Virus News and Research

Latest Virus News and Research

Tracking SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant XBB1.16

The World Health Organization recently named the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant XBB1.16 a variant of interest to encourage tracking of this genetic variant of the pandemic coronavirus.

28 Apr 2023

Study offers a comprehensive, updated epidemiology of H. pylori infection

A research team led by Professor Leung Wai-keung from Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) and the Baylor College of Medicine of the United States found that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection around the world has been steadily declining over the past four decades, thus offering a comprehensive, updated epidemiology of H. pylori infection.

28 Apr 2023

New approach for efficient engineering of cell and gene therapies

A new approach to the genetic engineering of cells promises significant improvements in speed, efficiency, and reduction in cellular toxicity compared to current methods.

28 Apr 2023

Handwashing with soap can prevent acute respiratory infections

Handwashing with soap can reduce cases of acute respiratory infection (ARI) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) by as much as 17%, according to a review published in The Lancet.

28 Apr 2023

Scientists identify broad-spectrum antiviral agents that can target multiple RNA virus families

A new study has identified potential broad-spectrum antiviral agents that can target multiple families of RNA viruses that continue to pose a significant threat for future pandemics.

28 Apr 2023

Is there an association between ABO and RhD blood groups and risk of HIV infection?

Researchers investigated the association between HIV and the ABO and RhD blood groups.

28 Apr 2023

A study surveilling Vermont wildlife detects no SARS-CoV-2

The surveillance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in wildlife in Vermont, United States (US).

28 Apr 2023

Study uncovers new clues and raises more questions about CRISPR

CRISPR claimed scientific fame for its ability to quickly and accurately edit genes. But, at the core, CRISPR systems are immune systems that help bacteria protect themselves from viruses by targeting and destroying viral DNA and RNA.

27 Apr 2023

Ethanol vapor inhalation can disable influenza A virus in mice

Inhaling low concentrations of ethanol vapor can disable the influenza A virus in mice, without harmful side effects, says a new study by scientists at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST). The scientists believe it may also treat similar viruses such as the one that causes Covid-19.

27 Apr 2023

Study sheds light on immune factors responsible for contrasting SARS-CoV-2 outcomes in humans and white-tailed deer

Researchers explored the response of respiratory epithelial cells in deers to SARS-CoV-2.

27 Apr 2023

Research identifies Th1 memory CD4+ T cells as key to protect against emerging poxvirus skin infections

Researchers demonstrate that T helper 1 effector memory cluster of differentiation 4 T cells provide immunity against poxviruses

27 Apr 2023

What is the risk for symptomatic H5N1 virus infection in humans?

Researchers from the CDC reported on the recent outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus among domesticated and wild birds in 39 U.S. states and discussed the potential risks to humans.

27 Apr 2023

Study suggests the zoonotic-like avian H3N8 virus has limited efficiency for human-to-human transmission and is unlikely to cause severe disease in humans

Researchers demonstrated that the novel and avian hemagglutinin 3 neuraminidase 8 (H3N8) virus showed limited replication in explant cultures of lung and bronchial tissue.

27 Apr 2023

Neurological phenotypes induced by SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in neurons

Researchers explored the association between SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and burst activities in neurons.

27 Apr 2023

Possible risk factors for brain aneurysm development in adults living with HIV

With advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART), outcomes for adults living with human immunodeficiency virus (ALWH) have largely improved, drastically decreasing the risk of death from opportunistic infections.

26 Apr 2023

Research uncovers antibodies that are still effective against new variants of SARS-CoV-2

An anonymous San Diego resident has become a fascinating example of how the human immune system fights SARS-CoV-2.

26 Apr 2023

Understanding the cervical microbiome: a promising frontier in HPV treatment

A recent feature published in PNAS provided emerging insights into microflora associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infections.

26 Apr 2023

Researchers identify regions of the viral envelope of simian foamy viruses targeted by neutralizing antibodies

A recent study characterized epitopes recognized by neutralizing antibodies from individuals infected with simian foamy virus.

26 Apr 2023

Study finds HIV to be 2.5 times more frequent among mental health service users

New National Institute for Health and Care Research Maudsley BRC supported research has found HIV is 2.5 times more frequent in people who use mental health services than the general population in South London.

26 Apr 2023

Study reveals survival time of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater: Implications for public health

Study investigated the survival of SARS-CoV-2 in three wastewater matrices - filtered and unfiltered raw wastewater, and secondary effluent. The time required for inactivation of 90% of SARS-CoV-2 was observed to be 10.4, 10.8, and 18.3 hours for unfiltered raw, filtered raw, and secondary effluent, respectively.

25 Apr 2023