A flu inhibitor would essentially work like a biological stop sign, preventing the virus from using the human body as a vectorDepositophotos Picture a realm where flu is nonexistent, where regular vaccinations are unnecessary, and where we could even eradicate the virus from our bodies if we're already infected. This is the goal researchers are...
Credit: Pixabay The World Health Organization expressed serious concern on Thursday regarding the increasing spread of H5N1 bird flu to different species, including humans, where it poses an "extremely high" mortality risk. "This is undoubtedly a significant concern," stated Jeremy Farrar, the chief scientist of the UN health agency, during a press conference in Geneva. The bird...
Researchers are developing an ultra-fast COVID test inspired by crustaceans that possess natural bioluminescence. Credit: ACS. In the post-pandemic era, undergoing a rapid COVID-19 test has become all too familiar. Typically, individuals endure an anxious 15-minute wait before obtaining their results. However, drawing inspiration from bioluminescent crustaceans, a groundbreaking prototype test aims to reduce this...
Credit: Unsplash. Dr. Matthew Binnicker, Director of the Clinical Microbiology Molecular Lab and Co-Director of the Clinical Virology Lab at Mayo Clinic sheds light on the annual surge of respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and influenza during colder months. Beyond increased indoor activities, Dr. Binnicker highlights the influence of humidity and weakened immunity in fostering virus...
In a significant development, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified a variant of the flu strain H1N2, known as influenza A(H1N2)v, in humans for the first time within the UK. The discovery was made through routine national flu surveillance after an individual sought medical attention for respiratory symptoms, as disclosed by the...
Credit: Pixaobay Being the sole mammal capable of genuine flight, bats have developed a range of distinctive traits that enable their bodies to adapt to the physical demands of nocturnal flapping. Having a resilient physique reduces the likelihood of infections causing significant harm. For species like us, lacking such robust immune systems, possessing the ability to...
Credit: Pixaobay The possibility exists that swine flu could undergo evolution and resurface in humans. However, by implementing measures to control its transmission among individuals in close contact with pigs, we can effectively avert such a scenario. The first instance of swine flu (H1N1pdm09) in humans was documented in 2009, marking 14 years since its initial...
pregnant woman with her doctor in the clinic. Credit: unplah A University of Canterbury expert in geospatial and population health has conducted research revealing deficiencies in the countrywide data that monitors rates of immunization among mothers. Dr. Matt Hobbs Dr. Matt Hobbs, a Health Senior Lecturer and co-director of the GeoHealth Laboratory at the University...
Credit: CC0 Public Domain Reputable researchers from the University of Sheffield have revealed a stunning discovery in a ground-breaking study: mild cleansers are just as good at killing viruses, including the coronavirus, as solid soaps. Healthcare practitioners who often use skin-friendly cleansers to prevent or treat irritating contact dermatitis—a common skin ailment characterized by redness,...
Graphical abstract. Credit: Cell Reports Physical Science (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2022.101237 A group of scientists from the Technical University of Munich and the College of Regensburg, both in Germany, has discovered that it is possible to develop origami DNA frameworks that can be used to trap large viruses. In their paper released in the journal Cell Reports Physical...
