Deconstructing the infectious machinery of SARS-CoV-2
Scientists have published a comprehensive study that -- alongside other recent, complementary studies of coronavirus proteins and genetics -- represents the first step toward developing treatments for COVID-19......»»
Study reveals how parasites thrive by balancing specialization with exploiting diverse species communities
A single shift of a parasite from one host species to another can trigger catastrophic infectious disease outbreaks. Despite this, scientists continue to debate the role of species diversity in natural environments on the spread of these parasites......»»
Scientists identify structural basis of stitched-together protein complexes that recycle most proteins in cells
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys have developed a clearer picture of how crucial machinery in the human cell's recycling process for obsolete and misshapen proteins—known as proteasomes—are formed......»»
Strategies for maximizing recombinant protein production in tobacco plants
Plant molecular farming (PMF) is a modern, sophisticated technology that utilizes plants' biosynthetic machinery to synthesize a plethora of recombinant proteins, including industrial and therapeutic enzymes. It has several advantages over traditiona.....»»
Naked mole-rat found to have lost infection-resistant proteins
Scientists have found that the naked mole-rat—an underground rodent that lives up to 40 years—has lost a number of CD1 functional genes. The CD1 gene family in mammals is responsible for protein synthesis that protects the body against infectious.....»»
Genetic tracing at the Huanan Seafood market further supports COVID animal origins
A new international collaborative study provides a list of the wildlife species present at the market from which SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, most likely arose in late 2019. The study is based on a new analysis of meta.....»»
Glitch in protein synthesis could affect tumor growth
During protein synthesis, or translation, genetic information transcribed in the cell's mRNA directs the stringing together of amino acids—the building blocks of proteins. As the translation machinery carouses along the string of nucleotides that m.....»»
A small molecular glue that increases P53 level and suppresses tumor growth in vivo
Molecular glues are typically small chemical molecules that act on the interface between the target protein and the degradation machinery to trigger ternary complex formation. Identification of molecular glues is challenging, and there has been a lac.....»»
Study discovers an electric current in the gut that attracts pathogens like Salmonella
How do bad bacteria find entry points in the body to cause infection? This question is fundamental for infectious disease experts and people who study bacteria. Harmful pathogens, like Salmonella, find their way through a complex gut system where the.....»»
This year’s summer COVID wave is big; FDA may green-light COVID shots early
Wastewater SARS-CoV-2 levels suggest the summer surge is high and peaking right now. Enlarge (credit: Getty | Thomas Trutschel) With the country experiencing a relatively large summer wave of COVID-19, the Food and Drug.....»»
What shapes a virus"s pandemic potential? SARS-CoV-2 relatives yield clues
Two of the closest known relatives to SARS-CoV-2—a pair of bat coronaviruses discovered by researchers in Laos—may transmit poorly in people despite being genetically similar to the COVID-19-causing virus, a new Yale study reveals......»»
Virus that causes COVID-19 is widespread in wildlife, scientists find
SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, is widespread among wildlife species, according to Virginia Tech research published July 29, 2024 in Nature Communications. The virus was detected in six common backyard species, and antibodies indicati.....»»
How Staphylococcus slips around between biological environments
It's an unpleasant fact that most of us are happy to ignore: Our mouths and noses are the natural homes to infectious and antibiotic resistant bacteria......»»
Woman who went on the lam with untreated TB is now cured
The woman realized how serious her infection was once she was in custody. Scanning electron micrograph of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, which cause TB. (credit: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases).....»»
The Highly Infectious FLiRT Variants Behind the Summer Covid Wave
The latest dominant Covid variants have stronger infectiousness than their predecessors and the ability to evade vaccine-induced antibodies......»»
The silent spreader: Reassessing the role of mice in leptospirosis risk
Emerging research highlights mice as a critical yet underestimated source of leptospirosis, emphasizing the need for improved strategies to control the spread of the infectious disease......»»
New rapid method for determining virus infectivity
A new method that can rapidly determine whether a virus is infectious or non-infectious could revolutionize the response to future pandemics......»»
Researchers identify structural characteristics of newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to adapt to the herd immunity background and evolve into numerous sub-variants......»»
Engineered nanovesicles from activated neutrophils show promise in treating infected wounds
Infectious wounds represent a critical challenge in health care, especially for diabetic patients grappling with ineffective antibiotics and escalating drug resistance. Conventional therapies often inadequately address deep tissue infections, highlig.....»»
Exploring the molecular basis of how pradimicin A binds to viral N-glycan, a potential SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitor
HIV, Ebola and most recently, COVID-19 viruses have had an enormous impact on our societies world-wide. All these viruses are "enveloped viruses," viruses that have an exterior envelope that surrounds them largely composed of their host's cells. This.....»»
A new way to see viruses in action: Super-resolution microscopy provides a nano-scale look
A new, nano-scale look at how the SARS-CoV-2 virus replicates in cells may offer greater precision in drug development, a Stanford University team reports in Nature Communications. Using advanced microscopy techniques, the researchers produced what m.....»»