Sunday 27 April 2014

Virology, science, scicomm and life

Virology

 Vincent Racaniello posts an intrigueing question over at Virology blog and debate ensures. What are your thoughts? why do some viruses have a segmented genome? measles versus influenza

 A recent study published in the lancet looked at what viruses might be causing CNS disease in African malaria-endemic regions not big surprise that mumps virus appeared to be a big cause (also lethal) - no mumps vaccination there. But major result of this paper is that in >2/3s patients we have no idea what caused disease. Unknown viruses anyone?

 ": For those interested in innate immunity, read this article: " and virus! This paper looked at what RNA sequences were being recognised in measles virus-infected cells. Showed bias towards A/U-rich regions of the L gene mRNA.

PLoS published a nice short look at RSV pathogenesis and potential for vaccine design highlighting many of the issues with RSV regions but also showed where research could lead to, including new vaccines.

 GAVI outlined their plans to expand impact of vaccines by 2020

More infographics. Measles infographics. I like these but think asymptomatic cases change it  I wouldlike more complicated infographics..

 China and the SARS Epidemic, what was learned in ten years? Applicable to SA and MERS situation  An important history lesson if the Saudi Health Ministry are reading. But then there are also science issues: Why can't we predict evolution of MERS? Poor understanding of virus fitness. What constraints are acting?

'Don’t worry, I’m not contagious' – and other microbiological delusions are discussed in this insightful piece

it's about the little things - new virology blog. I follow the author but can't remember who... Help?  Turns out it was Mike Nicholl. Go read it. It's very good. 

 For some reason I got interested n fruit bats and the Niger river in west Africa... Fruit bat annual migrations in west Africa re seasons  What links west Africa? The Niger River of course.


Other science

 The Independant reported How a genetic disease was cured in an adult for the first time thi was using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. This was also done using adult MICE and high-powered injections.

 scicomm

 The varieties of peer review: by via  . Where do you want to fit in?

 Defectivebrayne did a video summary of the last paper about the designer synthetic yeast chromosome: . This is very good and informative and capturesmany of the points that were discussed at that session. 

life in general

 Finally made it to Glasgow brewdog. Working my way down the list  - and then went again that week. Some great beers on showcase there.
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