All articles tagged with #viruses
About 8% of the human genome comes from ancient retroviruses. A viral gene called syncytin was repurposed to form the placental barrier, and different mammal lineages independently co-opted viral genes to solve the same reproductive problem, showing how ancient infections helped shape our biology.
Researchers trained Evo, a genomic AI, on more than 9 trillion nucleotide sequences to learn DNA design rules, then used it to generate about 285 candidate viral genomes; 16 of these synthesized genomes assembled into viable bacteriophages that can infect and reproduce in E. coli, demonstrating AI’s potential to design new organisms while highlighting serious biosafety and governance concerns about applying such methods to pathogens.
Researchers used AI to design thousands of bacteriophage genomes, synthesized 300 candidates, and identified 16 novel, functional phages capable of infecting E. coli and overcoming bacterial resistance in tests; the work suggests potential AI‑driven phage therapies but raises biosafety and regulatory concerns about rapid, large‑scale pathogen design.
Scientists trained an AI on natural viral DNA patterns and used it to generate entirely new virus genomes. In a study published in Science, 16 AI-designed viruses were viable, sparking optimism about potential medical advances while highlighting dual-use risks and biosecurity concerns.
AI-based biology tools can design proteins, toxins, and even viruses, prompting debate over safeguards: some researchers say current risk is limited and production requires expertise, while others warn AI could empower bad actors. The discussion spans whether to restrict biological AI or to improve detection and screening of DNA orders; experiments show screening can be bypassed but improvements reduce risk. Policy efforts such as DNA-synthesis screening, guard rails, and international guidelines are evolving as scientists push for responsible AI practices, acknowledging the threat is serious but not inevitable.
Lab experiments show ultrasound in the 3–20 MHz range can cause acoustic resonance to rupture the envelopes of enveloped viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A (H1N1), rendering them non-infectious in cell models while leaving host cells unharmed. It's a promising, non-invasive approach, but still early—not a treatment yet—with ongoing work to refine frequencies and test other viruses.
Researchers at RMIT developed a lightweight, flexible acrylic film with thousands of nanoscale pillars that mechanically rupture viral envelopes on contact, inspired by insect wing textures. Lab tests with human parainfluenza virus type 3 showed up to 94% of virus particles were destroyed within an hour. Pillar spacing (around 60 nanometers) mattered more than pillar height, and the scalable molding process could enable antiviral coatings for phones, hospital equipment, and public transit—providing a chemical-free alternative to disinfectants, though real-world durability remains to be tested.
A scientific review finds microplastics in agricultural soils form plastisphere microhabitats that host dense microbial networks and virus-mediated gene exchange, potentially altering soil fertility and nutrient cycling. While researchers explore virus-assisted plastic degradation, long-term field data and biosafety considerations remain uncertain, underscoring the need for multidisciplinary study to understand and manage these tiny but influential ecosystems.
A near-1,000-foot-deep underwater sinkhole in the South China Sea, called Dragon Hole, hosts oxygen-free layers and distinct microbial ecosystems. Researchers grew 294 bacterial strains (over 22% new) and identified about 1,730 viral types—mostly phages—with many undiscovered viruses in the deeper anoxic zones, suggesting a sealed, extreme-environment microbial world.
Cold weather doesn’t cause colds or flu; viruses do. Winter conditions raise infection risk by aiding viral survival in cold, dry air and by promoting indoor crowding, while cold exposure can weaken nasal defenses. Prevention focuses on better ventilation and humidity, plus supporting immune health (e.g., vitamin D). Public health messages should emphasize transmission routes rather than cold exposure alone.
An expert highlights key viruses to watch in 2026, including influenza A with pandemic potential, mpox spreading globally, insect-borne Oropouche virus, and ongoing risks from chikungunya, measles, and HIV, emphasizing the importance of vigilance, vaccines, and treatments.
Scientists have used AI to design viruses from scratch and to modify toxins to bypass safety checks, raising concerns about the potential for AI-assisted bioweapons. While these advances can aid in medical treatments like phage therapy, they also pose dual-use risks, prompting efforts to strengthen screening protocols, regulatory policies, and international standards to prevent misuse. Despite technological progress, significant challenges remain before AI-designed pathogens could become a real threat, emphasizing the need for robust biosecurity measures.
An infectious-disease expert highlights key viral threats to watch in 2026, including bird flu, mpox, and Oropouche virus, emphasizing the importance of vigilance, vaccine development, and understanding emerging viruses amid global changes and travel.
A meta-analysis of 155 studies links common viruses like influenza, COVID-19, hepatitis C, and shingles to a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke, both in the short and long term, highlighting the importance of vaccination and preventive measures.
Some viruses, including Ebola, can hide in immune-privileged areas of the human body like the eyes and testes, remaining dormant and potentially reactivating or transmitting later, which complicates eradication efforts and highlights the need for targeted treatments.