Viruses attached to a fragment of a bacterial cell wall. “Viruses modulate the function and evolution of all living things,” scientists wrote last year. “But to what extent remains a mystery.”
Continue reading… “Trillions and trillions of viruses fall from the sky each day”
ETH researchers have developed a technology platform that allows them to systematically modify and customise bacteriophages. This technology is a step towards making phage therapies a powerful tool for combating dangerous pathogens.
Continue reading… “Workbench for virus design”
The quest started with trying to make better yogurt.
Bacteria that uses a tiny molecular machine to kill attacking viruses could change the way that scientists edit the DNA of plants, animals and fungi, revolutionizing genetic engineering. The protein, called Cas9, is quite simply a way to more accurately cut a piece of DNA.
Continue reading… “New protein discovery could change biotech forever”
Many people are not aware of how often we are exposed to bacteria and viruses.
A report examining attitudes to cleanliness and general hygiene has been released to coincide with Global Handwashing Day. One in ten people have admitted avoiding public transport and trips to the movies because of worries over cleanliness and general hygiene levels.
CSIRO plant scientists have shed light on a problem that has puzzled researchers since the first virus was discovered in 1892 — how exactly do they cause disease?
In a major breakthrough that helps us better understand how viruses cause diseases in plants — and potentially in animals and humans — Dr Ming-Bo Wang and Neil Smith of CSIRO Plant Industry have revealed a genetic mechanism that enables viral organisms to infect hosts and cause diseases…
Continue reading… “Major breakthrough on how viruses infect plants”
Digital ants are one of the top “ten technologies that have the power to change our lives”.
Computer experst have been so inspired by how ants protect their colony when it is threatened they are currently testing a program which they say could offer foolproof protection against computer virus attacks.
Continue reading… “‘Digital Ant’ Army Could Offer Foolproof Protection Against Computer Viruses”
Scientists have discovered a new anti-virus system
Viruses have led scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis to the discovery of a security system in host cells. Viruses that cause disease in animals beat the security system millennia ago.
Continue reading… “Scientists Identify Antivirus System in Host Cells”
Eating almonds boosts immune system response to viruses.
Eating almonds can help the body to fight off viral infections such as the common cold and flu, according to new research. A new study has revealed that naturally occurring chemicals found in the skin of the nut boost the immune system’s response to such infections.
Over millions of years, retroviruses, which insert their genetic material into the host genome as part of their replication, have left behind bits of their genetic material in vertebrate genomes. In a recent study, published July 29 in the open-access journal PLoS Pathogens, a team of researchers have now found that human and other vertebrate genomes also contain many ancient sequences from Ebola/Marburgviruses and Bornaviruses — two deadly virus families.
Continue reading… “Unexpected Viral ‘Fossils’ Found in Vertebrate Genomes”
Knowledge is power!
How much do you really know about viruses, spyware, scareware, trojans, and worms? Here’s a helpful guide to understanding all the different types of malware.
The point of today’s lesson, of course, is to help you teach your friends and family more about the different types of malware, and debunk a few of the common myths about viruses. Who knows, maybe you’ll learn a thing or two as well…
Continue reading… “What’s the Difference Between Viruses, Trojans, Worms, and Other Malware?”
Breast cancer vaccine successful in mice, trials to start on humans in just a year.
American scientists say they have developed a vaccine which has prevented breast cancer from developing in mice. The researchers – whose findings are published in the journal, Nature Medicine – are now planning to conduct trials of the drug in humans.
Continue reading… “Breast Cancer Vaccine Trials to Start on Women Within One Year”
The Restore Clean Water System
The Restore Clean Water System from HoMedics claims that its built-in ultraviolet lights will kill 99.9999% of bacteria, 99.99% of viruses and 99.95% of microbial cysts in your drinking water. Wait, what’s in my water? (video)
Continue reading… “A UV Water Pitcher Kills 99.999% of Germs in Drinking Water”
