If you have been reading this blog you know I believe that those who write about viruses must always make sure that they get the science right. I'm always on the lookout for violations. Are there any problems with the plush toys produced by Giant Microbes? I came across the ...

Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and Dickson Despommier On episode 61 of the podcast "This Week in Virology", Vincent and Dick muse about the symbiotic bacterium, Wolbachia, that protects flies from viral infection, the origin of 2009 influenza H1N1 virus, and the lure of original antigenic sin. [powerpress url="http://traffic.libsyn.com/twiv/TWiV061.mp3"] Click the arrow ...

When will the 2009 swine-origin influenza virus become a seasonal strain? While prediction is very hard, especially of the future (at least according to Yogi Berra), examining past pandemics can be informative. The 1968 pandemic began with the emergence of a novel H3N2 influenza virus in Hong Kong in July ...

Today I lectured on viral vaccines in the Immunology course at the Morningside Heights campus of Columbia University. I used poliovirus and influenza virus vaccines to illustrate general principles of immunization. My thanks to the engaged students who asked excellent questions! Here is a video of my lecture. Thanks to ...

The New York Times has published an editorial entitled "The Swine Flu, as of Now" which presents their views of the current influenza pandemic. The piece covers the number of infections, hospitalizations, and deaths; the distribution of vaccines, and lists those most at risk for severe disease. It begins with ...