Viruses and Bacteria

Phages, viruses that thrive by infecting bacteria, have long been mooted as a potential replacement for antibiotics, but they pose risks due to their own rapid evolution. New research suggests it may be possible to mitigate their risks.

Impressive research has verified a long-held hypothesis called immune amnesia, demonstrating how infection by the measles virus can remove pre-existing immune system protections, leaving a person vulnerable to other infections for several years.

The final results of a Phase 2b human trial into the efficacy of a new tuberculosis (TB) vaccine have been published, indicating safe long-term protection from the devastating disease in around half of the subjects vaccinated.

In order to see how many viruses are present in a patient's biological fluid sample, costly devices such as fluorescence microscopes are typically used – not a good solution for developing nations. That's why scientists have developed an inexpensive smartphone-connected gadget that does the job.

The Pirbright Institute has revealed it destroyed the largest remaining stock of rinderpest virus. The destruction of one of a handful of laboratory samples of the deadly cattle virus was carried out under a program to prevent any future outbreaks of the disease by eliminating it entirely.

A new case study outlines the first use of a genetically modified virus to treat a life-threatening antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection. The successful treatment paves the way for larger clinical trials to establish how effective this experimental process could be in wider patient populations.

​It goes without saying that the greater the number of organs available for transplant, the better for patients in need of them. A newly-developed technique could help, as it uses light to kill viruses and bacteria that might otherwise make donated organs unsuitable for use.

In Nordic countries, where cold winters can keep people indoors, buildings often feature what are known as "displacement ventilation" systems. A Spanish study now suggests that such technology may also help keep patients from acquiring infections while in hospitals.

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.

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 major measles outbreak in Washington state is being blamed on low-vaccination rates. In response, Washington lawmakers are currently debating a measure seeking to remove a current exemption that allows parents to refuse vaccinating their child based on philosophical or personal beliefs.

​Washing the inside of a water bottle can be tricky, causing some people to wonder just how clean it really is. Well, CrazyCap is made to kill microbes by replacing a bottle's existing cap with one that shines UV light into the water. It can even be used to purify water that's collected on the go.