Virus News and Research

Latest Virus News and Research

BA.2.86 Omicron sub-variant shows high receptor affinity but moderate neutralization resistance

Study investigates the receptor affinity and antigenicity of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2.86 variant, revealing that it does not show higher resistance to neutralization by human sera than other recent variants. Despite its high number of mutations and receptor affinity, the variant is slightly more sensitive to neutralization than the EG.5.1 variant, warranting continued surveillance.

24 Oct 2023

Kids with Omicron non-infectious after three days, vaccination status irrelevant

Study found that the median duration of infectivity for the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 in children is three days, regardless of vaccination status. The findings suggest that current 5-day isolation policies are supported, but vaccination or booster status need not be considered in return-to-school guidelines.

24 Oct 2023

Community immunity: Steering the evolutionary course of SARS-CoV-2

Researchers in Germany have developed a comprehensive fitness model that forecasts the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 by integrating genetic, epidemiological, and immunological data. The study emphasizes the role of population immunity in shaping viral mutations and provides valuable insights into the emergence of new variants.

24 Oct 2023

AI tool effectively detects distress in hospital workers' conversations

An artificial intelligence tool effectively detected distress in hospital workers' conversations with their therapists early in the pandemic, a new study shows, suggesting a potential new technology that screens for depression and anxiety.

24 Oct 2023

Engineered bacteria could offer new treatment for hypertension

Scientists at The University of Toledo have proven that engineered bacteria can lower blood pressure, a finding that opens new doors in the pursuit of harnessing our body's own microbiome to treat hypertension.

24 Oct 2023

Recombinant rabies virus vaccine with molecular adjuvant induces strong immune responses and protection in mice

This study aimed to improve the effectiveness of the rabies vaccine to help alleviate and eliminate the rabies epidemic.

24 Oct 2023

New research aims to understand the ecology of SARS-CoV-2 at the human-animal interface

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Virginia Tech disease ecologists wondered if the virus was having the same effect on wildlife.

24 Oct 2023

Research suggests shorter isolation periods for children with COVID-19

School policies that require students with COVID-19 to stay out of the classroom for five days are more than sufficient.

24 Oct 2023

Weakened innate immunity may increase risk of severe COVID-19

During severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, activated macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, and natural killer cells are the first defense against infection.

24 Oct 2023

Study sheds light on role of gut fungi in severe COVID-19 and long COVID

Certain gut-dwelling fungi flourish in severe cases of COVID-19, amplifying the excessive inflammation that drives this disease while also causing long-lasting changes in the immune system, according to a new study led by investigators at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian.

24 Oct 2023

Study reveals impact of hybrid immunity and booster vaccination on antibody waning

The decline in neutralizing antibody (nAb) titers following COVID-19 vaccination.

24 Oct 2023

Intranasal vaccination: A potent one-time solution for comprehensive COVID-19 immunity

A single-dose intranasal vaccine effectively induces robust immune responses.

24 Oct 2023

Is COVID-19 a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease?

The study explores the interconnected risks between COVID-19 and Alzheimer's Disease (AD), highlighting how SARS-CoV-2 can aggravate AD pathology through neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. It raises significant concerns about the long-term cognitive implications of COVID-19, especially among those already at risk for AD.

23 Oct 2023

New insights into why obesity puts individuals at risk for severe influenza

The mechanisms underpinning severe cases of influenza among the obese population.

23 Oct 2023

Global surge of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1

A recent study published in Nature sheds light on the complex dynamics of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 since 2021, uncovering critical shifts in the virus's behavior and providing insights for more effective mitigation strategies. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding the ecological and virological factors driving the intensified global activity of HPAI H5N1 to better prepare for and manage future outbreaks.

22 Oct 2023