http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/viruses/ Viruses that affect human health. Read the latest medical research on virology, from herpes virus to ebola virus and more. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 14:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 14:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/viruses/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523115047.htm Scientists have successfully protected laboratory animals from lethal hantavirus disease using a novel approach that combines DNA vaccines and duck eggs. Wed, 23 May 2012 11:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523115047.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523101841.htm The number of viral infections during infancy is not associated with wheezing later in childhood, according to a new study. Wed, 23 May 2012 10:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523101841.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522152653.htm Antibodies that help to stop the HIV virus have been found in breast milk. Researchers have isolated the antibodies from immune cells called B cells in the breast milk of infected mothers in Malawi, and showed that the B cells in breast milk can generate neutralizing antibodies that may inhibit the virus that causes AIDS. Tue, 22 May 2012 15:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522152653.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521163745.htm The pandemic 2009 H1N1 vaccine can generate antibodies in vaccinated individuals not only against the H1N1 virus, but also against other influenza virus strains including H5N1 and H3N2. This discovery adds an important new dimension to the finding last year that people infected with pandemic 2009 H1N1 virus produced high levels of antibodies that were broadly cross-reactive against a variety of flu strains. Mon, 21 May 2012 16:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521163745.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517143508.htm Innate differences in immunity can be detected at birth, according to new research. And babies with a better innate response to viruses have fewer respiratory illnesses in the first year of life. Thu, 17 May 2012 14:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517143508.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514204050.htm A new study consisting of inducing cells to express telomerase, the enzyme which -- metaphorically -- slows down the biological clock -- was successful. The research provides a "proof-of-principle" that this "feasible and safe" approach can effectively "improve health span." Mon, 14 May 2012 20:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514204050.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514104949.htm Researchers are developing a way to 'barcode' viral diseases to rapidly test new outbreaks for potentially lethal mutations. Mon, 14 May 2012 10:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514104949.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511104155.htm Scientists have for the first time, identified the molecular 'switch' that directly triggers the body's first line of defense against pathogens, more accurately known as the body's "innate immunity." Fri, 11 May 2012 10:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511104155.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510122857.htm The movement of genetic materials, such as RNA and ribosomes, from the nucleus to the cytoplasm is a critical component in a cell's ability to make the proteins necessary for essential biological functions. Until now, it was believed the nuclear pore complex was the sole pathway between the cell nucleus and cytoplasm for these materials. New evidence reveals a novel budding mechanism, similar to the process used by some viruses, capable of exporting large ribonucleoprotein particles from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Thu, 10 May 2012 12:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510122857.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509154236.htm Four years after they discovered the viral roots of a rare skin cancer, researchers have now identified a molecule activated by this virus that, in animal studies, could be targeted to selectively kill the tumor cells. The treatment will soon be tested in patients. Wed, 09 May 2012 15:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509154236.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509135943.htm Vaccines remain the best line of defense against deadly pathogens and now medical researchers are using clever functional screening methods to attempt to speed new vaccines into production that are both safer and more potent. Wed, 09 May 2012 13:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509135943.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509092524.htm Investigators recently mapped the trail of an outbreak of a nasty stomach bug among participants in a girls’ soccer tournament to a reusable open top grocery bag stored in a hotel bathroom. Their findings illustrate the role that inanimate objects can play in spreading norovirus infection. Wed, 09 May 2012 09:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509092524.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508103927.htm Researchers have found a potential way to develop universal flu vaccines and eliminate the need for seasonal flu vaccinations. Tue, 08 May 2012 10:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508103927.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507131953.htm A long-term follow-up analysis of participants in the Step Study, an international HIV-vaccine trial, has confirmed that certain subgroups of male study participants were at higher risk of becoming infected after receiving the experimental vaccine compared to those who received a placebo. The vaccine used in the study did not contain the HIV virus, but it did contain HIV genes which were delivered to cells using a vector that employed a type of cold virus known as adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5). Mon, 07 May 2012 13:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507131953.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120506101543.htm For a virus like influenza, the key to success isn't in overpowering the immune system, it's in tricking it. Scientists have now identified a novel mechanism by which influenza viruses hijack key regulators of the human body's normal antiviral response in order to slip by it undetected. The results they describe have major implications for our understanding of the biology of the seasonal influenza virus and its pathogenesis. The research also suggests a possible target for a new class of antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs. Sun, 06 May 2012 10:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120506101543.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504171911.htm Results of a new study demonstrate the feasibility of a novel strategy in drug discovery: screening large numbers of existing drugs — often already approved for other uses — to see which ones activate genes that boost natural immunity. Fri, 04 May 2012 17:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504171911.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502144031.htm HIV patients treated with genetically modified T cells remain healthy up to 11 years after initial therapy, researchers report. The results provide a framework for the use of this type of gene therapy as a powerful weapon in the treatment of HIV, cancer, and a wide variety of other diseases. Wed, 02 May 2012 14:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502144031.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502143852.htm After a marathon debate over a pair of studies that show how the avian H5N1 influenza virus could become transmissible in mammals, and an unprecedented recommendation by a government review panel to block publication, one of the studies was finally and fully published on May 3, 2012. Wed, 02 May 2012 14:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502143852.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502092042.htm Researchers are a step closer to launching human clinical trials involving the use of an innovative stem cell therapy to fight the virus that causes AIDS. Wed, 02 May 2012 09:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502092042.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501210558.htm Scientists have uncovered clues as to how mammal genomes became riddled with viruses. The research reveals important information about the so-called 'dark matter' of the human genome. Tue, 01 May 2012 21:05:05 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501210558.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430114939.htm An antibody that neutralizes Kallikrein 6 is capable of staving off MS in mice, new research suggests. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430114939.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426135404.htm Researchers have discovered small molecules that kill cancer cells caused by infection with human papillomavirus. Their results, in both cell and mouse models, demonstrate that the small molecule inhibitors protect a tumor-suppressing protein targeted by viral proteins, thus killing the infected tumor cells. The researchers believe that, with further testing and refinement, their inhibitors could provide a therapeutic for HPV-caused tumors, such as those seen in cervical cancer. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426135404.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425115548.htm Scientists are reporting that the mucus lining the stomachs of pigs could be a long-sought, abundant source of "mucins" being considered for use as broad-spectrum anti-viral agents to supplement baby formula and for use in personal hygiene and other consumer products to protect against a range of viral infections. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425115548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424142253.htm Non-coding RNA -- molecules that do not translate into proteins -- were once considered unimportant "junk DNA" by researchers. Now researchers have discovered that when infected with a virus, ncRNA gives off signals that indicate the presence of an infectious agent, providing researchers with a new avenue to fight off infections. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424142253.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424120539.htm Researchers have discovered the probable cause of not just one, but several infectious agents at the same time. Paramyxoviruses originate from ubiquitous bats, from where the pathogens have spread to humans and other mammals. In total, this unique study tested 9,278 animals for viruses, among them 86 species of bats and 33 rodent species, leading to the discovery of an enormous number of new virus species. This could make eradicating many dangerous diseases significantly more difficult than had been thought. For bats provide a reservoir from which viruses could come back after vaccination campaigns. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:05:05 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424120539.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423153138.htm Scientists have uncovered clues as to how our genomes became riddled with viruses. The study reveals important information about the so–called 'dark matter' of our genome. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423153138.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423104949.htm The herpes zoster vaccine, also known as the shingles vaccine, is generally safe and well tolerated according to a Vaccine Safety Datalink study of 193,083 adults. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423104949.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120422162215.htm Preliminary data hint at how extracts from the tree, abundant in tropical and subtropical areas, may stop the virus from multiplying. Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120422162215.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120420110021.htm Could engineered human stem cells hold the key to cancer survival? Scientists have discovered that neural stem cells possess the innate ability to target tumor cells outside the central nervous system. This finding was demonstrated successfully on breast cancer cells. Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120420110021.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120415151332.htm Whether you become infected by some strains of rotavirus may depend on your blood type. Some strains of rotavirus find their way into the cells of the gastrointestinal tract by recognizing antigens associated with the type A blood group, a finding that represents a new paradigm in understanding how this gut pathogen infects humans, said researchers. Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120415151332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120412182253.htm Expanding on previous research providing proof-of-principle that human stem cells can be genetically engineered into HIV-fighting cells, a team of researchers have now demonstrated that these cells can actually attack HIV-infected cells in a living organism. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120412182253.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411144318.htm This study for the first time shows what dengue virus region the immune system of humans target when they are fighting off the virus. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411144318.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411102715.htm When swine flu struck Sweden in 2009, it was clear that certain age groups were more vulnerable than others. An epidemiologist is now planning to study immunity against influenza in children. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411102715.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411084040.htm Up until now the causes of the development of chronic lymphatic leukemia, the most common form of cancer of the blood in Europe, have been unknown. At present a cure is not possible. Medical researchers have now however discovered a lead on the origin of this disease. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411084040.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404210003.htm Insights into how the first vaccine ever reported to modestly prevent HIV infection in people might have worked were recently published. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404210003.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403193735.htm An intranasal vaccine that includes four weakened strains of influenza could do a better job in protecting children from the flu than current vaccines, new research shows. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403193735.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403140034.htm Younger girls are more likely than adult women to report side effects after receiving Gardasil, the human papillomavirus vaccine. The side effects are non-serious and similar to those associated with other vaccines, according to a new study. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403140034.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403124400.htm Scientists have found antibodies that can prevent infection from widely differing strains of hepatitis C virus in cell culture and animal models. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403124400.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402162555.htm To the surprise of investigating researchers, an animal model of Epstein Barr virus protected lupus-prone mice against development of the autoimmune disease. Earlier work had suggested that EBV might promote the development of autoimmunity. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402162555.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402162546.htm Stress wreaks havoc on the mind and body. Until now, it has not been clear exactly how stress influences disease and health. Now researchers have found that chronic psychological stress is associated with the body losing its ability to regulate the inflammatory response. The research shows for the first time that the effects of psychological stress on the body's ability to regulate inflammation can promote the development and progression of disease. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402162546.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402094146.htm Vaccines for measles were not associated with an increased risk of febrile seizures among 4-6 year olds during the six weeks after vaccination, according to a new study. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402094146.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402093151.htm Scientists have discovered that a mouse protein called IFITM3 contributes to defense against some types of viral infections by binding to an enzyme responsible for regulating the pH of a cell’s waste disposal system. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402093151.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120401105351.htm A naturally-occurring harmless human virus may be able to boost the effects of two standard chemotherapy drugs in some cancer patients, according to early stage trial data. Cancers shrank for about one third of the patients who could be evaluated, and disease stabilized for a further third. For one patient, all signs of their cancer disappeared. Sun, 01 Apr 2012 10:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120401105351.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329225052.htm Women who have been infected by two different strains of HIV from two different sexual partners – a condition known as HIV superinfection – have more potent antibody responses that block the replication of the virus compared to women who’ve only been infected once. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 22:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329225052.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329101804.htm Researchers have identified a number of tiny but powerful "genetic regulators" that are hijacked by avian and swine flu viruses during human infection. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329101804.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329101301.htm Researchers are closing in on a needle-free vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a major cause of respiratory illness in children under two years of age. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329101301.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120328090822.htm The vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) reduces the risk of a renewed HPV-associated illness in patients who have already had diseases as a consequence of an HPV infection new research suggests. It had previously been the view that the HPV vaccination had a purely preventative effect and was also only effective in young women and men. Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:08:08 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120328090822.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327124858.htm Researchers have developed a rapid, low-cost, accurate, point-of-care device that matches the accuracy of expensive and time-consuming lab-based tests to diagnose influenza. Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327124858.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327094313.htm Cold-like infections make 'cough receptors' in the airways more sensitive, making asthmatics more prone to bouts of coughing and wheezing, reveal scientists. The work could lead to drugs that reduce virus-induced coughing in those suffering chronic lung diseases. Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327094313.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326160907.htm Using nanoparticles made of pure gold, researchers have developed a new method of introducing chemical residues into the immune system, triggering immune cells to help the body fight infection. The breakthrough could lead to an increased understanding of viruses and bacteria, better drug delivery systems, and more effective medications and vaccinations. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:09:09 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326160907.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326133554.htm New biological research reveals how an invading virus hijacks a cell's workings by imitating a signaling marker to defeat the body's defenses. By manipulating cell signals, the virus destroys a defensive protein designed to inhibit it. This finding, from studies in human cell cultures, may represent a broader targeting strategy used by other viruses, and may lay the scientific groundwork for developing more effective treatments for infectious diseases. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326133554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120325173138.htm A genetic finding could help explain why influenza becomes a life-threatening disease to some people while it has only mild effects in others. New research has identified for the first time a human gene that influences how we respond to influenza infection. Sun, 25 Mar 2012 17:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120325173138.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120321152642.htm While researchers say that vaccines for intestinal infections are among the most difficult to develop, a recent discovery may provide the critical information needed for success. "Sometimes atomic structure gives us clues on how viruses work and how to make better vaccines," said one of the researchers. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120321152642.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120320195252.htm Marijuana-like chemicals trigger receptors on human immune cells that can directly inhibit a type of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) found in late-stage AIDS, research suggests. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120320195252.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319163805.htm Chemists have produced the first high resolution structure of a molecule that when attached to the genetic material of the hepatitis C virus prevents it from reproducing. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319163805.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319134212.htm A growing body of evidence underscores the importance of human gut bacteria in modulating human health, metabolism, and disease. Yet bacteria are only part of the story. Viruses that infect those bacteria also shape who we are. A new study sequenced the DNA of viruses -- the virome -- present in the gut of healthy people. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319134212.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319111542.htm Researchers have trained mouse immune systems to eradicate skin cancer from within, using a genetic combination of human DNA from melanoma cells and a cousin of the rabies virus. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319111542.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120316175148.htm Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that infects the lungs and breathing passage ways. Though it may only produce minor cold symptoms in adults, it can lead to serious illness in young children and those with compromised immune systems. Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120316175148.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120316101149.htm Whether you play a musical instrument in your school band, as a weekend hobby, or as a professional, you may be at risk for a common skin condition. Contact dermatitis is characterized by a rash that can occur anywhere on the body (typically the hands and face in musicians) and is caused by something that comes into contact with the skin, which makes the skin become red, scaly and inflamed. Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120316101149.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120314183348.htm A coalition of three health groups has released new guidelines for the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer. The guidelines generally advise a reduction in the number of tests women get over their lifetime to better ensure that they receive the benefits of testing while minimizing the harms. Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120314183348.htm