A scientific question fascinates experts : under which conditions can bird flu virus be transmitted to humans by aerial particles, and what will be the consequences for those who aren’t immune?
Academic rigor, journalistic flair
Articles on Viruses
Displaying 1 - 20 of 153 articles
Many people think green snot means you are really sick, or that you need antibiotics. Not true. Green snot is actually a sign that our immune system is working and that we are getting better.
Feral rabbits previously exposed to myxoma virus are more likely to be killed by rabbit haemorrhagic diease, meaning that these two biocontrol agents can become even more powerful when used in tandem.
Recent discoveries of ancient viruses are helping scientists understand their origins.
If the past is anything to go by, the DRC will effectively deal with the current Ebola outbreak. But that doesn't mean we should be complacent.
Hepatitis A is a virus that infects the liver. Symptoms usually take 15-50 days to develop after initial infection and typically last for several weeks or sometimes longer.
The flu vaccine isn't perfect but it's the best way to protect against these potentially harmful viruses. Most children aged six months to five years are eligible for a free vaccine in 2018.
A core idea in molecular biology is that one gene codes for one protein. Now biologists have found an example of a gene that yields two forms of a protein – enabling it to evolve new functionality.
Pakistan had only eight new diagnoses of polio in 2017. The virus' days look numbered – but health workers have their work cut out for them to eradicate the devastating disease once and for all.
No one then knew a virus caused the 1918 flu pandemic, much less that animals can be a reservoir for human illnesses. Now virus ecology research and surveillance are key for public health efforts.
Hoverflies are helping spread disease among the already declining bee population.
There's a norovirus outbreak at the Winter Olympics. Here's what that means – and why it's so hard to stop.
Women's rights and poverty cannot be ignored.
Flu virus mutates so quickly that one year's vaccine won't work on the next year's common strains. But rational design – a new way to create vaccines – might pave the way for more lasting solutions.
From face-touching to virus-contaminated electronic devices, a scientist offers some tips on eradicating the flu virus from your home.
Anyone who's had the flu can attest that it makes them feel horrible. But why? What is going on inside the body that brings such pain and malaise? An immunologist explains.
The good news is there's a vaccine to prevent feline parvovirus.
Despite new findings, the deaths can't be blamed on enteric fever alone.
We need balanced media reporting about bat-borne diseases to help avoid vilification of Australia's under-appreciated creatures of the night.
After Australia's tough flu season, some experts predict that the U.S. is in for a few difficult months. What does that mean for you?
Top contributors
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Virologist, University of Glasgow
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PhD Candidate in Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan
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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 Microbiology, University of Sussex
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Peter C. Doherty is a Friend of The Conversation.
Laureate Professor, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
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Cameron Webb is a Friend of The Conversation.
Clinical Lecturer and Principal Hospital Scientist, University of Sydney
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Director, WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
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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, Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Sydney
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Immunology researcher, Monash University
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Adjunct assistant professor, The University of Queensland
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Virologist, The University of Queensland
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Ph.D. Candidate in Chemical & Physical Biology, Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University
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Ph.D. Student in Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University
