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Zika suppresses immune system during pregnancy to harm baby, report researchers

Scientists from the University of Southern California (USC) have discovered that the Zika virus works by suppressing a pregnant woman’s immune system so that the virus can spread and increase the chance of harming an unborn baby.

22 Aug 2017

Study offers new, quicker way to test for Zika virus

For the first time, researchers are using proteomics to examine proteins and peptides in saliva in order to accurately detect exposure to Zika virus.

21 Aug 2017

Researchers identify role of blood-filtering organs in fighting against viral infections

New information about how and where the innate immune system fights off viral infections that enter through the skin could lead to better treatments for viruses like Zika, dengue and measles, according to Penn State College of Medicine researchers.

17 Aug 2017

Researchers investigate how previous exposure to West Nile virus affects Zika infection

West Nile virus is no stranger to the U.S.-Mexico border; thousands of people in the region have contracted the mosquito-borne virus in the past. But could this previous exposure affect how intensely Zika sickens someone now?

17 Aug 2017

FDA issues Emergency Use Authorization for multiplex Zika test

The Center for Infection and Immunity at Columbia University's Mailman School today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an Emergency Use Authorization for the CII-ArboViroPlex rRT-PCR Test, the first multiplex assay that simultaneously tests for the presence of Zika virus, all serotypes of dengue virus, chikungunya virus, and West Nile virus, as well as a host gene that ensures the accuracy of results.

14 Aug 2017

UBC researchers develop method to quickly and sensitively assess malaria progression

Left untreated, malaria can progress from being mild to severe -- and potentially fatal -- in 24 hours. So researchers at the University of British Columbia developed a method to quickly and sensitively assess the progression of the mosquito-borne infectious disease, which remains a leading killer in low-income countries.

11 Aug 2017

Researchers develop rapid test for Zika virus diagnosis

Washington University in St. Louis researchers have developed a test that quickly detects the presence of Zika virus in blood.

10 Aug 2017

ASU Biodesign researchers develop more potent, safer plant-based Zika vaccine

The worldwide Zika threat first emerged in 2015, infecting millions as it swept across the Americas. It struck great fear in pregnant women, as babies born with severe brain birth defects quickly overburdened hospitals and public health care systems.

9 Aug 2017

Mouse model developed to allow study of Zika virus transmission

Scientists at the National Institutes of Health have developed a mouse model to study the sexual and fetal transmission of Zika virus. This will enable studies to further understanding of how the Zika virus spreads, thereby allowing treatments to be developed.

4 Aug 2017

Sexual transmission of Zika virus reported in Florida

Yesterday, Florida Department of Health reported the first case of sexually transmitted Zika virus this year.

2 Aug 2017

Mathematical modeling can guide design and distribution of genetically modified genes

So, you've genetically engineered a malaria-resistant mosquito, now what? How many mosquitos would you need to replace the disease-carrying wild type? What is the most effective distribution pattern? How could you stop a premature release of the engineered mosquitos?

1 Aug 2017

Researchers explore ability of Florida mosquitoes to transmit chikungunya virus

University of Florida scientists are starting to better understand the ability of two Florida mosquito species to transmit two strains of chikungunya virus that have caused outbreaks of human disease around the world.

27 Jul 2017

Kidenga app tracks mosquito activity and disease symptoms for summer travelers

Just because Zika isn't in the news as much lately, doesn't mean the mosquito-borne infection no longer is a health threat.

26 Jul 2017

New mathematical model could serve as guide to halt spread of mosquito-borne viruses

Upstate Medical University researcher Anna Stewart Ibarra, Ph.D., M.P.A., and her colleagues have created a mathematical model that can serve as a guide to make monthly predictions on when people are at greatest risk for contracting mosquito-borne viruses, such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, due to climate conditions.

21 Jul 2017

Neuroscientists identify combined sensory map for temperature and humidity in fruit fly brain

Northwestern University neuroscientists now can visualize how fruit flies sense and process humidity and temperature together through a "sensory map" within their brains, according to new research.

21 Jul 2017

New antibody-based assay differentiates Zika from similar viral infections

A new test is the best-to-date in differentiating Zika virus infections from infections caused by similar viruses.

18 Jul 2017

20 million engineered and bacteria charged mosquitoes to be released in California

Alphabet Inc.’s Verily Life Sciences unit has come up with a plan to release around 20 million bacteria-filled engineered mosquitoes in Fresno, California. These are male mosquitoes that have been reared by machines and the campaign begins this Friday.

17 Jul 2017

Zika virus affecting teenage mothers in Brazil

Zika virus transmitted by mosquitoes is affecting scores of teenage girls in the latest Brazilian Zika outbreak. The consequences of this could be serious say experts

14 Jul 2017

BASF unveils breakthrough insecticide for malaria control

BASF has received a recommendation from the World Health Organization for Interceptor(R) G2, a long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito net (LN) based on chlorfenapyr.

13 Jul 2017

IVCC announces major step forward in battle against mosquito insecticide resistance

The Innovative Vector Control Consortium is delighted to announce that, in collaboration with BASF and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, a new type of long-lasting insecticide treated bednet has received a recommendation for use by the World Health Organisation.