http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/bird_flu/ Bird Flu News. Learn about current research on avian influenza including bird flu spread, vaccines, treatment, flu pandemic risks and more. en-us Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:05:02 EST Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/bird_flu/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119085216.htm Bird flu viruses would have to make at least two simultaneous genetic mutations before they could be transmitted readily from human to human, according to new research. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091119085216.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116165643.htm Researchers have found that previous influenza infections may provide at least some level of immunity to the H1N1 "swine" flu. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116165643.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029160739.htm New anti-flu drugs could become a reality as a result of a new study. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029160739.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029162024.htm Influenza viruses evade infection-fighting antibodies by constantly changing the shape of their major surface protein. Now, researchers have proposed a new explanation for the evolutionary forces that drive antigenic drift. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029162024.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029125538.htm As the nation copes with a shortage of vaccines for H1N1 influenza, a team of Alabama researchers have raised hopes that they have found an Achilles' heel for all strains of the flu -- antioxidants. In a new study, they show that antioxidants -- the same substances found in plant-based foods -- might hold the key in preventing the flu virus from wreaking havoc on our lungs. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029125538.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027132426.htm An experimental drug cocktail that includes three prescriptions now widely available offers the best hope in developing a single agent to treat drug-resistant H1N1 swine flu, says a virology researcher. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027132426.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026180207.htm In hopes of preventing the next global pandemic and a possible death toll into the millions, researchers have launched an unprecedented international effort to find and control diseases that move between wildlife and people. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026180207.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090805150524.htm Predicting the infection patterns of influenzas requires tracking both the ecology and the evolution of the fast-morphing viruses that cause them, said a researcher who enlists computers to model such changes. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090805150524.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014181433.htm Tracking and understanding the patterns of H1N1's spread is crucial to keeping a big-picture look at the disease. Says one expert, "Back in 1918 and 1919 when we had the great flu epidemic, it took six months or more to spread across the world. The new H1N1 swine flu spread across the world in six weeks." Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014181433.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009090436.htm The raptor-like Archaeopteryx has long been viewed as the archetypal first bird, but new research reveals that it was actually a lot less "bird-like" than scientists had believed. Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009090436.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007081627.htm Avian influenza (H5N1), rabies, plague, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), and more recently swine flu (H1N1) are all examples of diseases that have made the leap from animals to humans. As the list continues to grow, experts in the UK are to lead a project aimed at developing a state-of-the-art pan-European surveillance system to monitor emerging and re-emerging infections in wildlife. Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007081627.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928205415.htm A fossil of a bird-like dinosaur with four wings has been discovered in northeastern China. The specimen bridges a critical gap in the transition from dinosaurs to birds, and reveals new insights into the origin evolution of feathers. Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928205415.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090927145354.htm The retroviruses which gave rise to HIV have been battling it out with mammal immune systems since mammals first evolved around 100 million years ago -- about 85 million years earlier than previously thought, scientists now believe. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090927145354.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918110302.htm With estimates that half the population of the United States could be infected with the 2009 H1N1 flu virus this fall and winter, a new study examines four flu exposure pathways and quantifies the risk posed by each pathway, which, the analysis found, varies based on changes in viral concentrations. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918110302.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909103009.htm Scientists have discovered that roots of a plant used a century ago during the great Spanish influenza pandemic contains substances with powerful effects in laboratory experiments in killing the H1N1 swine flu virus that now threatens the world. Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909103009.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901091731.htm In the first study to examine how the H1N1 pandemic virus interacts with other flu strains, laboratory research found no evidence of "reassortment" to form a more virulent "superbug," but did demonstrate the heightened communicability of the pandemic form responsible for the so-called swine flu. The pandemic virus prevailed over and out-competed the other strains in ferrets, reproducing, on average, twice as much. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901091731.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826110114.htm Current research suggests that viral polymerase may provide a new therapeutic target for host-adapted avian influenza. Highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a strain of the influenza virus that has adapted to infect birds. Although bird-specific flu strains rarely cross species, further adaption can lead to lethal infection in humans. Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826110114.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090825082615.htm For the first time a new study suggests that when exposed in their natural ecosystem, wild pikas (a species closely related to rabbits) are mammalian hosts of H5N1 subtype avian influenza viruses and may also be a source of transmission to domestic mammals and humans. Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090825082615.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818130418.htm Scientists have used a new vaccine production technology to develop a vaccine for norovirus, a dreaded cause of diarrhea and vomiting that may be the second most common viral infection in the United States after the flu. Sometimes called the "cruise ship virus," this microbe can spread like wildfire through passenger liners, schools, offices and military bases. Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818130418.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820161343.htm We all know that influenza vaccination helps prevent disease, but a new study from Canada suggests it may also prevent another public health problem: inappropriate antibiotic use. Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820161343.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090731162138.htm Researchers are working to decode the complete genomic sequences of influenza pandemic 2009 virus from patients with severe respiratory disease. Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090731162138.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090802194524.htm Researchers are using a new and faster method of rapidly producing highly targeted monoclonal antibodies for use in diagnostic tests as well as a temporary therapy to stave off infectious diseases such as the H1N1 (swine flu) virus. Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090802194524.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090804215021.htm Wildlife Conservation Society scientists studying shorebirds in western Arctic Alaska recently made a serendipitous discovery when they spotted a bar-tailed godwit with a small orange flag and aluminum band harmlessly attached to its legs. Further research revealed that scientists in Australia had banded the bird and attached the flag near Victoria -- more than 8,000 miles away. Thu, 06 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090804215021.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090730111200.htm Laboratory studies are making headway in the effort to control the pandemic H1N1 virus. Researchers are developing better testing tools, creating a "diagnostic arsenal" to use if H1N1 were to spread to swine populations. Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090730111200.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727191726.htm A model of influenza transmission and treatment suggests that, if the current swine flu pandemic behaves like the 1918 flu, antiviral treatment should be reserved for the young. Researchers found that, in this situation, providing the elderly with antiviral drugs would not significantly reduce mortality, and may lead to an increase in resistance. Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727191726.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090722142836.htm Scientists in a network of medical research institutions across the United States are set to begin a series of clinical trials to gather critical data about influenza vaccines, including two candidate H1N1 flu vaccines. Sat, 25 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090722142836.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723201456.htm A leading microbiologist says his research has found copper is effective in inhibiting the influenza A H1N1 virus. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723201456.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723194958.htm Bracing for an outbreak of 2009 H1N1 (swine-origin) flu that an infectious diseases expert estimates could sicken one in five people this fall, scientists are launching a series of clinical trials this summer to test vaccines to protect against the illness. "It's looking more and more like we're going to have a big flu outbreak this fall as soon as the kids get back to school. Influenza is unpredictable, but I believe this pandemic will hit pre-teens, teens and their parents hard, and as many as 60 million Americans could be sick with the flu," according to one expert. Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723194958.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090721110517.htm Two newly developed "single-shot" H5N1 influenza vaccines protected ferrets against lethal infection with the H5N1 influenza virus and may allow for mass vaccination in humans in the event of a pandemic outbreak. Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090721110517.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090717150302.htm A protein in influenza virus that helps it multiply also damages lung epithelial cells, causing fluid buildup in the lungs, according to new research. The researchers say the recent outbreak of H1N1 influenza and the rapid spread of this strain across the world highlight both the need to better understand how the virus damages the lungs and the urgency to find new treatments. Influenza is a contagious disease leading to about 36,000 human deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations every year in the United States alone. Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090717150302.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716093516.htm Researchers are currently comparing 4 potential vaccines for H1N1v, also known as swine flu or Mexican flu. 300 to 400 volunteers will be recruited for these tests. “There is a good chance that a Mexican flu vaccine is available early November”, expects vaccine expert involved with the research. Sat, 18 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716093516.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715101438.htm Amid reports that swine flu viruses are developing the ability to shrug off existing antiviral drugs, scientists are reporting a first-of-its kind discovery that could foster a new genre of antivirals that sidestep resistance problems. Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090715101438.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713212231.htm Researchers also noted that those people exposed to the 1918 virus, all of whom are now in advanced old age, have antibodies that neutralize the H1N1 virus. Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713212231.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707093629.htm The recent global swine flu outbreak has underscored the critical need for good surveillance and rapid access to epidemiological data. The US military, starting with early monitoring efforts in the 1970s, has developed a broad-based influenza monitoring system. Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707093629.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090709201847.htm The strain of influenza, A/H1N1, that is currently pandemic in humans has been shown to be infectious to pigs and to spread rapidly in a trial pig population. Researchers infected five pigs with the human strain of swine flu. Within four days the virus had spread to three uninfected pigs housed with the infected ones. Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090709201847.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629200800.htm A mathematical epidemiologist is researching the A(H1N1) influenza pandemic strain circulating around the world. The new study's findings reveal an age shift in the proportion of cases toward a younger population when compared with historical patterns of seasonal influenza in Mexico. "For the 1918 ("Spanish flu") influenza pandemic, this was the pattern -- first a mild wave, and then a severe one with higher case fatality rates," notes one of the researchers. Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629200800.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629200641.htm The current H1N1 swine flu strain has genetic roots in an illness that sickened pigs at the 1918 Cedar Rapids Swine Show in Iowa, report experts. Their paper describes H1N1's nearly century-long and often convoluted journey, which may include the accidental resurrection of an extinct strain. Sun, 05 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629200641.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702140849.htm Scientists have found a genetic explanation for why the new H1N1 "swine flu" virus has spread from person to person less effectively than other flu viruses. But researchers say the new strain bears watching as it could mutate. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702140849.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629200643.htm The influenza virus that wreaked havoc in 1918-1919 founded a viral dynasty that persists to this day, according to scientists. They argue that we have lived in an influenza pandemic era since 1918, and describe how the 2009 H1N1 virus yet another manifestation of this enduring viral family. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629200643.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090618200931.htm The outbreak of H1N1 in 1977 may have an impact on this pandemic. In the late 1970s, an influenza H1N1 appeared in humans. It had a pandemic-like spread that began in younger aged individuals. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090618200931.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619124834.htm Researchers suggest that the cell-signaling protein, interferon type 1, reduced H5N1 influenza virus replication in mice and may offer some degree of protection in the early stages of infection.  Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619124834.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619112429.htm A new study suggests that vaccination with 1918 H1N1 influenza virus-like particles not only protected mice and ferrets against the lethal 1918 influenza virus, but also displayed cross-reactive immunity against the potentially pandemic H5N1 influenza virus. Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619112429.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615112255.htm With the H1N1 flu outbreak now elevated to pandemic level, scientists reports that oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are relatively safe drugs for use in pregnant and breast-feeding women. Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615112255.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616103317.htm Researchers have published the first initial paper describing the Milwaukee prevalence of the largest outbreak of novel swine origin influenza virus in America in journal Viruses. This corresponded to the announcement by World Health Organization of the first influenza pandemic in 41 years. Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616103317.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090613063849.htm A new analysis of the current swine-origin H1N1 influenza A virus suggests that transmission to humans occurred several months before recognition of the existing outbreak. Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090613063849.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090609122224.htm A new, easy-to-perform method for detecting seasonal influenza A virus and the emerging H1N1 swine-derived influenza A virus in human clinical samples offers a fast, sensitive, and cost-effective diagnostic test that runs on standard laboratory equipment. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090609122224.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090602161944.htm Scientists around the world are accelerating their efforts to develop a vaccine against the H1N1 influenza virusas rapidly as possible. Thu, 04 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090602161944.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090601110251.htm Amid concerns about a pandemic of swine flu, researchers report for the first time that poultry carcasses infected with another threat -- the "bird flu" virus -- can remain infectious in municipal landfills for almost 2 years.  Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090601110251.htm