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viruses

·October 9, 2024·5 min read

AI Discovers 161,000 New Viruses

A novel study study using AI has uncovered 161,979 new RNA viruses, significantly expanding our understanding of Earth's viral diversity. These discoveries were made by analyzing genetic data using a machine learning model, which identified previously unrecognized viruses hidden in public databases.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·February 15, 2024·5 min read

Ancient Viruses Shaped Our Brains

Ancient viruses played a pivotal role in the development of myelin, crucial for complex vertebrate brains. The discovery of "RetroMyelin," a retrovirus-derived element essential for myelin production across mammals, amphibians, and fish, underscores the impact of viral genes on vertebrate evolution.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·January 25, 2023·6 min read

Could a Viral Illness Increase Chances of Developing Alzheimer’s or Other Neurodegenerative Disease?

Study reveals a significant association between certain viral illnesses, including viral encephalitis and pneumonia-causing flu with an increased risk of developing a neurodegenerative disorder later in life. Researchers say existing vaccines against the viruses may reduce the chances of developing neurodegeneration.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·November 22, 2022·4 min read

Gene-Delivering Viruses Reach the Brain in Step Toward Gene Therapy for Neurological Diseases

Researchers have developed a family of adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) that are able to cross the blood-brain barrier to deliver gene therapies directly to the brain.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·September 27, 2022·4 min read

Enemy Turned Ally: Ancient Viral Genes Protect the Brain Against New Infections

Two mouse genes that were left behind by viral infections millions of years ago have evolved to help defend the brain against new infections.

Featured Neuroscience

·July 21, 2022·4 min read

Study Explores Infection Effect on Fetal Brain Development

Study explores how maternal infection can affect fetal brain development, leading to sensory processing disruptions associated with ASD and schizophrenia.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·October 19, 2021·4 min read

Viral Infections Could Promote Neurodegeneration

Some viral infections could increase intercellular spreading of protein aggregates associated with neurodegenerative disorders, increasing the risk for developing Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Featured Genetics

·July 24, 2020·4 min read

We Are Mutating Coronavirus, but It Is Evolving Back

Study reveals mutations of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, may not be a random process, but instead, humans are mutating it as part of a defense mechanism to degrade the virus. The findings may help in the creation of a vaccine for coronavirus.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 6, 2020·6 min read

Microglia in the olfactory bulb have a nose for protecting the brain from infection

Microglia help limit infection to the olfactory bulb and protects neurons from damage that could occur as a result of viral infection.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·April 22, 2020·4 min read

Scientists track the link between wildlife and COVID-19

Virologist and computational neuroscientists agree, how humans treat and trade animals may have played a significant role in the coronavirus pandemic and other viral infections.