All articles by Basil Fok – Page 2
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NewsA surprising link between Crohn’s disease and the Epstein-Barr virus
A longitudinal study has revealed strong and surprising evidence showing that exposure to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can lead to a higher risk of Crohn’s disease. Researchers are now trying to find out the mechanistic actions in their associations.
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NewsResearcher measures microplastics’ massive changes in microbes
A new ecological research is underway to investigate the impact of microplastics on aquatic microbial communities in the Virginia Tech Duck Pond.
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NewsCambridge initiative to address risks of future engineered pandemics
Management strategies are initiated by University of Cambridge to address the challenges and preventive measures required in response to a potential engineered pandemic threat in the future.
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NewsScientists track pneumonia-causing bacteria as they infect the blood stream
A new study has shown various dissemination patterns can be adopted by Klebsiella pneumoniae that causes systemic infection, i.e. bacteremia.
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NewsNew test identifies prior infection by zika virus and all four dengue virus serotypes
An alternative approach is developed to detect and distinguish between antibodies induced by the dengue and zika virus in blood samples. The strategy can be used to orient public health policy and evaluate the efficacy of dengue vaccines.
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NewsA new test will make it possible to detect the parasite responsible for trichomoniasis more quickly and inexpensively
A sensitive, cheap and rapid test is developed to detect the parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis, which causes one of the world’s most common sexually transmitted infections, using an innovative approach that targets highly specific molecules with short nucleic acid sequences.
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NewsWorld first clinical trial will study specialized ‘poop pills’ to improve treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer
A world-pioneering fecal microbiota transplantation pill will undergo a clinical trial, aiming to improve immune responses by remodifying the gut microbiome in patients with advance pancreatic cancer.
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NewsA blueprint for making cereal crops more resistant to fungal disease
Researchers have uncovered the structural interactions between a type of barley immune receptor that helps the crop to fight against devastating fungal disease, powdery mildew and other plant pathogens.
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NewsGastric bacteria ‘leaking across stomach lining’ could indicate risk of gastric cancer
A new discovery in the roles of gastric microbiota bacteria and Helicobacter pylori across the stomach lining during pre-cancerous stage of gastric cancer development could be the missing link for engineering future therapeutic intervention.
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NewsNew 3D imaging approach reveals intricate steps of virus assembly
A new integrated 3D imaging approach combines cryo-light microscopy and cryo-soft X-ray tomography to reveal the intricate ultrastructure of herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) assembly.
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NewsNew insights into how specific gut cells respond to bacterial toxins
Researchers have characterized a specific gut cell type, BEST4/CA7+ cells, with the ability to interact with immune cytokine interferon-γ (IFNγ), and its regulation in cellular electrolyte and water balance, in response to bacterial toxins.
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NewsNew insights into phage–bacteria interactions in the gut microbiome
Researchers studied the interactions between bacteria and phages within the gut microbiome and highlighted the significance of the phage community to shape the microbiome that contributes to host health and diseases.
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NewsDesigning self-destructing bacteria to make effective tuberculosis vaccines
Preclinical studies have demonstrated a more effective tuberculosis (TB) vaccine through engineering bacteria to self-destruct and swiftly stops the infection on cue, which activates a more robust immune response.
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NewsHeat-stressed reefs may benefit from coral-dwelling crabs
A species of branching coral is able to recover from heat stress and wounds due to its mutualistic relationship with crabs in the Great Barrier Reef Corals, a new study shows. This evolutionary partnership will inspire coral reef restoration strategies in the future.
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NewsBlocking plant immune responses gives colonizing bacteria a competitive advantage
Similar to pathogens, commensal bacteria of plant microbiota were found to possess the mechanism to suppress plant immunity that allows their competitive advantage over non-immunosuppressive bacteria amongst the root-associated bacterial community.
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NewsNew therapy may effectively control HIV in Uganda
Clinical trials showed an effective antiviral drug, known as lenacapavir, against HIV in Uganda, and has also been tested for drug resistance in different subtype strains.
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NewsFeed additives can reduce campylobacter in free-range broilers
Trials have demonstrated that adding biochar to chicken feed can significantly reduce campylobacter in chickens, which could potentially lead to fewer campylobacter-associated foodborne diseases in humans.
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NewsNeonatal HSV infections may lead to long-term cognitive impairment
A study has demonstrated that maternal vaccination against herpes simplex virus (HSV) could ameliorate neurological impairment from infected offspring in mice, providing insights for human clinical trials and other neurodegenerative disorders.
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NewsRapid diagnostic tests improve diagnosis access to indigenous Paraguayan community for Chagas disease
A study has shown that combining rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) with conventional serological tests proves to be a useful strategy for diagnosing Chagas disease in an indigenous community in the Paraguayan Chaco with its higher prevalence of the disease.
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NewsFungal compound could help protect against influenza
A preclinical trial uncovers how beta-glucan, a compound found in all fungal cell wall, can ‘reprogram’ immune cells to prevent lung inflammation from influenza and lower the risk of death by the host immune responses.