How do viruses get into cells? Their infection tactics determine whether they can jump species or set off a pandemic

Viruses can get into cells in several ways. Figuring out how to stop them from entering in the first place is a key to developing better vaccines and stopping future pandemics.

Peter Kasson, Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia • conversation
Nov. 21, 2023 ~6 min

Vampire viruses prey on other viruses to replicate themselves − and may hold the key to new antiviral therapies

Researchers discovered a satellite virus latching onto the neck of another virus called MindFlayer. Studying the viral arms race between similar viruses could lead to new ways to fight infections.

Ivan Erill, Professor of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore County • conversation
Nov. 3, 2023 ~7 min


Gain-of-function research is more than just tweaking risky viruses – it's a routine and essential tool in all biology research

From cancer immunotherapy and antibiotics to GMO crops and pandemic surveillance, gain of function is a cornerstone of basic research.

Anice Lowen, Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University • conversation
May 8, 2023 ~11 min

Chickenpox and shingles virus lying dormant in your neurons can reactivate and increase your risk of stroke – new research identified a potential culprit

People with an active case of shingles have up to an 80% higher risk of stroke than those without. The increased risk is highest for patients under 40.

Andrew Bubak, Assistant Research Professor of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus • conversation
Dec. 20, 2022 ~6 min

Viruses may be 'watching' you – some microbes lie in wait until their hosts unknowingly give them the signal to start multiplying and kill them

Phages, or viruses that infect bacteria, can lie dormant within chromosomes until they’re triggered to replicate and burst out of their hosts.

Ivan Erill, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore County • conversation
Sept. 15, 2022 ~8 min

COVID: how the disease moves through the air

Masks definitely catch some of the virus laden aerosols and droplets - and that will reduce transmission between people and the number of cases of COVID-19.

Chris Iddon, Research associate, Built environment, University of Nottingham • conversation
Dec. 17, 2021 ~7 min

Viruses are both the villains and heroes of life as we know it

Viruses have gotten a bad rap for the many illnesses and pandemics they’ve caused. But viruses are also genetic innovators – and possibly the pioneers of using DNA as the genetic blueprint of life.

Ivan Erill, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore County • conversation
Oct. 19, 2021 ~8 min

Why gain-of-function research matters

The research community is taking a closer look at the lab-leak hypothesis for the origin of COVID-19, prompting discussion about the risks and benefits of engineering viruses.

Rebecca Moritz, Biosafety Director and Responsible Official, Colorado State University • conversation
June 21, 2021 ~10 min


How virus detectives trace the origins of an outbreak – and why it's so tricky

Bat hosts, lab leaks – tracing SARS-CoV-2 to its origins involves more than just tracking down patient zero.

Marilyn J. Roossinck, Professor of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, Penn State • conversation
June 7, 2021 ~11 min

Coronavirus variants: are they really more deadly? Here's what scientists know so far

The UK government has claimed the new British variant of the coronavirus may be 30% more deadly.

David Courtney, Postdocotoral Research Fellow in Molecular Virology, Queen's University Belfast • conversation
Jan. 27, 2021 ~7 min

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