Virus News and Research

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A virus is a microscopic infectious agent that can reproduce only inside a host cell. Viruses infect all types of organisms: from animals and plants, to bacteria and archaea. Since the initial discovery of tobacco mosaic virus by Martinus Beijerinck in 1898, more than 5,000 types of virus have been described in detail, although most types of virus remain undiscovered. Viruses are ubiquitous, as they are found in almost every ecosystem on Earth, and are the most abundant type of biological entity on the planet. The study of viruses is known as virology, and is a branch of microbiology.

New discovery helps explain how COVID-19 suppresses the body’s immune response

Seeking to understand why COVID-19 is able to suppress the body's immune response, new research from the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology suggests that mitochondria are one of the first lines of defense against COVID-19 and identifies key differences in how SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, interacts with mitochondrial genes when compared to other viruses.

12 Jan 2021

Study unravels the mystery of infectious virion formation

Researchers have for the first time identified the way viruses like the poliovirus and the common cold virus 'package up' their genetic code, allowing them to infect cells.

11 Jan 2021

Advanced nanomaterial-based biosensing platform detects COVID-19 antibodies within seconds

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University report findings on an advanced nanomaterial-based biosensing platform that detects, within seconds, antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.

11 Jan 2021

Novel treatments could cut the death rate from dengue, Zika, West Nile viruses

A new study led by researchers from The University of Queensland (UQ) could help identify new therapies to reduce the global death rate caused by Zika, West Nile, and dengue viruses.

8 Jan 2021

Chromosomal instability is associated with cancer's aggressiveness

Cancer cells are known for spreading genetic chaos. As cancer cells divide, DNA segments and even whole chromosomes can be duplicated, mutated, or lost altogether.

29 Dec 2020

High-speed atomic force microscopy sheds light on structure, dynamics of intrinsically disordered proteins

Kanazawa University’s pioneering high-speed atomic force microscope technology has now shed light on the structure and dynamics of some of life’s most ubiquitous and inscrutable molecules – intrinsically disordered proteins.

29 Dec 2020

Kobe University and Sysmex conduct joint research on new blood test for identifying COVID-19

Kobe University and Sysmex Corporation have been engaged in joint research on the ELISPOT method, a new blood test for identifying the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

28 Dec 2020

Scientists identify new weapon to fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria

As scientists around the globe wage war against a novel, deadly virus, one University of Colorado Boulder lab is working on new weapons to battle a different microbial threat: a rising tide of antibiotic-resistant bacteria which, if left unchecked, could kill an estimated 10 million people annually by 2050.

24 Dec 2020

Study reveals lower transfer of protective SARS-CoV-2 antibodies via the placenta

Recent analyses indicate that pregnant women and newborns may face elevated risks of developing more severe cases of COVID-19 following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

24 Dec 2020

Scientists observe detailed images of spike proteins in coronavirus

Coronaviruses, similar to the one that causes COVID-19 infection, are embedded with protein “spikes” that attach to receptors on their victims’ cells.

21 Dec 2020

Study investigates potential link between COVID-19 spread and atmospheric pollutants

The spread of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the current pandemic outbreak, has been speculated to be linked to short-term and long-term atmospheric pollutants exposure, mainly particulate matters (PMs).

17 Dec 2020

TGen identifies genetic target that could help explain the variation in COVID-19 effects

The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), an affiliate of City of Hope, has identified a specific genetic target that could help explain the tremendous variation in how sick those infected with COVID-19 become.

17 Dec 2020

Researchers identify suitable biocatalyst for designing COVID-19 vaccine

The chemical substance class of nucleosides is attracting a great deal of interest, and this can be attributed to the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic.

17 Dec 2020

Researchers discover genetic variants of host proteins involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection

Like all viruses, the novel coronavirus is dependent on help from the human host cell. Proteins are the functional units of the cell and enable the virus to enter the host cell or help the virus to replicate.

17 Dec 2020

Study may lead to new approaches to protect older individuals from viruses

A drug that boosts the removal of cellular debris in immune cells may increase the protective effects of vaccines in older adults, a study published today in eLife shows.

16 Dec 2020

Researchers identify new therapeutic target to fight COVID-19 disease

In COVID-19 patients with severe lung disease, targeting the endothelial cells—that is, cells comprising the blood vessel wall, which control oxygen exchange between the bloodstream and airways—may be an innovative strategy to restore normal function of the lungs.

15 Dec 2020

Virus News and Research

New discovery helps explain how COVID-19 suppresses the body’s immune response

Study unravels the mystery of infectious virion formation

Advanced nanomaterial-based biosensing platform detects COVID-19 antibodies within seconds

Novel treatments could cut the death rate from dengue, Zika, West Nile viruses

Chromosomal instability is associated with cancer's aggressiveness

High-speed atomic force microscopy sheds light on structure, dynamics of intrinsically disordered proteins

Kobe University and Sysmex conduct joint research on new blood test for identifying COVID-19

Scientists identify new weapon to fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Study reveals lower transfer of protective SARS-CoV-2 antibodies via the placenta

Scientists observe detailed images of spike proteins in coronavirus

Study investigates potential link between COVID-19 spread and atmospheric pollutants

TGen identifies genetic target that could help explain the variation in COVID-19 effects

Researchers identify suitable biocatalyst for designing COVID-19 vaccine

Researchers discover genetic variants of host proteins involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection

Study may lead to new approaches to protect older individuals from viruses

Researchers identify new therapeutic target to fight COVID-19 disease

Molecular markers in the blood can predict severe COVID-19 outcomes

Using genetic engineering to grow synthetic livers

Newly identified diagnostic marker can help overcome treatment resistance in cervical cancer

Toxic pollutants may be influencing wildlife disease spread, finds study

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