HIV & AIDS Dec 10, 2008
AIDS is a chronic, life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) ... The virus and the infection itself are known as HIV. "Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)" is the name given to the later stages of an HIV infection. (CNN -- Health)
HIV cases among gay men up Dec 7, 2008
THE number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in the gay community has hit a record high this year. The surge is driven by MSM (men who have sex with men) who engage in high-risk behaviour such as unprotected sex with multiple partners. (Straits Times)
Exploring Gene Therapy To Fight AIDS Dec 7, 2008
Bauer has been working for more than 10 years on a similar cure for AIDS based on replacing the devastated immune system of an HIV-infected patient with stem cells that have been engineered to resist human immunodeficiency syndrome ... 18, 2003) A deactivation of the immune system in patients infected with HIV could be one way to inhibit progression to the immunodeficiency diseases associated with AIDS, researchers from UT Southwestern. (Science Daily)
UC Davis researchers exploring gene therapy to fight AIDS Dec 6, 2008
Bauer has been working for more than 10 years on a similar cure for AIDS based on replacing the devastated immune system of an HIV-infected patient with stem cells that have been engineered to resist human immunodeficiency syndrome. Bauer plans to present the preliminary results of his latest research at the 50th annual meeting of the American Society for Hematology in San Francisco on Sunday, December 6, 2008, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Moscone Center. (EurekAlert!)
Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate versus Adefovir Dipivoxil for Chronic Hepatitis B Dec 4, 2008
Background Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (DF) is a nucleotide analogue and a potent inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase and hepatitis B virus (HBV) polymerase. Methods In two double-blind, phase 3 studies, we randomly assigned patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) negative or HBeAg-positive chronic HBV infection to receive tenofovir DF or adefovir dipivoxil (ratio, 2:1) once daily for 48 weeks. (New England Journal of Medicine)
AIDS forum targets minorities for prevention message Dec 3, 2008
AIDS is a set of symptoms and infections resulting from the damage to the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV. HIV is transmitted through direct contact of a mucous membrane or the bloodstream with a bodily fluid containing HIV.. Among the county's immigrant population, AIDS awareness is stifled by a fear that being tested or treated for HIV through government agencies could lead to deportation, said Barbara Golding of the Dennis Avenue Health Center in Silver... (Business Gazette)
AIDS in 2008: Much accomplished, much to do Dec 2, 2008
Untold thousands more in this country were living with the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. Globally, AIDS cases already had been reported from more than 135 countries. An AIDS tsunami clearly was looming, but we had few defenses at our disposal. (CNN)
Study may boost nutrient's use against HIV Dec 2, 2008
Now a Penn State University researcher has explained how selenium effectively battles the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, that weakens the immune system and afflicts more than 33 million people worldwide. K. Sandeep Prabhu, assistant professor of immunology and molecular toxicology, said his team's findings reveal for the first time how selenium succeeds in blocking replication of HIV by 10-fold or more. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Uruguay controls spread of AIDS virus Dec 2, 2008
MONTEVIDEO, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Uruguay has effectively controlled the spread of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), showed a research released by the country's health authorities said Monday, the World AIDS Day. The research said the HIV prevalence has fell to 0. (Xinhuanet, China)
World AIDS Day Dec 1, 2008
Understanding all the signaling mechanisms will allow better production, activation and production of T-cells that would more efficiently fight off HIV/AIDS. The absence or malfunction of these T-cells can lead to severe immunodeficiency like HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis or juvenile diabetes, Werlen said. World AIDS Day is a great way to remind people that AIDS is still around, Werlen said. (The Daily Targum, NJ)
New hope for Aids vaccine Dec 1, 2008
V520 used a modified form of a virus for the common cold as a 'Trojan horse' to deliver elements of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) into the body to prime the immune defences ... But unlike the Merck vaccine, it proved emphatically that T-cells could be marshalled into action to tackle simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), a close cousin to HIV.. (iAfrica.com)
Singapore likely to see record HIV cases in 2008: Govt Dec 1, 2008
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes AIDS, which breaks down the body's immune system, leaving an infected individual vulnerable to a range of diseases. AIDS has no known cure. (Times of India)
WestCare program for AIDS, HIV gets grant Nov 30, 2008
The human immunodeficiency virus known as HIV attacks the immune system and causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS. The virus makes people vulnerable to a number of infections that can be deadly. A blood-borne virus, it's spread primarily through sexual intercourse and from the sharing of contaminated hypodermic needles. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
World AIDS Day is Monday (41) Nov 30, 2008
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus which kills or damages immune system cells, eventually leaving the body unable to protect itself from infections and disease. The World Health Organization and Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS estimate that 33. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
HIV infection goes up steadily in Slovenia Nov 28, 2008
BELGRADE, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection rate has been going up steadily in Slovenia during the past years, Slovenia's medical officials said on Thursday. Head of the sexually transmitted diseases lab Mario Poljak said that 35 new HIV cases were discovered on average in Slovenia between 2005 and 2007, while 46 have already been diagnosed this year, the official Slovenian news agency STA reported. (Xinhuanet, China)
Questions and answers about blood donation Nov 27, 2008
Screening tests also are performed for evidence of donor infection, such as hepatitis viruses B and C, human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) 1 and 2, human T-lymphotropic viruses (HTLV) I and II, and syphilis. The specific tests performed are listed below. (Keokuk Daily Gate City, IO)
Hawaii should remove barriers to HIV testing Nov 27, 2008
Surely if there was ever a virus worth getting ahead of, it's the human immunodeficiency virus. HIV causes AIDS, which has killed millions. (Honolulu Advertiser)
No more than 2 pneumonia shots in life, experts say Nov 26, 2008
People who fall into that category include those with chronic renal failure, chronic heart disease, chronic liver disease, diabetes, sickle cell disease, a splenectomy, any immunodeficiency disorder or chemotherapy treatment. Name. (Missoulian, MT)
Mountain View High School rallies to help 10-month old Olivia Werner, who has a rare defect in her immune system. Nov 25, 2008
Olivia recently was diagnosed with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Syndrome, known as SCID. Because of a defect in her immune system, she wasn't able to fight off bacteria and infections. She needed a bone-marrow transplant, and her mother was a match. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
New Species Of Ebola Virus Discovered Nov 25, 2008
5, 2003) Researchers have discovered that a bacterial protein known to reduce the ability of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to infect cells also inhibits infection by the Ebola virus. The antiviral. (Science Daily)
Cases Of Extensively Drug-resistant TB Declining Each Year In The US, But New Cases Still Nov 22, 2008
"In recent years, drug-resistant TB has emerged as an expanding threat, with an estimated 489,000 new cases in 2006. Treatment of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is more than 100 times as costly as treatment of drug-susceptible TB, requiring intensive case management for its prolonged (18-24 months) and more toxic treatment course." Treatment success rates are lower for patients with MDR-TB as compared to those with drug-susceptible TB. In 2005, a new category of TB disease was defined --... (Science Daily)
New Gene-silencing Pathway Found In Plants Nov 21, 2008
2, 2007) In a study that could lead to new ways to prevent infection by human immunodeficiency virus and similar organisms, researchers have been able to genetically modify a plant to halt reproduction of a. . (Science Daily)
Individuals With HIV Have Higher Risk Of Non-AIDS Cancers Nov 20, 2008
8, 2005) In people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) may prevent most excess cases of Kaposi sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, according to a new. (July 10, 2007) HIV/AIDS and kidney transplant patients are at much greater risk of contracting 20 different types of cancer than the general population, according to a recent article. (Science Daily)
All about the flu clinic Nov 19, 2008
Persons who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus). Persons who have any condition (e. (Harwich Oracle, MA)
Researchers Identify Toehold For HIV's Assault On Brain Nov 19, 2008
16, 1998) A study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill confirms the presence of mutated, drug-resistant human immunodeficiency virus in the semen of men taking antiviral medications for HIV ... 5, 2003) Researchers have discovered that a bacterial protein known to reduce the ability of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to infect cells also inhibits infection by the Ebola virus. (Science Daily)
Code Red: raising funds and AIDS awareness Nov 18, 2008
However, certain Kansas Citians are prepared to make sure that our community is well-educated about the prevention of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a disease with a scary reputation. "As a member of the heterosexual community, I know that people are scared of AIDS," said Lauren Jones, University of Kansas graduate student and co-chair of the Millennial League, an AIDS-awareness group in Kansas City. (University News, MO)
Chemical From Medicinal Plants May Be Used To Fight HIV Nov 18, 2008
"The ability to enhance telomerase activity and antiviral functions of CD8 T-lymphocytes suggests that this strategy could be useful in treating HIV disease, as well as immunodeficiency and increased susceptibility to other viral infections associated with chronic diseases or aging," the researchers write. In addition to Effros, researchers were Steven Russell Fauce, Beth D. Jamieson, Ronald T. Mitsuyasu, Stan T. Parish, Christina M. Ramirez Kitchen, and Otto O. Yang, all of UCLA, and Allison C.... (Science Daily)
Blue Cross lists tips for fighting flu Nov 17, 2008
In need of regular medical care or were in a hospital during the previous year because of a metabolic disease (like diabetes), chronic kidney disease, or weakened immune system (including immune system problems caused by medicines or by infection with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV/AIDS]). A child six months to 18 years of age on long-term aspirin therapy. (Medfield Press, MA)
Indonesia: Bali Needs To Prioritise Treatment Of TB And HIV Carriers Nov 17, 2008
DENPASAR, INDONESIA: Bali province should prioritise the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and lung tuberculosis (TB) patients, as the serious diseases in Bali have reached alarming levels, Antara news agency reported. "The increase in the prevalance of these diseases was caused by the frequent and repeated use of hypodermic syringes by the addicts," the Bali provincial legislative council's commission III chairman Drs. (Sin Chew Jit Poh)
HIV News: Vaccine, Bone Marrow Transplant, Vitamin C Nov 16, 2008
In a report published in the Dec 1991 issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Harakeh and Jariwalla said they tested calcium ascorbate and two thiol-based reducing agents (glutathione and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC)) for their effect against the human immunodeficiency virus HIV-1 replication in chronically infected T lymphocytes. They found that calcium ascorbate has the same magnitude of effect at reducing extracellular HIV reverse transcriptase as ascorbic acid or vitamin C does. (Food Consumer)
Can a Bone-Marrow Transplant Halt HIV? Nov 15, 2008
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a pathogen so wily and protean that researchers rarely talk about curing infected patients, focusing instead on treatment and prevention. But in an announcement that caused a flutter of excitement and a wave of prudent skepticism, Berlin-based hematologist Gero Huetter claimed on Thursday that he has cured an HIV infection in a 42-year-old man through a bone-marrow transplant. (Time.com)
Bone marrow 'cures HIV patient' Nov 14, 2008
He had been infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, that causes Aids, for more than a decade and also had leukaemia. The clinic said since the transplant was carried out 20 months ago, tests on the patient's bone marrow, blood and other organ tissues have all been clear. (BBC News -- Health)
Bone Marrow Transplant Might Cure HIV? Nov 14, 2008
A German doctor says one of his patients, who suffered from leukaemia and was infected with the immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS, appears to have been cured of AIDS by a bone marrow transplant from a donor who had a genetic mutation known to help the body resist AIDS infection. Dr. Gero Hutter and Thomas Schneider of the Clinic for Gastroenterology, Infections and Rheumatology of the Berlin Charite hospital said the man, a 42-year-old American living in Berlin, has shown no sign of either... (eFluxMedia)
Novel regulatory step during HIV replication Nov 14, 2008
LA JOLLA, CA A previously unknown regulatory step during human immunodeficiency (HIV) replication provides a potentially valuable new target for HIV/AIDS therapy, report researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Their study, published in this week's early online edition of the Public Library of Science, PLoS Pathogens, describes a new biological function for sulfonationa type of chemical modificationwhich ensures that viral genes can... (EurekAlert!)
Bone marrow transplant suppresses AIDS in patient Nov 13, 2008
The patient, an American living in Berlin, was infected with the human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS and also had leukemia. The best treatment for the leukemia was a bone marrow transplant, which takes the stem cells from a healthy donor's immune system to replace the patient's cancer-ridden cells. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Long-term study evaluates boosted PREZISTA* vs. lopinavir/ritonavir as part of HIV combination therapy in treatment-naive adults Nov 12, 2008
ABOUT HIV/AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is an illness caused by a chronic infection with a retrovirus (HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus). The breakdown of the immune system resulting from HIV leads to increased susceptibility to other infections and immune disorders. (Canada Newswire)
The Binding Site Announces Trading Update for Year Ended September 30th 2008 Nov 11, 2008
" Notes to Editors: About The Binding Site The Binding Site Ltd. is a British based company specialising in the research, development and production of immunodiagnostic kits and reagents. The Binding Site manufactures a wide range of high quality and innovative products used in clinical laboratories world-wide. The business is divided into three main areas:- Freelite(TM), a novel and highly significant assay increasingly used for the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple myeloma (MM), a cancer of... (PR Newswire)
Medicinal plant may harbour HIV cure Nov 11, 2008
"The ability to enhance telomerase activity and antiviral functions of CD8 T-lymphocytes suggests that this strategy could be useful in treating HIV disease, as well as immunodeficiency and increased susceptibility to other viral infections associated with chronic diseases or aging," the researchers said. The study is to be published in the Nov. 15 print edition of the Journal of Immunology. (Times of India)
Souped-up immune cells catch disguised HIV Nov 10, 2008
If the approach works in people, it might provide a new route of treating infection with the deadly human immunodeficiency virus, the researchers in the United States and Britain said. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Health)
New Role For Critical DNA Repair Molecule In Immune System Nov 10, 2008
Preventing 53BP1 from repairing DNA has been linked to Riddle Syndrome, a recently diagnosed immunodeficiency disorder, and it is likely related to many others, he adds. We would like to know now whether any break in chromosomes at a distance, including translocations, is facilitated by 53BP1. (Science Daily)
Engineered killer T cell recognizes HIV-1's lethal molecular disguises Nov 10, 2008
Since the discovery of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 1984 and its role in the cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) the HIV pandemic has become one of the most serious challenges to human health in the 21st Century. UNAIDS estimates indicate that over 33 million people are now living with HIV rising by approximately 1 million per year. (EurekAlert!)
Scientists compare human, chimp genetics Nov 8, 2008
They said their findings also provide new evidence for a gene that's been associated with susceptibility to infection by the human immunodeficiency virus. "This is the first study of this scale, comparing directly the genomes of many humans and chimpanzees," said Richard Redon of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Britain. (United Press International)
Key Gene May Be Crucial To Production Of Thymus And Disease-fighting T-cells Nov 7, 2008
While this research was done in mice, it s not far-fetched to say that this points toward possible therapies for a huge variety of illnesses, from AIDS to age-related immunodeficiency disorders, said Manley. One clear advantage of understanding how Foxn1 works in maintaining the thymus and T-cell production is that it could lead to narrowly targeted therapies that are less likely to cause collateral side effects in a patient. (Science Daily)
First Genome Of Cancer Patient Sequenced Nov 6, 2008
10, 2008) Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), sometimes called 'Boy in the bubble syndrome', is a genetic disorder in which the patient lacks most types of immune cell. Almost 10 years ago, two. (Science Daily)
Experimental HIV vaccine may have increased infection risk: study Nov 4, 2008
The vaccine relied on a modified form of a common cold virus -- Adenovirus 5 (Ad5) -- to carry elements of HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) into the body ... HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) ... Human immunodeficiency virus. (Yahoo News -- Top Stories)
To excel, RI scientists need supportive infrastructure Oct 31, 2008
The other half of the award was given jointly to the Paris-based French pair -- Barri-Sinoussi of the Pasteur Institute and Montagnier of the World Foundation for AIDS Research and Prevention -- for their discovery of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which can lead to AIDS.. Tokyo-born American scientist Yoichiro Nambu and two Japanese scientists, Makoto Kobayashi and Toshihide Maskawa, shared the Nobel Prize for physics. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
Earlier HIV Treatment May Be Better, Study Finds Oct 29, 2008
There is no cure for the human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS but combinations of drugs can keep the virus from replicating and damaging the immune system. It has not been entirely clear when patients should start taking them, though, and most doctors wait until there is some evidence of damage, measured by counting the number of immune cells called CD4 T-cells. (MEDLINEplus)
UCLA develops safer, more effective TB vaccine for HIV-positive people Oct 24, 2008
The researchers also showed that the new vaccine is much safer than BCG in a severely immunocompromised animal host mice with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID mice) that completely lack an immune system. While the vaccine could be administered to anyone, it is specifically designed to be given to HIV-positive newborns and adults whose immune systems are still relatively intact and are therefore able to mount a good immune response to the vaccine, including persons on antiretroviral... (EurekAlert!)
Man charged with murder for spreading HIV Oct 21, 2008
HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, can cause AIDS, and the associated immune system failure can make victims susceptible to infections and other diseases ... In addition, when some of the women asked him directly including one who initially used condoms with him if he had the human immunodeficiency virus, he said "no.". (MSNBC -- Health)
HIV carrier failed to warn sex partners, Crown says Oct 21, 2008
In addition, when some of the women asked him directly including one who initially used condoms with him if he had the human immunodeficiency virus, he said no.. He went further and lied, Mr. Power said. (Globe and Mail)
Mechanism For Immune System Suppression Pinpointed; Could Help Treat HIV, Measles, And Tuberculosis Oct 19, 2008
17, 2002) Replication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is briefly suppressed during acute measles, according to researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. A study of HIV-infected. (Science Daily)
U.N.: Empowering women key to AIDS fight Oct 18, 2008
The human immunodeficiency virus infects 33 million people globally, half of them women, and kills 2 million annually. Don't miss this on msnbc. (MSNBC -- Health)
Ono Enters into License Agreement with Progenics Oct 17, 2008
Principal programs are directed toward gastroenterology, virology -- including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections -- and oncology. For further information, please visit Progenics' web site at. (JCN Network, Japan)
Men on trial for spreading HIV at sex parties... Oct 16, 2008
Another witness, identified only as Erwin, questioned the motives behind intentionally infecting another with the immunodeficiency virus. He said he has been taking anti-retroviral medication for six months. (The Drudge Report)
At Magee, cord blood donations translate into hope Oct 15, 2008
The curly headed 7-year-old from Portersville in Butler County was born with severe combined immunodeficiency, an extremely rare disease that makes children vulnerable to germs the rest of us fight off without even knowing it ... It was only after the Mayo doctors found that his immune cells were extremely dysfunctional that Children's doctors gave the Marshalls their diagnosis -- severe combined immunodeficiency. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Circumcision Not Associated With Reduced Risk Of HIV For Men Who Have Sex With Men Oct 14, 2008
14, 2008) An analysis of previous research indicates there is a lack of sufficient evidence that circumcision reduces the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or other sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men, according to a new article. See also. (Science Daily)
Hodgkin Lymphoma: New Characteristics Discovered; Cytokines Help Tumor Cells Evade Immune System Oct 13, 2008
8, 2005) In people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) may prevent most excess cases of Kaposi sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, according to a new. (Apr. (Science Daily)
NIH scientists discover crucial control in long-lasting immunity Oct 11, 2008
These findings not only help explain the basis for the immunodeficiency disease known as XLP, but also provide important new insights into the exquisitely specific communications between different types of immune cells. According to Dr. Schwartzberg, "This work provides a great example of the power of combining mouse models of human diseases with live imaging microscopy to uncover secrets of the immune system and help discover new ways to combat disease.". (EurekAlert!)
Claflin AIDS researcher has long association with Nobel winner Oct 10, 2008
He caught the attention of Dr. Luc Montagnier who helped discover the human immunodeficiency virus ... Just two years after the first reports of cases of what we now know as AIDS, Montagnier and Francoise Barre-Sinoussi discovered the virus that later came to be known as human immunodeficiency virus ... Soon after the discovery of the virus, several groups contributed to the definitive demonstration of HIV as the cause of acquired human immunodeficiency syndrome. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Study: No proof circumcision cuts gay male HIV risk Oct 10, 2008
Circumcised men were 14 percent less likely to be infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, than those who were not uncircumcised, but the finding was not statistically significant, the CDC researchers said. "You can't necessarily say with confidence that we're seeing a true effect there," said the CDC's Gregorio Millett, who led the study that appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association. (Xinhuanet, China)
Merkel-Cell Carcinoma Oct 10, 2008
Volume 359:1629-1631. Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the and any section headings. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Gene with probable role in human susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis identified Oct 10, 2008
In the current j PLoS Genetics, the scientists report that the gene, named Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8), which had been previously shown to recognize some factors from viruses such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), also has a probable role in human susceptibility to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections. The study also found that males are more susceptible than females. (EurekAlert!)
Types of Cat Aggression Oct 8, 2008
In addition to the potential for injury and the formation of abscesses at puncture wound sites, cats that engage in damaging fights are also at greater risk for acquiring feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), both of which are fatal. Neutering male cats can decrease fighting by 90%, as well as reducing the number of health problems a cat is likely to suffer later in life. (Suite101.com)
Circumcision may not reduce gay male HIV risk Oct 8, 2008
Circumcised men were 14 percent less likely to be infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, than those who were uncircumcised, but the finding was not statistically significant, the CDC researchers said. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Health)
Nobel prize for viral discoveries Oct 7, 2008
Following medical reports of a new immunodeficiency syndrome in 1981, Professor Barre-Sinoussi, of the Institut Pasteur, and Dr Montagnier, director of the World Foundation for AIDS Research and Prevention, were the first to identify HIV as the culprit. In its citation, the Nobel Assembly said their discovery was vital in enabling scientists to begin to understand the biology of a virus which continued to pose a huge public health threat throughout the globe. (BBC News)