Are Australia’s native pigeons sitting ducks?
Two recently emerging viruses in domestic pigeons in Australia may pose a significant threat to Australia's 22 species of native pigeons and doves, many of which have crucial ecosystem roles.
Academic rigor, journalistic flair
Articles on Viruses
Displaying 1 - 20 of 120 articles
How we change the organisms that infect us
Humans play host to many little passengers. Right now, you’re incubating, shedding or have already been colonised by viral, bacterial, parasitic or fungal microorganisms - perhaps even all of them.
Essays on health: microbes aren’t the enemy, they’re a big part of who we are
For most of the twentieth century, we were at war with microbes, leading to substantial changes in our body's ecosystem. This has changed our diets, disease profile, moods and even personalities.
How flu changes within the human body may hint at future global trends
New genetic technologies are letting us look at flu evolution right where it starts: within individual people, while they're sick.
ATMs dispense more than money: The dirt and dope that’s on your cash
What's on your cash? Studies show our money carries everything from pet DNA and old food to E.coli and traces of cocaine.
Speaking with: Peter Doherty about infectious disease pandemics
Professor Peter Doherty on infectious disease pandemics.
The Conversation, CC BY-ND47.6 MB (download)
William Isdale speaks with the University of Melbourne's Professor Peter Doherty about infectious disease pandemics.
Designing antiviral proteins via computer could help halt the next pandemic
This antivirus software protects health, not computers. Researchers are beginning to combat deadly infections using computer-generated antiviral proteins – a valuable tool to fight a future pandemic.
From botnet to malware: a guide to decoding cybersecurity buzzwords
To protect ourselves online, we should all understand a few key terms.
Infecting mosquitoes with bacteria so they can’t infect us with viruses like Zika and dengue
Several sites in the US are releasing bacteria-infected mosquitoes as a way to fight mosquito-borne viruses that threaten people. What's the science – and how well will it work?
Discovered in WWI, bacterial viruses may be our allies in a post-antibiotic age
When commemorating our troops, doctors and nurses this Anzac Day, consider also tipping your hat to the discovery of bacteriophages. In the post-antibiotic era, our health might just depend on them.
Four reasons why we shouldn’t forget about Zika
The Zika outbreak that started in Brazil in 2015 continues on five continents, causing neurological disease and birth defects.
Are viruses alive? Giant discovery suggests they’re more like zombies
The latest research dismisses the idea that viruses form a fourth type of life.
Explainer: what’s cytomegalovirus and why do pregnant women need to know about it?
We can prevent congenital deafness and intellectual disability due to cytomegalovirus by simple hygiene measures. So, why don't pregnant women know about this?
How hepatitis became a hidden epidemic in Africa
Viral hepatitis sheds light on key challenges faced by health system in Africa and how social and culture factors can help in prevention.
Want to eradicate viruses? They made us who we are
We have an awful lot in common with the viruses that infect us.
There’s a test that shows doctors if antibiotics will work or not – so why isn’t it being used?
Antibiotics are wrongly being prescribed for infections where they won't work and cutting this down could help combat resistance. But change isn't as easy as just providing the means.
First ‘animal cells’ could have been created by viruses
New research shows viruses can effectively turn bacteria into animal-like cells.
Influenza: The search for a universal vaccine
Flu virus mutates so quickly that one year's vaccine won't work on the next year's common strains. But a new way to create vaccines, called 'rational design,' might pave the way for more lasting solutions.
Microbes: Our tiny, crucial allies
Long viewed simply as 'germs,' the hidden half of nature turns out to be crucial to the health of people and plants.
Symptomless Ebola – questions need to be answered before the next outbreak
Can some people's immune systems defeat Ebola virus before it has a chance to cause disease?
Top contributors
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Post-doctoral Research Assistant, University of Glasgow
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Director, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Hospital and Consultant Physician, Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital and Monash University, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
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Senior Lecturer in Medical Microbiology, University of Westminster
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Laureate Professor, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
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Clinical Lecturer and Principal Hospital Scientist, University of Sydney
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Consultant Neonatologist and Professor of Medical Ethics, University of Oxford
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John Curtin Distinguished Professor of Health Science, Curtin University
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Professor; Biotechnology Program Director, The University of Queensland
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Sexual health researcher, University of Melbourne
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Scientia Professor of Evolutionary Ecology; Academic Lead of UNSW's Grand Challenges Program; Director, Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, UNSW
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Prof. Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland
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Senior Research Scientist & Head of Antiviral Sensitivity Analysis, WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza
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Director, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney
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Emeritus Professor, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University
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Research Fellow, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University
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