All University of Pittsburgh articles
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NewsImmunity against seasonal H1N1 flu reduces bird flu severity in ferrets, study suggests
Pre-existing immunity against seasonal H1N1 flu might help explain why most reported human cases of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. have not resulted in lethal outcomes, suggests a new study.
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NewsWhy you shouldn’t scratch an itchy rash: New study explains
New research uncovers how scratching aggravates inflammation and swelling in a mouse model of a type of eczema called allergic contact dermatitis.
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NewsAntibody treatment prevents severe bird flu in monkeys
A prophylactic antibody-based immune therapy protects monkeys against severe disease caused by H5N1 avian flu, a new study reports.
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News New tool can detect fast-spreading SARS-COV-2 variants before they take off
By analysing millions of viral genome sequences from around the world, a team of scientists has uncovered the specific mutations that give SARS-CoV-2 a ‘turbo boost’ in its ability to spread.
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NewsSelf-destructing vaccine offers enhanced protection against tuberculosis in monkeys
A self-destructing vaccine administered intravenously provides additional safety and protection against tuberculosis (TB) in macaque monkeys, suggests new research.
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NewsHerpes virus might drive Alzheimer’s pathology, study suggests
Researchers have uncovered a surprising link between Alzheimer’s disease and herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), suggesting that viral infections may play a role in the disease.
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NewsPotentially harmful bacteria slip through antimicrobial showerheads
Researchers report that antimicrobial silver-containing showerheads are no ’silver bullet’. In real-world showering conditions, most microbes aren’t exposed to the silver long enough to be killed.
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NewsImmunotherapy for gum disease? Study in mice shows promise
Delivering microparticles containing the immune-modulating compound CCL2 directly to the gums inhibited bone loss and sped up bone repair in a mouse model of periodontal disease, new research has found.
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NewsUS COVID-19 rates show oscillating waves every six months
COVID-19 cases in the U.S. have shown unexpected oscillating waves every six months between the southern states and the northern states and, to a lesser degree, from east to west, according to new research.
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NewsConscience announces top performers in open science challenge to design promising pan-coronavirus drugs
The nonprofit drug discovery biotech Conscience has released seven newly discovered promising early-stage molecules that could lead to a new treatment effective against all coronaviruses, not just SARS-CoV-2.
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NewsImmune protection against tuberculosis reinfection driven by cells that dampen lung inflammation
The body’s first line of defense against tuberculosis (TB) involves immune cells that suppress lung inflammation instead of activating it, scientists report.
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NewsBacteria able to overcome cost of vancomycin resistance in lab setting
Staphylococcus aureus has the potential to develop durable vancomycin resistance, according to a new study.
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NewsScientists to investigate why men and women are hit by the flu differently
Turns out that there is a biological reason why women and men suffer viral infections like influenza differently – and a team of scientists are extending their research to better understand why and how to design better, possible sex-specific treatments.
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NewsStudy shows promise for a universal influenza vaccine
New research reveals a promising approach to developing a universal influenza vaccine — a so-called “one and done” vaccine that confers lifetime immunity against an evolving virus.
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NewsBird flu stays stable on milking equipment for at least one hour
Bird flu, or H5N1 virus, in unpasteurized milk is stable on metal and rubber components of commercial milking equipment for at least one hour, increasing its potential to infect people and other animals, report researchers.
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NewsStudy provides new insights into phage therapy design
Results from a new study are providing new insights into the therapeutic potential of bacteriophage (phage) therapy for treating diseases like cystic fibrosis (CF).
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NewsFrom treatment to tap: discovering the secrets of pathogen survival in drinking water systems
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh are investigating how some DWPIs can survive drinking water treatment processes and determine better treatment processes to stop them from entering the human body.
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NewsDrug-resistant bacterium responds to phage-antibiotic combo therapy
A case study, which required emergency investigational new drug approval from the U.S. FDA, is one of only a handful that have used bacteriophage therapy to treat Enterococcus faecium infection.
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NewsScientists make first-ever observation of a virus attaching to another virus
No one had ever seen one virus latching onto another virus, until anomalous sequencing results sent a research team down a rabbit hole leading to a first-of-its-kind discovery.
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NewsVaginal film that dissolves in 30 days may offer HIV prevention method for women
A vaginal film designed to slowly dissolve over the course of 30 days is being put to the test for the first time in a study that aims to determine its feasibility and acceptability as a potential HIV prevention method for women.