Field: Virology
A protein found in human sweat may protect against Lyme disease
Human sweat contains a protein that may protect against Lyme disease, according to a study from MIT and the University of Helsinki.
“Insane” new type of virus-like organisms found in human gut
Stanford scientists have discovered a strange new class of virus-like organisms, called “obelisks,” in the human gut microbiome.
Why 20 women were just deliberately exposed to Zika
In a first-of-its-kind human challenge trial, Johns Hopkins University researchers deliberately exposed 20 women to the Zika virus.
New “anti-CRISPR” discovered in viruses
A new “anti-CRISPR” system could help us control gene-editing tech and battle antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
CRISPR protects 9 out of 10 chickens from bird flu
UK scientists have used CRISPR to create gene-edited chickens that are highly resistant to the avian flu virus.
At least 5 people have been cured of HIV. Is the AIDS pandemic ending?
A handful of people have already been functionally cured of HIV — and new, universal cures are just on the horizon.
These giant viruses are unlike any we’ve ever seen before
Scientists have discovered a variety of “giant viruses” unlike any ever seen before in Massachusetts’ Harvard Forest
Not all repellents are equal – here’s how to avoid mosquito bites this summer
Researchers studied different types of mosquito repellents and their efficacy for over a decade. Here's what they found.
A simple tweak could improve treatment of a deadly herpes brain infection
Anti-inflammatory drugs could potentially prevent herpes encephalitis from causing permanent brain damage.
Can India’s drains help us prevent the next pandemic?
In partnership with Skoll Foundation
Imagine a real-time warning system for global pandemics. Wastewater surveillance may be able to do just that. Here’s how.
How intestinal viruses could help you live to be 100
People who live past age 100 have a greater diversity of bacteriophages (that is, viruses that infect bacteria) in their intestines.
Gain-of-function research is more than just tweaking risky viruses
Gain-of-function experiments in the lab can help researchers get ahead of viruses naturally gaining the ability to infect people in the wild.
Something found in bats could help us survive infections and inflammation
This protein may help bats survive viral infections and could be the springboard for new anti-inflammatory drugs.
World’s first vaccine for RSV approved in the US
The FDA has approved the world’s first vaccine for RSV, a potentially deadly viral infection that has long eluded vaccination.
Ancient viruses in the human genome can help fight cancer
Armed with a DoD grant, researchers are harnessing the genetic code of ancient viral infections to fight prostate cancer.
A mosquito factory will create billions of biters in Brazil
The World Mosquito Project’s plan is to introduce bacteria-carrying mosquitoes to stop the spread of dengue.
Nasal COVID-19 vaccine outperforms mRNA shots in new study
A live attenuated vaccine for COVID-19 that delivered via a nasal spray outperformed several shots in a preclinical study.
Harvard geneticists create an organism that is immune to all viruses
Researchers at the Harvard lab of George Church have genetically engineered E. coli resistant to viral infection.
As bird flu spreads in the US and worldwide, what’s the risk that it could start a human pandemic?
Many virologists are concerned that the latest bird flu outbreak could spill over to humans and cause a new human pandemic.
“Zombie virus” revived after 48,500 years in permafrost
A newly discovered “zombie virus” was still able to infect hosts more than 48,500 years after it was trapped in Siberian permafrost.
Volunteers were purposefully infected with COVID-19. Was it worth it?
It has been a year since the first COVID human challenge data was published. What did we learn, and can HCTs prepare us for the future?
First at-home test can tell you if it’s COVID or flu
The FDA has granted authorization to an at-home test that can tell COVID from flu, the first of its kind.
Inhaling this powder shields lungs from infection
An inhalable powder that acts as an “invisible mask” for the lungs could potentially help end the COVID-19 pandemic.
Herpes virus helped kill a deadly form of breast cancer in a clinical trial
A combination of an engineered herpes virus and chemo showed promise for treating triple-negative breast cancer in a small study.
First-of-its-kind nasal vaccine for COVID-19 deployed in India
India has begun deploying a nasal vaccine for COVID-19 that may be able to prevent infections, not just limit their severity.
Stanford nasal study could lead to “morning after” virus spray
A “morning after” antiviral nasal spray could be created using new knowledge about how SARS-CoV-2 invades your nose.
Chickenpox and shingles virus lying dormant in your neurons can reactivate and increase your risk of stroke
People with shingles have an approximately 80% higher risk of stroke than those without the disease, and researchers want to know why.
Seven science and tech breakthroughs you may have missed this year
A roundup of major science and tech achievements that flew under the radar in 2022, including new vaccines, advanced solar cells, and more.
Scientists uncover key to future hepatitis C vaccine
While treatments are available for HCV-related infections, they are expensive, hard to access, and do not protect against reinfection.
How flu got milder since 1918 pandemic
The risk of death from influenza has declined over time, but globally, hundreds of thousands of people still die from the disease each year.
How to fight Covid with light
Some wavelengths of light in a range called far-UVC kill microbes in experiments and appear to be harmless to people.
Moderna to develop mRNA vaccines for Ebola
Moderna is reportedly nearing a deal with the DoD to develop mRNA vaccines for biological threats like Ebola
Yale’s new nasal vaccine can boost an mRNA shot
A nasal vaccine delivered as a booster to mRNA shots might offer better protection against COVID-19 and help stop the virus from spreading.
Pfizer’s RSV vaccine for pregnant women protects newborns
Pfizer plans to begin the regulatory approval process by the end of the year.
Flu and RSV can fuse into a new kind of virus
In a new discovery, researchers at the University of Glasgow have observed hybrid viruses capable of infecting lung cells in the lab.
New vaccine prevents 94% of severe RSV cases
UK drugmaker GSK’s RSV vaccine was nearly 95% effective at preventing severe infection in a phase 3 trial of older adults.
As Ebola reaches Ugandan capital, vaccines race to catch up
Caused by the Sudan strain of Ebola, current vaccines and therapies approved for Ebola won’t work in Uganda. But these might.
A newly discovered class of RNA can fight off multiple viruses, including flu and SARS-CoV-2
Harvard-affiliated researchers have discovered a form of double-stranded RNA which may be a potent antiviral.
A modified herpes virus completely wiped out a terminal cancer
In a small phase 1 trial of a herpes-based cancer therapy, one patient had their tumors completely eliminated.
I’ve had COVID and am constantly getting colds. Did COVID harm my immune system?
Does COVID somehow weaken the immune system to make us more prone to other infectious diseases? Here's what scientists know.
Long COVID: Self-targeted immune attacks may lurk behind it
Researchers are working to get a more complete understanding of the cells and antibodies behind long COVID.
How NASA is planning to prevent a Martian plague
When Mars samples arrive, they may carry more than knowledge. To offset the chance of a Martian pandemic, NASA is learning to contain a Red Planet plague.
Newly discovered antibody neutralizes all variants of the coronavirus
Using modified mouse models originally designed for HIV, researchers have discovered an antibody that stops all known strains of COVID-19.
At long last, we might have an HIV vaccine
Due to HIV-1's extraordinary diversity, a vaccine needs to induce antibodies that can target many different strains.
FDA authorizes updated COVID-19 boosters
The FDA has authorized Pfizer-BioNTech’s and Moderna’s updated COVID-19 boosters, which target the now-dominant Omicron subvariants.
Researchers may have created a universal coronavirus vaccine
All currently licensed COVID-19 vaccines target the spike protein’s S1 region, which is prone to mutations. We need a universal vaccine.
Viruses may one day treat inflammatory bowel disease
Researchers have created a cocktail of viruses that may be able to treat inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s.
Nanoparticle sensor can distinguish between viral and bacterial pneumonia
MIT researchers have designed a sensor that can distinguish between viral and bacterial pneumonia infections.
Yale study finds low levels of a hormone may predict long COVID
Yale and Icahn School of Medicine researchers may have found biomarkers for identifying long COVID.
FDA authorizes new COVID-19 vaccine — and it’s not like the others
The FDA has issued an emergency use authorization for biotech company Novavax’s protein-based COVID-19 vaccine.
An old HIV drug may treat Down syndrome
A common HIV drug could potentially be a Down syndrome treatment, improving cognition in mouse models of the condition.
Universal flu vaccine enters phase 1 trials
NIAID researchers have begun a phase 1 trial of a new universal vaccine candidate that was promising in animal challenge studies.
CRISPR could create a one-shot treatment for HIV
Researchers have used gene editing to engineer HIV-fighting immune cells inside the bodies of mice.
We may want to rethink how we deliver COVID-19 vaccines
An inhaled vaccine outperformed a nasal spray in an animal study, suggesting that the delivery method could deserve more attention.
A vaccine against mosquito saliva may be the key to stopping their diseases
University of Leeds researchers have identified a compound in mosquito saliva as a potential target to protect against multiple viruses.
New test tells you how many T cells for COVID-19 you have
A new blood test that measures a key indicator of COVID-19 immunity could help you assess your risk of a coronavirus infection.
Handheld antibody tester could reveal if you’re immune to COVID
Hong Kong researchers have developed a handheld COVID antibody testing device more capable than current home tests.
Gene therapy fixes rare heart disorder with clever workaround
Cleveland Clinic researchers have developed a gene therapy that cured arrhythmias in mice.
What is monkeypox, and how we may fight it
As monkeypox cases crop up around the world, vaccines designed for the far deadlier smallpox may play a key role in stopping it.
Nanoparticles are the future of medicine
The success of some drugs that use nanoparticles, such as the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, has prompted excitement among researchers.
Will new vaccines be better at fighting coronavirus variants?
New virus-based vaccines could play an important role in generating a long-lasting, broad immunity against a rapidly mutating virus.
How herpes wakes up
Researchers believe they have identified how herpes hiding in your cells wakes back up to cause symptoms.
T cells and viruses, an unlikely duo, team up to kill tumors
A new Mayo Clinic-developed immunotherapy combining CAR-T cells and cancer-killing viruses looks promising in mouse models.
A shapeshifting volcano virus’s secret has been discovered
The secret to a shapeshifting volcano virus may help us create new, better drug and vaccine delivery platforms.
Researchers identified over 5,500 new viruses in the ocean
These discoveries help scientists better understand not only the evolutionary history of viruses but also the evolution of life on Earth.
Strange treatment may restore sense of smell after COVID
Philadelphia doctors are treating COVID patient’s loss of smell with plasma-soaked sponges. But whether it is working or not still needs to be sniffed out.
New Ebola antibodies neutralize the most dangerous strains of the virus
Researchers have found two new antibodies which bind to the most dangerous strains of Ebola.
China’s COVID-19 cases surge, with low elderly vaccination rates
China’s “zero-COVID” policies may be contributing to a surge of cases that has forced 50 million people into lockdown.
Scientists discover how the AIDS virus breaks cellular “lockdown”
HIV replication continues even when infected cells shut down. New research shows how.
How mRNA and DNA vaccines could treat autoimmune disorders, genetic diseases, and more
Using DNA or an mRNA vaccine, researchers are investigating the feasibility of essentially replacing missing genes that cause disease.
Despite its disastrous effects, COVID-19 offers some gifts to medicine
While it’s still too early to draw conclusions, there's emerging evidence between autoimmune disorders and the virus that causes COVID-19.
Moderna is developing a herpes vaccine
Moderna is developing a herpes vaccine that could protect you against the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world.
First woman cured of HIV through stem cell transplant
A woman has been cured of HIV through a transplant of umbilical cord blood, which is easier to match to patients than bone marrow.
Researchers find a new target for a universal flu vaccine: the “anchor”
There’s a new target in the battle for a universal flu vaccine: the "anchor,” a part of the virus’ proteins less likely to mutate.
HIV prevention injection approved by FDA
The FDA has approved Apretude, an HIV prevention injection that replaces daily PrEP pills with a single shot every 60 days.
Reasons to be optimistic in 2022
It can be tough to feel positive after the past two years. But a closer look at the recent past provides reasons for optimism in 2022 and beyond.
Blood and stool samples from 1980s link HIV to gut microbiome
A person’s chances of getting HIV appears to be influenced by the gut microbiome, suggesting it might help us prevent the disease.
This chewing gum traps the coronavirus
A new chewing gum may help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by neutralizing the virus before it can leave an infected person’s mouth.
How herpes hides
Herpesvirus hides in nerve cells, making it impossible to kill. Now, Northwestern researchers believe they have found the novel key to this nasty trick.
Second patient clears own body of HIV, hinting cure is possible
Two “elite controllers” that no longer have any replicable HIV virus in their bodies may hold the key to a cure for HIV.
Want better nasal vaccines? Look to the bacteria in your nose.
Researchers are investigating the link between the bacteria inside your nose and how effective nasal vaccines can be.
Moderna’s new vaccine targets COVID-19, the flu, and RSV
Moderna is developing a combination vaccine to protect against COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus.
Molecular farming could be the future of vaccines
Edible plant-based vaccines could revolutionize how we fight diseases.
UK researchers are growing the Delta variant for human challenge trials
Responding to the variant’s rise, UK researchers are growing the Delta variant for trials.
India’s DNA vaccine for COVID-19 gets emergency approval
India has granted emergency approval to the world's first DNA vaccine for COVID-19.
Ancient frozen viruses hold clues to life and climate
Using new techniques, researchers at Ohio State have identified ancient viruses we’ve never seen before.
Pfizer’s RSV vaccine 100% effective in human challenge trial
An RSV vaccine developed by Pfizer was reportedly 100% effective in a small human challenge trial and caused minimal side effects.
Pfizer has manufactured the first batch of Delta variant vaccines
Pharma giant Pfizer has already developed and manufactured ingredients for a COVID-19 vaccine targeting the highly contagious Delta variant.
New antibodies may lead to a norovirus vaccine
Researchers have discovered antibodies that neutralize a variety of norovirus strains, a possible step toward an effective norovirus vaccine.
New vaccines may use AI to hit a moving target
Can AI create vaccines that work against mutations that haven't happened yet, groups of viruses, and virus too tricky to currently stop?
We’re one step closer to a malaria-free world
Now that malaria has been eliminated in China, the long-held dream of a malaria-free world is one nation closer to reality.
Moderna launches human trial for mRNA flu vaccine
Moderna Therapeutics is trialing an mRNA flu vaccine in humans and developing one to protect against seasonal influenza and COVID-19.
Oxford launches HIV vaccine trial
The University of Oxford’s newly launched HIV vaccine trial will test a unique approach to protecting people against the AIDS-causing virus.
“LEGO-like” vaccine protects mice from COVID, SARS, MERS, and variants
Using a “chimeric” spike protein, researchers have immunized mice against multiple types of coronaviruses with one shot.
We may have a new ally in the fight against dengue fever
A large trial has provided the best evidence yet that infecting mosquitoes with Wolbachia can help reduce dengue infections.
A virus "chimera" reveals new dengue targets
Using a flavivirus that only infects insects, Australian researchers can safely study more dangerous viruses.
Did the flu lose diversity during the pandemic?
After a record-low flu season, an entire clade of flu may be gone. If so, making vaccines may have become easier.
Inhaled CRISPR treatment tackles COVID-19, flu
An inhaled CRISPR treatment can be easily tweaked to attack a variety of viruses, from the one that causes the flu to the coronavirus behind COVID-19.
Predicting your protection against COVID-19
Australian researchers have found an immune response measurement they believe can predict protection against COVID-19.
Pfizer is testing a coronavirus antiviral
Pfizer is testing a new coronavirus antiviral that has stopped SARs-CoV-2 from replicating in the lab in humans.