Category Archives: Evolution

Fever!

Posted on September 11, 2012 by David Esteban

Most viral infections start out with the same general symptoms: fever, malaise, aches. Those are usually the sign of your immune system starting to fight back. Fever is one of our defense mechanisms, and while it can be quite uncomfortable … Continue reading →

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Posted in Evolution, Immunology, Pathogenesis | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Giant dsDNA Virus Origins: Megaviridae Evolutionary Analysis

Posted on May 16, 2012 by David Esteban

Contributed by guest blogger: Katy Hwang ’12
The discovery of the double stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus, Mimivirus, and the subsequent discovery of related Megavirus confounded the size limits of viral particles and the complexity of viral genomes. They are larger or … Continue reading →

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Posted in Evolution | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

H5N1 Ferret Transmission Experiment Published

Posted on May 3, 2012 by David Esteban

At last, one of the papers investigating H5N1 influenza transmission in ferrets has been published in the journal Nature yesterday.  To recap the controversy briefly:  news of experimental studies investigating transmissibility of avian H5N1 influenza hit the news this fall, … Continue reading →

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Posted in Epidemics, Evolution, Molecular Virology, Pathogenesis | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Evolving Avian Flu for Enhanced Transmission

Posted on December 1, 2011 by David Esteban

Avian influenza (H5N1) infections have about 60% mortality rate. Only around 600 people are known to have been infected, so it is still a very rare but certainly deadly disease. Those infected are individuals who have direct contact … Continue reading →

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Taking control of the host to spread virus laden goo

Posted on October 21, 2011 by David Esteban

Viruses are experts at hijacking cells to replicate, manipulating the conditions in the cell to optimize viral processes. But they manipulate their hosts on a higher level too, sometimes manipulating host behaviour to increase the chances of transmission. … Continue reading →

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Posted in Evolution, Molecular Virology | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Variola virus evolution

Posted on August 11, 2011 by David Esteban

Why do some people get severely ill with an infection while others catch the same virus but don’t get sick? There are many factors that can influence the progression and outcome of disease, but they can be lumped into … Continue reading →

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Swine Flu: New and Improved!

Posted on May 2, 2011 by David Esteban

Contributed by guest blogger: Marni Hershbain ’11
Flu season is never enjoyable, but some seasons are certainly worse than others. The 2009 swine flu outbreak was particularly serious because the 2009 H1N1 strain was a novel virus, formed via … Continue reading →

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Posted in Epidemics, Evolution, Guest Blogger, Vaccines | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

The strangest family reunions

Posted on April 8, 2011 by David Esteban

Contributed by guest blogger: Amelia McKitterick ’11
Next time you are sick from a viral infection, you should ask yourself if you’re just hosting a visit from distant relatives. Although “relative” might not seem like the most appropriate term for a … Continue reading →

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Virus and Parasite Unite

Posted on March 4, 2011 by David Esteban

Contributed by Guest Blogger: Joseph Zaino ‘11

Recent research has found a unique relationship between the intracellular parasite, Leishmania, and it’s corresponding Leishmania RNA virus-1 (LRV1). Ives et. al. concluded that Leishmania parasites, in the presences of LRV1, suppressed the host … Continue reading →

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Posted in Epidemics, Evolution, Immunology | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Smelly Cucumbers Anyone?

Posted on January 19, 2011 by David Esteban

Somewhat to my surprise, I have recently found myself very interested in plant viruses. This started a few years ago when I ate a most delicious variety of hot pepper that apparently is infected with a virus that gives … Continue reading →

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Posted in Evolution, Uncategorized | 2 Comments