Tag Archives: virus

HCV controls the export machinery of infected cells to increase its own spread

When a virus infects a cell it changes a lot of the cells functions and behavior to its own benefit. The virus reproduces inside the cell and forces it to release many new virus particles which can

Cerium fluoride nanoparticles protect cells against oxidative stress

Nano-biomaterials engineering is one of today’s most promising areas of materials science. In very recent years, nanocrystalline cerium oxide (nanoceria) has been shown to possess enormous biological activity, which originates from its ability to scavenge the reactive

Bibliometric analysis of scientific output on influenza in Mexico, 2000-2012

During the spring of 2009, H1N1 influenza became the first pandemic of the 21st century. In the last years, bibliometrics studies have proliferated seeking to provide data on world research. There are no bibliometric studies in Mexico

Ultrasensitive detection of influenza viruses by glycan biosensors

These days there is a considerable interest to develop devices, which are able to detect various diseases at early-stage with a high speed and reliability to enhance efficiency of subsequent disease treatment. The first step towards this goal

Silencing suppressor proteins shape virus-host co-evolution

Plant viruses are amongst the most important pathogens causing huge economic losses worldwide by reducing crop quality and quantity. A better understanding of the viral infection processes and plant defense strategies is important for crop improvement. During

A novel reovirus mutant: toward the next generation of viruses for cancer treatment?

In the last decade or so, it has been realized that viruses are not only foes to fight, but possible therapeutics against diseases such as cancer. Most of these so-called oncolytic viruses are engineered to acquire desirable

Counteracting a host factor allows adenovirus infection to progress to new virus production

Viruses use the cells of another organism to reproduce and spread. Although very variable in size, the genetic material of a virus is usually tiny in comparison to that of its host and so cannot specify very

Is the post-polio syndrome due to chronic poliovirus infection?

Over the years, poliomyelitis survivors may experience e progressive decline of physical strength accompanied by intolerance to cold, chronic pain and other disabilities. This condition, termed post-polio syndrome (PPS), may lead to the incapacity of living an

Virus containing mealybug DNA kills mealybug

One way of self-regulating protein synthesis by animals is suppression of the relevant messenger RNA (mRNA); molecules that translate into amino acids and act as building blocks for protein. The mechanism, called RNA interference (RNAi), works by

Imaging of viruses with the help of surface plasmons

For a long time biosensors based on the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) phenomenon were not considered as effective tools to detect and visualize the binding of individual nano-scale objects to the functionalized sensor surface. However, innovative studies

Epstein–Barr virus in peripheral blood predicts response to rituximab therapy in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease, characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints that may cause permanent cartilage and bone damage. The cause of RA is unknown. It is, however, believed that a combination of genes

A new general principle of virology

Shin et al describe for the first time a novel strategy used by persistent viruses to temporally regulate expression of the structural proteins that make up their virus particles. The viruses that infect humans and other mammals

New approach to stopping Dengue fever

The virus that causes Dengue Fever, DENV, infects an estimated 390 million people per year, often leading to severe disease (used to be called Breakbone Fever for the pain it caused), hemorrhagic fever and often death. It’s

A new type of mycovirus

Virus infects Aspergillus fumigatus, the fungus that can cause the human disease aspergillosis Researchers, led by Dr Robert Coutts, Leverhulme Research Fellow from the School of Life and Medical Sciences at the University of Hertfordshire, and Dr

What Saudi women don’t know is killing them

Dozens of types of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been identified. While low-risk HPVs cause skin and genital warts, high-risk HPVs can lead to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, oropharynx, and anus. Recent studies have reprted

The drug that can inhibit infection by reovirus

Cellular diversity is, to some extent, determined by the molecules present within specific cells. For example, cells that make up the endothelium, the part of blood vessels that come in contact with blood, make specific proteins that

On their way out: Structural HIV proteins team up before escaping from infected cells

The human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV ) infects and eventually destroys the immune cells of infected patients. This causes the life-threatening medical condition called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome ( AIDS ). A cure for HIV/AIDS does not exist,

Making a better mouse model to understand the pathogenesis of respiratory syncytial virus infection

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the number one cause of infant hospitalizations in the United States. RSV infection is very common, with all children infected with this virus at least once by two years of age. Severe

A electrochemical biosensor for the detection of antibodies against avian influenza virus type H5N1 in hen sera

Avian influenza (AI) is a highly contagious disease caused by Orthomyxoviridae family viruses. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus can be easily transmitted between poultry, leading to severe disease outbreaks or even pandemics. It is difficult to

A “bottom” up approach to treating Ebola patients

International institutions organized a “top down” response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Millions were spent to provide volunteer healthcare workers, build Ebola treatment units and organize the delivery of supplies and equipment. These efforts did