Virus News and Research

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A virus is a microscopic infectious agent that can reproduce only inside a host cell. Viruses infect all types of organisms: from animals and plants, to bacteria and archaea. Since the initial discovery of tobacco mosaic virus by Martinus Beijerinck in 1898, more than 5,000 types of virus have been described in detail, although most types of virus remain undiscovered. Viruses are ubiquitous, as they are found in almost every ecosystem on Earth, and are the most abundant type of biological entity on the planet. The study of viruses is known as virology, and is a branch of microbiology.

Researchers use CRISPR-Cas9 to successfully target brown fat

Fat is an essential component of life, however too much fat leads to numerous health issues. Investigating the role played by fat or adipose tissue is significant to get a better understanding of obesity and other problems.

17 Dec 2021

Experts investigate link between COVID-19 and Parkinson’s disease

Case reports of younger COVID-19 patients developing Parkinson’s disease within weeks of contracting the virus led researchers to investigate a possible link between the two conditions.

17 Dec 2021

Study details the design of RNA-based breathalyzer to diagnose SARS-CoV-2

In a new study in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, published by Elsevier, investigators report on the design and testing of a breathalyzer, known as the Bubbler, that relies on viral RNA detection to diagnose SARS-CoV-2. Its name is derived from the bubbling sound that occurs when the patient exhales into the device.

14 Dec 2021

Study finding helps better comprehend necroptosis for treating diseases

A group of scientists from WEHI, for the first time, visualized a human cell death complex associated with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.

From Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) 14 Dec 2021

Infant's immune system may be better than the adult immune system

As any parent knows, infants are prone to getting respiratory infections. But a new study shows that the infant immune system is stronger than most people think and beats the adult immune system at fighting off new pathogens.

13 Dec 2021

Study helps identify how immune system cells identify and eradicate tumors

In the last 10 years, immunotherapy has been used to save the lives of several cancer patients with lung cancer.

13 Dec 2021

Cocktails of llama nanobodies effective against COVID-19 variants, says study

According to recent research, cocktails of small llama antibodies against SARS-CoV-2—the causative agent of COVID-19—can help fight novel variants of the virus.

13 Dec 2021

Multiple exposure enhances antibody efficacy against COVID-19 variants

Antibodies produced by the immune system against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein help pinpoint and avoid future infections.

13 Dec 2021

Review: Transmission, origin, pathogenesis, animal model and diagnosis of Zika virus

Announcing a new article publication for Zoonoses journal. Dallas Vue and Qiyi Tang from Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA review transmission, origin, pathogenesis, animal model and diagnosis of Zika Virus.

10 Dec 2021

Study uncovers an immune evasion mechanism of SARS-CoV-2

Scientists discovered that SARS-CoV-2 can knock out a significant molecular pathway associated with an immune complex named MHC class I.

8 Dec 2021

Highly optimized X-ray process delivers high-resolution 3D images of cells

Viral pathogens such as the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus alter the interior structure of the cells they infect.

8 Dec 2021

Scientists unravel the structure of octopus-like Lassa viral polymerase

Endemic in Western African countries, Lassa virus is transmitted to humans through food or household items that are contaminated with the urine or faeces of Mastomys rats.

7 Dec 2021

Metabolites from human microbiome can inhibit COVID-19 infection, says study

Scientists recently discovered metabolites in the human microbiome that hinders COVID-19 infection in cell-based models of the virus.

7 Dec 2021

Research team grows mini-stomach across varying stages of development

A group of researchers led from Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) hinged on recent progress to culture “mini-organs” in a lab, called organoids.

From University College London 7 Dec 2021

People previously infected by Chikungunya virus may develop partial immunity to Mayaro virus

A study conducted at the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil suggests people previously infected by Chikungunya virus may develop partial immunity to Mayaro virus.

6 Dec 2021

Duke engineers develop a rapid test to identify antibody effectiveness against COVID-19 variants

Biomedical engineers at Duke University have devised a test to quickly and easily assess how well a person's neutralizing antibodies fight infection from multiple variants of COVID-19 such as Delta and the newly discovered Omicron variant.

6 Dec 2021

Announcing the Winners of The Scientist’s Top 10 Innovations of 2021

Each year The Scientist seeks to highlight the latest and greatest tools, technologies, and techniques to hit the life science landscape.

From Resolve Biosciences 6 Dec 2021

New nanoparticle adjuvant could lead to more powerful vaccines

A common strategy to make vaccines more powerful is to deliver them along with an adjuvant -; a compound that stimulates the immune system to produce a stronger response.

6 Dec 2021

Nanoparticles mimicking flu viruses to deliver large biological drug molecules

Nanoengineers from the University of California San Diego recently created a new and potentially efficient means to deliver messenger RNA (mRNA) into cells.

2 Dec 2021

Experts create new software that determines a person’s past infections

Recent research suggested that grouping of pathogen-recognizing proteins on immune T cells might be vital in pinpointing if an individual had an infection in the past.

2 Dec 2021