Influenza News and Research

Latest Influenza News and Research

New insight into how the occludin protein mediates cell-to-cell transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus

While the coronavirus continues to infect people around the world, researchers at the University of Missouri have identified a specific protein inside the human body that plays a critical role in how the virus spreads from cell to cell after infection - a discovery that will help better understand the COVID-19 disease and could lead to the development of new antiviral drugs in the future.

2 May 2023

Virologist investigates Huanan seafood market's SARS-CoV-2 origins: Unexpected genetic connections revealed

Researcher analyzes the genetic material from environmental samples collected from the Huanan Seafood Market after it was closed on January 1, 2020, to investigate the role of the market in the early SARS-CoV-2 outbreak.

1 May 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

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

Understanding post-COVID interstitial lung disease: Causes, treatment options

After being hospitalized for three months with COVID-19 and double pneumonia in 2020, Houston police officer Hito Bazan awoke one morning to discover that he couldn't talk, eat, walk, or most importantly, breathe. Bazan was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease (ILD) known as pulmonary fibrosis (PF).

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

Previously unknown mechanisms may lead to new approaches to fight viral infections

Viruses like influenza A and Ebola invade human cells in a number of steps. In an interdisciplinary approach, research teams from Heidelberg University and Heidelberg University Hospital investigated the final stages of viral penetration using electron tomography and computer simulations.

25 Apr 2023

Deciphering immunological imprinting in the context of COVID-19

In a recent article published in the journal Immunity, researchers explained the concept of immunological imprinting and its underlying principles. They also discussed its potential role in the context of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines.

24 Apr 2023

Study reveals CMPK-2 protein-coding gene as a potent inhibitor of flaviviruses

CMPK2 identified as a potential pan-flavivirus inhibitor, restricting virus replication and providing a basis for developing new antiviral treatments.

23 Apr 2023

Protein OCLN found to play crucial role in SARS-CoV-2 cell-to-cell transmission

Research explains how the SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads efficiently by directly infecting neighboring cells through a process called cell-to-cell transmission. The virus uses a protein called occludin (OCLN) to enter the cells and causes syncytium formation, which leads to viral spread.

20 Apr 2023

Observational cohort study of long COVID among 2 million elderly adults

Research estimates the incidence of long COVID and long Flu among Medicare patients using the World Health Organization (WHO) consensus definition. The study compares the incidence, symptomatology, and healthcare utilization between long COVID and long flu patients.

20 Apr 2023