- Viruses ×
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Herpex Simplex Virus 1 and Alzheimer’s Disease
November 13, 2020
In this blog, Professor Ruth Itzhaki discusses her research into the virus that causes cold sores – Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1). Professor Itzhaki has been investigating the possible links between HSV1 and Alzheimer’s disease for many years. Early in her career, many of her findings were widely rejected by the scientific community, leading to challenges in funding and delays to important research.
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The Journal of General Virology Editor's symposium
October 28, 2019
On 26 September 2019, the Journal of General Virology (JGV) hosted a one day symposium at the University of Leeds. As well as supporting the Microbiology Society by carrying out editorial duties, Editors of JGV maintain active research laboratories. The symposium was an opportunity to showcase the breadth of virology research represented by the Journal as well as providing networking opportunities for virologists. Here, Microbiology Society Champion Lee Sherry discusses his experience of the day.
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Virus Hunters at the University of Warwick
September 23, 2019
Recently, a Microbiology Society Education and Outreach Grant was awarded to Saskia Bakker, Manager of the University of Warwick's advanced bioimaging Research Technology Platform (RTP). To help promote their research into the viruses in freshwater, Saskia and her colleagues have designed a number of ways to get the public involved and educate schoolchildren on freshwater viruses.
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DNA Tumour Virus Meeting with the Journal of General Virology
September 12, 2019
With support from the Journal of General Virology (JGV) Joaquín Manzo attended the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) DNA Tumour Virus Meeting. Joaquín was able to attend the event thanks through a young researchers' bursary. Here, he reports on his experience at the event.
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Tackling discrimination as a virus
August 29, 2019
Microbiologists are familiar with the terminology and strategies used to describe the spread of infection and its prevention. However, such approaches can also be used to describe the spread of ideas and concepts, including discrimination.
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The bacteriophage - bacteria’s worst enemy?
July 3, 2019
Viruses are defined as infective agents that can only multiply within the living cells of a host. Their evolutionary origins are slightly unclear, but theories include evolution from plasmids or bacteria. Viruses can infect all forms of life, and 6 years after their discovery by Dmitri Ivanovsky in 1892, bacteriologist Ernest Hanbury Hankin reported that an unknown agent in the Ganges and Yamuna rivers could kill cholera.
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Rabies virus: can we treat the untreatable?
June 25, 2019
Every year, an estimated 59,000 people die from rabies. Usually contracted following a bite from an infected animal, rabies is almost always fatal in people who have not been vaccinated. Once symptoms of appear, there is little-to-no hope for the infected individual, with no treatment options currently available.
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Hot topic lecture: Paralytic disease caused by enteroviruses: the role of non-polio serotypes
May 31, 2019
One of the two Hot Topic Lectures taking place at the Microbiology Society Annual Conference in April this year was held by Dr Javier Martin (National Institute for Biological Standards and Control [NIBSC], UK). In his talk, titled ‘Paralytic disease caused by enteroviruses: the role of non-polio serotypes’ Dr Martin discussed the recent upsurge of acute flaccid myelitis cases reported in various countries in 2018 and their possible association with enterovirus infections.
