All University of Pittsburgh articles
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NewsHospital-based outbreak detection system saves lives
An infectious diseases detection platform has proved over a two-year trial that it stops outbreaks, saves lives and cuts costs. The results make the case for adoption in hospitals nationwide and the development of a national early outbreak detection database.
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NewsThe very first structural images of a tuberculosis-fighting virus
Scientists have used advanced imaging techniques to provide a detailed look at how a tiny virus, known as a phage, invades Mycobacteria. The research could pave the way toward phage-based treatments for antibiotic-resistant mycobacteria.
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NewsResearchers release phage images with unprecedented detail
Researchers have produced the most detailed image to date of a bacteriophage, that has allowed them to see for the first time the structural makeup of the part of the phage that directly attaches to its target Mycobacterium cell.
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NewsSome gut bacteria could make certain drugs less effective
Researchers discovered that gut bacteria can metabolize oral administered drugs that target G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and potentially other chemicals and food compounds, leading to impacts on the effectiveness of medication to patients.
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NewsDeadly bacteria developed the ability to produce antimicrobials and wiped-out competitors
A drug-resistant type of bacteria that has adapted to health care settings evolved in the past several years to weaponize an antimicrobial genetic tool, eliminating its cousins and replacing them as the dominant strain.
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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.