Virus News and Research

Latest Virus News and Research

Study identifies a molecule that may be behind COVID-19 brain fog

A study identifies a molecule that may be behind cognitive symptoms, including "brain fog," experienced by those infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

20 Sep 2023

Innovations in baculovirus–insect cell expression systems

The baculovirus–insect cell expression system—insect cells used in conjunction with the baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS)— remains a crucial technology for manufacturing large and complex proteins. This eukaryotic expression system offers inherent safety, ease of scale-up, flexible product design, and versatility for a broad range of proteins.

From Sino Biological Inc. 20 Sep 2023

Game-changing point-of-care assay could revolutionize Mpox detection worldwide

Researchers developed a point-of-care assay for the rapid detection of mpox virus.

20 Sep 2023

Age and underlying conditions increase risk of critical outcomes for hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Whether vaccinated or not, having at least four disease risk factors put adults hospitalized due to COVID-19 at higher risk for critical outcomes, according to a 10-state study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) VISION Network.

19 Sep 2023

New NIH plan outlines HSV research framework with four strategic priorities

In response to the persistent health challenges of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2, today the National Institutes of Health released the Strategic Plan for Herpes Simplex Virus Research.

19 Sep 2023

CDC awards $17.5M to UC San Diego-led coalition to develop innovative outbreak response tools

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded $17.5 million to a coalition led by researchers at UC San Diego to develop innovative tools and networks to respond rapidly to emerging disease outbreaks.

19 Sep 2023

Study assesses duration of protection offered by smallpox infection and possible cross-reaction with Mpox virus

More than 43 years ago, many Chinese residents were vaccinated with the vaccinia virus Tiantan strain (VTT) to protect them from smallpox infection.

19 Sep 2023

Inactivated poliovirus vaccine elicits persistent immunity for up to 10 years

The neutralizing antibodies persistence of the Sabin strain-derived inactivated poliovirus vaccine.

19 Sep 2023

Does a high-dose influenza vaccine reduce cardiovascular disease risk?

Whether a high-dose influenza vaccine is associated with a benefit in reducing CP events.

19 Sep 2023

Cancer drug could play a role in limiting the damaging effects of lung disease in COVID-19 patients

A cancer drug could play an important role in limiting the damaging effects of lung disease in COVID-19 patients, thanks to new research at Hudson Institute of Medical Research.

19 Sep 2023

Is the new bivalent COVID-19 vaccine the booster we've been waiting for?

The bivalent COVID-19 vaccine developed by GSK and Sanofi shows promising results with a 64.7% overall effectiveness against symptomatic COVID-19, according to a phase 3 trial. The vaccine performs especially well as a booster, achieving 75.9% efficacy in non-naïve subjects.

17 Sep 2023

How well do current vaccines hold up against new SARS-CoV-2 variants BA.2.86 and FLip?

The study explores the efficacy of three-dose monovalent or bivalent vaccinations in neutralizing newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants BA.2.86 and FLip. While BA.2.86 showed lower immune evasion abilities compared to recent XBB variants, it was less effectively neutralized by the monoclonal antibody S309, raising questions about vaccine efficacy against evolving strains.

17 Sep 2023

NIH launches Phase 1 trial of new investigational universal influenza vaccine

Enrollment in a Phase 1 trial of a new investigational universal influenza vaccine candidate has begun at the National Institutes of Health's Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

15 Sep 2023

Imported case of monkeypox leads to local transmission in China

Monkeypox (mpox) is a zoonotic disease caused by the mpox virus (MPXV) that has been primarily limited to Central and West African nations since its discovery.

15 Sep 2023

Moderna’s adapted COVID-19 vaccine that targets Omicron XBB.1.5 approved by MHRA

An adapted COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna (Spikevax) that targets the Omicron XBB 1.5 subvariant, has today been authorized by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) after it was found to meet the UK regulator's standards of safety, quality and effectiveness.

15 Sep 2023

A comprehensive analysis of first monkeypox outbreak in Shenzhen, China

This paper comprehensively analyses the first-ever monkeypox outbreak in Shenzhen, China encompassing clinical symptomatology, therapeutic approaches, epidemiological research, and comprehensive laboratory tests, aiming to establish a robust reference for future mitigation and management strategies for monkeypox.

15 Sep 2023

A new covid booster is here. Will those at greatest risk get it?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends new covid-19 booster vaccines for all — but many who need them most won't get them. About 75% of people in the United States appear to have skipped last year's bivalent booster, and nothing suggests uptake will be better this time around.

15 Sep 2023

Novel amino acid mutations suggest local monkeypox transmission in Guangzhou, China

The monkeypox (mpox) virus has caused worldwide transmission since its initial report in England in early May 2022.

15 Sep 2023

Unlocking the power of lectins: BOA emerges as a potent weapon against all SARS-CoV-2 variants

Researchers discover that antiviral lectins like BOA can effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 and its variants by targeting spike glycans, opening doors for potential pan-coronavirus treatments. The study reveals that BOA's multivalent interactions make it a potent inhibitor against a range of viral variants, offering promise for future therapeutic strategies.

14 Sep 2023

Past infections may shape your COVID booster's punch against Omicron

This in-depth study examines how previous immunity impacts the effectiveness of COVID-19 booster vaccinations and susceptibility to Omicron breakthrough infections. The research highlights the significant role of individual immune histories in shaping both humoral and cellular responses to SARS-CoV-2, urging for more tailored vaccine strategies.

14 Sep 2023