News: Infectious Diseases
Read the latest news from the College of Natural Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin
Department of Molecular Biosciences
Our Immune Systems Blanket the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein with Antibodies
Most antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 circulating in the blood target areas of the viral spike protein outside the receptor binding domain, or RBD
Department of Molecular Biosciences
Human Trials Begin for a Low-Cost COVID-19 Vaccine to Extend Global Access
A COVID-19 vaccine in human trials in Vietnam, Thailand and Brazil, holds promise for affordable vaccine manufacturing in countries currently dependent on imported vaccines.
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...
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...
Coronavirus Mutation May Have Made It More Contagious
The virus that causes COVID-19 is accumulating genetic mutations, one of which may have made it more contagious.
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
Ask the COVID-19 Experts
An epidemiologist and two molecular bioscientists get to the bottom of your burning COVID-19 questions.
Some Bacteria Sacrifice Themselves to Protect their Brethren from Antibiotics
Discovery may aid the fight against antibiotic resistance.
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.
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.
