Tag

Virus Evolution

All articles tagged with #virus evolution

archaeology1 hour ago•45 min saved

Ancient parchments reveal 3,700-year saga of the sheeppox virus

Ancient DNA extracted from medieval parchments and Bronze Age sheep remains shows the sheeppox virus (SPPV) spanning about 3,700 years, with 21 new ancient genomes recovered from manuscripts and skins. The findings suggest skins from infected animals were used for parchment, linking the virus’s history to sheep domestication and Eurasian livestock movements, while genetic analyses indicate long-term stability of the SPPV lineage (with major divergences dating back 11,500–3,700 years). The research underscores how parchment preserves a record of livestock disease that still poses risks today, reflected in contemporary outbreaks.

via Archaeology News Online Magazine|

#ancient-dna #archaeology #domestication

health7 months ago•4 min saved

Research Reveals Mpox's Curious Evolution and Global Resurgence Risks

Research shows mpox is evolving with new strains that spread more easily and may affect male fertility, raising concerns about potential future global outbreaks.

via Nature|

#clades #global-outbreak #health

health-agriculture2 years ago•6 min saved

"Bird Flu's Impact on Dairy Cattle and Human Risk: What You Need to Know"

Scientists are concerned about the potential risks to humans as bird flu spreads among dairy cattle, with a focus on understanding virus mutations that could make it a threat to mammals. While the virus has shown some signs of evolving to better replicate inside mammals, it has not yet demonstrated efficient airborne transmission between humans. Research on virus transmission in mammals, particularly through experiments on ferrets, offers some clues but also highlights the need for caution in interpreting the results.

via NPR|

#bird-flu #cattle #health-agriculture

health2 years ago•5 min saved

"Understanding and Adapting to the JN.1 COVID Variant"

The emergence of the JN.1 COVID-19 variant, with significant evolutionary changes and global spread, highlights the ongoing threat of the virus and the need for sustained global health efforts. The variant's distinct characteristics, including immune evasion and unique cell entry, raise concerns about disease severity and transmission. While current vaccines and treatments remain effective, continued surveillance and research are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive strategies to reduce COVID transmission and impacts.

via SciTechDaily|

#covid-19 #global-health #health

health2 years ago•5 min saved

"Insights from Immunocompromised Patients Shed Light on Chronic Covid"

New research published in Science Translational Medicine examines the persistence of Covid in immunocompromised patients, revealing varying levels of risk for chronic infection. The study found that patients with severe immunosuppression, such as those with malignancies or bone marrow transplants, faced challenges in clearing the virus, leading to higher rates of viral evolution and impacting treatment efficacy. The findings underscore the need to identify effective treatment strategies for persistently infected patients and address the public health concern of potential viral variants emerging from these cases. Immunocompromised individuals continue to face heightened risks and challenges as the pandemic persists, despite the broader perception that it is largely over.

via STAT|

#chronic-covid #health #immunocompromised-patients

health-science2 years ago•3 min saved

"Emerging COVID Variants Pirola BA.2.86 and JN.1 Pose Increased Risk, Studies Warn"

New studies suggest that highly mutated COVID variants BA.2.86 and JN.1 may cause more severe disease than other Omicron variants, with BA.2.86 showing traits similar to earlier, more deadly strains. Experts are concerned about the potential recombination of COVID with other coronaviruses in animals and the possibility of a more severe form of the virus emerging. Waning immunity from vaccination and prior infection may also contribute to an increase in COVID hospitalizations. The evolving nature of the virus, including its potential to infect the GI tract and the role of animals in viral mutation, warrants further study and vigilance.

via Fortune|

#ba286 #covid-19 #health-science

health2 years ago•4 min saved

The Impact of Human Behavior on COVID-19 Evolution

Human behavioral responses to COVID-19, such as lockdowns and isolation, have influenced the evolution of the virus, making it more transmissible early in infection, according to a study by researchers at Nagoya University. Using AI and mathematical modeling, the study found that SARS-CoV-2 variants showed a 5-fold increase in maximum viral load and a faster peak as the virus evolved from the Wuhan to Delta strains. The research highlights the complex interplay between viral load, transmission dynamics, and human behavior, emphasizing the need to consider human behavior in public health strategies and virus evolution studies.

via Neuroscience News|

#covid-19 #health #human-behavior

science-and-technology2 years ago•3 min saved

Unveiling COVID-19's Evolutionary Secrets: Lockdowns and Mutant Strains

Researchers from Nagoya University have used AI and mathematical modeling to uncover the impact of human behavior, such as lockdowns and isolation measures, on the evolution of COVID-19. Their study reveals that these human responses affect the virus's evolution, making it more transmissible earlier in its lifecycle. The research highlights the intricate relationship between human behavior and disease-causing agents, providing new insights into virus evolution and the need to consider the impact of human behavior on public health strategies.

via SciTechDaily|

#ai #covid-19 #human-behavior

health2 years ago•2 min saved

"California's MPOX Warning: Unveiling the Evolution of the Virus"

California is experiencing an increase in mpox cases, with the state's public health department reporting 17 new cases per week. Research from the University of Edinburgh suggests that the mpox virus is evolving to become more infectious, potentially due to the increase in human-to-human transmission. Health officials emphasize the importance of completing the two-dose mpox vaccine series to protect against severe illness. Since the outbreak in 2022, there have been over 31,000 cases and 55 deaths in the US.

via Queerty|

#california #health #mpox

health2 years ago•3 min saved

The Rise of HV.1: A Dominant COVID Variant in the U.S.

HV.1, the new dominant COVID-19 variant in the United States, is more infectious and better at making people sick, according to a Utah health expert. While it doesn't appear to be more severe than the previous variant, EG.5, it is still causing serious illness, hospitalizations, and deaths. The timing of the variant's spread during the fall/winter season is concerning, as it coincides with increased indoor activities and holidays. Another newer variant, JN.1, has been detected in Iceland and other countries, but its impact is still being monitored. HV.1 now accounts for over a quarter of all COVID-19 cases in the U.S., while Eris, the previous dominant variant, remains close behind.

via Deseret News|

#covid-19-variant #health #hv1

health2 years ago•3 min saved

The Deadly Evolution of Bird Flu: From Europe to Global Outbreaks

Researchers studying the evolution of the bird flu virus have found that the current strain, H5N1, has become increasingly infectious to wild birds. The strain emerged in Europe in 2020 and has spread to numerous countries. The study reveals that the virus mutated through interactions with non-deadly varieties of bird flu, called low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses, circulating among wild birds. The virus's adaptation to wild birds poses challenges for controlling the disease, as spillover into wild birds has created a global challenge that is difficult to manage. Eradication or elimination strategies targeting LPAI viruses could help control avian influenza.

via Nature.com|

#bird-flu #h5n1 #health

technologyhealthcare2 years ago•2 min saved

"AI's Role in Predicting COVID's Future and Anticipating the Next Pandemic"

Scientists have developed an AI system called EVEscape that can predict alterations and mutations in viruses, including COVID-19, as they evolve. The system assigns a score to each variant, indicating its potential to evade immunity from prior infection and vaccination. EVEscape is currently being used to evaluate up-and-coming COVID variants and assist in pandemic planning. The tool has the potential to aid in the development of variant-proof vaccines and therapies. Additionally, it can be used to predict immune escape in other viruses with pandemic potential, such as Lassa and Nipah.

via AOL|

#ai #covid-19 #pandemic

health2 years ago•2 min saved

Merck Covid drug linked to transmissible virus mutations, study finds

A new study published in the scientific journal Nature suggests that Merck's antiviral Covid pill, molnupiravir, can cause mutations in the virus that occasionally spread to other people, potentially accelerating Covid's evolution. The study found that mutations increased in 2022 after the introduction of molnupiravir in many countries. While there is no evidence that the drug has produced more transmissible or severe variants of Covid, the findings raise questions about the usefulness of molnupiravir and highlight the need for further assessment of its risks and benefits. Merck has disputed the study, stating that the mutations analyzed were associated with sporadic cases and lacked documented evidence of transmission.

via CNBC|

#covid-drug #health #merck

health2 years ago•3 min saved

Antiviral Use Fuels Covid Evolution, Scientists Warn

Scientists have raised concerns that the antiviral drug molnupiravir, used to treat Covid-19 patients, may be causing mutations in the virus and fueling the evolution of new variants. While there is no evidence that molnupiravir has produced more dangerous variants, researchers have found evidence that the drug can sometimes lead to mutated versions of the virus that can still be transmissible. The mutations increase the genetic diversity of the virus and provide more options for future evolution. The implications of these mutations are still unclear, but further research is needed to assess the risks and benefits of molnupiravir and similar drugs.

via The Guardian|

#antiviral-drug #covid-19 #health

health3 years ago•3 min saved

Emerging Threat: COVID-19 Virus Rapidly Adapting in White-Tailed Deer

A new study has found that the SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, is infecting white-tailed deer in the United States and evolving rapidly within them. The study conducted in Ohio detected active infections in 10 percent of deer sampled, with at least one positive case found in 59 percent of counties tested. Genetic analysis suggests that at least 30 of the infections were introduced by humans. The researchers warn that white-tailed deer could serve as a reservoir for the virus, potentially spreading it to other wildlife, livestock, and humans. However, the study also suggests that COVID-19 vaccination offers protection against variants from deer. Further research is needed to understand the implications of virus evolution in deer and its potential impact on other animal hosts.

via ScienceAlert|

#covid-19 #health #vaccination