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BA.5 infection results in milder pathology than ancestral SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain infection
Zaigham Abbas Rizvi, Amit Awasthi
Original article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-023-05263-6
Alien crab species as potential carriers of pathogens impacting marine megafauna's health and conservation
Climate change, with special emphasis on global warming, is believed to be a key driver of the accelerated rate of alien species expansion into the Mediterranean Sea basin and, more in general, into all marine and oceanic ecosystems (Zenetos and Galanidi 2020).
Advancing Species Identification in Metagenomic Profiling with MAP2B
MAP2B is a metagenomic profiler that works differently from universal marker or whole genome-based methods for deciphering whole metagenome sequencing, which can significantly remove false identifications and generate highly accurate taxonomic profiling results.
When an outstanding scientist makes a perfect pair with a great human being
This is a "news story" dealing with my esteemed colleague Antonio Fernández, a world-renowned veterinary pathologist and marine mammal scientist from the Veterinary Medical School of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where he serves as a full professor of Veterinary Pathologic Anatomy.
Therapeutic phages that infect mycobacteria require cell-surface trehalose polyphleates
Trehalose polyphleates- very large, surface-exposed molecules- are required for infection of several phages used as therapy against opportunistic pathogen Mycobacterium abscessus.
Discovery of a natural IgA human monoclonal antibody against Mtb protein LpqH and its significance in TB prophylaxis
The discovery of a protective natural IgA human monoclonal antibody against LpqH, a major virulence factor in Mtb pathogenesis, from a naturally exposed asymptomatic donor, opens new avenues in TB vaccine development and prophylaxis.
Cetaceans as Potentially Useful Animal Models for Human Central Nervous System Disorders
Stranded cetaceans provide a unique opportunity for gaining insight into their increasingly threatened health and conservation. Within this framework, cetaceans could also serve as potentially useful animal models for human central nervous system (CNS) diseases (Di Guardo, 2023).
Full-length MSP1 as a malaria vaccine: is there hope?
Successful immunisation studies in monkeys based on MSP1 involved the use of the full-length protein as a malaria vaccine. However, unsuccessful human trials only tested MSP1 subunits. We explore the potential of SumayaVac-1 to broadly stimulate immune mechanisms associated with protection.
Diving into connections between the gut microbiota and host lipids
Correlations hint at connections between host traits and groups of bacteria from the gut microbiota, but the underlying mechanisms are often hard to figure out. We explored the biology of understudied gut bacteria from the genus Turicibacter and identified one way they are linked to host lipids.
Critical considerations of sensitivity and specificity for HIV reservoir measurements
The story behind our mathematical modeling study which took a deep dive into different assays for measuring the latent HIV reservoir, the barrier to cure.
Behind the paper
The real stories behind the latest research papers, from conception to publication, the highs and the lows
BA.5 infection results in milder pathology than ancestral SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain infection
Zaigham Abbas Rizvi, Amit Awasthi
Original article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-023-05263-6
Alien crab species as potential carriers of pathogens impacting marine megafauna's health and conservation
Climate change, with special emphasis on global warming, is believed to be a key driver of the accelerated rate of alien species expansion into the Mediterranean Sea basin and, more in general, into all marine and oceanic ecosystems (Zenetos and Galanidi 2020).
On the Road
Updates from conferences, field work, lab visits, and vacations around the world
When an outstanding scientist makes a perfect pair with a great human being
This is a "news story" dealing with my esteemed colleague Antonio Fernández, a world-renowned veterinary pathologist and marine mammal scientist from the Veterinary Medical School of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where he serves as a full professor of Veterinary Pathologic Anatomy.
Diagnostic Development Closer to Home: The 1st Meet and Greet of the Global Frugal Diagnostic Network
The Global Frugal Diagnostics Network aims to support and stimulate equitable innovation in diagnostic development in and for resource-limited settings. Here, we provide an overview of the Network's first virtual Meet & Greet on 24th May 2023.
Coronaviruses: Past, Present and Future
Research, thoughts, and experience related to the coronavirus family
CoViD-19 and China, the story could repeat itself!
Following the draconian measures already put in place throughout the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, a very relaxed approach has been recently adopted by Chinese health authorities in order to stop the people's angry protests against the "zero Covid" strategy.
