News: Infectious Diseases
Read the latest news from the College of Natural Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin
Do Sick Animals Socially Distance?
According to a new review in the journal Science, when highly social animals — such as ants, mice and bats — get sick, their social interactions change...
![A group of common vampire bats just hanging around](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/vampire-bats-moore2400x1350.jpg)
Department of Molecular Biosciences
Scientists Discover How Remdesivir Works to Inhibit Coronavirus
For the first time, scientists identified a critical mechanism that remdesivir uses against SARS-CoV-2 and unearthed information that drug companies can use to develop new...
![A pair of gloved hands holds a vial of clear liquid](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/remdesivir-gilead1660.jpg)
UT News
Coronavirus Mutation May Have Made It More Contagious
The virus that causes the coronavirus disease COVID-19 is accumulating genetic mutations, one of which may have made it more contagious.
![Map of Houston representing COVID-19 trends in each zip code](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/map-houston-1400px.jpeg)
UT News
Curbing COVID-19 Hospitalizations Requires Attention to Construction Workers
A new study shows how much more likely construction workers are to get diagnosed with COVID-19 compared to non-construction workers
![Construction workers at a plant](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/b2ap3_large_construction-1400px.jpeg)
Ask the COVID-19 Experts
An epidemiologist and two molecular bioscientists get to the bottom of your burning COVID-19 questions.
![Illustration of a physician in a white lab coat](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/covid_researcher_2400x1350.jpg)
Some Bacteria Sacrifice Themselves to Protect their Brethren from Antibiotics
Discovery may aid the fight against antibiotic resistance.
![Bacterial cells in microscopic image. Some are stained green and others bright orange on a black background.](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/bacteria1.jpg)
Department of Molecular Biosciences
Locking Down Shape-Shifting Spike Protein Aids Development of COVID-19 Vaccine
An experimental COVID-19 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 elicits neutralizing antibodies and a helpful T-cell response with the aid of a carefully engineered spike protein.
![A medical professional vaccinates a patient](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/b2ap3_large_vaccination-1400px.jpeg)
Department of Molecular Biosciences
COVID-19 Vaccine Innovation Could Dramatically Speed Up Worldwide Production
A redesigned version of the coronavirus spike protein called HexaPro might speed up vaccine production and yield a more effective immune response to SARS-CoV-2.
![A professor and graduate student working in lab](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/b2ap3_large_mclellan-wrapp1400.jpeg)
Discovery about Hep C Drug Offers Insights for Coronavirus Treatments
Finding offers important clues to developing drugs to stop other RNA viruses, such as SARS-COV-2.
![An artist rendering of the Hepatitis C virus.](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/hepc-1400px-_20200715-181659_1.jpeg)
Department of Molecular Biosciences
COVID-19 Vaccines with UT Ties Arrived Quickly After Years in the Making
The COVID-19 vaccine was only possible because a group of scientists and their partners in industry had already invested years in laying the groundwork.
![Thee men in lab coats in a laboratory](/sites/default/files/uploads/images/default/mclellan-wrapp-wang2400x1800.jpg)