Virus News and Research

Latest Virus News and Research

Scientists identify key role of T-bet in flu memory B cells

At the surface, the immune response to a flu virus is simple. Some cells recognize the pathogen and send a signal to the immune system, and immune cells produce a potentially lifesaving antibody against the virus. Antigen in, antibody out.

11 Jul 2025

Researchers use cryo-EM to map Powassan virus structure at high resolution

As summer kicks into full gear and people are spending more time outside, there's one thing on many people's minds - ticks.

9 Jul 2025

Genetically modified herpes virus shows promise against advanced melanoma

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which affects almost two-thirds of the world's population and is generally associated with oral herpes, may cause painful cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth.

9 Jul 2025

Coffee ring effect inspires breakthrough in rapid at-home tests for disease detection

Got a sore throat and the sniffles? The recent rise of rapid at-home tests has made it easier to find out if you have a serious illness like COVID-19 or just a touch of spring allergies.

8 Jul 2025

Study reveals altered gut microbiota profiles in elderly patients with acute hepatitis E

Gut dysbiosis has been reported in severe liver diseases. However, information on the impact of hepatitis E virus infection on the gut microbiota, and the association between enteric microbiota disturbances and acute hepatitis E (AHE), is limited, particularly in elderly patients with AHE (AHE-elderly).

8 Jul 2025

Tiny nanobody shows big promise in fighting Nipah and Hendra viruses

Researchers have discovered a strategy to neutralize two highly lethal viruses for which there is currently no approved vaccine or cure.

8 Jul 2025

Astrocytes influence metabolism and cognitive function in obesity

Fatty diets and obesity affect the structure and function of astrocytes, the star-shaped brain cells located in the striatum, a brain region involved in the perception of pleasure generated by food consumption.

7 Jul 2025

Mediterranean bacteria show promise as new mosquito biopesticides

Mosquito-borne diseases kill more than 700,000 people every year, according to the World Health Organization, and the mosquitos that spread the disease are difficult to control.

7 Jul 2025

Eating habits directly influence vaginal microbiome, research finds

A cross-sectional study of young Italian women found that higher intake of animal protein and alcohol is associated with vaginal microbiota dysbiosis, while linolenic acid (a plant-based omega-3) and dietary fiber support beneficial Lactobacillus communities.

7 Jul 2025

Flawed coronavirus model prompts urgent reassessment for drug developers

The COVID pandemic illustrated how urgently we need antiviral medications capable of treating coronavirus infections.

4 Jul 2025

Letting bird flu run its course could spark wider pandemic

In a Policy Forum, Erin Sorrell and colleagues – a coalition of virologists, veterinarians, and health security experts – argue that the recent proposal to permit the uncontrolled spread of highly pathogenic avian influence (HPAI) among U.S. poultry to identify birds that survive infection is dangerous and unethical.

4 Jul 2025

Restoring neuron balance in the amygdala reverses anxiety in mice

The Synaptic Physiology laboratory, led by Juan Lerma at the Institute for Neurosciences (IN), a joint center of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and Miguel Hernández University (UMH) of Elche, has discovered that a specific group of neurons in the amygdala, a brain region involved in emotion regulation, plays a key role in the emergence of conditions such as anxiety, depression, and altered social behavior.

4 Jul 2025

Mapping the T cell response to Chikungunya virus

A new study, published recently in Nature Communications, offers the first-ever map of which parts of Chikungunya virus trigger the strongest response from the body's T cells.

3 Jul 2025

Hepatitis E virus also attacks organs other than the liver, study finds

A research team from Bochum and Hannover shows that the hepatitis E virus also attacks organs other than the liver.

3 Jul 2025

Blood viral load predicts severity of mpox symptoms

In August 2024, the World Health Organization declared a second "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" for mpox.

3 Jul 2025

Twice-yearly injection could transform HIV prevention efforts

Preventative therapies for HIV-1 (Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1) have made leaps and bounds over the past decade. A once-daily pill named PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, has been a stalwart for HIV prevention-but only if people take it consistently and can routinely access a pharmacy.

3 Jul 2025

Study finds significant uptick in chronic digestive disorders during COVID-19 pandemic

A study led by Cedars-Sinai investigators uncovered a significant uptick in chronic digestive disorders, like irritable bowel syndrome, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

3 Jul 2025

Gene therapy brings back hearing in young and adult deaf patients

Gene therapy can improve hearing in children and adults with congenital deafness or severe hearing impairment, a new study involving researchers at Karolinska Institutet reports.

3 Jul 2025

Cornell scientists use natural cell proteins to track molecular behavior

Cornell researchers have found a new and potentially more accurate way to see what proteins are doing inside living cells - using the cells' own components as built-in sensors.

2 Jul 2025

Mature dendritic cell vesicles enhance influenza vaccine effectiveness

Influenza hemagglutinin subunit vaccines are more effective and offer better cross protection against various influenza virus challenges when combined with a mucosal adjuvant that enhances the body's immune response, according to a study by researchers in the Institute for Biomedical Sciences at Georgia State University.

2 Jul 2025