New Atlas

Biology Audio available

Scientists discover self-defense "switch" for stem cells

Michael Irving May 15, 2019

Unfortunately stem cells lack some of the self-defense mechanisms that other cells have, leaving them open to attack from viruses and other threats. Now, researchers from the University of Edinburgh may have found a way to switch this mechanism back on, making stem cell treatments more effective.

Researchers have discovered how to switch on a self-defense mechanism for stem cells

Good Thinking Audio available

For faster mosquito virus detection, their waste may be the way to go

Ben Coxworth April 5, 2019

If the mosquitos in a given area are carrying a potentially lethal virus, then the sooner that local health authorities know about it, the better. According to new research, traps that collect the insects' liquid waste may allow that to happen – and cheaply, too.

West Nile virus, Murray Valley encephalitis virus, and Ross River virus have all been detected in ...

Biology Audio available

More evidence shows bacteria "flying" around the world to share genes

Michael Irving March 26, 2019

Bacteria can share genes with each other to quickly develop resistance to antibiotics. A new genetic study of bacteria from around the world has found that isolated populations share incredibly similar “molecular memories,” suggesting they’re basically flying around the world to spread their genes.

A hot spring in Chile, where some of the bacteria in the study were taken from

Science Audio available

Blowing hot CO2 bubbles to purify wastewater

Michael Irving March 24, 2019

Researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra have tested a new method for sterilizing water using hot bubbles of carbon dioxide, which they've found to be both effective and efficient.

A new device uses hot bubbles of carbon dioxide to kill viruses and bacteria in water

Space Audio available

Spaceflight found to reactivate dormant viruses in astronauts

Rich Haridy March 17, 2019

A recent NASA-funded study has found dormant viruses can reactivate in the human body during spaceflight, presenting yet another physiological problem for scientists to solve before we journey out into deep space.

Spaceflight has been found to lower the immune system and reactivate dormant viruses in a human ...

Biology

Your nose bacteria might influence whether or not you get the flu

Michael Irving January 13, 2019

Researchers from the University of Michigan have discovered a new symbiotic relationship we have with bacteria in our noses and throats, some of which may help fight off the flu virus.

A new study suggests that the bacteria in your nose and throat may influence whether or ...

Science Audio available

New Ebola-like virus called Mengla discovered in China

Rich Haridy January 9, 2019

A new genus of filovirus has been detected in bats in Southern China. The new virus is evolutionarily similar to the notorious Ebola and Marburg viruses, and while there is no current threat of a human outbreak, the researchers suspect it is capable of interspecies transmission.

The virus was found in Rousettus bats in Měnglà County, Yunnan Province, southern China (Credit: Rajesh ...

Biology Audio available

Pigs genetically-engineered to resist deadly swine virus

Michael Irving December 16, 2018

Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) is a highly infectious and deadly disease among pigs, with outbreaks leading to huge livestock losses. Now, researchers from Jilin University in China have genetically modified pigs to be resistant to the virus, which will also pass that down to their offspring.

Chinese researchers have genetically engineered pigs to be resistant to a widespread and deadly virus

Medical

Freeze-dried vaccine may help eradicate polio once and for all

Ben Coxworth November 27, 2018

Although polio is now rarely heard of in First World countries, it still occurs in developing nations which lack facilities for refrigerating the vaccine. That may soon no longer be a problem, however, as scientists have developed a freeze-dried vaccine which can be stored at room temperature.

A computer rendering of the human polio virus

Medical Audio available

Scientists engineer a virus to take out cancer cells and their accomplices

Nick Lavars November 19, 2018

Scientists have developed a pioneering two-pronged virus that targets cancerous cells and the healthy neighboring cells that can aid and abet them, a new tool they describe as the first of its kind.

Scientists have given an engineered virus some new cancer-fighting abilities