Study on evolution of flu viruses may change textbooks, history books
A new study reconstructing the evolutionary tree of flu viruses challenges conventional wisdom and solves some of the mysteries surrounding flu outbreaks of historical significance.
Researchers use microRNA to trap mutant viruses in the lab
X-rays show how flu antibody binds to viruses
An important study conducted in part at the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory may lead to new, more effective vaccines and medicines by revealing detailed information about how a ...
Researchers find putting birds of different life-spans together can promote emergence of dangerous influenza strains
Distinct avian influenza viruses found in Antarctic penguins
An international team of researchers has, for the first time, identified an avian influenza virus in a group of Adélie penguins from Antarctica. The virus, found to be unlike any other circulating avian ...
Deadly H5N1 bird flu needs just five mutations to spread easily in people
It's a flu virus so deadly that scientists once halted research on the disease because governments feared it might be used by terrorists to stage a biological attack.
Researchers discover molecules that show promise for new anti-flu medicines
A new way to attack flu viruses is taking shape in laboratories at Rutgers University, where scientists have identified chemical agents that block the virus's ability to replicate itself in cell culture.
Chemists find binding site of protein that allows plant growth
Using a new and super-sensitive instrument, researchers have discovered where a protein binds to plant cell walls, a process that loosens the cell walls and makes it possible for plants to grow.
Duck genome provides new insight into fighting bird flu
The duck genome consortium, consisted of scientists from China Agricultural University, BGI, University of Edinburgh and other institutes has completed the genome sequencing and analysis of the duck (Anas pl ...
Diseases can rapidly evolve to become more—or less—virulent, according to songbird study
A novel disease in songbirds has rapidly evolved to become more harmful to its host on at least two separate occasions in just two decades, according to a new study. The research provides a real-life model to help understand ...
Sea otters can get the flu, too
Northern sea otters living off the coast of Washington state were infected with the same H1N1 flu virus that caused the world-wide pandemic in 2009, according to a new U.S. Geological Survey and Centers for ...
Japanese superfood prevents flu infection
Scientists have discovered that bacteria found in a traditional Japanese pickle can prevent flu. Could this be the next superfood?
A new approach to early diagnosis of influenza
A new technology is showing promise as the basis for a much-needed home test to diagnose influenza quickly, before the window for taking antiviral drugs slams shut and sick people spread the virus to others, scientists reported ...
Discovery offers hope against deadly cat virus
What makes a harmless virus turn lethal? For the deadliest infectious disease in cats, Cornell scientists now know.