Category: Science and Tech
World-First Mosquito Drone Deliveries Could Help Stop The Spread Of Diseases Like Dengue
IFL Science In the latest step in the fight against mosquito-borne disease, scientists have sent in the drones. Field trials have seen uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) flying over Fiji, dropping hundreds of mosquitoes infected with bacteria that stop them from spreading diseases like dengue among the human population. Dengue is a viral disease that is […]
Aug 6, 2024
Blowflies are potential vector for avian influenza virus at enzootic area in Japan
Nature High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) poses a significant threat to both domestic and wild birds globally. The avian influenza virus, known for environmental contamination and subsequent oral infection in birds, necessitates careful consideration of alternative introduction routes during HPAI outbreaks. This study focuses on blowflies (genus Calliphora), in particular Calliphora nigribarbis, attracted to decaying animals and […]
Aug 6, 2024
Mortality Due to H5N1 Human Infections Could Decrease by Switching Receptor
Precision Vaccinations Avian influenza mortality might be due to a H5N1 virus pneumonia. The Lancet Infectious Disease recently published a Correspondence offering insights regarding the current influenza A(H5N1) outbreak in dairy cattle and poultry, raising concerns about increased risk for sustained human-to-human transmission. On July 24, 2024, these researchers wrote that avian influenza viruses’ increasing host […]
Jul 30, 2024
Mini lungs make major COVID-19 discoveries possible
Newswise Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys, University of California San Diego and their international collaborators have reported that more types of lung cells can be infected by SARS-CoV-2 than previously thought, including those without known viral receptors. The research team also reported for the first time that the lung is capable of independently mustering an […]
Jul 23, 2024
Iowa State University research identifies possible point of entry for avian flu in cattle
Des Moines Register As avian influenza is being detected in more and more dairy herds across the U.S., Iowa State University researchers have found a possible explanation for why the virus shows up in raw milk. A study published this month by a team at ISU’s College of Veterinary Medicine found that bovine mammary gland […]
Jul 17, 2024
Can H5N1 spread through cow sneezes? Experiment offers clues
Nature Study suggests the virus can spread through the respiratory system but infected milk is probably driving the outbreak in the US. Cows can get infected with the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 by breathing in virus-laden aerosols, according to a preprint1 posted on bioRxiv. But scientists say this mode of transmission is probably not driving […]
Jul 17, 2024
Staying one step ahead of pathogen
St. Jude Webster created and grew a globe-spanning influenza research program at St. Jude. The researchers he trained and inspired continue his legacy, staying one step ahead of pathogens for the children of St. Jude — and the world at large. As for the skepticism about why he chose to do his work at St. Jude, […]
Jul 17, 2024
Bird flu has been invading the brains of mammals. Here’s why
Science News In spring 2022, a handful of red foxes in Wisconsin were behaving oddly. Veterinary pathologist Betsy Elsmo learned that a local wildlife rehabilitation center was caring for foxes with neurological symptoms like seizures, tremors, uncoordinated movements and lethargy. But tests for common pathogens like canine distemper virus and rabies that typically cause the […]
Jul 16, 2024
FDA shares research plans as it continues to monitor bird flu outbreak
Scripps News Over 100 dairy cattle herds in around a dozen states have reported cases of the highly infectious disease since March. U.S. health agencies maintain that the risk to the public is low. On Tuesday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration shared its agenda for research into avian influenza in dairy cows as it works to […]
Jun 26, 2024
To combat cow flu outbreak, scientists plan to infect cattle with influenza in high-security labs
Science The avian influenza virus that has been infecting dairy cows and spreading alarm in the United States was expected to reach Germany this week. But that’s actually good news. A shipment of samples of the H5N1 virus from Cornell University virologist Diego Diel is destined for the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health in […]
Jun 26, 2024