Latest news
Scientists map a hidden world of viruses across 102 cities
Cities are home to far more viral diversity than scientists previously realised. A global survey of nearly 3,000 samples from 102 cities identified almost 55,000 RNA virus species, most of them previously unknown, creating a new atlas of the viruses circulating through urban and peri-urban environments.
Breast milk antibodies show broad antiviral activity and protect mice against influenza
Researchers show that a polyclonal secretory immunoglobulin A preparation, purified from breast milk pooled from multiple donors, neutralized respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human adenovirus type 5, and H1N1 and H3N2 influenza A viruses in laboratory assays.
Scientists discover a way to reverse coral bleaching at record speed
For the first time, scientists have observed bleached corals on the brink of death fully recover through brief contact with healthy clones. Ghostly white corals returned to full health in a laboratory setting within seven weeks, the fastest documented recovery to date, according to a study.
Vaccinating mothers protects offspring from deadly superbug
Researchers found that a vaccine given to pregnant mice protected their newborn pups from a severe bloodstream infection caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae, a dangerous bacterium that kills thousands of infants in low- and middle-income countries each year and is the leading killer of children globally.
Two paths to healthier soils: Scientists reveal how straw and biochar store carbon differently
Researchers discovered that combining manure with straw or biochar significantly increased soil organic carbon, but through two distinct pathways. Straw primarily stimulated microbial activity and carbon transformation, while biochar improved soil structure and the physical protection of carbon.
Ebola vaccine induces T cell cross-reactivity against Bundibugyo virus in humans
A vaccine developed against Ebola virus may offer some immune protection against the related Bundibugyo ebolavirus, for which no licensed vaccine currently exists. Researchers found that a single dose triggered T cells capable of recognising BDBV, raising the possibility that existing vaccines could provide a degree of cross-protection during outbreaks.
Scientists map a hidden world of viruses across 102 cities
Cities are home to far more viral diversity than scientists previously realised. A global survey of nearly 3,000 samples from 102 cities identified almost 55,000 RNA virus species, most of them previously unknown, creating a new atlas of the viruses circulating through urban and peri-urban environments.
Breast milk antibodies show broad antiviral activity and protect mice against influenza
Researchers show that a polyclonal secretory immunoglobulin A preparation, purified from breast milk pooled from multiple donors, neutralized respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human adenovirus type 5, and H1N1 and H3N2 influenza A viruses in laboratory assays.
Scientists discover a way to reverse coral bleaching at record speed
For the first time, scientists have observed bleached corals on the brink of death fully recover through brief contact with healthy clones. Ghostly white corals returned to full health in a laboratory setting within seven weeks, the fastest documented recovery to date, according to a study.
Perpetual Next signs agreement to accelerate the roll-out of standardized biomethanol plants
Perpetual Next have signed a License and Engineering Agreement with Air Liquide Engineering and Technologies for the supply of syngas-to-methanol technology for Perpetual Next’s first biomethanol facility, with an option to extend across other biomethanol sites.
AFYREN and Terrial renew their partnership for French-manufactured potash fertilizers
AFYREN and Terrial today announce the renewal of their strategic partnership with the signing of a new multi-year fertilizer supply contract, worth several tens of millions of euros This long-term contract strengthens both companies’ commitment to making French agriculture more sustainable and less dependent on international fertilizer markets.
Sharpening an essential tool for biotechnology
Scientists develop a database of validated guide RNAs to improve engineering of microbes for manufacturing applications.
A self-disinfecting fabric eliminates bacteria, fungi and viruses in hospital settings
Researchers have developed a new self-disinfecting cotton fabric capable of eliminating bacteria, fungi and viruses in hospital settings using visible light. The material incorporates two photoactive compounds which, when exposed to light, generate a highly reactive form of oxygen that damages the microorganisms adhering to the fabric.
A ‘society on a chip’ reveals how viruses spread
Researchers have built a centimetre-scale ‘society on a chip’ that recreates how viruses spread through structured populations. By changing cell density, susceptibility and movement, the platform can mimic transmission, social distancing and even herd-immunity-like effects in real time.
Researchers publish clinical data for rapid diagnostic urine test to detect invasive aspergillosis
Through long-standing research, which has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, investigators at Johns Hopkins Medicine have advanced insights into ways to better detect invasive aspergillosis (IA). Caused by mold, the infection is uncommon in the general population but can create significant health risks for people with underlying ...
Global Virus Network adds six centers of excellence and new affiliate across four continents
The Global Virus Network (GVN), a coalition of leading medical virologists representing more than 100 Centers of Excellence and Affiliates in more than 40 countries, has announced six new Centers of Excellence and one Affiliate in Austria, Brazil, China, India, Panama, Switzerland and the United States.
Researchers target Zika-related eye damage with new antiviral strategies
Zika virus can damage the developing retina and optic nerve, leaving babies with lifelong vision problems. Researchers have now received $2.7 million to uncover how the virus disrupts eye development and test drug candidates that could protect vision, with some compounds also showing activity against dengue and West Nile viruses.
Mount Sinai awarded five-year, $20.7 million vaccine development agreement to advance next-generation technologies against respiratory threats
Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have been awarded a five-year project agreement to develop Vaccine Immunoengineering for Targeted Antigen Presentation and Layered Control (VITAL), a research program exploring an improved approach to vaccination against respiratory pathogens.