All articles by Basil Fok – Page 2
-
NewsHow Zika virus knocks out our immune defenses
Scientists have made striking discoveries regarding the different infection mechanisms of Zika and dengue virus of the same viral family. These understandings pave the way for vaccine development to combat flaviviruses with similarities.
-
NewsCanada is slowest in reporting bird flu – but COVID shows we can do better
A global study was conducted to measure the reporting speed of pandemic-causing bird flu H5N1 in different countries, among which Canada surprisingly came in last, addressing the need for improvements in the current monitoring procedures.
-
NewsScientists unlock frogs’ antibacterial secrets to combat superbugs
Researchers exploited natural peptides derived from frogs and improved their structural designs as antibiotic candidates, which are effective against complex mock bacterial communities of drug-resistant pathogens in preclinical tests, sparing beneficial microbiota and human cells.
-
NewsResearchers find live hantavirus is carried in various New Mexico small mammal species
A study was carried out to find out the reasons why human cases of the sin nombre hantavirus were concentrated in one particular region of New Mexico, even though the virus was found in 30 species of rodents and small mammals endemic to a different region.
-
NewsScientists ID natural products targeting SARS-CoV-2 - including caffeine
Researchers used computational methods to identify potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins, revealing promising natural compounds for guiding antiviral drug development, including caffeine.
-
NewsNew study sheds light on how bacteria ‘vaccinate’ themselves with genetic material from dormant viruses
Scientists have gained understanding on how bacteria defend themselves from phages, through gaining “memories” from predecessor dormant phages. The study will inform new phage therapies for bacterial infections that confer resistance to antibiotics.
-
NewsSimulation model shows potential affordability of preventative HIV therapy for infants
A type of cost-effective HIV neutralizing antibodies was evaluated to prevent the viral infection in infants during breastfeeding in high HIV prevalance countries. This treatment option is comparatively cheaper and has high clinical impacts in high HIV burden settings to achieve global elimination.
-
NewsMovie reveals DNA unzipping mechanism with implications for viral and cancer treatments
A detailed unwinding mechanism of the double-stranded DNA has been uncovered for the first time using cutting-edge technology, revealing how cells begin the crucial process of copying their genetic material.
-
NewsGreen recipe: Engineered yeast boosts D-lactic acid production
An optimal combination of genetic “recipe” in a yeast strain achieves high yields of D-lactic acid production from methanol, advancing eco-friendly and sustainable biomanufacturing.
-
NewsWHO calls for urgent action to address worldwide disruptions in tuberculosis services
Since World Tuberculosis Day is only days away, World Health Organization addresses the current challenges faced by countries in TB responses. They urgently call for an united global effort to combat the deadly disease and safeguard the public health from the devastating consequences.
-
NewsH5N1 influenza viral lineages beginning to evade human immunological defenses
A new computer modelling approach predicts the protein-antibody interactions of the potentially pandemic-causing H5N1 avian influenza virus lineage. It helps to understand the viral evolution to ensure high vaccine efficacy.
-
NewsUpdated guidelines for pediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection
In light of the rise in antibiotic resistance, new guidelines are released with detailed recommendations of diagnosis and treatment strategies for pediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP), along with the means to manage severe complications.
-
NewsHidden threat: The evolving fungus that spreads through cats and humans
Researchers have developed a better understanding about the molecular basis of the Sporothrix species in virulence and evolution, amid the largest sporotrichosis epidemic in Brazil. The identification of the genetic markers helps to enhance fungal surveillance and strengthen disease control.
-
NewsLong COVID could be causing huge economic burden annually
Behind the healthcare burden from long COVID, a study has also uncovered the economic burden of those who are more likely to suffer from long COVID through a computer simulation model of long COVID probabilities and the accompanied productivity loss.
-
NewsResearchers discover Achilles heel of Lyme disease pathogen
Researchers discovered and investigated an unique enzyme used in the pathway specific to Borrelia burgdorferi, the parasite that causes Lyme disease. The enzyme serves as the ideal genus-specific target for therapeutic intervention.
-
NewsLead science organizations affirm vaccine safety amid rising misinformation and declining trust
A unified statement, issued by a coalition of leading scientific and medical organizations, addresses the rise in vaccine misinformation and a decline in trust of science, amidst the outbreaks of preventible infectious diseases. It reassures the current concerns on vaccine safety and emphasizes the importance of vaccinations in public health.
-
NewsLeafcutter ants recognize and fight pathogen with social immunity
Various characteristics of social immune memory were observed in colonies of Atta sexdens (lemon leafcutter ants) exposed to different pathogenic fungi. Such information is useful for future development of appropriate pest control.
-
NewsPlastic-degrading enzymes from landfills
Researchers identified and analysed the structure and predicted functions of potential plastic-degrading enzymes in collected landfills sample from around the world, in an effort to reduce plastic pollution.
-
NewsFDA-approved dialysis drug may help fight against antimicrobial resistance
In account of the imminent threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a study revealed that the FDA-approved sevelamer, which is used to treat chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis, is successful in the removal of other off-target antibiotics (vancomycin and daptomycin) from the gut.
-
NewsTunnel-building virus: How Zika transmits from mother to fetus
For the first time, researchers demonstrated the component involved in the tunneling nanotubes built by Zika virus to infect placental cells, an infection mechanism which is unique to the Zika virus alone.