COVID-19 severity linked to gut bacteria in first-of-its-kind study

A first-of-its-kind study has investigated the relationship between COVID-19 severity and the gut microbiome. The observational research suggests specific microbial patterns correlate with disease severity and those bacterial imbalances may account for… Continue reading COVID-19 severity linked to gut bacteria in first-of-its-kind study

Decoy molecule draws deadly mosquito-borne virus away from the brain

Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a mosquito-borne virus that, in the worst case scenario, can infect the brain and become deadly. It’s notoriously difficult to treat, but now scientists have discovered the protein it latches onto – and us… Continue reading Decoy molecule draws deadly mosquito-borne virus away from the brain

Immune cells discovered protecting the brain are trained in the gut

A new study, published in the prestigious journal Nature, is describing the surprising discovery of a previously unknown gut-brain link. The research reveals certain immune cells that inhabit a protective membrane surrounding the brain actually origina… Continue reading Immune cells discovered protecting the brain are trained in the gut

World-first database catalogs 1,000s of viruses in our gut microbiome

Researchers from Ohio State University have created the first catalog of viral populations known to inhabit the human gut. Called the Gut Virome Database, the study suggests each person’s gut viral population is as unique as their fingerprints.Continue… Continue reading World-first database catalogs 1,000s of viruses in our gut microbiome

Experts respond to first documented case of COVID-19 re-infection

A new case study, from scientists at the University of Hong Kong, is reporting the first clinically confirmed case of SARS-CoV-2 re-infection. Responding to the news, a variety of infectious disease specialists suggest the re-infection is not necessari… Continue reading Experts respond to first documented case of COVID-19 re-infection

Oxford metastudy finds honey most effective treatment for coughs and colds

A new systematic review and meta-analysis from a trio of University of Oxford researchers is affirming the effectiveness of honey as a first-line treatment for upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). The study suggests antibiotics are ineffective fo… Continue reading Oxford metastudy finds honey most effective treatment for coughs and colds

Bacteria-eating viruses clear infections in diabetic foot ulcers

Viruses may be getting a lot of bad press lately, but it’s important to remember that there are some species that may be helpful to us. Bacteriophages (or just phages) are viruses that prey on bacteria, and now scientists have used them to treat Golden… Continue reading Bacteria-eating viruses clear infections in diabetic foot ulcers

Surface treatment makes aluminum antiviral and antibacterial

If there’s one place where you don’t want viruses or harmful bacteria to be present, it’s in hospitals, where people are already vulnerable. A new process could help, by allowing aluminum surfaces in such buildings to kill the bugs.Continue ReadingCate… Continue reading Surface treatment makes aluminum antiviral and antibacterial

First tiger tests positive to COVID-19 at New York’s Bronx Zoo

In the first case of its kind, a four-year-old tiger at New York City’s Bronx Zoo has tested positive for COVID-19, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has confirmed. The female Malayan tiger is believed to have been infected by a worker, with a nu… Continue reading First tiger tests positive to COVID-19 at New York’s Bronx Zoo

Loop-loaded nanosheets accelerate discovery of artificial antibodies

The body does a pretty good job of protecting itself from invading viruses and bacteria. Antibodies are one of the main lines of defense, but when a new threat emerges it takes time for the body to produce new antibodies to fight it. A new study led by… Continue reading Loop-loaded nanosheets accelerate discovery of artificial antibodies