Infectious Diseases News and Research

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Toxic tau may spread in the brain via connected neurons

Toxic versions of the protein tau are believed to cause the death of neurons of the brain in Alzheimer's disease.

1 Jun 2020

EKF secures COVID-19 novel sample collection kit manufacturing and supply contracts

EKF Diagnostics, the global in vitro diagnostics company, announces it has secured new contracts for the manufacture and supply of a novel, patented sample collection device which allows COVID-19 samples to be rapidly inactivated in the collection tube, avoiding contamination and preserving RNA without need for refrigeration.

From EKF Diagnostics 26 May 2020

X-ray experiments reveal antibody to block entry of SARS-CoV-2

As scientists across the globe race to develop a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, an international team led by Davide Corti at Vir Biotechnology and David Veesler at the University of Washington has been working around the clock on a complementary approach - identifying neutralizing antibodies that could be used as a preventative treatment or as a post-exposure therapy.

20 May 2020

Cross-neutralization of SARS and COVID-19 coronaviruses by an antibody

An antibody first identified in a blood sample from a patient who recovered from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in 2003 inhibits related coronaviruses, including the cause of COVID-19.

19 May 2020

Computational methods can help design protein-based vaccines

Vaccines are regarded as an effective intervention to stop the spread of infectious diseases. They produce antibodies by activating the immune system.

18 May 2020

Coronavirus attacking microRNA numbers reduce with age

A group of tiny RNA that should attack the virus causing COVID-19 when it tries to infect the body are diminished with age and chronic health problems, a decrease that likely helps explain why older individuals and those with preexisting medical conditions are vulnerable populations, investigators report.

14 May 2020

Study shows how plant viral protein disrupts cell division to promote its own propagation

Viruses are ever-present pathogens that lead to severe infectious diseases in humans as well as in agricultural crops.

14 May 2020

The microbiome regulates our immune system's fitness

Working alongside colleagues in Mainz, Bern, Hannover and Bonn, researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, the Berlin Institute of Health and the German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin were able to show how the microbiome helps to render the immune system capable of responding to pathogens.

13 May 2020

How Intensive Farming Could Increase the Risk of Epidemics

Professor Sam Sheppard speaks to AZoLifeSciences about his research on intensive farming and how it could increase the risk of epidemics.

From University of Bath 12 May 2020

Microbiome 'fingerprint' method helps track microbial strains transferred from maternal to infant gut

Microbial communities in the intestine -- also known as the gut microbiome -- are vital for human digestion, metabolism and resistance to colonization by pathogens.

11 May 2020

Novel mechanism allows the immune system to control autoimmunity, cancer

Scientists at the Department of Infection and Immunity of the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) revealed a novel mechanism through which the immune system can control autoimmunity and cancer.

7 May 2020

Antibodies From Llamas Could Help In Fight Against COVID-19

The hunt for an effective treatment for COVID-19 has led one team of researchers to find an improbable ally for their work: a llama named Winter.

30 Apr 2020

Researchers study the evolution of multidrug-resistant bacteria

Although antibiotics are known to save lives, their use also supports the evolution and spread of antibiotic-resistant strains.

29 Apr 2020

Father's Toxoplasma infection may be transmitted to subsequent generations

Australian researchers have revealed for the first time that males infected with the Toxoplasma parasite can impact their offspring's brain health and behavior.

28 Apr 2020

Research on rare molecule aims to improve treatments for cancer, HIV

Stanford University chemist Paul Wender and his colleagues are working to improve treatments for cancer, HIV and Alzheimer's - and they are betting that a drab, weedy marine invertebrate is the means to achieving that end.

28 Apr 2020

New Coronavirus Research Examines Immune Response

A study has been launched to understand how the body's immune system responds to COVID-19, including if and when a person could be re-infected with the virus.

20 Apr 2020

Scientists determine first 3D structure of COVID-19 main protease

A team of Chinese scientists has reported the high-resolution crystal structure of the main protease (Mpro) of the COVID-19 virus and has identified drugs that may hold promise in combating the virus.

15 Apr 2020

Study offers insight into exchange of drug resistance genes among bacteria

Researchers have been able to identify and track the exchange of genes among bacteria that allow them to become resistant to drugs, according to a new study published today in eLife.

15 Apr 2020

Protein interaction study could shed light on the mechanism behind various diseases

The human body is made of billions of cells, and each cell is formed and maintained through innumerable interactions of its molecular parts.

9 Apr 2020

Epigenetic controls of T cells can help treat Type 1 diabetes

At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, researchers have generated a database that detects gene-regulatory mechanisms in immune cells that promote Type 1 diabetes.

31 Mar 2020