One health
Communicable diseases remain one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. There are disparities in the numbers of individuals affected by disease between low-and-middle-income countries and those in developed nations. Microbes will play in important role in drug discovery: producing anticancer drugs and antimicrobials. Applying One Health principles, to understand the interaction of pathogens and the human host, development of diagnostics, treatments, and disease prevention, applied microbiologists can shape global health and wellbeing outcomes.
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Uganda launches Phase I clinical study of Bundibugyo virus disease vaccine
A Phase I clinical study has been launched evaluating the safety and immunogenicity of a candidate vaccine against Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), a severe form of Ebola virus disease caused by Bundibugyo virus (BDBV). The study is part of an international effort to develop vaccines against Ebola virus species for which no licensed vaccines are currently available.
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NewsKenya confirms first imported Bundibugyo virus disease case; WHO supports control efforts
Following the confirmation by Kenyan authorities of the country’s first imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), the World Health Organization (WHO) is working closely with the Government of Kenya to intensify key control measures to prevent further spread of the virus.
NewsRapid genomic test identifies fungal bloodstream infections
Researchers have developed a rapid genomic method that can identify fungal bloodstream infections at the species level in about seven hours. By combining host DNA depletion, whole-genome amplification and real-time nanopore sequencing, the approach could help clinicians select appropriate antifungal treatment much earlier.
NewsOncolytic viruses and CAR cells team up against solid tumors
Oncolytic viruses and CAR-T or CAR-NK cells could be engineered together to overcome some of the biggest barriers in solid tumor treatment. A new review outlines how these therapies may be combined into programmable systems that improve tumor targeting, immune-cell infiltration and sustained antitumor activity.
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Chiba University and Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research partnership targets next-generation vaccines
Chiba University and the University of Ghana’s Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research have launched a new research partnership aimed at advancing next-generation vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics. The collaboration will connect expertise in Japan and Ghana to strengthen infectious disease research, researcher training and global health innovation.
NewsAmerican Academy of Pediatrics warns of dangers in consuming raw dairy products
Updated guidance warns that raw milk and other unpasteurized dairy products can expose children and pregnant people to serious infections, with H5N1 now emerging as an additional concern. Experts say pasteurisation provides the same nutritional benefits while dramatically reducing the risk from harmful bacteria and viruses.
NewsAn unexpected lab guest reveals a natural pest repellent
An accidental fruit fly invasion in a research lab has led scientists to identify a naturally occurring yeast that repels a major blueberry pest. The unexpected discovery could eventually support new non-chemical ways to protect soft-fruit crops.
NewsBacteria use collisions to navigate crowded environments
Scientists have found that the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa solves the challenge of moving in crowded environments with a simple sensory mechanism that allows the bacteria to actively modulate their collective organization through touch.
NewsVanillin provides a sweet solution for chronic wound healing
Researchers have found that vanillin has pronounced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it a good candidate for wound-healing formulations.
NewsEven brief e-cigarette use can cause lasting lung damage and weaken defenses against respiratory viruses
Just days of e-cigarette vapor exposure can injure the lungs’ most delicate tissue and leave it more vulnerable to viral infection, according to a study. Prior vaping exposure also increased SARS-CoV-2 viral burden and suppressed several antiviral genes following infection.
NewsBlue light could cut food poisoning from raw chicken
A low-power blue light could be the key to significantly reducing food poisoning caused by raw chicken in the UK, scientists have found.They tested violet-blue photodynamic inactivation (VB-PDI) against 64 different strains of Campylobacter - every strain was killed by the treatment, regardless of species or antibiotic resistance profile.
NewsModel traces C. diff spread in hospital oncology units
In a new study, researchers modeled the transmission of Clostridioides difficile infections among patients in hospital cancer units. They found that most new infections were introduced by patients who were infected but not symptomatic at the time of admission, rather than by patients who were infected and symptomatic.
NewsHow cells fight back after bacterial toxins break through
Understanding how epithelial cells rapidly repair toxin-induced membrane injuries is important for understanding how tissues withstand bacterial attacks. Researchers have uncovered a lipid signaling pathway that helps epithelial cells respond to membrane injury.
NewsEven modest post-infection complications can make expanded vaccine coverage cost effective: New modelling
New modelling could help public health officials better factor in the long-term impacts of infectious disease when determining optimum vaccine coverage rates. Even small post-infection costs can tip the scales and make the case for vaccine-driven elimination, the study shows.
NewsStudy examines political differences in perceptions of vaccine safety and effectiveness
Vaccine perceptions can influence acceptance and uptake, according to a new study. Respondents perceived the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine as the safest and most effective and the COVID-19 vaccine as the least safe and effective.
NewsNew genetic platform could pave the way for better HPV vaccines
Scientists have developed a new genetic platform that could pave the way for more stable, efficient and widely available HPV vaccines, helping address persistent global shortages. The approach allows researchers to generate and select promising virus variants with traits that could improve future vaccine production and storage.
NewsEye-eating amoeba resists treatment — understanding its biochemistry could help
Acanthamoeba causes infections in the eye or brain that can lead to blindness or death. New research into the amoeba’s mitochondrial metabolism could lead to safer, more effective treatments.
NewsCOVID-19 immunity may help protect against other bat coronaviruses
Scientists have found that bat coronaviruses most likely to infect a wide range of animal species are those most closely related to SARS-CoV-2 and most likely to be recognised by immunity generated through COVID-19 infection.
NewsStaphylococcus aureus is highly resistant and virulent in milk
Staphylococcus aureus is frequently found in human and veterinary infections. Its ability to withstand antibiotic treatment makes it a major clinical challenge. To better understand the factors underlying this resistance, the scientists investigated the growth of the bacterium in two environments relevant to infection: milk and serum.
NewsGermany marks first CRISPR therapy success
A 19-year-old with severe beta-thalassemia has become the first patient in Germany to receive an approved CRISPR-based therapy as part of routine medical care. Four months after treatment at Charité, he no longer requires regular blood transfusions, marking a major step in bringing gene editing from the laboratory into everyday clinical practice.
NewsBacterial immunity—or a form of sex?
Researchers have found that, under starvation stress, E. coli can use bacteriophages and CRISPR-Cas immunity to transfer and incorporate DNA, accelerating genetic reshuffling. The process resembles a primitive form of sexual reproduction and may help bacterial populations adapt to changing conditions.
NewsHeel-prick blood samples from newborns could provide important insights into protection against serious infection
Heel-prick blood samples from newborns can be used to measure antibodies against Group B Streptococcus, according to a new study. In the longer term, the method could contribute to the development of vaccines designed to protect infants against serious infections.
NewsItching for a solution: Addressing mosquito-borne disease as climate change bites
Prevention measures, including vector control, vaccine deployment and cutting greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming are critical to counter the growing burden of mosquito-borne diseases in a changing climate, according to a new review.