All articles tagged with #viruses
A near-1,000-foot-deep underwater sinkhole in the South China Sea, called Dragon Hole, hosts oxygen-free layers and distinct microbial ecosystems. Researchers grew 294 bacterial strains (over 22% new) and identified about 1,730 viral types—mostly phages—with many undiscovered viruses in the deeper anoxic zones, suggesting a sealed, extreme-environment microbial world.
Cold weather doesn’t cause colds or flu; viruses do. Winter conditions raise infection risk by aiding viral survival in cold, dry air and by promoting indoor crowding, while cold exposure can weaken nasal defenses. Prevention focuses on better ventilation and humidity, plus supporting immune health (e.g., vitamin D). Public health messages should emphasize transmission routes rather than cold exposure alone.
An expert highlights key viruses to watch in 2026, including influenza A with pandemic potential, mpox spreading globally, insect-borne Oropouche virus, and ongoing risks from chikungunya, measles, and HIV, emphasizing the importance of vigilance, vaccines, and treatments.
Scientists have used AI to design viruses from scratch and to modify toxins to bypass safety checks, raising concerns about the potential for AI-assisted bioweapons. While these advances can aid in medical treatments like phage therapy, they also pose dual-use risks, prompting efforts to strengthen screening protocols, regulatory policies, and international standards to prevent misuse. Despite technological progress, significant challenges remain before AI-designed pathogens could become a real threat, emphasizing the need for robust biosecurity measures.
An infectious-disease expert highlights key viral threats to watch in 2026, including bird flu, mpox, and Oropouche virus, emphasizing the importance of vigilance, vaccine development, and understanding emerging viruses amid global changes and travel.
A meta-analysis of 155 studies links common viruses like influenza, COVID-19, hepatitis C, and shingles to a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke, both in the short and long term, highlighting the importance of vaccination and preventive measures.
Some viruses, including Ebola, can hide in immune-privileged areas of the human body like the eyes and testes, remaining dormant and potentially reactivating or transmitting later, which complicates eradication efforts and highlights the need for targeted treatments.
Toothbrushes harbor bacteria and viruses, including some resistant to antibiotics, but proper drying can significantly reduce microbial presence and associated risks, especially for immunocompromised individuals.
Scientists have used AI to design new viruses, raising concerns about biosecurity and the potential creation of bioweapons. While current safeguards are in place, AI's ability to bypass safety measures highlights the need for improved regulations and multi-layered security systems to prevent misuse and ensure safety in biological research.
Researchers demonstrated that AI can design functional viruses, raising concerns about potential misuse for bioweapons, and emphasizing the need for improved regulation, data sharing, and rapid response infrastructure to mitigate risks.
Researchers at Columbia University developed CAPPSID, a novel cancer treatment that uses bacteria to deliver and activate viruses inside tumors, enhancing safety and effectiveness by shielding the virus from immune detection and controlling its spread, with promising results in mice.
Defining 'life' remains a complex challenge, with scientists debating criteria such as metabolism, reproduction, and evolution, especially when considering microorganisms, viruses, and potential extraterrestrial life forms. The lack of a universal definition complicates astrobiological searches, prompting a focus on anomalies and broader criteria like self-sustaining chemical systems capable of Darwinian evolution, while acknowledging the limitations of Earth-centric examples.
Summer can still see circulation of viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV, with COVID-19 cases trending up in some regions. While viruses are less active in summer due to behavioral factors and weather, indoor gatherings and air conditioning can increase transmission. Vaccination timing should be planned around personal schedules and risk levels, especially for vulnerable groups. Preventive measures like handwashing, outdoor activities, and staying home when sick remain effective year-round.
Summer viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV are still circulating, with COVID-19 cases trending up in some regions. Despite common myths, viruses can spread in summer, especially indoors. Preventive measures such as good hygiene, outdoor activities, and vaccination remain important. Timing of COVID-19 boosters should be planned based on individual risk and upcoming events.
Research suggests that common respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and influenza may reactivate dormant breast cancer cells in the lungs, increasing the risk of metastasis and death among survivors, highlighting the importance of infection prevention and further studies on vaccination.