LiveScience Topics: Viruses

A virus is defined as any of a various number of submicroscopic parasites that can infect any animal, plant or bacteria and often lead to very serious or even deadly diseases. A virus consists of a core of RNA or DNA, generally surrounded by a protein, lipid or glycoprotein coat, or some combination of the three. No virus can replicate without the help of a host cell, and though they can be spread, viruses lack the ability of self-reproduction and are not always considered to be living organisms in the regular sense. Some of the most common or best known viruses include the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is the virus that causes AIDS, the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores, smallpox, multiple sclerosis, and the human papilloma virus, now believed to be a leading cause of cervical cancer in adult women. The common human cold is also caused by a virus. Since a great deal of mystery still surrounds the origins of most modern viruses, ways to cure these viruses and the diseases they cause are still in the very early stages of development.

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The Gross Science of a Cough and a Sneeze

Scientists study the ways we cough and sneeze to shed light on how viruses like influenza spread.
Scientist Prospects for 'Bio-Gold' at Yellowstone

Researchers have analyzed virus genes from Yellowstone National Park to hunt for codes that could be valuable to bioengineers.
Swine Flu Evolved Unnoticed for Years

H1N1 influenza A virus evolved and hopped to humans several months outbreak was recognized.

More Viruses News and Information

U.S. Now World Leader in Swine Flu Cases

The U.S. has now vaulted past Mexico as the nation most affected by the swine flu virus.
The Science of Sneezing: Modeling Spray Exposure

Math models help understand how viruses travel through sneezing and other pathways.
Let's Hold Hands: Why Viruses Love Humans

The instruction from public health officials to keep away from others to stop the spread of the swine flu is a tough one for us primates.
Will Vaccines Fuel Killer Flu Mutation?

While it is plausible, the short answer is no, it is not happening.
Lessons Found in History of Flu Pandemics

Pandemics, plagues and pestilence have beset humans throughout history.
10 Deadly Diseases That Hopped Across Species

A host of infectious and deadly diseases have hopped from animals to humans, and the other way.
Why There's No Swine Flu Vaccine

Here are some reasons why it's hard to make a magic bullet against the new swine flu, or any flu, in time to make a difference.
This Is Not the Porky Pig Plague

The pork industry bemoans the labeling of the latest health scare as "swine flu."
Swine Flu Is Evolution in Action

Swine flu evolved by stealing genetic code from other viruses.
Flu Special Report: The Basics

The flu virus is most commonly spread in liquid droplets made airborne by coughing or sneezing.
Protective Shell of a Virus Imaged

Scientists image the protective protein shell that surrounds many known viruses.
Common Cold DNA Deciphered, Congestion Continues

Scientists crack genetic code of common cold; discovery could lead to new treatments.
Masks Protect Against Colds, Flu

A new study finds surgical masks are your best protection against a cold or the flu.
Obesity Caught Like Common Cold

Yet another claim that a common and contagious virus is linked to some cases of obesity is in the news.
Special Delivery: Antibiotic Viruses Could Kill Bacteria

Researchers discover powerful molecular-scale motors driving viruses; a major step to to employing beneficial viruses to knock out dangerous diseases. Read Story
How Viruses Work: Natural Motors Revealed

New images reveal how a molecular motor works inside of a virus.
Bug Love: Mosquitoes Sing Duet in Harmony

Some mosquitoes attract mates with sophisticated love songs.
Happiness: Contagious as the Flu

In a good mood? Your neighbor, her friends and even her friends' friends should thank you.
Brain's Hub of Fear Found

Important brain protein could be key to formation of fearful memories.
Autism and Vaccines: Why Bad Logic Trumps Science

The link between childhood autism and vaccines has, once again, been refuted.
Microscopic Battery Made with Live Viruses

Tiny futuristic batteries will be half the size of a human cell and built with viruses.

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LiveScience Topics: Viruses

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