Recently I asked readers to identify errors in an animation of influenza virus replication. I am impressed with the number of good responses posted in the comments section. Here is a synopsis of the errors (there is more than one). 1. Influenza virus is released from cells by budding, not ...

In "Influenza virus attachment to cells" we left the intact virion on the cell surface. The next step is that the viral genetic information - for influenza virus, the individual RNA segments - must enter the cell so that it can be reproduced. The mechanism for influenza virus, illustrated below, ...

On a special episode of the podcast "This Week in Virology", Vincent speaks with Dr. Peter Palese, noted influenza expert, about the origin and pandemic potential of the new H1N1 influenza virus. [powerpress url="http://traffic.libsyn.com/twiv/TWiVspecial.mp3"] Click the arrow above to play, or right-click to download TWiV Special or subscribe in  iTunes ...

Here are answers to questions send to virology blog about the new strain of influenza H1N1 that is spreading globally. Q: Regarding this marker (PB1-F2) - is it something that was present as well in the early wave of the 1918 virus, which was also considered mild up until August, ...

I found the following animation on YouTube depicting replication of an H1N1 influenza virus. It's entitled "Antigenic shift - the spread of a new, mutated virus". It is visually appealing but contains at least one error. If you think you know what it is, post it in the comments below.