(Image credit: Yuichiro Chino via Getty Images)
Viruses are microscopic infectious agents that are commonly known for their role in causing disease. They contain either RNA or DNA as their genetic material and need to infect host cells in order to survive and replicate. Some of the most famous viruses that infect humans include influenza (or the flu), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), SARS-CoV-2 and Ebola. However, viruses are not the only infectious agents; bacteria, fungi and parasites can also all trigger diseases. Furthermore, there are a plethora of conditions that are not spread from one person to the next, known as "non-communicable diseases." These include cancer, diabetes, heart disease and neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's. Learn more about the latest research concerning viruses, infections and diseases in our articles below.
Discover more about virus, infections and disease
-
-
CancerStudy reveals new clues to why colorectal cancer in young people is so deadly -
Viruses, Infections & DiseaseHepatitis B could surge, infecting millions more in childhood, under proposed CDC guidance -
AnalysisColorectal cancer cases in kids have risen sixfold over past 2 decades — researchers are racing to understand why -
Alzheimers & DementiaA gene variant triples the risk of getting Alzheimer's disease — fat buildup in brain cells may be to blame, study finds -
PollFlu season is kicking off early — are you getting a vaccine?4 Comments -
Flu'October is the ideal time to get vaccinated': Flu season is kicking off early, experts say
-
-
-
Alzheimers & DementiaA gene variant triples the risk of getting Alzheimer's disease — fat buildup in brain cells may be to blame, study finds
-
AnalysisDoes estrogen protect against dementia? And if so, who should take it? -
AnalysisCould we prevent dementia? A new trial may point the way. -
ExplainerAlzheimer's blood tests are transforming how patients get diagnosed — here's what to know -
Alzheimers & DementiaA gene carried by 99% of humanity raises Alzheimer's risk dramatically. Could gene therapy correct it? -
Alzheimers & DementiaSingle protein could dramatically alter trajectory of Alzheimer's disease -
Alzheimers & DementiaOnly certain types of brain-training exercises reduce dementia risk, large trial reveals -
OpinionVaccines hold tantalizing promise in the fight against dementia -
Alzheimers & DementiaThere's a new blood test for Alzheimer's — here's how it works8 Comments
-
-
-
Bacterial & Fungal InfectionsWhat is a hantavirus? Symptoms, treatments, prevention and how it spreads -
Bacterial & Fungal InfectionsTeenager contracts rare 'welder's anthrax,' marking the ninth known case ever reported3 Comments -
Bacterial & Fungal InfectionsViruses that evolved on the space station and were sent back to Earth were more effective at killing bacteria -
Bacterial & Fungal InfectionsThis is SPARDA: A self-destruct, self-defense system in bacteria that could be a new biotech tool -
Bacterial & Fungal InfectionsCassius the giant crocodile died from sepsis after 40-year-old dormant infection burst from 'abscess,' necropsy reveals -
Bacterial & Fungal InfectionsScientists invent way to use E. coli to create and dye rainbow-colored fabric in the lab -
Bacterial & Fungal InfectionsA toddler accidently ate gonorrhea bacteria from a lab dish -
Bacterial & Fungal InfectionsMysterious chunks of DNA called 'inocles' could be hiding in your mouth -
Bacterial & Fungal InfectionsStriking images capture an antibiotic slaying bacteria in real time
-
-
-
CancerStudy reveals new clues to why colorectal cancer in young people is so deadly
-
AnalysisColorectal cancer cases in kids have risen sixfold over past 2 decades — researchers are racing to understand why
-
Cancer1 in 8 cancer cases are caused by infections, underscoring the importance of vaccines, experts say -
CancerScientists identify rare genetic mutation that dramatically raises risk of lung cancer in nonsmokers -
CancerAI trained to 'think' like human pathologists may be better at spotting cancer -
AnalysisAs cervical cancer rates fall, HPV is causing more throat and mouth cancers in men — why? -
CancerRise in cancer in younger adults may be explained by faster 'biological aging,' early study hints2 Comments -
ANALYSISScientists were excited about a blood test for many cancers — but it failed a big trial. Here's what to know. -
CancerCommon asthma drug helps fight hard-to-treat cancers, including aggressive breast cancers, early study finds
-
-
-
CoronavirusA pill can stop people from developing COVID after being exposed to the virus, trial finds -
CoronavirusHave you gotten this year's COVID vaccine?7 Comments -
OpinionCOVID-19 vaccines for kids are mired in uncertainty amid conflicting federal guidance -
Coronavirus1 in 22 COVID survivors develop debilitating chronic syndrome -
CoronavirusOlder adults should get 2 doses of the updated COVID shot, CDC says -
CoronavirusNewfound autoimmune syndrome tied to COVID-19 can trigger deadly lung scarring -
CoronavirusCOVID pandemic knocked 1.6 years off global life expectancy, study finds -
CoronavirusVaccines slash risk of long COVID, studies show -
CoronavirusRare clotting effect of early COVID shots finally explained — what could that mean for future vaccines?
-
-
-
PollFlu season is kicking off early — are you getting a vaccine?4 Comments
-
Flu'October is the ideal time to get vaccinated': Flu season is kicking off early, experts say
-
FluWhy is flu season so bad this year? -
FluFlu: Facts about seasonal influenza and bird flu -
FluBrain damage reported in 13% of kids who have died of flu this season, CDC finds -
FluThis year's flu shot was up to 78% effective at preventing hospitalization in kids, early data finds -
FluThe US is having its most active flu season in 15 years -
Flu2nd form of bird flu detected in US cows -
FluUS reports 1st outbreak of 'highly pathogenic' H5N9 virus in poultry. Should we worry?3 Comments
-
-
-
HIVFlu drugs might fight cognitive decline seen in HIV, early study hints -
HIV'Oslo patient' likely cured of HIV after getting stem cell transplant from his brother, who is genetically resistant to the virus2 Comments -
OpinionI was at ground zero for the AIDS epidemic. RFK's cuts could fuel a new pandemic, just when elimination seemed within reach.4 Comments -
HIV'DNA origami' could be key for making an effective HIV vaccine, early study hints -
HIVA 'functional cure' for HIV may be in reach, early trials suggest -
HIVExperimental HIV vaccines show promise in early safety test -
HIVHIV/AIDS: Facts about the viral infection that attacks the immune system -
HIVNearly 3 million extra deaths by 2030 could result from HIV funding cuts, study suggests -
HIVSingle-shot HIV treatment suppresses virus 10,000-fold for months, animal study finds
-
-
-
CancerStudy reveals new clues to why colorectal cancer in young people is so deadly
-
Viruses, Infections & DiseaseHepatitis B could surge, infecting millions more in childhood, under proposed CDC guidance
-
AnalysisColorectal cancer cases in kids have risen sixfold over past 2 decades — researchers are racing to understand why
-
Alzheimers & DementiaA gene variant triples the risk of getting Alzheimer's disease — fat buildup in brain cells may be to blame, study finds
-
PollFlu season is kicking off early — are you getting a vaccine?4 Comments
-
Flu'October is the ideal time to get vaccinated': Flu season is kicking off early, experts say
-
AnalysisWhy are dengue cases surging in Florida this year? An 'unlucky' combination of factors, experts say -
ExplainerMpox is still spreading in the US — here's what to know about vaccines, symptoms and treatment -
Analysis'Mpox has not disappeared': Why the infectious disease is still spreading in the US and may be here to stay -
Cancer1 in 8 cancer cases are caused by infections, underscoring the importance of vaccines, experts say
-
