By David Tuller, DrPH In 2019, the University of Bristol and the UK’s Health Research Authority issued a report about their joint investigation of 11 papers. The lead investigator of all 11 papers was Professor Esther Crawley, Bristol’s methodologically and ethically challenged pediatrician and grant queen. The report recommended that Professor Crawley correct the ethics… Continue reading Trial By Error: An Update on the Missing Ethics Corrections in Multiple Esther Crawley Papers
Category: Virology
RNA vaccination in rabbit mothers confers benefits to offspring in the womb
Newly developed mRNA vaccines against Zika virus and HIV-1 produced strong antibody responses that transferred from pregnant rabbits to their offspring, researchers report. As noted by the authors, the results support further development of their vaccine platform, LIONTM/repRNA, for maternal and neonatal settings to protect against mother-to-child transmission of pathogens in animals and humans.
A readily available dietary supplement may reverse organ damage caused by HIV and antiretroviral therapy
MitoQ, a mitochondrial antioxidant that is available to the public as a diet supplement, was found in a mouse study to reverse the detrimental effects that HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART) have on mitochondria in the brain, heart, aorta, lungs, kidney and liver.
Known active ingredient as new drug candidate against mpox
Mpox — previously known as ‘monkeypox’ — is currently spreading worldwide. Researchers have now identified a compound that could help fight the disease.
Memory B cell marker predicts long-lived antibody response to flu vaccine
Memory B cells play a critical role to provide long-term immunity after a vaccination or infection. Researchers have now described a distinct and novel subset of memory B cells that predict long-lived antibody responses to influenza vaccination in humans. These effector memory B cells appear to be poised for a rapid serum antibody response upon… Continue reading Memory B cell marker predicts long-lived antibody response to flu vaccine
Hidden ‘super spreaders’ spur dengue fever transmission
For mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever, the abundance of the insects in places where people gather has long served as the main barometer for infection risk. A new study, however, suggests that the number of ‘hidden’ infections tied to a place, or cases of infected people who show no symptoms, is the key indicator… Continue reading Hidden ‘super spreaders’ spur dengue fever transmission
Next epidemic could be spotted early in wastewater
Researchers behind the UK’s first pilot public health surveillance system based on analysis of wastewater say that routine monitoring at sewage treatment works could provide a powerful early warning system for the next flu or norovirus epidemic, alerting hospitals to prepare and providing public health agencies with vital health information.
New mosquito species reported in Florida
A mosquito known only by its scientific name, Culex lactator, is the latest to establish in the Sunshine State, according to a new study.
Trial By Error: What the Hell is Going on with Cochrane’s Long-Delayed Re-Review of “Exercise Therapies”?
By David Tuller, DrPH What is going on with Cochrane’s much-delayed re-review of exercise therapy for the illness the organization is these days calling ME/CFS? It is more than three years since Cochrane announced plans to develop this completely new review, but no one outside the organization seems to have much idea of what’s happening… Continue reading Trial By Error: What the Hell is Going on with Cochrane’s Long-Delayed Re-Review of “Exercise Therapies”?
An extra X chromosome-linked gene may explain decreased viral infection severity in females
It has long been known that viral infections can be more severe in males than females, but the question as to why has remained a mystery — until possibly now. Researchers have found that female mouse and human Natural Killer cells have an extra copy of an X chromosome-linked gene called UTX. UTX acts as… Continue reading An extra X chromosome-linked gene may explain decreased viral infection severity in females