The 'gold' standard: A rapid, cheap method of detecting dengue virus

The 'gold' standard: A rapid, cheap method of detecting dengue virus: Researchers are reporting the development of an easy to use, low cost method of detecting dengue virus in mosquitoes based on gold nanoparticles. The assay is able to detect lower levels of the virus than current tests, and is easy to transport and use in remote regions.

Powerful dengue neutralizing antibody found

 

Powerful dengue neutralizing antibody found: A super-potent antibody that requires a minute amount to neutralize the dengue virus has been identified by researchers. The study showed how a newly identified antibody 5J7, is highly effective in killing dengue virus whereby only 10-9 g of antibody is needed to stop the infection of dengue serotype 3 virus. This new finding gives hope for the development of effective dengue treatments.

Engineering potential treatment for all four dengue serotypes

Engineering potential treatment for all four dengue serotypes: A multinational research team comprising scientists, engineers and drug developers have joined forces to develop a viable dengue therapeutic that targets all dengue serotypes.

Dengue diagnostic test method is rapid, sensitive, selective: Produces results within an hour

Dengue diagnostic test method is rapid, sensitive, selective: Produces results within an hour: Fast detection for Dengue virus is possible based on an innovative label free immunosensor. The novel immunosensor with antibody-nanoparticle hybrid design offers high selectivity and sensitivity for Dengue virus NS1 biomarker diagnosis in sera sample, report scientists.

Nanoparticle vaccinates mice against dengue fever

Nanoparticle vaccinates mice against dengue fever: Every year, more than 350 million people in over 120 countries contact dengue fever, which can cause symptoms ranging from achy muscles and a skin rash to life-threatening hemorrhagic fever. Researchers have struggled to create effective vaccines against dengue virus, in part because four distinct serotypes, or strains, cause the disease and a vaccine must immunize against all four individually. Now, a new type of nanoparticle effectively vaccinated mice against one of the serotypes and could be created to target all four.

Portable test rapidly detects Zika in saliva for $2

Portable test rapidly detects Zika in saliva for $2: Anxiety over the Zika virus is growing as the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro approach. To better diagnose and track the disease, scientists are now reporting a new $2 test that in the lab can accurately detect low levels of the virus in saliva.

Zika antibodies from infected patient thwart infection in mice

Zika antibodies from infected patient thwart infection in mice: Researchers have identified neutralizing antibodies against Zika virus from an infected patient that fully protected mice from infection, adding to the current arsenal of antibodies in development for much needed antiviral therapies and vaccines.