MedWorm: Bird Flu

Avian influenza – situation in Viet Nam - update

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has announced a confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

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CADTH rapid response report: Antivirals for pandemic and human avian influenzas

NeLM - News — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) Area: News This rapid response report from the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) reviews the evidence on the clinical benefits and harms of antivirals for the treatment and prevention of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) and human avian influenza A (H5N1). It found that, 'There is limited evidence that oseltamivir is clinically effective for the treatment of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) and limited evidence that it is especially effective with treatment within 48 hours of symptom onset. There is insufficient evidence to make a definitive conclusion regarding the clinical effectiveness of antivirals for prophylaxis or treatment of pandemic influenza A(H1N1), and no evidence was identified re...

Genetically Engineered Transmissible Influenza A/H5N1: A Call for Laboratory Safety and Security

Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:43:15 +0100

Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science)

Doomsday flu decision time: The story so far

New Scientist - Bird Flu — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:50:21 +0100

Bird flu research is on hold after the creation of dangerous viruses in the lab, and important studies will be only partly published. What's going on? (Source: New Scientist - Bird Flu)

Today's mystery bird for you to identify | @GrrlScientist

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:30:03 +0100

Parents with chick? Subspecies? One species or two? Or ... ?Mystery Birds photographed at Lake Washington, Seattle, Washington (USA). [I will identify these birds for you in 48 hours]Image: Doug Schurman, 22 January 2012 (with permission) [velociraptorize].Canon 7D with the Canon 400mm f5.6 lens Question: These common North American mystery birds are strikingly different in size despite having the same colours and patterns. Why? Are these parent birds with one of their chicks? Are they different subspecies or are they two different species? Can you identify the taxonomic family and species for these birds?The Rules:1. Keep in mind that people live in zillions of different time zones, and some people are following on their smart phones. So let everyone play the game. Don't spoil it for ever...

Science Weekly podcast: Transplants and the future of intensive care

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:05:00 +0100

This week, we're focusing on some pivotal stories from the history of science and medicine. First up are human-to-human transplants and intensive care medicine. These are among the greatest successes of post-war medicine, but they also raise some of the most profound ethical questions. Ahead of a discussion at the Royal Institution in London, Kevin Fong, an anaesthetist and physiology lecturer at University College London, and medical historian Richard Barnett came into the studio to discuss how these important medical interventions started and, crucially, where they are heading. The debates will be held at the Royal Institution on 28 February. "From iron lungs to intensive care", "Hearts to hearts" will be on 15 February.The Observer's science editor, Robin McKie, was on hand to delve int...

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Doomsday flu decision time: The story so far

New Scientist - Health — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:13:30 +0100

Bird flu research is on hold after the creation of dangerous viruses in the lab, and important studies will be only partly published. What's going on? (Source: New Scientist - Health)

Censoring Research Results

Chemical and Engineering News — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:00:27 +0100

Science Policy: Federal advisory board urges heavy redaction of H5N1 avian flu papers (Source: Chemical and Engineering News)

Bird flu on the rise as cold weather lingers in Vietnam

Monsters and Critics Health News — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:51:01 +0100

(Source: Monsters and Critics Health News)

Suspect H5N1 Cluster In Soc Trang Vietnam

Recombinomics — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:43:08 +0100

The commentary discusses a suspect H5N1 cluster in Soc Trang Vietnam (02/02/12 21:45) (Source: Recombinomics)

Nepal confirms outbreak of bird flu

Monsters and Critics Health News — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:48:02 +0100

(Source: Monsters and Critics Health News)

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Today's mystery bird for you to identify | @GrrlScientist

Guardian Unlimited Science — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:30:01 +0100

This handsome Ethiopian mystery bird is placed into several taxonomic families, depending upon which authority you refer toMystery Bird photographed at Lalibela, northern Ethiopia (Africa). [I will identify this bird for you in 48 hours]Image: Dan Logen, 9 February 2011 (with permission) [velociraptorize].Nikon D300s, 200-400 mm lens at 400, f/5.6, 1/800 sec, ISO 800 Question: This handsome African mystery bird is endemic to Ethiopia and Eritrea. It also is placed into several taxonomic families, depending upon which authority you are referring to. Can you identify this mystery bird's taxonomic family(ies) and species?The Rules:1. Keep in mind that people live in zillions of different time zones, and some people are following on their smart phones. So let everyone play the game. Don't spoi...

[This Week in Medicine] February 4–10, 2012

LANCET — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Leading influenza researchers have agreed to a voluntary 60-day pause on controversial research involving mutant H5N1 virus strains that are transmissible in mammals. In an announcement on Jan 20, the scientists said the hiatus will allow time for governments, organisations, and the scientific community to discuss potential safety concerns. (Source: LANCET)

Identification of Avian Wax Synthases

BioMed Central — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We provide direct evidence that avian preen glands possess both monofunctional and bifunctional WS proteins which have different expression patterns and WS activities with different substrate specificities. (Source: BioMed Central)

Avian Flu Research Suspended

Sound Medicine — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:00:01 +0100

Recently, two teams studying the H5N1 influenza virus discovered how to produce a version of the highly pathogenic avian flu, which is easily transmissible in mammals. The researchers have agreed to suspend their research for 60 days to allow discussion of how the findings should be reported. IU bioethicist Eric Meslin, PhD, discusses the moratorium and how it may affect the research. Dr.... (Source: Sound Medicine)

Schism over H5N1 Avian Flu Research Leaks Out

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:44:00 +0100

Caption: Electron micrograph of H5N1 virus (gold) Image: CDC/Courtesy of Cynthia Goldsmith; Jacqueline Katz; Sherif R. Zaki NEW YORK Sparks flew Thursday night at a New York Academy of Sciences panel discussion about whether or not certain recent research into the H5N1 avian flu virus has created a major biosecurity threat and what, if anything, to do about it. [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)

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[News & Analysis] Avian Influenza: The Limits of Avian Flu Studies in Ferrets

Science: Current Issue — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:34:11 +0100

How concerned should people be that what happened in the controversial experiments that exposed ferrets to H5N1 avian influenza viruses engineered to be more transmissible will apply to humans?Author: Jon Cohen (Source: Science: Current Issue)

Today's mystery bird for you to identify | @GrrlScientist

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:30:02 +0100

This distinctive Australian mystery bird is named for one of its life history traitsMystery Bird photographed in New South Wales, Australia. [I will identify this bird for you in 48 hours]Image: Marie-Louise Ng, 24 December 2011 (with permission) [velociraptorize].Nikon D7000 Question: This distinctive Australian mystery bird is named for one of its life history traits. What trait is that? Can you identify this bird's taxonomic family and species?The Rules:1. Keep in mind that people live in zillions of different time zones, and some people are following on their smart phones. So let everyone play the game. Don't spoil it for everyone else by identifying the bird in the first 24 to 36 hours.2. If you know the mystery bird's identity, answer the accompanying questions and provide subtle ID ...

Scientists call for curbs on own research on deadly bird flu virus

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:06:00 +0100

Virus experts in the US say outbreak of genetically engineered bird flu could be worst influenza pandemic in historyA group of the leading virus experts in the US has called for new, permanent restrictions on research in the face of a new genetically engineered flu virus that could kill half the population of the world.Scientists are currently observing a 60-day moratorium on research into the bird flu virus, after two groups found a way to make it infectious through airborne transmission.An outbreak of this virus could be worse than the 1918 Spanish flu that killed tens of millions of people, warned Michael Osterholm – who has led research into previous dangerous outbreaks – at a public meeting on censorship in science in New York on Thursday night."Frankly, I don't want a virus out t...

Gene Profile, Immunity, and Antitumor Induced by BPP-II [Genomics and Proteomics]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The bursa of Fabricius, the acknowledged central humoral immune organ, plays a vital role in B lymphocyte differentiation. However, there are few reports of the molecular basis of the mechanism on immune induction and potential antitumor activity of bursal-derived peptides. In this paper, a novel bursal-derived pentapeptide-II (BPP-II, MTLTG) was isolated and exerted immunomodulatory functions on antibody responses in vitro. Gene microarray analyses demonstrated that BPP-II regulated expression of 2478 genes in a mouse-derived hybridoma cell line. Immune-related gene ontology functional procedures were employed for further functional analysis. Furthermore, the majority of BPP-II-regulated pathways were associated with immune responses and tumor processes. Moreover, BPP-II exhibited immunom...

2012 Guizhou H5N1 Recombination and RBD Changes

Recombinomics — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:50:16 +0100

The commentary discusses 2012 Guizhou H5N1 RBD changes and recombination (02/02/12 21:45) (Source: Recombinomics)

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NSABB Comments On H5N1 Transmission Censorship

Recombinomics — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:50:16 +0100

The commentary discusses NSABB comments on H5N1 transmission censorship. (01/31/12 23:00) (Source: Recombinomics)

Development of a novel real-time PCR-based strategy for simple and rapid molecular pathotyping of Newcastle disease virus

Archives of Virology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:10:19 +0100

Abstract A novel real-time PCR strategy was applied to simultaneously detect and to discriminate low-pathogenic lentogenic and virulent meso/velogenic Newcastle disease virus (NDV). The pathotyping is achieved by a three-step semi-nested PCR. A pre-amplification of the cleavage site (CS) region of the F gene is followed by a two-level duplex real-time PCR directly targeting the CS, combining detection and pathotyping in a single tube. A wide range of NDV isolates spanning all genotypes were successfully detected and pathotyped. Clinical samples from outbreaks in Sweden in 2010 that were positive by the novel PCR method were also successfully pathotyped. The method is time-saving, reduces labour and costs and provides opportunities for rapid diagnosis at remote locations an...

Today's mystery bird for you to identify | GrrlScientist

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:30:00 +0100

This southeast Asian mystery bird is atypical amongst those species with similar habitsMystery Bird photographed at the Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, Chaiyaphum, Thailand. [I will identify this bird for you in 48 hours]Image: Alex Vargas, 10 January 2012 (with permission) [velociraptorize].Nikon D5000, Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR 1/10s f/5.6 at 420.0mm iso500, With a Kenko 1.4X Teleconverter on. This southeast Asian mystery bird is atypical amongst those species with similar habits. Can you tell me in what way it is atypical? Can you identify this mystery bird's taxonomic family and species? The Rules:1. Keep in mind that people live in zillions of different time zones, and some people are following on their smart phones. So let everyone play the game. Don't spoil it for everyone els...

U.S. Advisors Explain Call to Censor Bird Flu Research

RWJF News Digest - Public Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:44:30 +0100

The U.S. National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity’s (NSABB) main concern "is that publishing these experiments in detail would provide information that could help some person, organization or government to develop similar mammal-adapted influenza A/H5N1 viruses for harmful purposes," the advisers said in a statement Tuesday. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Public Health)

Key Peptides Identified That Could Lead To A Universal Vaccine For Influenza

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Researchers at the University of Southampton, University of Oxford and Retroscreeen Virology Ltd have discovered a series of peptides, found on the internal structures of influenza viruses that could lead to the development of a universal vaccine for influenza, one that gives people immunity against all strains of the disease, including seasonal, avian, and swine flu. Influenza, an acute viral infection, affects hundreds of thousands of people a year and puts an enormous strain on healthcare providers globally... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Bird flu kills second person in one month in Vietnam

Monsters and Critics Health News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:48:02 +0100

(Source: Monsters and Critics Health News)

Neurologic adverse events following influenza A (H1N1) vaccinations in children

Pediatrics International — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Post‐vaccine NAEs were mainly motor weakness due to poly‐neuropathy, which had a good prognosis of complete improvement within a few months without sequelae.© 2012 The Authors. Pediatrics International © 2012 Japan Pediatric Society (Source: Pediatrics International)

Op-Ed Contributor: Censorship Hinders Influenza Research

NYT Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:03:10 +0100

The censorship of influenza research will do little to prevent its misuse — and it may hinder our ability to stop influenza outbreaks. (Source: NYT Health)

Censoring Research Results

Chemical and Engineering News — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:32:53 +0100

Science Policy: Federal advisory board urges heavy redaction to H5N1 avian flu papers (Source: Chemical and Engineering News)

Socio-economic disparities in mortality due to pandemic influenza in England

International Journal of Public Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:12:22 +0100

Conclusion Tackling socio-economic health inequalities is a central concept within public health, but has not always been a part of emergency preparedness plans. These data demonstrate the opportunity to reduce the overall impact and narrow inequalities by considering socio-economic disparities in future pandemic planning. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00038-012-0337-1Authors Paul D. Rutter, Imperial College, London, UKOliver T. Mytton, University of Oxford, Oxford, UKMatthew Mak, King’s College Hospital, London, UKLiam J. Donaldson, Imperial College, London, UK Journal International Journal of Public HealthOnline ISSN 1661-8564Print ISSN 1661-8556 (Source: International Journal of Public Health)

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Panel: Bird flu data should be kept under wraps

CNN.com - Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:10:17 +0100

Details of a genetically altered strain of the deadly avian flu virus are "a grave concern" to public safety, a federal advisory board says. (Source: CNN.com - Health)

Panel: Bird flu data should be kept quiet

CNN.com - Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:32:16 +0100

Details of a genetically altered strain of the deadly avian flu virus are "a grave concern" to public safety and should be kept under wraps, a federal advisory board declared Tuesday. (Source: CNN.com - Health)

Biosecurity Runs Up Against Scientific Endeavor: NSABB And H5N1 Redactions

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

In response to recent actions of the U.S. National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB), which recommended that two scientific journals withhold crucial details in upcoming reports about experiments with a novel strain of the bird flu virus, H5N1, the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) will publish a special series of commentaries by prominent scientists, including the acting chair of the NSABB, weighing in on whether the recommendations were necessary and what role biosecurity considerations should play in the dissemination of research findings... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

U.S. Advisers Explain Request to Censor Bird Flu Research

MedicineNet Senior Health General — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: U.S. Advisers Explain Request to Censor Bird Flu ResearchCategory: Health NewsCreated: 1/31/2012 4:05:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 2/1/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Senior Health General)

Australia culls ducks in bid to stop bird flu outbreak

Reuters: Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:47:58 +0100

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia on Wednesday was in the process of killing 24,000 ducks in the hope of stemming an outbreak of bird flu that led to a ban on Australian exports of poultry products to Japan, along with some restrictions by some other Asian countries. (Source: Reuters: Health)

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TGen-NAU professor leads national panel in precedent-setting policy published in Science and Nature

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(The Translational Genomics Research Institute) The US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity today published a precedent-setting policy statement warning about the "unusually high magnitude" risk from unrestricted publication of avian flu research. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

The avian intervertebral disc arises from rostral sclerotome and lacks a nucleus pulposus: Implications for evolution of the vertebrate disc

Developmental Dynamics — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractDeterioration of the intervertebral discs is an unfortunate consequence of aging. The intervertebral disc in mammals is composed of three parts: a jelly‐like center called the nucleus pulposus, the cartilaginous annulus fibrosus and anterior and posterior endplates that attach the discs to vertebrae. In order to understand the origin of the disc, we have investigated the intervertebral region of chickens. Surprisingly, our comparison of mouse and chicken discs revealed that chicken discs lack nuclei pulposi. In addition, the notochord, which in mice forms nuclei pulposi, was found to persist as a rod‐like structure and express Shh throughout chicken embryogenesis. Our fate mapping data indicates that cells originating from the rostral half of each somite are responsible for for...

National Briefing | Science: Panel Praises Removal of Details on Bird Flu

NYT Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:32:20 +0100

Removing information from manuscripts describing experiments that made a lethal bird flu more likely to transmit among humans “maximized the benefits to society and minimized the risks,” the government’s biosecurity panel said. (Source: NYT Health)

Need for H5N1 Publication Restrictions ExplainedNeed for H5N1 Publication Restrictions Explained

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:51:55 +0100

The National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity explains its reasons for asking researchers to publish limited information about their H5N1 research. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

U.S. Advisers Explain Call to Censor Bird Flu Research

The Doctors Lounge - Infections — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0100

Published details of experiments could be used for harmful purposes, experts warn (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Infections)

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Reasons for bird flu studies' publication bans explained

CTV Health — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:00:08 +0100

Bird flu studies at the centre of a heated controversy pose a potential risk to public health of an "unusually high magnitude," the U.S. biosecurity experts who have advised against full publication of the studies said Tuesday. (Source: CTV Health)

U.S. panel defends call to censor bird flu studies

Reuters: Health — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:14:04 +0100

CHICAGO (Reuters) - A potentially deadlier form of the bird flu virus poses one of the gravest known threats to humans and justifies an unprecedented call to censor the research that produced it, a top U.S. biosecurity official said on Tuesday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Unite to fight bird flu

New Scientist - Health — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:34:16 +0100

Now we know the true scale of the threat from H5N1 avian flu we should put the people who know how to stop it in charge, says Debora MacKenzie (Source: New Scientist - Health)

Scientists created bird flu superbug that could set off next global pandemic

NaturalNews.com — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100

During roughly the same time period that health experts worldwide have been warning that the infamous H5N1 avian flu virus could soon morph into a highly-transmissible, exceedingly-deadly "super strain" capable of killing millions, scientists from around the world have... (Source: NaturalNews.com)

Researchers identify key peptides that could lead to a universal vaccine for influenza

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Southampton) Researchers at the University of Southampton, University of Oxford and Retroscreen Virology Ltd have discovered a series of peptides, found on the internal structures of influenza viruses that could lead to the development of a universal vaccine for influenza, one that gives people immunity against all strains of the disease, including seasonal, avian, and swine flu. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

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NSABB and H5N1 redactions: Biosecurity runs up against scientific endeavor

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(American Society for Microbiology) In response to recent actions of the US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity, which recommended that two scientific journals withhold crucial details in upcoming reports about experiments with a novel strain of the bird flu virus, H5N1, the American Society for Microbiology will publish a special series of commentaries by prominent scientists, including the acting chair of the NSABB, in its online, open-access journal, mBio. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Policy: Adaptations of avian flu virus are a cause for concern

Nature AOP — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kenneth I. Berns, Arturo Casadevall, Murray L. Cohen, Susan A. Ehrlich, Lynn W. Enquist, J. Patrick Fitch, David R. Franz, Claire M. Fraser-Liggett, Christine M. Grant, Michael J. Imperiale, Joseph Kanabrocki, Paul S. Keim, Stanley M. Lemon, Stuart B. Levy, John R. Lumpkin, Jeffery F. Miller, Randall Murch, Mark E. Nance, Michael T. Osterholm, David A. Relman, James A. Roth & Anne K. Vidaver Members of the US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity explain its recommendations on the communication of experimental work on H5N1 influenza. (Source: Nature AOP)

Q&A: Reasons for proposed redaction of flu paper

Nature AOP — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Nature advance online publication 31 January 2012. doi:10.1038/482156a Author: Paul S. Keim US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity explains recommendation to publish H5N1 work in a form that withholds essential data. (Source: Nature AOP)

Policy: Adaptations of avian flu virus are a cause for concern

Nature — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Q&A: Reasons for proposed redaction of flu paper

Nature — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Nature 482, 7384 (2012). doi:10.1038/482156a Author: Paul S. Keim US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity explains recommendation to publish H5N1 work in a form that withholds essential data. (Source: Nature)

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NSABB and H5N1 Redactions: Biosecurity Runs Up Against Scientific Endeavor

American Society for Microbiology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:13:00 +0100

WASHINGTON, DC -- January 31, 2012 -- In response to recent actions of the U.S. National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB), which recommended that two scientific journals withhold crucial details in upcoming reports about experiments with a novel strain of the bird flu virus, H5N1, the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) will publish a special series of commentaries by prominent scientists, including the acting chair of the NSABB, weighing in on whether the recommendations were necessary and what role biosecurity considerations should play in the dissemination of research findings. Read more... (Source: American Society for Microbiology)

H5N1 Causes Controversy Concerning Balance Between Scientific Discovery And Public Safety

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0100

After scientists have engineered a new strain of H5N1, commonly known as bird flu, which is readily transmitted between humans, the Annals of Internal Medicine , the principal journal of the American College of Physicians, has published two perspectives online in advance, in which concerns are raised as to whether or not this research should be continued, and how the data should be shared for the benefit of public health... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Dual use research: H5N1 influenza virus and beyond

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(New York Academy of Sciences) The US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity recently recommended that journals Nature and Science remove certain methodological details from controversial studies on H5N1 to minimize the risk of these findings being misused by would-be bioterrorists. On Feb. 2, the New York Academy of Sciences brings together leading scientists, publishers, and legal experts to explore the issues surrounding the impending publication of these studies, including matters of censorship and public safety. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Development of label-free optical diagnosis for sensitive detection of influenza virus with genetically engineered fusion protein.

Talanta — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Park TJ, Lee SJ, Kim DK, Heo NS, Park JY, Lee SY Abstract An active immobilization method utilizing the metal-binding property was developed and examined for its ability to facilitate the biosensing of avian influenza virus. The special biosensing performance with optical plasmonic analysis, including surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was evaluated on gold substrate and also by SPR imaging (SPRi) and localized SPR (LSPR) system where antigen-antibody interaction occurs. A complete optical analytical system was developed by integrating microarray and fabricating nanoparticles onto a single glass chip, thus allowing specific and sensitive diagnosis with subsequent binding. Reaction condition for the maximum reactivity was optimized by SPR analysis and more sensitive interactio...

A new morphologically distinct avian malaria parasite that fails detection by established pcr-based protocols for amplification of the cytochrome b gene.

The Journal of Parasitology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

A NEW MORPHOLOGICALLY DISTINCT AVIAN MALARIA PARASITE THAT FAILS DETECTION BY ESTABLISHED PCR-BASED PROTOCOLS FOR AMPLIFICATION OF THE CYTOCHROME B GENE. J Parasitol. 2012 Jan 30; Authors: Zehtindjiev P, Križanauskienė A, Bensch S, Palinauskas V, Asghar M, Dimitrov D, Scebba S, Valkiunas G Abstract Abstract Plasmodium polymorphum n. sp. (Haemosporida, Plasmodiidae) was found in the skylark Alauda arvensis (Passeriformes, Alaudidae) during autumnal migration in southern Italy. This organism is illustrated and described based on the morphology of its blood stages. The most distinctive feature of this malaria parasite is the clear preference of its blood stages (trophozoites, meronts and gametocytes) for immature red blood cells, including erythroblasts. Based on preference...

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Influenza Vaccination in the Face of Immune Exhaustion: Is Herd Immunity Effective for Protecting the Elderly?

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:22:18 +0100

At the start of the 21st century, seasonal influenza virus infection is still a major public health concern across the world. The recent body of evidence confirms that trivalent inactivated influenza vaccines (TIVs) are not optimal within the population who account for approximately 90% of all influenza-related death: elderly and chronically ill individuals regardless of age. With the ever increasing aging of the world population and the recent fears of any pandemic influenza rife, great efforts and resources have been dedicated to developing more immunogenic vaccines and strategies for enhancing protection in these higher-risk groups. This paper describes the mechanisms that shape immune response at the extreme ages of life and how they have been taken into account to design more effe...

Low prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in Somali pastoral livestock, southeast Ethiopia

Tropical Animal Health and Production — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:52:10 +0100

Abstract A cross-sectional study of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) detected by the comparative intradermal tuberculin test (CIDT) was conducted in livestock of the Somali region in southeast Ethiopia—in four pastoral associations from January to August 2009. In 94 herds, each of 15 cattle, camels, and goats was tested per herd leading to a total of 1,418 CIDT tested animals, with 421 cattle, 479 camels, and 518 goats. A herd was considered positive if it had at least one reactor. Prevalence per animal species was calculated using a xtgee model for each species. The individual animal prevalence was 2.0% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.5–8.4], 0.4% (95% CI, 0.1–3%), and 0.2% (95% CI, 0.03–1.3) in cattle, camels, and goats, respectively. Prevalence of avian mycobacterium ...

Research into mutant flu 'must go on'

The Independent - Science — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 04:57:09 +0100

One of the scientists at the centre of the controversy over the creation a highly dangerous form of bird flu which could cause a devastating human pandemic has denounced attempts by the US Government to censor the research over fears that the findings might be misused by bioterrorists. (Source: The Independent - Science)

The role of nuclear technologies in the diagnosis and control of livestock diseases—a review

Tropical Animal Health and Production — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:54:44 +0100

Abstract Nuclear and nuclear-related technologies have played an important role in animal health, particularly in relation to disease diagnosis and characterization of pathogenic organisms. This review focuses primarily on how and where nuclear technologies, both non-isotopic and isotopic methods, have made their impact in the past and where it might be expected they could have an impact in the future. The review outlines the extensive use of radiation attenuation in attempts to create vaccines for a multiplicity of pathogenic organisms and how the technology is being re-examined in the light of recent advances in irradiation techniques and cryopreservation/lyophilization that might obviate some of the problems of maintenance of viable, attenuate vaccines and their transpo...

Evolution and adaptation of hemagglutinin gene of human H5N1 influenza virus

Virus Genes — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:53:08 +0100

Abstract The H5N1 HPAI virus has brought heavy loss to poultry industry. Although, there exists limited human-to-human transmission, it poses potential serious risks to public health. HA is responsible for receptor-binding and membrane-fusion and contains the host receptor-binding sites and major epitopes for neutralizing antibodies. To investigate molecular adaption of HPAI H5N1 viruses, we performed a phylogenetic analysis of HA sequences with 240 HPAI virus strains isolated from human. The topology of the tree reveals overall clustering of strains in four major clusters based on geographic location, and shows antigenic diversity of HA of human H5N1 isolates co-circulating in Asia, Africa, and Europe. The four clusters possess distinct features within the cleavage site a...

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[News of the Week] Around the World

Science: Current Issue — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:42:31 +0100

In science news around the world this week, outbreaks of H5N1 continue in poultry in south and southeast Asia—and the human death toll mounts; the University of Tokyo plans to shift the start of its school year from April to autumn; researchers are looking for signs of life in the Tissint meteorites; the Natural History Museum in London is under fire for its scientific cooperation with an Israeli company that conducts research in the occupied West Bank; Marco Antônio Raupp will become Brazil's new minister of science, technology, and innovation; and NASA's twin moon orbiters were officially christened Ebb and Flow. (Source: Science: Current Issue)

[News & Analysis] H5N1: Flu Controversy Spurs Research Moratorium

Science: Current Issue — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:42:31 +0100

Amid a growing global controversy over the potential dangers of experiments involving the H5N1 avian influenza virus, a group of leading influenza researchers last week agreed to a 60-day moratorium on some sensitive flu studies.Author: David Malakoff (Source: Science: Current Issue)

[News & Analysis] H5N1: Ron Fouchier: In the Eye of the Storm

Science: Current Issue — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:42:31 +0100

Science talked to Ron Fouchier of Erasmus MC in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, who carried out one of the two controversial H5N1 avian influenza studies that triggered the international debate.Author: Martin Enserink (Source: Science: Current Issue)

[Letter] Pause on Avian Flu Transmission Research

Science: Current Issue — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:42:31 +0100

Authors: Ron A. M. Fouchier, Adolfo García-Sastre, Yoshihiro Kawaoka, Wendy S. Barclay, Nicole M. Bouvier, Ian H. Brown, Ilaria Capua, Hualan Chen, Richard W. Compans, Robert B. Couch, Nancy J. Cox, Peter C. Doherty, Ruben O. Donis, Heinz Feldmann, Yi Guan, Jaqueline Katz, H. D. Klenk, Gary Kobinger, Jinhua Liu, Xiufan Liu, Anice Lowen, Thomas C. Mettenleiter, Albert D. M. E. Osterhaus, Peter Palese, J. S. Malik Peiris, Daniel R. Perez, Jürgen A. Richt, Stacey Schultz-Cherry, John Steel, Kanta Subbarao, David E. Swayne, Toru Takimoto, Masato Tashiro, Jeffery K. Taubenberger, Paul G. Thomas, Ralph A. Tripp, Terrence M. Tumpey, Richard J. Webby, Robert G. Webster (Source: Science: Current Issue)

Newly Engineered Highly Transmissible H5N1 Strain Ignites Controversy About Balancing Scientific Discovery And Public Safety

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0100

Scientists have engineered a new strain of H5N1 (commonly known as bird flu) to be readily transmitted between humans. Two perspectives being published early online in Annals of Internal Medicine, the flagship journal of the American College of Physicians, raise concerns about if and how this research should be continued, and how the data should be shared for the benefit of public health. The currently circulating H5N1 virus has an extremely high case-fatality rate, killing about 60 percent of the over 500 confirmed human cases... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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The melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene is associated with recurrent and idiopathic calcium nephrolithiasis

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. The results of this case–control study indicate a strong association between allelic variants of MTNR1A and recurrent calcium nephrolithiasis. (Source: Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation)

Study Finds Virus to Be Fast Learner on Infecting

NYT Health — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:28:15 +0100

Researchers report that viruses deprived of their usual channel for infiltrating the E. coli bacterium evolved a different route into the cells in little more than two weeks. (Source: NYT Health)

H1N1pdm09 Recombination In Egypt H5N1 Raises Concerns

Recombinomics — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:07:32 +0100

The commentary discusses H1N1pdm09 sequences and recombination in Egypt H5N1 PB1 and PB2. (01/25/12 21:00) (Source: Recombinomics)

Fatal Suspect H5N1 Case In Cenkareng Indonesia

Recombinomics — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:07:32 +0100

The commentary discusses the suspect H5N1 fatal case in Cengkareng, Indonesia. (01/25/12 14:15) (Source: Recombinomics)

Fatal Suspect H5N1 Case In Tangerang Indonesia

Recombinomics — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:07:32 +0100

The commentary discusses the suspect H5N1 fatal case in Tangerang, Indonesia. (01/25/12 12:45) (Source: Recombinomics)

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Bird Flu Research Debate Leaves Docs Up in the Air

MedPage Today Primary Care — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:53:59 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- What should be done about controversial research on the H5N1 avian flu that some think should be suppressed and others think has important benefits that should be pursued? (Source: MedPage Today Primary Care)

In Real Time, a Virus Learns a New Way to Infect

NYT Health — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:26:55 +0100

Researchers report that viruses deprived of their usual channel for infiltrating the E. coli bacterium evolved a different route into the cells in little more than two weeks. (Source: NYT Health)

Newly engineered highly transmissible H5N1 strain ignites controversy about balancing scientific discovery and public safety

EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(American College of Physicians) Below is information about two articles being published early online www.annals.org, the Annals of Internal Medicine website. The information is not intended to substitute for the full articles as sources of information. Full text will be posted at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26. Annals of Internal Medicine attribution is required for all coverage. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)

Wisconsin Scientist Says H5N1 Flu Strain He Created Is Less Dangerous

NYT Health — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:28:29 +0100

A Wisconsin researcher said his team’s version of the H5N1 bird flu virus is not as lethal as that developed by Dutch researchers. (Source: NYT Health)

Bird flu researcher reveals details of his findings

CTV Health — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:40:15 +0100

A scientist at the centre of a raging controversy over bird flu transmission studies has broken his silence, in the process revealing information about his study that has not been made public previously. (Source: CTV Health)

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A Central Researcher in the H5N1 Flu Debate Breaks His Silence

ScienceNOW — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:05:32 +0100

In the heated debate about two labs that engineered a variant of the deadly... (Source: ScienceNOW)

Bird flu mutation studies must go on, says scientist

Reuters: Health — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:02:40 +0100

LONDON (Reuters) - A scientist researching a potentially highly lethal airborne version of the H5N1 bird flu virus said on Wednesday he must be allowed to pursue his studies if deadly pandemics are to be prevented. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Bird Flu Mutation Studies Must Go on, Says Scientist

MedlinePlus Health News — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:02:31 +0100

A scientist researching a potentially highly lethal airborne version of the H5N1 bird flu virus said on Wednesday he must be allowed to pursue his studies if deadly pandemics are to be prevented. Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Pages: Biodefense and Bioterrorism, Bird Flu (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Decision Of Researchers To Temporarily Halt Research On H5N1 Applauded By Georgetown Professor

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

A Georgetown University Medical Center professor says the voluntary action taken by two research teams to temporarily halt work involving the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 is "laudable." In the researchers' statement, published by Science and Nature, the authors stated that they "recognize that we and the rest of the scientific community need to clearly explain the benefits of this important research and the measures taken to minimize its possible risks." The statement comes in the wake of a debate following the U.S... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Public health management of antiviral drugs during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic: A survey of local health departments in California

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic presented an unusual opportunity to learn about the role of local public health in the management of antiviral response activities during a real public health emergency. Results of this study offer an important descriptive account of LHD management of publicly purchased antivirals, and provide practitioners, policy makers, and academics with a practice-based assessment of these events. The issues raised and the challenges faced by LHDs should be leveraged to inform public health planning for future pandemics and other emergency events that require medical countermeasure dispensing activities. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

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Clinical technique sets new standard for speed in battle to prevent pandemic infection

EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(RIKEN) A new diagnosis technique developed by researchers at the RIKEN Omics Science Center has succeeded in detecting influenza virus infection in only 40 minutes and with 100 times the sensitivity of conventional methods. Clinical research conducted in 2009 and 2010 confirms the new technique accurately identified the 2009 pandemic influenza virus in Japanese patients less than 24 hours after fever onset, much faster than standard diagnostic tests. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)

H5N1: Flu transmission work is urgent

Nature AOP — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Nature advance online publication 25 January 2012. doi:10.1038/nature10884 Author: Yoshihiro Kawaoka Yoshihiro Kawaoka explains that research on transmissible avian flu viruses needs to continue if pandemics are to be prevented. (Source: Nature AOP)

Identification of the Second Form of Acrosin in Turkey Spermatozoa

Reproduction in Domestic Animals — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:07:43 +0100

In this study, we reported the identification of second form of acrosin (acrosin II) in turkey spermatozoa. Using the three‐step isolation procedure, we purified and characterized the acrosin II from a turkey spermatozoa extract. N‐terminal Edman sequencing allowed the identification of the 24 amino acids from the internal part of acrosin II: SLQEYVEPYRVLQEAKVQLIDLNL. Thanks to homology alignment, we concluded that acrosin II is an acrosin‐like protein similar to avian acrosin, including turkey acrosin. The molecular mass of acrosin II estimated by mass spectrometry was 30.869 kDa. During chromatofocusing, the acrosin II was eluted at pH range from 6.4 to 6.2. Acrosin II was found to be a glycoprotein. The glucosamine and galactosamine were present in carbohydrate structures of acr...

The Expression of Preaxial Polydactyly Is Influenced by Modifying Genetic Elements and Is Not Maintained by Chromosomal Inversion in an Avian Biomedical Model

Cytogenetic and Genome Research — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:44:01 +0100

Cytogenet Genome Res 2012;136:50–68 (DOI:10.1159/000335005) (Source: Cytogenetic and Genome Research)

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Avian influenza - situation in China - update

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:58:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health of China has notified WHO of a human case of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infection.‬‪ (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

Full-length characterization and phylogenetic analysis of hemagglutinin gene of H9N2 virus isolated from broilers in Iran during 1998–2007

Comparative Clinical Pathology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:26:50 +0100

Abstract H9N2 avian influenza A viruses (AIV) have become panzootic in Eurasia over the last decade and are endemic in Iran since 1998, and inactivated vaccine has been used in chickens to control the disease. The hemagglutinin (HA), one of eight protein-coding genes, plays an important role during the early stage of infection. To study their evolution and zoonotic potential, we conducted an in silico analysis of H9N2 viruses that have infected broiler in Tehran Province, Iran between 1998 and 2007. The complete coding region of HA genes from nine H9N2 subtypes isolated from chicken flocks in Tehran Province during 1998–2007 was amplified and sequenced. Sequence analysis and phylogenetic studies of H9N2 subtype viruses on the basis of data of 9 viruses in this study and ...

Updates on the genetic variations of Norovirus in sporadic gastroenteritis in Chungnam Korea, 2009-2010

Virology Journal — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Previously, we explored the epidemic pattern and molecular characterization of noroviruses (NoVs) isolated in Chungnam, Korea in 2008, and the present study extended these observations to 2009 and 2010. In Korea, NoVs showed the seasonal prevalence from late fall to spring, and widely detected in preschool children and peoples over 60 years of age. Epidemiological pattern of NoV was similar in 2008 and in 2010, but pattern in 2009 was affected by pandemic influenza A/H1N1 2009 virus. NoV-positive samples were subjected to sequence determination of the capsid gene region, which resolved the isolated NoVs into five GI (2, 6, 7, 9 and 10) and eleven GII genotypes (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 16 and 17). The most prevalent genotype was GII.4 and occupied 130 out of 211 NoV isolates (61.6%). C...

The burden of 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) in the Netherlands

The European Journal of Public Health — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This disease burden estimate confirmed that, although there was a higher mortality observed among young people, the 2009 pandemic was overall a mild influenza epidemic. The disease burden of this pandemic was comparable to the burden of seasonal influenza in the Netherlands. (Source: The European Journal of Public Health)

Notice to Readers: Revised Estimates of the Public Health Impact of 2009 Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Vaccination [From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]

JAMA — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

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Role of Water Fleas (Daphnia magna) in the Accumulation of Avian Influenza Viruses from the Surrounding Water

Intervirology — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Intervirology (DOI:10.1159/000334691) (Source: Intervirology)

China Censors News On H5N1 Guizhou Case

Recombinomics — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:47:52 +0100

The commentary discusses China’s censorship of news on recent H5N1 case in Guizhou. (01/23/12 16:45) (Source: Recombinomics)

HA S227N and PB2 E627K In Fatal H5N1 Cambodia Case

Recombinomics — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:47:52 +0100

The commentary discusses recent H5N1 Cambodia fatal case with HA S227N and PB2 E627K. (01/23/12 11:00) (Source: Recombinomics)

Absence of Poultry in H5N1 Fatal Case in Guizhou China

Recombinomics — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:47:52 +0100

The commentary discusses the absence of poultry in the fatal H5N1 case in Guizhou, China. (01/22/12 14:00) (Source: Recombinomics)

Researchers Temporarily Halt Research on H5N1 Avian Influenza

Disabled World — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:05:18 +0100

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Today's mystery bird for you to identify | GrrlScientist

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:30:00 +0100

This North American mystery bird has no recognised subspeciesMystery Bird photographed at Illinois Beach State Park, Zion, Illinois (USA). [I will identify this bird for you in 48 hours]Image: Paul Sweet, 12 November 2011 (with permission) [velociraptorize to see the complete unaltered image].Sony Alpha-35 camera with a Sony 75-300 mm lens This North American mystery bird is interesting because it has no recognised subspecies, unlike its congeners. Can you identify this mystery bird's taxonomic family and species?About the Daily Mystery Bird: The Rules:1. Keep in mind that people live in 24 different time zones, and some people are following on their iPhones. So let everyone play the game. Don't spoil it for everyone else by identifying the bird in the first 24 to 36 hours.2. If you know t...

Health Highlights: Jan. 23, 2012

Primary Care News - Doctors Lounge — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:17:00 +0100

Rep. Giffords to Resign From Congress FDA OK for Marijuana-Based Cancer Pain Drug Sought China Reports 2nd Bird Flu Death Former Penn State Football Coach Joe Paterno Dead at 85 (Source: Primary Care News - Doctors Lounge)

Man dies of bird flu in southwest China: report

Reuters: Health — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:23:04 +0100

BEIJING (Reuters) - A man in southwest China died of bird flu on Sunday after three days of intensive care treatment in hospital, the official Xinhua news agency quoted the Ministry of Health as saying. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Georgetown professor applauds decision of researchers to temporarily halt research on H5N1

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Georgetown University Medical Center) A Georgetown University Medical Center professor says the voluntary action taken by two research teams to temporarily halt work involving the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 is "laudable." (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Improving global influenza surveillance: trends of A(H5N1) virus in Africa and Asia

BMC Research Notes — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our study reveals that some countries suffering from human cases of avian influenza have limited participation (e.g. genetic surveillance or data share) with global surveillance networks. Also, we demonstrate that the implementation of genetic surveillance programs could increase and strengthen worldwide epidemic and pandemic preparedness. We hope that this work promotes new discussions between policy makers and health surveillance organizations to improve current methodologies and regulations. (Source: BMC Research Notes)

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China Reports 2nd Bird Flu Death in Month

NYT Health — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 04:22:11 +0100

Both of the deaths in China were notable because neither victim reported any contact with birds in the month preceding his illness. (Source: NYT Health)

Man dies from avian flu in China

Monsters and Critics Health News — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:17:01 +0100

(Source: Monsters and Critics Health News)

Pause in bird flu research amid safety fears

FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:40:40 +0100

Two academic groups agreed a halt for 60 days on further work ahead of international debate on ethical and practical issues (Source: FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare)

China suffers second bird flu death in a month

Telegraph Health — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:46:28 +0100

A man in southwest China who contracted bird flu has died, health authorities said, the second human death from the virulent disease in the country in just under a month. (Source: Telegraph Health)

China reports second bird flu death in a month

CTV Health — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:45:02 +0100

China on Sunday reported its second bird flu fatality in a month following deaths last week in Vietnam and Cambodia. (Source: CTV Health)

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Man dies of bird flu in southwest China: Xinhua

Reuters: Health — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 11:42:57 +0100

Meeting to address bird flu research impasse: WHO

CTV Health — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 21:23:02 +0100

The World Health Organization will gather a relatively small group of technical experts in mid-February in a bid to try to breaking the impasse over the proposed publication of controversial bird flu research. (Source: CTV Health)

Size scaling and stiffness of avian primary feathers: implications for the flight of Mesozoic birds

Journal of Evolutionary Biology — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:12:13 +0100

AbstractThe primary feathers of birds are subject to cyclical forces in flight causing their shafts (rachises) to bend. The amount the feathers deflect during flight is dependent upon the flexural stiffness of the rachises. By quantifying scaling relationships between body mass and feather linear dimensions in a large data set of living birds, we show that both feather length and feather diameter scale much closer to predictions for geometric similarity than they do to elastic similarity. Scaling allometry also indicates that the primary feathers of larger birds are relatively shorter and their rachises relatively narrower, compared to those of smaller birds. Two‐point bending tests indicated that larger birds have more flexible feathers than smaller species. Discriminant functional anal...

Today's mystery bird for you to identify | @GrrlScientist

Guardian Unlimited Science — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:33:02 +0100

This Ethiopian mystery bird speaks to us like horsesMystery Bird photographed at Lake Zway, one of the freshwater Rift Valley lakes of Ethiopia (Africa). [I will identify this bird for you in 48 hours]Image: Dan Logen, 6 February 2011 (with permission) [velociraptorize].Nikon D300s, 600 mm lens, f/8, 1/1250 sec, ISO 500 This Ethiopian mystery bird speaks to us like horses -- what am I talking about? Can you name this mystery bird's taxonomic family and species?About the Daily Mystery Bird: The Rules:1. Keep in mind that people live in zillions of different time zones, and some people are following on their iPhones. So let everyone play the game. Don't spoil it for everyone else by identifying the bird in the first 24 to 36 hours.2. If you know the bird's identity, provide subtle hints to l...

Epidemic fears see bird flu doctors halt research

The Independent - Science — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:22:47 +0100

Influenza experts have agreed to a two-month voluntary ban on research into a highly dangerous strain of bird-flu virus because of fears that it may escape from their laboratories to cause a global human epidemic. (Source: The Independent - Science)

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Bird Flu Scientists Agree to Pause H5N1 Research

NYT Health — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:42:05 +0100

A national biosecurity panel in the United States had asked researchers who produced a more contagious form of the bird flu virus to keep some data secret. (Source: NYT Health)

Second bird flu death in Indonesia brings toll to 152

Monsters and Critics Health News — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:24:02 +0100

(Source: Monsters and Critics Health News)

Scientists Developing Deadly Bird Flu Mutations Agree to Pause Research

Forbes.com Healthcare News — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:36:02 +0100

Amid growing controversy, scientists in two laboratories have agreed to temporarily suspend their work on mutations of the H5N1 influenza virus, or bird flu, according to a letter published in the journals Nature and Science. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)

Scientists call moratorium on study of deadly bird flu

Los Angeles Times - Science — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 02:08:00 +0100

Those who work with the H5N1 virus announce a 60-day voluntary halt to explain the benefits of research and the measures to minimize risks to the public.In an almost unheard-of move, scientists who study the deadly H5N1 bird flu announced a 60-day voluntary moratorium on studying the virus to allow time "to clearly explain the benefits of this important research and the measures taken to minimize its possible risks." (Source: Los Angeles Times - Science)

Mutant bird flu research halted

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:40:36 +0100

Scientists who created a more deadly strain of bird flu as part of attempts to prevent the virus's spread, halt work amid fears it could be used by terrorists. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

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Fears of mutant virus escape halt bird flu study

Reuters: Health — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:36:05 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Researchers studying a potentially more lethal, airborne version of the bird flu virus have suspended their studies because of concerns the mutant virus they have created could be used as a devastating form of bioterrorism or accidentally escape the lab. (Source: Reuters: Health)

H5N1 Flu Investigators Agree to Stop Research for 60 DaysH5N1 Flu Investigators Agree to Stop Research for 60 Days

Medscape Today Headlines — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:18:19 +0100

In a response to concerns regarding intentional or unintentional viral release, H5N1 flu researchers have agreed to stop research for 60 days so plans can be developed. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

H5N1 Transmission Experiment Halt - Censorship Continues

Recombinomics — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:40:48 +0100

The commentary discusses the 60 halt in H5N1 transmission experiments. (01/20/12 19:00) (Source: Recombinomics)

Indonesia Confirms H5N1 Cluster In North Jakarta

Recombinomics — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:40:48 +0100

The commentary discusses the Indonesia Health Ministry confirmation of the H5N1 cluster in North Jakarta. (01/20/12 06:45) (Source: Recombinomics)

WHO Confirms H5N1 Cluster In Fayoum Egypt

Recombinomics — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:40:48 +0100

The commentary discusses the WHO confirmation of the H5N1 cluster in Fayoum, Egypt. (01/20/12 05:45) (Source: Recombinomics)

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The Pseudoscience and Pseudonature H5N1 Health Hazard

Recombinomics — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:40:48 +0100

The commentary discusses the ill conceived censoring of the Nature and Science papers describing efficient H5N1 transmission in a ferret model. (01/20/12 04:00) (Source: Recombinomics)

Published H5N1 One Change From Efficient Transmission

Recombinomics — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:40:48 +0100

The commentary discusses censoring of the Nature and Science papers describing efficient H5N1 transmission in a ferret model. (01/19/12 22:30) (Source: Recombinomics)

H5N1 Fatal Cluster In Tanjung Priok North Jakarta Indonesia

Recombinomics — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:40:48 +0100

The commentary discusses the migration of H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1 into South Asia. (01/19/12 16:30) (Source: Recombinomics)

H5N1 Clade 2.3.2.1 Migrates Into South Asia

Recombinomics — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:40:48 +0100

The commentary discusses the migration of H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1 into South Asia. (01/18/12 23:45) (Source: Recombinomics)

Egypt H5N1 PB2 H1N1pdm09 and Seasonal H1N1 Recombination

Recombinomics — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:40:48 +0100

The commentary discusses a H5N1 PB2 recombination with H1N1pdm11 and seasonal H1N1. (01/17/12 23:45) (Source: Recombinomics)

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Bird flu scientists suspend work amid epidemic fears

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:07:42 +0100

Researchers announce 60-day suspension to allow debate about security of their attempts to prevent spread of virusScientists trying to prevent bird flu from killing millions of people have suspended their work because of fears they might accidentally cause the epidemic they hope to stop, according to a letter published on Friday in scientific journals.Researchers from around the world signed a letter in the Nature and Science journals in which they announced a 60-day suspension to allow a public debate about the security of their work.The letter comes after developments in the study of bird flu in which scientists have created a similar virus that can be passed between mammals.Bird flu can only be caught by humans from birds such as chickens but it is usually lethal. Scientists fear that b...

Scientists Voluntarily Pause Controversial Research

AAAS — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:25:38 +0100

Science: Confronting the Implications of Research on H5N1 Avian Influenza Scientists working on the transmission of the H5N1 avian influenza strain voluntarily agreed to halt research for 60 days to allow time for international discussion of its benefits and risks. (Source: AAAS)

Are Controls on Bird Flu Research a Good Idea?

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:22:00 +0100

Two scientists who independently concocted potentially dangerous strains of bird flu viruses and have had the bioweapons community in a tizzy for the past month with the pending publication of their work today said that they would suspend their research for 60 days . The announcement is intended to be a kind of time out, a chance for everyone to catch up with the realization that influenza is no longer solely a matter of public health, but is now a potential bioweapon. [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)

Researchers Agree to Postpone Bird Flu Research

The Doctors Lounge - Infections — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:00:00 +0100

Fears that altered virus could escape from lab or be used by bioterrorists feeds debate (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Infections)

Scientists behind deadly lab-bred bird flu suspend work

CTV Health — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:30:04 +0100

Scientists who created easier-to-spread versions of the deadly bird flu said Friday they're temporarily halting more research, as international specialists debate what should happen next. (Source: CTV Health)

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Researchers Agree To Temporary Halt For Bird Flu Experiments

NPR Health and Science — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:08:00 +0100

Scientists working with a highly contagious, lab-created strain of bird flu will suspend their research for 60 days. The pause will make possible an international debate on the merits of the work, they say.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us (Source: NPR Health and Science)

Bird flu researchers suspend study of deadlier mutations

Reuters: Health — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:36:05 +0100

(Reuters) - Researchers studying a potentially deadlier, airborne version of the bird flu virus have voluntarily suspended their studies for 60 days because of concerns it could be used as a devastating form of bioterrorism, according to a letter published in the journals Nature and Science on Friday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Scientists pause research with lab-bred bird flu

USATODAY.com Health — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:58:54 +0100

The scientists who created easier-to-spread versions of the deadly bird flu say they are temporarily halting more research. (Source: USATODAY.com Health)

In Dramatic Move, Flu Researchers Announce Moratorium on Some H5N1 Flu Research, Call for Global Summit

ScienceNOW — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:42:09 +0100

Stung by a growing global controversy over the potential dangers of experiments involving the... (Source: ScienceNOW)

Bird flu researchers suspend study of deadlier mutations

Reuters: Health — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:25:08 +0100

(Reuters) - Researchers studying a potentially deadlier, airborne version of the H5N1 influenza virus, or bird flu, have voluntarily suspended their research for 60 days, according to a letter published in the journals Nature and Science on Friday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

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Today's mystery bird for you to identify | @GrrlScientist

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:30:01 +0100

This Chinese mystery bird has a special morphological adaptation that is shared with a group of parrotsMystery Bird photographed at Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. [I will identify this bird for you in 48 hours]Image: Marie-Louise Ng, 18 December 2011 (with permission) [velociraptorize].Nikon D7000 This Chinese mystery bird has a special morphological adaptation that is shared with a group of parrots. What morphological adaptation is that? What ecological character do these two unrelated bird groups share such that they evolved this similar trait? Can you identify this bird's taxonomic family and species?About the Daily Mystery Bird: The Rules:1. Keep in mind that people live in 24 different time zones, and some people are following on their iP...

More labs close to deadly bird flu mutations

Reuters: Health — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:18:25 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters) - An international debate over whether to censor new research on bird flu may soon prove academic, as other laboratories close in on similar findings showing how one of the most deadly viruses could mutate to be transmitted from one person to another. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Avian influenza – situation in Viet Nam

WHO Disease Outbreaks — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0100

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has announced a confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. (Source: WHO Disease Outbreaks)

Variability among the neuraminidase, non-structural 1 and PB1-F2 proteins in the influenza A virus genome

Virus Genes — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:46:44 +0100

Abstract Influenza A viruses infect a large number of mammals and birds resulting in sporadic infections, seasonal epidemics, epizootics and pandemics. The segmented genome of the virus encodes 10 or 11 proteins depending on the strain. The neuraminidase, non-structural 1 and the PB1-F2 proteins are known to be variable in their length due to very specific deletions, truncations and elongations. This review presents an update on what is currently known about these three proteins and discusses their length variations in relation to virulence and host adaptation in addition to identifying possible areas of future research. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-11DOI 10.1007/s11262-012-0714-0Authors William G. Dundon, OIE/FAO and National Reference Laboratory for Avian Inf...

Pause on avian flu transmission studies

Nature AOP — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ron A. M. Fouchier, Adolfo García-Sastre & Yoshihiro Kawaoka (Source: Nature AOP)

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Morphological and Morphometric Study of the Pecten Oculi in the Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus)

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe pecten oculi is a highly vascular and pigmented organ placed in the vitreous body of the avian eye. As no data are currently available on the morphological organization of the pecten in the Psittaciformes, the pecten oculi of the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) was studied. The eyes from adult male budgerigars were examined by light, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy and a morphometric study on both light and transmission electron microscopy specimens was also performed in the different parts of the organ. In the budgerigar, the type of the pecten oculi was pleated. Its basal part had a cranio‐caudal and postero‐anterior course; its body consisted of 10–12‐folds joined apically by a densely pigmented bridge. The pecten showed many capillaries, whose wa...

Morphological Studies of the Pineal Gland in the Common Gull (Larus canus) Reveal Uncommon Features of Pinealocytes

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe avian pineal is a directly photosensory organ taking part in the organization of the circadian and seasonal rhythms. It plays an important role in regulation of many behavior and physiological phenomena including migration. The aim of the study was to investigate morphology of the pineal organ in the common gull (Larus canus). The light and electron microscopic studies were performed on the pineals of juvenile birds living in natural conditions of the Baltic Sea coast, which have been untreatably injured during strong storms in autumn and qualified for euthanasia. The investigated pineals consisted of a wide, triangular, superficially localized distal part and a narrow, elongated proximal part, attached via the choroid plexus to the intercommissural region of the diencephalon. ...

Avian Flu Scientists Will ‘Pause’ Controversial Research for 60 Days

RWJF News Digest - Public Health — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The authors of a pair of studies on a deadly strain of H5N1 virus — also known as avian or bird influenza — have signed a letter saying they will “pause” such research for 60 days to allow an international scientific discussion about the controversy. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Public Health)

Pause on avian flu transmission studies

Nature — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ron A. M. Fouchier, Adolfo García-Sastre & Yoshihiro Kawaoka The continuous threat of an influenza pandemic represents one of the biggest challenges in public health. Influenza pandemics are known to be caused by viruses that evolve from animal reservoirs, such as birds and pigs, and can acquire genetic changes that increase their ability to (Source: Nature)

Changes of IgA(+) Cells and Cytokines in the Cecal Tonsil of Broilers Fed on Diets Supplemented with Vanadium.

Biological Trace Element Research — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, dietary vanadium in excess of 30 mg/kg reduced the numbers of the IgA(+) cells and changed the contents of the abovementioned cytokines in the cecal tonsil, which may finally impact the function of local mucosal humoral immunity in broilers. PMID: 22270623 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Biological Trace Element Research)

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More labs close to deadly bird flu mutations: researcher

Reuters: Health — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:54:06 +0100

In Bowerbird Romance, Master Illusionists Get the Girls [VIDEO]

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:00:00 +0100

Male great bowerbird. Image by algaedoc via Flickr Male bowerbirds are virtuoso architects. To woo females they construct an intricate structure (a bower) from twigs that they meticulously decorate with a variety of found objects. The result is the ultimate avian bachelor pad. Biologists have long marveled at the male bowerbirds elaborate courtship scheme. Now new findings add to a growing body of evidence that it is even more complex than previously thought. [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)

Bowerbird builds a house of illusions to improve his chances of mating

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:02:43 +0100

The male peacock is well known for its courtship displays, during which it fans its colourful tail feathers to attract a mate. But not all birds are so spectacular, and males of other species employ different means. Male bowerbirds use their intelligence to impress the females, constructing elaborate structures called bowers to attract mates. They are not on master builders, but also accomplished artists. Males of some species decorate their bowers lavishly with flower petals and sparkly manmade objects. The Satin bowerbird even paints the walls of his bower with charcoal or chewed up berries. Male Great bowerbirds are even more remarkable. Their bowers, which are among the most complex of all, are true marvels of avian architecture. But as well as being builders and artists, males of this...

H5N1 Virus Targets Pulmonary Endothelial Cells

American Society for Microbiology — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0100

The highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus, but not seasonal influenza viruses, can target the cells of human lung tissue, where they replicate fast and efficiently, and induce inflammation. Read more... (Source: American Society for Microbiology)