Transfer of genes from genetically-modified Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to naturally-occurring ones were seen in Brazil where transgenic mosquitoes were released from June 2013 to September 2015. Contrary to claims made, genes from genetically-modified Aedes aegypti mosquito were found to have been transferred to naturally-occurring A. aegypti mosquito population in three areas in Brazil where transgenic mosquitoes … Continue reading Transgenic mosquitoes transfer genes to native mosquito species
Aedes aegypti
NBRC-led team deciphers how Zika virus causes microcephaly
The NBRC-led team of researchers has identified the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which Zika virus causes microcephaly. The envelop protein of the virus was responsible for arresting the proliferation of human foetal neural stem cells and also killing the cells that were becoming neuron-like. The combined effect reduces the pool of foetal brain cells leading to … Continue reading NBRC-led team deciphers how Zika virus causes microcephaly
IIT Roorkee finds a potent antiviral molecule to treat chikungunya
Of the two small molecules tested, IIT Roorkee researchers have found one of them has good antiviral activity against chikungunya virus. The small molecule was able to achieve almost 99% reduction in the virus when 5 microMolar of the molecule was used. The molecule is highly specific to chikungunya virus. A team of researchers at the Indian … Continue reading IIT Roorkee finds a potent antiviral molecule to treat chikungunya
IIT Roorkee team repurposes a drug for chikungunya
The Piperazine drug used for treating worm infections and HIV has been able to inhibit the replication of chikungunya virus by nearly 98%. A drug to treat chikungunya virus infection is in the offing, and in vitro studies carried out by a team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee show promise. Currently, there … Continue reading IIT Roorkee team repurposes a drug for chikungunya
Bharat Biotech has begun chikungunya vaccine Phase I trial
The Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech has begun a Phase I human clinical trial of the indigenously developed chikungunya vaccine three months ago. The vaccine uses a killed virus. The Phase I trial will test mainly for safety and the ability of the vaccine to provoke an immune response in the body. The higher the immune response … Continue reading Bharat Biotech has begun chikungunya vaccine Phase I trial
Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes less capable of spreading Zika, chikunguya
With conventional vector controlling measures against dengue- and Zika-causing Aedes aegypti mosquitoes failing, several countries have started caged and even open field trials using genetically modified mosquitoes. India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Monash University for using Wolbachia-infected A. aegypti mosquitoes for vector control. Dengue, Zika or chikunguya viruses cannot replicate when mosquitoes have been infected … Continue reading Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes less capable of spreading Zika, chikunguya
Seventy-year journey of Zika virus
Zika is an arbovirus infection which occurs through the bite of several different species of Aedes mosquitoes, including the Aedes aegypti which is active during the day; it can also be transmitted sexually. The virus was first isolated from a rhesus monkey in Uganda in the Zika forest, near the western shore of Lake Victoria, … Continue reading Seventy-year journey of Zika virus
Ridiculous excuse for India’s shocking cover-up of Zika virus cases
It may well be said that the surveillance system put in place by the Health Ministry achieved a measure of success in identifying three adults who were infected with the Zika virus between November 2016 and February 2017 in Gujarat. Yet, the Ministry acted extremely irresponsibly by withholding the information from the local administration, doctors and the media. … Continue reading Ridiculous excuse for India’s shocking cover-up of Zika virus cases
India begins caged trials of GM mosquitoes to control dengue, chikungunya
Outdoor caged trials to demonstrate the efficiency of genetically modified mosquitoes to suppress wild female Aedes aegypti mosquito populations that causes dengue, chinkungunya and Zika were launched on January 23 in Dawalwadi, Badnapur in Maharashtra's Jalna district. Based on the results of the caged trials, which use the Release of Insects carrying Dominant Lethal genes … Continue reading India begins caged trials of GM mosquitoes to control dengue, chikungunya
Holding Olympics in the time of Zika virus
The World Health Organisation has confirmed that the Olympic Games scheduled to be held in August in Rio de Janeiro will go ahead, the Zika virus notwithstanding. An Emergency Committee meeting convened by the WHO Director-General said there is “very low risk” of the virus spreading globally as a consequence of the Games being held … Continue reading Holding Olympics in the time of Zika virus
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