Virus

A new article is reporting the first results of a genetic study into the DNA of the novel coronavirus spreading across the globe. The research suggests the virus may have originated in snakes, which were sold at the market where the outbreak began.

As the new year kicked off, a never-before-seen virus began to spread across China. So what do we know so far about this mystery virus? And how dangerous is the looming epidemic?

Scientists at Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) have genetically engineered the first breed of mosquitoes with resistance to all four serotypes of dengue fever.

Ordinarily, when biological samples are being tested to see which (if any) viruses are present, it can take up to several days to get results. An inexpensive new tool, however, is claimed to capture and identify viruses within minutes.

A study, from Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet, has demonstrated a new method that can distinguish between two different, but closely related, strains of the herpes virus, offering evidence to suggest the virus plays a role in multiple sclerosis.

New research has found the ketogenic diet can protect from influenza infection in mice. Whilst experts are calling the study intriguing, many are also cautioning these animal results are not transferable to humans.

In a milestone for humanity, the World Health Organization has officially announced the global eradication of wild poliovirus type 3. One strain of the virus remains, with small numbers of cases continuing to be reported in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

In lab tests, researchers have identified a cellular “switch” that could be turned off to clear out HIV lying dormant inside cells.

A novel herpes vaccine has achieved a nearly 100-percent success rate in animal testing, with researchers hoping to soon move into human safety and efficacy trials.

A new study shows that disabling a single protein in human cells could render the cold virus ineffective.

Scientists have developed a smartphone-based system that detects even small concentrations of norovirus instantly, on the spot.

​Acyclovir is one of the most commonly-used herpes-treatment drugs. It can also damage the kidneys, however, so the less of it that's used, the better. According to a new study, combining the drug with activated carbon helps make it more effective, so a smaller amount of it is required.