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New approach to stabilize RSV protein could lead to better vaccines

In most people, the lung-infecting pathogens known as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) trigger mild cold-like symptoms. But in infants and seniors, these viruses can cause severe pneumonia and even death.

20 Nov 2024

Malaria crystal structure offers clues for more effective medications

Prof. Leslie Leiserowitz first became intrigued by malaria when he was a young boy in South Africa. His father, who scouted the continent in search of wood for the family business, brought back not only tales of elephants and gorillas but also skin rashes and ringing in his ears, side effects of the quinine he took to prevent malaria.

19 Nov 2024

Engineered virus-like particles evolve for superior gene delivery efficiency

Researchers developed a barcoded directed evolution system for engineered virus-like particles (eVLPs), creating a fifth-generation (v5) eVLP with enhanced production, transduction, and gene-editing efficiency. This system could pave the way for improved gene delivery vehicles in therapeutic applications.

17 Nov 2024

Genomic surveillance could revolutionize the fight against antimicrobial resistance

During the COVID-19 pandemic, genomic surveillance proved vital in helping understand the evolution and spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

15 Nov 2024

Evo model set to transform synthetic biology and disease diagnosis

A new study presents "Evo" – a machine learning model capable of decoding and designing DNA, RNA, and protein sequences, from molecular to genome scale, with unparalleled accuracy. Evo's ability to predict, generate, and engineer entire genomic sequences could change the way synthetic biology is done.

15 Nov 2024

Interactive atlas unveils immune changes in multiple myeloma

Multiple Myeloma (MM) is an incurable blood cancer, leading to weakened immunity, bone damage, and other serious health issues.

14 Nov 2024

Innovative vaccine shields livestock from four strains of foot and mouth disease

A new vaccine, designed to protect East African cattle against all major strains of foot and mouth disease, is offering hope to small-scale farmers battling the highly contagious disease.

13 Nov 2024

Breakthrough method sheds light on how immune receptors detect infections

Researchers from the University of Bonn are using an innovative method to watch immune receptors go about their business.

12 Nov 2024

Breakthrough research reveals how to target malignant DNA in aggressive cancers

Scientists have discovered a way to target elusive circular fragments of DNA that drive the survival of some of the most aggressive cancers, paving the way for future treatments.

9 Nov 2024

Traditional and cutting-edge endoscopic modalities in colorectal cancer diagnosis

The evolution of gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy has transformed CRC diagnostics since its early 20th-century origins.

8 Nov 2024

New insights into the genetic legacy of Denisovans

Scientists believe individuals of the most recently discovered "hominin" group (the Denisovans) that interbred with modern day humans passed on some of their genes via multiple, distinct interbreeding events that helped shape early human history.

8 Nov 2024

New research explores the secrets behind human culture's uniqueness

Why is human culture - the shared body of knowledge passed down across generations - so much more powerful than animal cultures?

8 Nov 2024

Seasonal influenza adapted and evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic

Although travel restrictions and social measures during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a dramatic global drop in seasonal influenza cases, certain influenza lineages in specific regions kept the virus circulating and evolving, according to a new study.

7 Nov 2024

Study reveals how COVID-19 affected the spread and evolution of seasonal influenza

Seasonal influenza epidemics impose substantial burdens on healthcare systems and cause >5 million hospitalizations of adults each year.

7 Nov 2024

Stanford researchers unveil the key role of extrachromosomal DNA in cancer

A trio of research papers from Stanford Medicine researchers and their international collaborators transforms scientists' understanding of how small DNA circles - until recently dismissed as inconsequential - are major drivers of many types of human cancers.

6 Nov 2024

Targeted bacteriophages offer standardized and scalable GI therapy

In a new study, researchers at the University of Copenhagen have been cultivating 'good viruses' from feces. The goal is to replace fecal capsules now being used in so-called fecal transplants. Their new technique has shown potential in studies with mice and the hope is that it will improve this life-saving treatment through standardization and pave its way toward mainstream medicine.

5 Nov 2024