Virus

Researchers have identified how the Ebola virus reproduces by interacting with the human protein ubiquitin, revealing a new target for therapeutic intervention. This finding, part of a collaborative study involving experts in various medical fields, offers insights into viral replication processes and potential pathways for developing effective Ebola treatments.A U.S.-Canada study co-led by UdeM researchers offers key understanding of Ebola virus replication and potential therapeutic targets.Scientists in Canada and the…

A tetramer of the influenza neuraminidase protein (shown in blue and light blue) bound by variable domains of two new human antibodies (shown purple/pink and brown/beige) targeting its “dark side.” Viewed along with a 4-fold axis of NA tetramer with its catalytic sites facing up. Credit: NIAIDScientists at the National Institutes of Health have discovered antibodies that attack a difficult-to-detect area of the influenza virus, shedding light on the relatively unexplored “dark side” of the neuraminidase (NA) protein head.…

Updated CDC recommendations address the prevention of respiratory viruses, emphasizing vaccines, hygiene, and air quality. The guidance is tailored to the current COVID-19 context and aims to protect vulnerable groups. Credit: James Gathany, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionThe CDC has issued new guidance for combating respiratory viruses, highlighting vaccination, hygiene, and air quality improvements. It focuses on reducing the spread of illnesses and protecting high-risk populations, adapting to the evolving…

Recent research demonstrates that blocking the attachment of virus particles to cell surface molecules in infant mice can significantly reduce the transmission of influenza A. This finding opens the door to new preventative strategies against seasonal flu, potentially supplementing existing vaccines and treatments with methods that target the host’s ability to spread the virus.Researchers have long understood that certain viruses and bacteria initiate infections by initially attaching to sugar molecules present on the…

The virus behind the common cold sore could put people at greater risk of Alzheimer's disease.A long-term study of more than a thousand 70-year-olds in Sweden has now found those exposed to the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) face double the risk of developing dementia.The association stuck regardless of the two strongest known predictors of Alzheimer's disease today: age and a genetic variant called APOE-4. The findings are the latest to suggest that some common viral infections may be a neglected source of…

For nine years, Alaska health officials have been aware of an unusual virus causing rare, relatively mild illnesses in the Fairbanks area.But a recent case in another part of the state — this one resulting in a man's death — has brought new attention to the  Alaskapox virus.Here's some background on the virus.What is Alaskapox?Alaskapox belongs to a family of brick-shaped viruses that can infect animals and humans. These bugs, known as orthopoxviruses, tend to cause lesions, or pox, on the skin. Each has its own…

iPhones and Apple products, in general, have been the most secure devices that you can buy in recent years. It's even been a part of Apple's marketing, a reason you should choose an Apple product over something made by Microsoft or running Android. That means that it's always big news when there's a new virus that seems to exploit a weakness in Apple's devices — and this one seems to be a big one.Group-IB, the cyber security firm, has confirmed that there is a new threat for iPhone users, which brings a trojan called…

Scientists and health professionals are closely monitoring a rare virus known as Alaskapox after a fatal case popped up in a new area.The few cases diagnosed since Alaskapox was first identified in 2015 have typically been associated with mild symptoms, including joint and muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, and one or more bumps or pustules on the skin.The virus usually clears up after a few weeks but can be more dangerous for people with weakened immune systems.An elderly man on the Kenai Peninsula has become the first…

An international team has used ancient DNA to study the evolution of the Marek’s Disease Virus, discovering its increased virulence over time and providing insights that could lead to better disease management in poultry. This groundbreaking research emphasizes the value of archaeological findings in understanding and combating viral diseases.A group of scientists from around the world, including geneticists and disease biologists from the University of Oxford and LMU Munich, have utilized ancient DNA to study the…

Infection with the virus that’s the main cause of cold sores may double a person’s risk of developing dementia, according to a new study. Adding to growing evidence of a link between the two, further research is needed to investigate whether anti-herpes treatment reduces the risk and may open the door to developing new vaccines.Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common, lifelong infection that’s treatable but not curable. It’s estimated that, globally, around 67% of people under 50 have herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)…