Virus News and Research

Latest Virus News and Research

Study finds certain H5N1 strains in cattle linked to milder human illness; other variants remain a concern

Study reveals that contemporary HPAI H5N1 viruses show reduced replication and immune activation in human lung organoids, potentially explaining milder disease in humans compared to historic strains.

13 Jan 2025

T cells can completely prevent viral infections in humans

Scientists from Duke-NUS Medical School and the Singapore General Hospital have discovered that T cells-white blood cells that can destroy harmful pathogens-can completely prevent viral infection, to an extent previously thought only possible due to neutralizing antibodies.

10 Jan 2025

$20 million grant to explore the role of viruses in human health

For over a decade, scientists have studied the microbiome, the environment of microorganisms that live on and in the body, and how it affects health and disease.

9 Jan 2025

New molecule shows promise in protecting mice from influenza

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, in collaboration with colleagues in China, have discovered an antibody-like molecule that can protect mice from various influenza viruses.

9 Jan 2025

Parvovirus B19 myocarditis cases reported in preschoolers from Northern Greece

Myocarditis is a rare yet serious condition known for the inflammation of the heart muscle, also known as the myocardium. In severe cases of myocarditis, the heart muscle becomes extremely weak and fails to pump blood effectively.

9 Jan 2025

Early infections in childhood drive long-term health risks

Early childhood infections significantly increase the risk of severe infections and antibiotic use later in childhood, highlighting the importance of early prevention and monitoring.

8 Jan 2025

Scientists uncover key factors for starting autophagy in cells

Recycling takes place in our cells at all times: in a process called autophagy, cell components that are no longer needed are enclosed by membranes and broken down into their basic building blocks.

8 Jan 2025

UC San Diego joins CDC in groundbreaking pandemic preparedness initiative

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has selected University of California San Diego as one of three partner institutions to establish a groundbreaking pandemic preparedness initiative, the Community and Household Acute Respiratory Illness Monitoring (CHARM) Network.

8 Jan 2025

Mutation in ASXL1 gene triggers chain reaction leading to blood disorders

Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) have discovered how a mutated gene kicks off a dangerous chain of events during blood cell production.

8 Jan 2025

Concussions may trigger Alzheimer's symptoms through latent viruses

Concussions and repetitive head trauma in sports like football and boxing, once accepted as an unpleasant consequence of intense athletic competition, are now recognized as serious health threats.

7 Jan 2025

Researchers develop nanobody inhibitors to target Ebola virus

Ebola virus, one of the deadliest pathogens, has a fatality rate of about 50%, posing a serious threat to global health and safety.

7 Jan 2025

Innovative biocontrol technique targets female insects to control mosquito-borne diseases

A genetic biocontrol method which reduces the lifespan of female insects could work as fast as pesticides to reduce populations of disease-spreading mosquitoes and destructive crop pests, according to researchers.

7 Jan 2025

Hidden culprit: Human metapneumovirus identified in severe adult pneumonia case

Severe pneumonia caused by human metapneumovirus in an immunocompetent adult highlights diagnostic challenges and underscores the need for rapid molecular diagnostics to improve outcomes.

6 Jan 2025

Novel hMPV strains linked to rising respiratory infections in young children

Researchers in India discovered novel hMPV lineages A2.2.1 and A2.2.2, emphasizing their role in pediatric respiratory infections and potential public health implications.

6 Jan 2025

Decades of research push cytomegalovirus vaccine closer to reality

Researchers review decades of progress in human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) vaccine development, emphasizing challenges, innovative platforms, and the critical need for effective prevention strategies.

6 Jan 2025

Study unveils novel pathway triggering immune response to DNA damage

A research team from the University of California, Irvine has revealed a previously unknown mechanism that triggers an inflammatory immune response in cells when their DNA is damaged.

6 Jan 2025

H5N1 bird flu spillover to horses, raises fears of new viral strains

Researchers report the first confirmed cases of H5N1 bird flu in horses, highlighting their role as potential reservoirs for viral reassortment. This groundbreaking study urges increased surveillance to prevent novel influenza epidemics.

5 Jan 2025

Human protein MxA restricts H5N1, but virus mutations raise alarms

Human MxA protein suppresses mammalian H5N1 virus replication, but emerging mutations may enable partial evasion, raising concerns for human transmission.

5 Jan 2025

From ducks to detection: Revolutionizing surveillance in the fight against HPAI

Vaccination drastically reduces avian influenza outbreaks in ducks, but enhanced passive surveillance is crucial for timely and effective detection of the virus.

5 Jan 2025

Professor Alison Elliott honored with OBE for contributions to global health

Leading clinical researcher Professor Alison Elliott has been honoured with an OBE in the King's New Year Honours for services to medicine and global health.

3 Jan 2025