Scientists have shown that different segments of a virus genome can exist in distinct cells; but work together to cause an infection. The findings, published in the open-access journal eLife, upturn a fundamental model in virology that a virus genome enters and replicates within a single cell and then moves on to replicate in another.…
Scientists have shown that different segments of a virus genome can exist in distinct cells; but work together to cause an infection. The findings, published in the open-access journal eLife, upturn a fundamental model in virology that a virus genome enters and replicates within a single cell and then moves on to replicate in another.…
A team of researchers from Scripps Research and Janssen Research & Development LLC has discovered an orally active small molecule that neutralizes influenza A group 1 viruses, the most common flu strains. Scientists uncovered the potential therapy in a large chemical library and optimized lead compounds to produce JNJ-4796. Now they have proven its effectiveness…
Pilar Domingo, Ernesto Segredo, María Durán and Rafael Sanjuán; from the Institute of Integrated Systems Biology (I²SysBio); a mixed center of the University of Valencia and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC); have shown that viruses behave altruistically to avoid the immune system. This research; published in Nature Microbiology and carried out in the vesicular…
The recent measles outbreaks across the country emphasize the importance of vaccinations. “For many infectious diseases, we rely on herd immunity to prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable infections. Herd immunity is the protection of the ‘herd,’ our population; by preventing infections in the vast majority people;” said Kate Langwig, an infectious disease ecologist at Virginia Tech.…
Firstly, a vaccine against the biggest bacterial killer on the planet is a step closer to being available; with funding secured for preclinical trials. So, professor James Paton; Director of the University of Adelaide’s Research Centre for Infectious Diseases and his team have been working on a vaccine for Streptococcus pneumoniae(the pneumococcus); that could save…
Commonly known as HPV, Human papillomavirus is a virus that infects the skin and genital area, in many cases leading to a variety of genital, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers in men and women. Strong evidence exists showing that penetrative genital sex and oral sex can transmit HPV. However, while HPV is also often detected in…
A study led by researchers at the University of Toronto and the University of Manitoba has brought science; one step closer to using the chickenpox virus; to develop a vaccine against HIV. Scientists have long seen the chickenpox virus in vaccine form as a potential “vector”; or carrier to deliver HIV genes and generate immunity…
As most know already, rabbit populations are not easily controlled; they reproduce swiftly, and as a result; they have a severe impact on their environment. This was the case when European settlers introduced the wild European rabbit to Australia in the late 19th century. In an attempt to reduce the population size; that had grown…
There is a significant association between the rise of populism across Europe and the level of mistrust around vaccines; according to a study by Queen Mary University of London. Lead author Dr. Jonathan Kennedy from Queen Mary University of London said; “It seems likely that scientific populism; driven by similar feelings to political populism; for…
Nine patients at Penn Medicine have been cured of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) following lifesaving heart transplants from deceased donors who were infected with the disease, according to a study published in the American Journal of Transplantation. The results highlight the potential for expanding the use of HCV-infected organs, including hearts, to broaden the donor…
A novel, synthetic DNA vaccine developed at The Wistar Institute induces protective immunity against Mayaro virus (MAYV), a mosquito-borne infection endemic to South America, that has the potential to become a global emerging viral threat. Study results were published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. However, since its discovery in 1954, MAYV infections have been confined to the…