Mpox has the potential to become a significant global health threat if taken too lightly, according to scientists at the University of Surrey. In a letter published in Nature Medicine, researchers highlight how mpox – traditionally spread from animals to humans – is now showing clear signs of sustained human-to-human transmission. Mpox is a viral … Read more
A new artificial intelligence tool could aid in limiting or even prevent pandemics by identifying animal species that may harbor and spread viruses capable of infecting humans. Created by Washington State University researchers, the machine learning model analyzes host characteristics and virus genetics to identify potential animal reservoirs and geographic areas where new outbreaks are … Read more
Announcing a new article publication for Zoonoses journal. Vaccinia virus (VACV) confers cross-protective immunity against the variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox, and has therefore been extensively exploited as a preventive vaccine. Despite the global eradication of smallpox in the 1980s, research efforts involving VACV have continued due to the potential threat of the … Read more
With over 600 known human viruses and new ones emerging, experts highlight how climate change, globalization, and zoonotic spillover are accelerating viral threats—are we ready for the next pandemic? Invited Review: Human viruses: An ever-increasing list. Image Credit: Lightspring / Shutterstock In a recent review published in the journal Virology, researchers examined the increasing diversity of human … Read more