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Community immunity: Steering the evolutionary course of SARS-CoV-2

Researchers in Germany have developed a comprehensive fitness model that forecasts the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 by integrating genetic, epidemiological, and immunological data. The study emphasizes the role of population immunity in shaping viral mutations and provides valuable insights into the emergence of new variants.

24 Oct 2023

Study reveals impact of hybrid immunity and booster vaccination on antibody waning

The decline in neutralizing antibody (nAb) titers following COVID-19 vaccination.

24 Oct 2023

Genomic surveillance could help detect and slow the spread of deadly 'superbugs'

Harnessing new advances in genomic surveillance technology could help detect the rise of deadly 'superbugs' and slow their evolution and spread, improving global health outcomes, a new Australian study suggests.

24 Oct 2023

The intricate interplay of stress, quality of life, and gut microbiota in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients

Researchers investigated the relationship between quality of life (QOL), stress, and gut microbiota in patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer.

24 Oct 2023

Global surge of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1

A recent study published in Nature sheds light on the complex dynamics of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 since 2021, uncovering critical shifts in the virus's behavior and providing insights for more effective mitigation strategies. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding the ecological and virological factors driving the intensified global activity of HPAI H5N1 to better prepare for and manage future outbreaks.

22 Oct 2023

Cockroaches provide clues to understanding immune system during pregnancy

Researchers are studying the dramatic physical transformation that some insects undergo to give birth to live young.

20 Oct 2023

Study reveals alarming hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 transmission rates in England

Study in Nature delves into hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 transmission in England, revealing significant numbers of infections and potential implications for community spread, highlighting the importance of robust prevention measures.

20 Oct 2023

Are ecological and evolutionary shifts in highly pathogenic avian influenza pointing to another pandemic threat?

Researchers report significant changes in the ecology and evolution of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 viruses.

20 Oct 2023

Plant geneticists explore predictability of natural and CRISPR mutations

For tens of thousands of years, evolution shaped tomatoes through natural mutations. Then, humans came along. For centuries, we've bred and cherry-picked tomatoes with our preferred traits.

19 Oct 2023

Bats' genes hold secrets to stronger immunity and longer life

Bats have acquired remarkable traits throughout their evolution. They're the only mammals that can fly, and they live much longer than other animals their size.

16 Oct 2023

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Ghana confined to clinical settings

Calland, J. K., et al. (2023). Population structure and antimicrobial resistance among Klebsiella isolates sampled from human, animal, and environmental sources in Ghana: a cross-sectional genomic One Health study. The Lancet Microbe. doi.org/10.1016/S2666-5247(23)00208-2.

16 Oct 2023

Genomic revolution may not be necessary for all species conservation efforts

In the world of threatened and endangered species conservation, the genomic revolution has raised some complicated questions: How can scientists justify assessing species genetic diversity without consulting entire genomes now that they can be sequenced?

16 Oct 2023

Finding the correlation between cancer and stroke risk

Patients with a previous or current cancer diagnosis are more likely to have a stroke than the general population, but how are specific cancers and treatments associated with stroke risk?

16 Oct 2023

Is it time to rethink COVID-19 boosters? New study dives into variant-specific vaccines

The study explores the efficacy of variant-adapted COVID-19 booster vaccines, particularly against new strains like Omicron. It raises questions about the need for annual updates and the best technologies for long-term, durable immunity.

15 Oct 2023

Cerba Research expands expertise and global reach to support drug development

Cerba Research is transforming into a multi-specialist and central laboratory company, providing research organisations with even greater access to exceptional scientific and technical teams in multiple therapeutic areas for drug and vaccine development.

14 Oct 2023

EVScape: New tool to forecast which SARS-CoV-2 variants could dodge our immunity

Researchers have developed EVScape, a predictive tool that identifies which SARS-CoV-2 strains are most likely to evade host immunity. Utilizing a deep generative model and structural information, the tool offers early warning about viral variants, aiding in the timely development of effective vaccines and treatments.

12 Oct 2023

Invasive mosquito species may be spreading new form of malaria in East Africa

Turkana County in northwestern Kenya was supposed to be the land that malaria forgot. An arid, windy region abutting Uganda, South Sudan and Ethiopia, its climate was thought to be too dry for the mosquitoes that harbor malaria-causing parasites, and thus it has been excluded from national efforts to prevent the spread of the disease.

12 Oct 2023

Does your gut microbiome play a role in therapeutic outcomes?

The role of the gut microbiome and its metabolites in altering the therapeutic outcomes

12 Oct 2023

New topical drug shows promise in preventing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer in the United States, impacting approximately 700,000 people each year.

11 Oct 2023

Neanderthal genes make some humans more pain-sensitive

People with three Neanderthal-inherited gene variants in SCN9A are more sensitive to certain types of pain, revealing past interbreeding's genetic influence on modern humans. This study, led by UCL researchers, underscores pain sensitivity as a crucial evolutionary trait potentially shaped by Neanderthal genetics.

10 Oct 2023