Virus News and Research

Latest Virus News and Research

Genome-based surveillance offers new hope in the fight against healthcare-associated infections

Researchers discuss major healthcare-associated pathogens, as well as current and future public health priorities related to these microorganisms.

2 May 2023

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

Why the preservation of Australia's biodiversity is essential for human health

Researchers reviewed the significance of preserving Australia's biodiversity for the well-being of human health.

2 May 2023

Cats and COVID-19: measuring seroprevalence against SARS-CoV-2 in domestic cats

Researchers tested the seroprevalence against SARS-CoV-2 in pet cats in the U.K.

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

Urgent call for improved diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines against deadly Hantavirus

Scientists discuss hantavirus infections, which are a type of viral hemorrhagic fever that can be transmitted to humans through exposure to infected rodents in endemic areas.

30 Apr 2023

Structure of protein methyltransferase from the monkeypox virus deciphered

Scientists from the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry in Prague have deciphered the structure of the protein methyltransferase from the monkeypox virus

30 Apr 2023

CRISPR-Cas9 system can help reduce adenovirus replication in human cells

The replication of potentially harmful adenoviruses can be significantly reduced in human cells in cell culture by using the so-called CRISPR-Cas9 system ("gene scissors")

29 Apr 2023

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