by Gertrud U. Rey Across Asia and beyond, rice crops are frequently attacked by planthoppers and leafhoppers – insects that damage plants during feeding and transmit viruses that can wipe out entire harvests. The chemical insecticides typically used by rice farmers can pose environmental and health risks, and they often ...

by Gertrud U. Rey Recent news reports have confirmed two cases of Nipah virus infection in West Bengal, India. In response, authorities have quarantined nearly 200 individuals and expanded surveillance efforts both in neighboring countries and among travelers arriving from India. These developments raise an important question: What is Nipah ...

by Gertrud U. Rey On December 16, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adopted new recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) that end universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth. Under this policy, parents may defer vaccination if the mother tests negative for hepatitis B ...

by Gertrud U. Rey Characteristic butterfly rash associated with lupus flares. Photo credit: Vecteezy. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common human herpesvirus that typically spreads through saliva and is known for causing infectious mononucleosis (i.e., “mono”). There is an established causal link between infection with EBV and the development of ...

by Gertrud U. Rey Last month’s post provided an overview of various traditional vaccine technologies. The current post highlights more recent advances in the field. Genetic vaccines introduce nucleic acids (DNA and/or RNA) into a recipient’s cells. Once inside the cells, these genetic instructions are used by the cell’s machinery ...