Virus Archives

Bird flu may be possible from human to human through air

Avian flu viruses which are transmissible between humans could evolve in nature — Research provides insight into feasibility of virus becoming airborne transmissible – It might be possible for human-to-human airborne transmissible avian H5N1 influenza viruses to evolve in nature, new research has found. The findings, from research led by Professor Derek Smith and Dr Colin Russell at the University of Cambridge, were published today, 22 June in the journal Science.

Natural HIV control may rely on T cell

Natural HIV control may rely on sequence of T cell receptor protein — Protein on the surface of killer T cells appears to confer ability to suppress viral replication – The rare ability of some individuals to control HIV infection with their immune system alone appears to depend ? at least partially ? on specific qualities of the immune system’s killer T cells and not on how many of those cells are produced. Even among individuals sharing a protective version of an important immune system molecule ? the ability of HIV-specific killer T cells to control viral replication appears to depend on the particular sequence of the protein that recognizes HIV infected cells.

First stress and then inflammation is the culprit

How stress influences disease: Carnegie Mellon study reveals inflammation as the culprit – Can removing stress from my environment make me healthy & happier? Yes, it is proven by a recent research that shows how stress influences disease and our health.

Cancer is preventable – Obstacles standing in the way of prevention of cancer

More than half of all cancer is preventable — Public health researchers outline obstacles standing in the way of prevention – More than half of all cancer is preventable, and society has the knowledge to act on this information today. Researchers outline obstacles they say stand in the way of making a huge dent in the cancer burden in the United States and around the world.

HPV vaccine reduces subsequent cervical disease in women

Cervical disease sufferers could benefit from HPV vaccine – HPV vaccination does not reduce progression to cervical disease in women, but vaccinated women had less frequent subsequent cervical disease. Women who are diagnosed with pre-cancerous cervical conditions after receiving the HPV vaccine can still benefit from a considerably reduced risk of reoccurring disease.

Genetic variations transform mild influenza to a life threatening disease

Genetics of flu susceptibility — Researchers find gene that can transform mild influenza to a life-threatening disease – Genetic variations in human body make it more susceptible to diseases. A genetic finding explains why influenza becomes a life-threating disease to some people while it has only mild effects in others.

New drug targets aimed at slowing progression of HIV AIDS

New research reveals how protein protects cells from HIV infection — Finding offers potential new drug targets aimed at slowing progression of disease – Researchers reveal a mechanism by which the immune system tries to halt the spread of HIV. Harnessing this mechanism may open up new paths for therapeutic research aimed at slowing the virus’ progression to AIDS.

HPV DNA testing for all women aged 29 years and above

The cervical cancer DNA test that could help cut cervical cancer deaths — HPV DNA Test ‘improves cancer screening’ – Implementation of HPV DNA testing in cervical screening leads to earlier detection of clinically relevant CIN grade 2 or worse, which when adequately treated, improves protection against CIN grade 3 or worse and cervical cancer. Early detection of high-grade cervical legions caused by HPV16 was a major component of this benefit.

Investments for children must be at top of African HIV and AIDS agenda – UNICEF

Investments for children must be at top of African HIV and AIDS agenda – All children, particularly the poorest and most marginalized, should have access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care. Against the background of reduced funding for HIV/AIDS activities, partners and decision makers must sustain their contributions to make this world HIV free.

Many US people do not know they have HIV

Too many Americans don’t know they have HIV. – An estimated 1.2 million people are living with HIV in the United States. Of those, as many as 1 in 5 people (about 240,000) don’t know they have HIV.

HIV infections and AIDS related cases reduced

Nearly 50% of people who are eligible for antiretroviral therapy now have access to lifesaving treatment – New HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths have fallen to the lowest levels since the peak of the epidemic. New HIV infections were reduced by 21% since 1997, and deaths from AIDS-related illnesses decreased by 21% since 2005.

Cervical cancer virus HPV linked to oral cancer rise

Study Shows Dramatic Rise in Incidence of Oral Cancer Type Linked to HPV – A new study of oropharyngeal cancer suggests that dramatic increases in U.S. incidence of the cancer and survival since 1984 can be attributed to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).