In scientists’ quest to understand how gut microbes affect human health, bacteria take center stage. But bacteriophages, the viruses that attack the bacteria, are often overlooked, says microbiologist Luisa De Sordi of the Institut Pasteur in France. “We keep an … Continue reading
Journal Club
Highlighting recently published papers selected by Academy members
Tag Archives: virus
Journal Club: In the mouse gut, a bacteria-killing virus evolves to attack a new strain
Journal Club: Mutation helps Zika virus evolve to more easily infect mosquitoes, spread infection
Scientists discovered the Zika virus over half a century ago. But it wasn’t until recent outbreaks in French Polynesia and South America that the mosquito-borne virus, now associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome in adults and microcephaly in newborn babies, reached epidemic … Continue reading
Journal Club: Phage find clever ways to infiltrate resistant bacteria and shuttle DNA between strains
In the gut, in the soil, and myriad other spots, bacteria reign, forming complex communities—but not in isolation. They’re often influenced by bacteria-killing viruses known as bacteriophages. A recent study in Cell now shows how such viruses can infect bystander, … Continue reading
Journal Club: Zika virus causes eye problems, suggesting implications for diagnostics and transmission
A significant number of Zika patients experience problems with their eyes. Now scientists find that the Zika virus can infect every part of the eye in mice. Moreover, its RNA can be detected in teardrops, and samples from infected eyes … Continue reading