Tag: Influenza

Avian flu found in wastewater of 10 Texas cities through virome sequencing

AI SummaryThis article discusses the detection of Avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in the wastewater of 10 Texas cities through virome sequencing. The virus had previously spread to cattle and infected 14 people. This finding highlights the potential for monitoring and tracking the spread of avian flu using wastewater surveillance.Avian influenza A(H5N1) virus, which spread to… Continue reading Avian flu found in wastewater of 10 Texas cities through virome sequencing

TWiV 1146: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

AI SummaryDr. Griffin provides a clinical update discussing seasonal influenza vaccine recommendations, a polio vaccine campaign in Africa, and efforts to reduce food insecurity in affected areas. He also covers recent statistics on SARS-CoV-2 infection, the use of convalescent plasma and steroids in COVID-19 treatment, the impact of vaccination on long COVID, and the role… Continue reading TWiV 1146: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

H5 influenza vaccines: What needs to be done to reduce the risk of a pandemic

AI SummaryThe article discusses the urgent need to address the global threat of H5N1 influenza and reduce the risk of a pandemic. Three international vaccine and public health experts emphasize the importance of fully resourcing and supporting a robust strategy to combat this and future potential pandemic influenza threats, including considering voluntary vaccination for those… Continue reading H5 influenza vaccines: What needs to be done to reduce the risk of a pandemic

Detection and spread of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus H5N1 in the Antarctic Region

AI SummaryThe article discusses the detection of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus H5N1 in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions, specifically South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. The virus was initially found in brown skuas at Bird Island, leading to mortalities in various avian and mammalian species. Genetic assessment suggests the virus spread from South America… Continue reading Detection and spread of high pathogenicity avian influenza virus H5N1 in the Antarctic Region

Crafting Science Stories for Young Audiences

AI SummaryThis article discusses how immunologist Adrian Liston crafts science stories for young audiences to help them understand complex concepts like the immune system through children’s books and computer games like Maya’s Marvellous Medicine and Virus Fighter. Liston emphasizes the importance of dropping scientific jargon to make his narratives accessible and resonate with the intended… Continue reading Crafting Science Stories for Young Audiences

Two amino acid residues in the N-terminal region of the polymerase acidic protein determine the virulence of Eurasian avian-like H1N1 swine influenza viruses in mice

AI SummaryThis study investigates the virulence of Eurasian avian-like H1N1 swine influenza viruses in mice. Two amino acid residues in the N-terminal region of the polymerase acidic protein were identified as key determinants of virulence. This research sheds light on the factors influencing the pathogenicity of swine influenza viruses and could inform future strategies for… Continue reading Two amino acid residues in the N-terminal region of the polymerase acidic protein determine the virulence of Eurasian avian-like H1N1 swine influenza viruses in mice

Minimal influenza virus transmission from touching contaminated face masks: a laboratory study

AI SummaryThe study investigated the risk of influenza virus transmission from touching contaminated face masks in a laboratory setting. Despite high levels of virus contamination on the masks, only minimal or no viable virus was successfully transferred to a human finger when swiping the outer surface of the mask. This research provides important insights into… Continue reading Minimal influenza virus transmission from touching contaminated face masks: a laboratory study