Tag Diseases
Ebola vaccine inches toward human clinical trials
The need for an Ebola vaccine is acute. Periodic outbreaks of the disease in sub-Saharan Africa, including an epidemic between 2013 and 2016, caused major loss of life and serious economic disruption.
Bringing cheap and accurate tuberculosis tests to Africa
Researchers are developing a "robust, simple and inexpensive way to increase the sensitivity of an existing TB test" by integrating a step very similar to a pregnancy test.
Monkeys infected by mosquito bites further Zika virus research
Monkeys who catch Zika virus through bites from infected mosquitoes develop infections that look like human Zika cases, and may help researchers understand the many ways Zika can be transmitted.
Chimpanzee deaths in Uganda pinned on human cold virus
Scientists investigating an outbreak of respiratory disease in a community of wild chimpanzees in Uganda were surprised and dismayed to discover that rhinovirus C was killing healthy chimps.
Designer molecule points to treatment for diseases caused by DNA repeats
“Most young people with Friedreich’s ataxia develop severe heart problems and are wheelchair-bound," says researcher Aseem Ansari, "but the disease is so rare that few drug companies invest in it."
A little myelin goes a long way to restore nervous system function
New research shows that in long-lived animals, renewed but thin myelin sheaths are enough to restore impaired nervous systems and can do so for years after the onset of disease.
Zika infections unlikely to be passed by kissing, casual contact
UW-Madison researchers have found in a study of monkeys that casual contact through saliva is not enough for the virus to move between hosts.
UW center plays key role in finding Zika-transmitting mosquito in state
Under a federal grant, Midwestern universities led by UW–Madison have more resources to conduct the kind of surveillance that turned up the Asian tiger mosquito in Dane County.
Zika infections could be factor in more pregnancies
“It’s sobering," says researcher Ted Golos. "If microcephaly is the tip of the iceberg for babies infected in pregnancy, the rest of the iceberg may be bigger than we’ve imagined.”
New clues to healthy bones for those with PKU
Individuals with PKU are unable to metabolize phenylalanine, so it accumulates at high levels in their blood, leading to intellectual disabilities, seizures and other serious health problems.
Researchers make headway toward understanding Alexander disease
The new finding by the UW–Madison Waisman Center could change the way scientists think about and try to solve the rare, fatal disorder.
CDC awards $10 million for insect borne disease center
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded $10 million to a consortium of Midwestern universities to establish a new research and training program to stem the spread of disease carried by vectors like ticks and mosquitoes.
Byzantine skeleton yields 800-year-old genomes from a fatal infection
Researchers discovered extraordinarily well preserved microfossils — mineralized ‘ghost cells’ — that closely resembled bacteria from the genus Staphylococcus.
UW Shelter Medicine, WVDL assist with cases of influenza in shelter cats
Thirteen cats in a New York City shelter have tested positive for influenza A. One of them has died.
New, more effective strategy for producing flu vaccines
A team of researchers led by Yoshihiro Kawaoka has developed technology that could improve the production of vaccines that protect people from influenza B.
Morgridge–UW project investigates tissue-engineered arteries for transplant
The prospect of creating artery “banks” could transform treatment of many common heart and vascular ailments. But it’s a big leap from concept to reality.
Mitochondrial maps reveal new connections to poorly understood diseases
Mitochondrial diseases strike about 1 in 4,000 people and there are currently no licensed therapies available beyond treatments with vitamins and supplements.
UW, Purdue scientists solve structure of cold virus linked to childhood asthma
The findings provide the foundation for future antiviral drug and vaccine development against rhinovirus C.
A new whey to manage PKU
Screening and management of PKU has a long and storied connection to Wisconsin. Harry Waisman was instrumental in initiating the testing of infants for PKU and treating individuals with the disorder throughout the state.