Weak Link Could Lead to Universal Flu Vaccine
Researchers may have found a weakness in a protein that delivers the flu virus that could be a useful target to stop the virus from infecting cells.
Infectious Disease
Naturally Occuring Disease in Monkeys Mimics Deadly Childhood Neurogenerative Disorder
Scientists have discovered a naturally occurring disease in monkeys that mimics a deadly childhood neurodegenerative disorder in people — a finding that holds promise for developing new gene therapies to treat Batten disease.
Antibiotic Resistance is in the Air
An international study has found that the air in 19 cities across 13 counties contained genetic material that is known to confer antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
Transmission Window for Zika Smaller Than Previously Thought
Zika virus may be sexually transmissible for a shorter period than previously estimated, according to a new systematic review.
Bats Harbouring Genetic Material Related to Ebola Virus for Millions of Years
Researchers have found a genetic material related to the Ebola Virus in mouse-eared bats thats remained largely unchanged for over 18 million years. The study sheds light on the gene’s possible function in bats, suggesting that it may play a role in regulating the immune system’s response to threats.
Viral Cooperation Defeats CRISPR Defences
Two new research studies have identified a method by which bacteriophages can cooperate in order to infect bacterial cells with CRISPR defence mechanisms.
The Need for Speed: Why Malaria Parasites are Faster Than Human Immune Cells
Elementary cytoskeleton protein is different in parasites and represents a starting point for a possible new therapy against malaria infections.
Drugs Could Destroy Super-Strong Bacterial Armour
Scientists have previously overlooked the astonishing physical strength of the thin outer membrane that clings to E. coli‘s stout cell wall, according to a new study.
Biological Fax Machine Delivering DNA On-Demand
Synthetic Genomics believe its ‘biological teleportation’ — a process in which DNA is digitally transmitted and printed out as synthetic sequences — will soon be mainstream.
Further Evidence for the Role Of Herpes Virus in Triggering Alzheimer’s Onset
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have found further evidence that supports the notion that viruses could help cause the onset of Alzheimer’s disease; an idea that was once ridiculed by other sceptics and researchers.
Novartis Latest Big Pharma to Ditch Antibiotic Research Despite Rise of Superbugs
Even in light of the rising fears of “superbugs” in the world of big pharma, the marginal profits made through the development of antibiotics isn’t enough to justify the research.
A Rare Instance When Preventative Screening Is Worth the Dollar Cost
A new analysis shows that the US health care system will save money in the long run by screening people born in Asia and Africa for the hepatitis B virus, which causes liver cancer and cirrhosis.
Body’s First Response to Infection Identified
Researchers from UT Southwestern have identified a mechanism believed to be the body’s first response to an infection.
CRISPR Gene-Drive Tested on Mammals for the First Time in History
CRISPR gene drives have been tested in laboratory mice for the first time, offering a way in which multiple genes in mice can be altered to model complex multigenic human diseases. Could this step eventually lead to the eradication of pest species or is the technology still too controversial?
Humans Are to Blame for the Rise in Dangerous Viral Infections
It doesn’t just seem like the world is experiencing more viral infections than before – it’s a reality. And the way humans live today helps viruses thrive.
