viral infections

MedImmune presents data demonstrating burden of RSV disease

harminka — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:24:47 -0500

MedImmune announced today it will present four abstracts at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2008 National Conference & Exhibition that add to the company's growing body of research into the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a leading cause of viral respiratory infection among preterm infants.

Cancer-killing viruses influence tumor blood-vessel growth

harminka — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 03:50:50 -0500

Viruses genetically designed to kill cancer cells offer a promising strategy for treating incurable brain tumors such as glioblastoma, but the body's natural defenses often eliminate the viruses before they can eliminate the tumor.

Specialized white blood cells coordinate first responders to viral infection

harminka — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 06:17:00 -0500

Just as fire engines arrive quickly at the scene to save people and property, the cells that fight viruses have to reach the site of an infection promptly to mount a protective response.

Herpes virus link to complications in pregnancy

harminka — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 02:37:12 -0600

Researchers at Adelaide's Women's & Children's Hospital and the University of Adelaide, Australia, have made a world-first discovery that links viral infection with high blood pressure during pregnancy and pre-term birth.

Genetic breakthrough supercharges immunity to flu and other viruses

harminka — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 07:52:59 -0600

Researchers at McGill University have discovered a way to boost an organism’s natural anti-virus defences, effectively making its cells immune to influenza and other viruses.

Viruses for healthy pregnancy

harminka — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:09:30 -0600

Sequences of DNA in the human genome that originated from ancient viral infections have some surprising effects on our bodies and are even essential for a healthy pregnancy, according to an article in the February issue of Microbiology Today.

Immunologists find better way to boost the immune system

harminka — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 12:39:54 -0600

Immunologists have discovered how to manipulate the immune system to increase its power and protect the body from successive viral infections.

Gamma interferon could aid fight against fungal infections

harminka — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 10:13:18 -0500

Interferon, the “superhero” cure for viral infections, may be a strong weapon in the battle against fungal infections in immunocompromised patients, according to an article in the November issue of Microbiology Today.

Possible link between obesity, viral infections

harminka — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 13:49:36 -0500

Experts don’t dispute the important role that diet and activity play in maintaining a healthy weight. But can poor eating habits and a less active lifestyle fully explain the prevalence of obesity in the United States today?

Potential interventions to restore disease-fighting capability outlined

harminka — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 09:05:58 -0500

A new study of immune cells battling a chronic viral infection shows that the cells, called T cells, become exhausted by the fight in specific ways, undergoing profound changes that make them progressively less effective over time.

Scientists clarify molecular basis of interferon action

harminka — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 05:34:17 -0500

Scientists at the University of California, Santa Barbara have made a significant discovery relating to viral infections in humans.

Herpes virus hijacks DNA repair process

harminka — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 10:46:33 -0500

Scientists probing the details of viral infection have discovered an intriguing surprise: in mice, herpes viruses hijack their host cells' tools for fixing DNA damage and use those tools to enhance their own reproduction.