There is an excellent question in the comments to “Are all virus particles infectious?“: if the particle-to-PFU ratio for a virus stock is 10,000:1, and I infect 1,000,000 cells with 10,000 particles, how many plaques would I expect to observe? Answering this question provides insight into the particle-to-PFU ratio of viruses. If we take 10,000 particles …
This article was written for extra credit by a student in my virology course. by Alexandra Jacunski Recent research has suggested a new method of flu prevention and treatment: the administration of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) to the lungs of mice significantly reduced flu symptoms and prevented mortality after a lethal dose of influenza virus. …
David and Goliath: How one cytokine may take down influenza Read More »
Whether or not the retrovirus XMRV is a human pathogen has been debated since the virus was first described in 2006. The answer is now clear: the results of Blood XMRV Scientific Research Group, along with a partial retraction of the 2009 Science paper describing identification of the retrovirus in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome …
The bacteria in our intestines outnumber by tenfold the 100 trillion cells that comprise the human body. This gut microbiota has many beneficial functions, including the production of vitamins and hormones, fermentation, regulation of gut development, and shaping intestinal immune responses. They also play a role in pathological conditions such as diabetes and obesity, and …
Gut microbes influence defense against influenza Read More »
This article was written for extra credit by a student in my virology course. by Bethany DiPrete Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States, and as of yet, there is no cure. However, there is a vaccine to prevent infection by certain strains. Recent research may encourage not …
Women AND men beware: HPV, the culprit behind more than just cervical cancers? Read More »
I just returned from a 17-day, 3,000 km road trip with my family in Europe. When I travel I’m always on the lookout for virus-related information and I found some at the Deutsches Museum in Munich, Germany. This museum showcases science and technology – it has over 100,000 objects illustrating the historical progression of areas such …
