virus

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have developed an immunization strategy to combat the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), very similar to the one that causes AIDS in humans. For the research, published in the journal Nature Methods, doctors, virologists, veterinarians and experts in gene therapy have worked with transgenic cats with protective proteins.

European researchers have detected viruses in about 40% of the more than 1,400 bathing water samples collected in coastal and inland areas of nine countries, including Spain. Concentrations are low, but scientists recommend monitoring these microorganisms in recreational waters, especially at times when their populations are skyrocketing, such as after heavy rains.

After ten years of research, scientists from the Institute of Vaccines and Gene Therapy at the University of Oregon (USA) have created an experimental vaccine that has helped Rhesus macaque monkeys with a form of the AIDS virus - the Simian Immodeficiency Virus or VIS- to control the infection for more than a year.

Scientists in the UK have just created the world's most powerful light microscope. While traditional light microscopes allow objects down to one micrometer to be seen clearly, the new instrument lowers the limit to 50 nanometers (0.00000005 m).

At the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, they have just created the first effective therapeutic vaccine against AIDS that, although it does not cure the disease, could prevent the antiretroviral treatments to which those infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are subjected to last lifetime.

Influenza A could hold the key to creating a definitive universal vaccine, suggests a study by the University of Chicago and Emory University School of Medicine published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine.

According to a 2009 study, the roots of the virus that causes AIDS could be found in a tiger that lived thousands or millions of years ago. It is likely that one of these animals bit a monkey and transferred the virus to the apes, although there could have been another route of transmission.

Have you ever wondered why the winter season is chosen by the flu virus to attack our respiratory system? According to a new study by virologist Peter Palese, low temperatures and a drop in humidity make this virus stronger.