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virology

·October 2, 2017·5 min read

Preventing Autoimmune Disease After Viral Infections

A study in Nature Immunology reports on the mechanism that helps to prevent autoimmune diseases from developing following infection. Researchers report a population of immune cells develop during late stages of the immune response to influenza infection.

Autism Featured Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·September 22, 2017·6 min read

Infection in Pregnant Pigs Leads to Antisocial Piglets

Recent studies have reported on a link between maternal infection and subsequent higher risk of autism in offspring. A new study from ACES reports similar findings in pigs. Mother pigs who develop infection during pregnancy have a higher risk of their piglets developing antisocial problems.

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·September 15, 2017·4 min read

Humans No Longer Have Ancient Defense Mechanism Against Viruses

The course of evolution has caused vertebrates to lose an important defense mechanism against viral infections, researchers report.

Brain Cancer Featured Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·September 5, 2017·4 min read

Zika Virus Could Be Used to Treat Brain Cancer Patients

A new study in the Journal of Experimental Medicine report Zika virus could be used to target and treat glioblastoma brain cancer. Researchers found a mouse adapted strain of Zika slowed tumor growth and extended life span in mice with glioblastoma.

Featured Genetics Neurology

·September 1, 2017·3 min read

Virus Hijacks Cell’s Transportation System

According to a PNAS study, the RNAs of tick borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) are transported from the cell body to dendrites. The viral RNAs then reproduce the viruses within the dendrites, disturbing neural activity.

Image shows a small child with chickenpox.

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·August 13, 2017·5 min read

Chickenpox Virus Fatal in Newly Discovered Immunodeficiency

Researchers at Aarhus University have identified a mutation in an immune system sensor that can result in chicken pox infection becoming fatal. According to the study, immune cells in those with extreme reaction to VZV neither detected the virus nor activated the immune system. The findings shed light on why some people are more susceptible to infections than others.

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·August 3, 2017·3 min read

Tracking ZIKA Transmission in Mice

A new study investigates how the ZIKA virus can be sexually transmitted between male and female mice, and how the virus can pass vertically from mother to fetus.

Image shows an electron micrograph of HHV-6 also includes a labeled insert of the mature virus particle.

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·July 10, 2017·5 min read

Hidden Herpes Virus May Play Role in Multiple Sclerosis and Other Brain Disorders

A new study in Scientific Reports concludes human herpesvirus 6 may impair the brain's ability to repair itself in demylination diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. HHV-6 is the most common human herpes virus, with an estimated 80% of people being exposed to infection during childhood. Researchers found the virus produces a protein that can impair the ability of brain cells to repair damaged myelin.

$Image shows a brain over an image of a virus.$

Featured Neurology

·June 19, 2017·4 min read

Mathematical Modeling Uncovers Mysteries of HIV Infection in the Brain

A new math model has helped researchers to uncover the progression of HIV infection in the brain.

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·May 31, 2017·4 min read

Seasonal Flu Infection May Increase Parkinson’s Risk

A new study reports mice infected with a flu virus had an increased risk of developing Parkinson's symptoms. Importantly, mice vaccinated against the flu were less sensitive to MPTP and less likely to develop Parkinson's like symptoms.