Vaccines

Human monoclonal antibodies show promise as treatment and prevention for influenza B

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Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) have made a significant breakthrough by isolating human monoclonal antibodies against influenza B. This virus is a notable public health threat, particularly affecting children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. While seasonal flu vaccines provide coverage against both influenza A and B, they do not always … Read more

Study shows breakthrough infections enhance immune response to COVID-19

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New research from scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) suggests people who received COVID-19 vaccines and then experienced “breakthrough” infections are especially well armed against future SARS-CoV-2 infections. By analyzing blood samples from study volunteers, the LJI researchers discovered that people who experienced symptomatic breakthrough infections develop T cells that are better at … Read more

Scientists design drug-like molecules to block early stage influenza infection

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Currently available flu medications only target the virus after it has already established an infection, but what if a drug could prevent infection in the first place? Now, scientists at Scripps Research and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine have designed drug-like molecules to do just that, by thwarting the first stage of influenza infection. … Read more

Microbial Genetics: Genetic Mechanisms in Bacteria and Archaea

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Microbial genetics is a specialized field within genetics that focuses on the study of genetic mechanisms in bacteria and archaea, collectively referred to as microorganisms or microbes. These single-celled organisms play crucial roles in various ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling, biogeochemical processes, symbiotic relationships, and human health. Microbial genetics explores the diversity, evolution, regulation, and … Read more

Immunotherapy: Harnessing the Immune System for Disease Treatment

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Immunotherapy represents a revolutionary approach to disease treatment that harnesses the power of the immune system to combat various ailments, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, and allergies. Unlike traditional treatments such as chemotherapy or surgery, which directly target the disease, immunotherapy works by stimulating or enhancing the body’s immune response to recognize and destroy … Read more

Genetics of Cancer: Causes and Treatments

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Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation. It can affect virtually any part of the body and is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The genetics of cancer play a crucial role in understanding its causes, development, progression, and potential treatments. Genetic Basis of … Read more

History of Life on Earth

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The history of life on Earth spans billions of years, from the formation of our planet to the evolution of diverse life forms. This epic tale of biological evolution is intertwined with geological events, environmental changes, extinction events, and the emergence of complex organisms. The story of life on Earth is a testament to the … Read more

Virology: Study of Viruses and Viral Diseases

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Virology is the scientific study of viruses, their structure, function, evolution, and interactions with host organisms. Viruses are microscopic infectious agents that can infect a wide range of living organisms, from bacteria and archaea to plants, animals, and humans. They are unique entities that straddle the boundary between living and non-living, as they require host … Read more

Biotechnology: Applications in Medicine and Industry

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Biotechnology is a rapidly evolving field that harnesses biological processes and systems to develop innovative solutions for various applications in medicine and industry. It encompasses a diverse range of techniques, including genetic engineering, fermentation, and cell culture, to manipulate biological systems for practical purposes. Biotechnology has revolutionized healthcare, agriculture, environmental science, and industrial manufacturing, offering … Read more

DNA Structure and Function: Blueprint of Life

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DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a molecule that serves as the blueprint of life, carrying the genetic instructions necessary for the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all living organisms. Its structure and function are essential components of molecular biology and genetics, providing insights into the fundamental processes that govern life on Earth. DNA Structure The … Read more

Microbiology: The World of Microscopic Organisms

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Microbiology is the branch of biology that explores the world of microscopic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and algae. These tiny life forms, invisible to the naked eye, play essential roles in ecosystems, human health, agriculture, industry, and environmental processes. Microbiology encompasses diverse areas of study, from microbial diversity and evolution to microbial ecology, … Read more

Researchers develop portable method for detecting expired COVID-19 vaccines

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University at Albany researchers at the RNA Institute have developed a new method to test COVID-19 vaccine integrity that could allow anyone with basic skills in vaccine handling to detect expired vaccines quickly and effectively, without specialized lab equipment. By employing laser-derived signals to assess vaccine stability, the method can be performed on sealed vials … Read more

New COVID vaccine offers broader protection against omicron variants

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Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute and the National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre at UCLH have highlighted the importance of continued surveillance of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and vaccine performance as the virus continues to evolve. Published today as a research letter in The Lancet, their study compared the newer monovalent … Read more

Novel recombinant influenza vaccine showspromise in animal studies

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Recombinant protein vaccines, exemplified by the Novavax vaccine deployed in combating COVID-19, present a plethora of advantages over traditional vaccines. Their precise manufacturability, coupled with enhanced safety and potential efficacy, as well as the prospect of reduced dosage requirements, underscores their pivotal role in modern immunization strategies. Given these attributes, there is burgeoning interest in … Read more

Brazilian dengue vaccine shows promise in phase 3 trial, preventing 80% of cases

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A single-dose dengue vaccine produced by Butantan Institute in São Paulo state (Brazil) prevents development of the disease in 79.6% of those vaccinated, according to an article published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Called Butantan-DV, the vaccine contains attenuated versions of all four dengue virus serotypes. The results of the ongoing Phase 3 … Read more

Difference between non-resistant bacteria and drug resistant bacteria

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Non-resistant bacteria and drug-resistant bacteria represent two distinct categories based on their response to antimicrobial agents. Understanding the differences between these two types of bacteria is crucial for effective infection management, antibiotic development, and public health strategies. Let’s delve into the characteristics, mechanisms, consequences, and challenges associated with non-resistant and drug-resistant bacteria. Non-resistant bacteria, also … Read more

Antimicrobial resistance

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Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a complex and growing global health concern that poses a serious threat to the effective prevention and treatment of bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal infections. It occurs when microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, evolve and develop resistance to the antimicrobial drugs designed to eliminate them. This phenomenon undermines … Read more

How does the immune system identify and fight infections?

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The immune system is a complex and highly sophisticated network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against infections. Its primary function is to identify and eliminate foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, while distinguishing them from the body’s own cells. This intricate defense system consists of … Read more

How do vaccines work to provide immunity?

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Vaccines play a crucial role in preventing and controlling infectious diseases by stimulating the immune system to recognize and respond effectively to specific pathogens. Understanding how vaccines work to provide immunity involves delving into the intricate workings of the immune system and the principles behind vaccination. The immune system is a complex network of cells, … Read more

Cell-mediated immunity

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Cell-mediated immunity, a vital component of the immune system, plays a crucial role in defending the body against intracellular pathogens, abnormal cells, and foreign substances. This type of immunity relies on the actions of specialized cells, primarily T lymphocytes, to recognize and eliminate threats. Understanding the mechanisms of cell-mediated immunity is essential for comprehending how … Read more