help in emergency situations, few feel adequately prepared to handle bioterrorism. The study revealed a significant gap between willingness and readiness, with many doctors unsure of their role in disaster response systems.
Purdue biologists will conduct basic research on viruses and develop antiviral compounds using advanced technology, aiming to enhance the national defense effort and address emerging infectious diseases. The grants could also support the creation of a new facility for structural biology at Purdue.
Dr. Collier's pioneering research has led to significant advances in vaccine design and therapeutic development, with applications in anthrax treatment and cancer therapy.
A recent study found that infection control practitioners' perceptions of the bioterrorism threat can leave them unprepared in case of an attack. The survey, conducted by Saint Louis University, revealed that those in rural areas and the Midwest felt less at risk than urban residents.
The AAN Annual Meeting explores the historical use of biological toxins in warfare and global terrorism, with a focus on developing bioterrorism response plans for local hospitals and clinics. Participants will learn emergency medical management and current research on neuroprotective agents against chemical warfare.
The article highlights the need for experience and evaluation of syndromic surveillance to detect bioterrorism. Emergency physicians are urged to be vigilant about reporting outbreaks to public health authorities until effective systems are in place.
Scientists are developing a comprehensive microbial forensics infrastructure to track down pathogens and infer their origin. The goal is to use genetic information to identify the source of outbreaks, such as anthrax attacks, and provide quality control for new molecular methods like genome sequencing.