Gold-based tool could help virologists stop replication of viruses
A Rutgers-led team has developed a tool to monitor influenza A virus mutations in real time, which could help virologists learn how to stop viruses from replicating.
The gold nanoparticle-based probe measures viral RNA in live influenza A cells, according to a study in The Journal of Physical Chemistry C. It is the first time in virology that experts have used imaging tools with gold nanoparticles to monitor mutations in influenza, with unparalleled sensitivity.
“Our probe will provide important insight on the cellular features that lead a cell to produce abnormally high numbers of viral offspring and on possible conditions that favor stopping viral replication,” said senior author Laura Fabris, an associate professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the School of Engineering at Rutgers University–New Brunswick.
Viral infections are a leading cause of illness and deaths. The new coronavirus, for example, has led to more than 24,000 confirmed cases globally, including more than 3,200 severe ones and nearly 500 deaths as of Feb. 5, according to a World Health Organization report.
Influenza A, a highly contagious virus that arises every year, is concerning due to the unpredictable effectiveness of its vaccine. Influenza A mutates rapidly, growing resistant to drugs and vaccines as it replicates.
The new study highlights a promising new tool for virologists to study the behavior of influenza A, as well as any other RNA viruses, in host cells and to identify the external conditions or cell properties affecting them. Until now, studying mutations in cells has required destroying them to extract their contents. The new tool enables analysis without killing cells, allowing researchers to get snapshots of viral replication as it occurs. Next steps include studying multiple segments of viral RNA and monitoring the influenza A virus in animals.
The lead author is Kholud Dardir, who earned a doctorate at Rutgers. Rutgers co-authors include senior postdoctoral associate Hao Wang and Maria Atzampou, a doctoral student. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign contributed to the study.
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Flu monitoring in real-time
- Bird flu keeps rewriting the textbooks. It’s why scientists are unsettled by the U.S. dairy cattle outbreak
The spread of bird flu in mammals with which humans have close contact has unsettled many scientists. “That’s a different ball game altogether,” one said.
- FDA chief says feds are preparing for low probability of bird flu moving to humans
The commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said at a congressional hearing Wednesday the agency is preparing for the possibility the strain of avian influenza affecting dairy cattle ...
- FDA Clears Masimo's 'Stork' Baby Monitor for Blood Oxygen, Pulse Rate Monitoring
Stork gives parents data about skin temperature, oxygen saturation level and more. But doctors have questioned the benefit of using systems like it.
- Just one human is infected by bird flu in the US. More cases are likely.
While the current risk to the general public from bird flu is low, experts view it as the biggest test for pandemic readiness systems since Covid-19.
- New bird flu variant in American cows unlikely to impact Britain, says chief vet
SCHEDULE FOR 5PMThe new hybrid variant of bird flu spreading in American cows is no more dangerous to human health and the public should be “reassured” it is unlikely to impact Britain, the chief vet ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Flu monitoring in real-time
[google_news title=”” keyword=”flu monitoring in real-time” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Viral infections
- The viral hair growth trends which actually work, and which to avoid
With social media sites such as TikTok seeing several hair growth trends go viral, it’s easy to get sucked into the hype. Next thing you know, your beauty cupboard is stacked with half-used products ...
- ‘That happens too often at salons’: Customer says nail salon gave her a toenail infection, tried to pass it off as a ‘bruise’
A nail salon customer posted a viral video warning viewers about the toe infection she got while getting her nails done. She said the salon tried to pass it off as a bruise. Tasia Alexis (@tasiaalexis ...
- Telangana: After spike in heat-related ailments, doctors now warn of viral infections post-rains
HYDERABAD: Prolonged heatwave conditions and exceptionally hot weather, especially over the last two weeks, have taken a toll on public health. In addition, sudden rains and a subsequent drop in ...
- Inflammation may be behind infection-dementia link: study
Even after researchers accounted for pre existing diseases, mental disorders and socioeconomic deprivation, the link between viral, bacterial, parasitic and other infections persisted with regard to ...
- Heatwave alters Calcutta's traffic patterns, reduces mosquitoes, and lowers viral infections
Chandramouli Bhattacharya, an infectious diseases specialist, said that some viruses may not do well in this heat but it does not hold for all viruses. He said one of the primary reasons for a dip in ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Viral infections
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Viral infections” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]