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Scientists Uncover Bizarre Virus-Like Structures in the Human Body and We Have No Idea What They Are

Now joining the list of microbes are these strange structures called obelisks.

Scientists genetically modify bacteria that is immune to ALL viruses

Virus-resistant bacteria could drastically improve drug manufacturing in bio-factories.

Researchers zero in on why older people are more vulnerable to influenza -- and maybe other infections as well

One of our bodies' natural defensive processes may be to blame.

Over 5,500 new viruses found in the ocean, including a missing link in viral evolution

Viruses do more than just cause disease – they also influence ecosystems and the processes that shape the planet. Tracing their evolution could help researchers better understand how viruses work.

A new Omicron subvariant, 30% more contagious, is starting to sweep the world

Unfortunately, the pandemic is not over.

Gut bacteriophages associated with improved cognitive function and memory in both animals and humans

These viruses can alter our gut microbiome to improve brain function.

New, fast and high-accuracy test developed for COVID-19 infections

It's as accurate as our current PCR tests or more, but way faster and cheaper.

Researchers successfully use viruses to clear years-old, antibiotic-resistant infection

Although it worked, there's still much work to do before it becomes practical.

Machine learning could help predict the next pandemic-inducing virus

One pinch of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Physics sheds light on the 20-second handwashing rule. Here's why it's so effective

A fluid dynamics model explains what happens to potentially harmful particles during handwashing.

Second smallpox drug approved by the FDA

The approval was based on studies that involved neither humans nor the variola virus due to ethical considerations.

One-way camel trade is keeping another coronavirus at bay, but it could still spark the next pandemic

That’s not a headline I expected to be writing today.

Swiss researchers develop virus that makes cancer tumors destroy themselves

It should be significantly safer for patients than traditional methods.

Worried about a new pandemic? This app classifies the viruses most likely to jump to other species

This online tool ranks the scariest animal-borne viruses that either crossed or have the potential to cross species barriers.

We finally have a vaccine that works against HIV (in early tests)

It was safe and showed efficacy for 97% of the participants in the trial.

Commuting patterns can help explain why some ethnicities were worse affected by COVID-19

"Knowing where people have to commute to, rather than where they live, is potentially much more important to curb the spread of a non-airborne disease," say the authors.

Extremely rare case of death from bat rabies in France

It's the first time in thirty-five years since a death of this type has occurred in the world.

Resistance is futile: what viruses are, and why we'll never 'beat' them

They’re the most successful group on the planet, and they’re not even alive.

For all the damage they cause, viruses also help push evolution

Viruses are a seemingly inherent part of mammalian evolution, two studies suggest.

Tuberculosis vaccine might protect against COVID-19, new study concludes

This century-old vaccine could have a protective effect against COVID-19, these researchers claim.

What's a virus, anyway?

The coronavirus is the buzzword of the year, but what's a virus and how does it spread?

A mutated coronavirus, better at infecting cells, is now "dominant" in the world

Whether or not this makes the virus more transmissible in society isn't yet clear.

How long are coronavirus patients contagious for?

Studies suggest that the coronavirus stops being infectious around 11 days after the onset of symptoms, even though PCR tests might still return a positive result.

The coronavirus infects our environments even before the onset of symptoms

"In summary, our study demonstrates that presymptomatic patients have high viral load shedding and can easily contaminate environments," says the team.

New coating could improve medical gear by making the coronavirus slide right off

The coating could make equipment safer and usable for longer.

Our COVID-19 tests are still imperfect, study notes, cautioning against false negatives

Even with very effective tests, we'll still see false positives.

New approach neutralizes influenza with modified bacteria predator membranes

The team is currently working on adapting it for use against the coronavirus.

Some patients spread COVID-19 even a week after the symptoms dissipate

"More severe infections may have even longer shedding times."

Covid-19 survival time on surfaces depends on the material

"If you're touching items that someone else has recently handled, be aware they could be contaminated and wash your hands."

How long does the new coronavirus last on surfaces

The virus that causes COVID-19 can remain stable on cardboard for up to 24 hours and 2-3 days on plastic and stainless steel.

That mysterious China virus? It's reached Washington

Authorities have been caught off guard by the spreading of a pneumonia-like virus from China into the US.

China releases draft genome of new pneumonia outbreak virus

The international community has issued preliminary guidance to help countries prepare for new cases of the outbreak.

Shrew-transmitted Borna virus linked to killer brain infections

Originally identified in sheep and horses in Europe, BoDV has since been found to occur in a wide range of warm-blooded animals around the world.

Measles infected 10 million, claimed over 142,000 lives last year

Large pockets of unvaccinate children have caused a backsliding in immunization against measles -- a vaccine-preventable disease.

Measles cases spike globally with a 26% increase from last year

The potentially deadly illness, which can be easily prevented with vaccinations, continues to spike globally.

Over 100 schools hit by the winter vomiting bug

An entire school district in Colorado shut down in the face of norovirus outbreaks.

Climate change is bringing new diseases to sea creatures

Climate change is affecting animals in several ways

Potentially fatal tick-borne brain disease found in the UK for first time

Experts described the risk of infection as "very low," but called on members of the public to be aware of ticks.

Polio Type 3 eradicated globally

A major milestone in the global effort to eradicate all poliovirus strains.

New, synthetic Chikungunya vaccine points the way to an end of epidemics

If you want something done right, synthesize it yourself.

Unusual hepatitis B virus found in shrews could help us tackle chronic hepatitis B

"Since the virus cannot infect human liver cells, it is highly unlikely that the virus can infect people."

The Wonderful World of Bacteriophages

These may be our hidden weapon against antibiotic resistance in the near future.

Along came Alongshan virus, a new tick-borne disease

Data so far suggests that the virus can cause severe illness.

Bacteria steal genetic material from predator viruses using Spam gene

This could help us keep dangerous viruses at bay.

Most detailed survey yet finds 200,000 species of viruses living in the oceans

There's a lot of life in the oceans.

Cold plasma reactor neutralizes 99.9% of airborne viruses in new study

Breathe in deep -- it's safe.

Newly discovered virus turns amoeba into stone

Scientists have named it the Medusavirus.

Spaceflight activates dormant viruses like herpes

Add herpes and other viruses to the long list of health problems associated with space flight.

New software allows researchers to CATCH any known virus in a sample

"Tools like CATCH will help us and others detect outbreaks earlier and generate more data on pathogens that can be shared with the wider scientific and medical research communities," the authors say.

Promising new vaccine technology might finally end HIV-AIDS

Get lost, deadly virus.

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