Virology is the branch of biological sciences that investigates viruses and virus-like agents, encompassing their molecular structure, genome organization, replication strategies, evolution, and interactions with host cells and organisms. It integrates methods from molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, immunology, and cell biology to elucidate viral entry, gene expression, assembly, egress, and mechanisms of pathogenesis. Virology also addresses virus classification, epidemiology, host range, and antiviral resistance, and underpins the rational design of vaccines, antiviral drugs, viral vectors for gene delivery, and oncolytic virotherapies, as well as biosurveillance and containment strategies for emerging and re-emerging viral diseases.
Researchers have discovered how "pirate phages" hijack other viruses to break into bacteria, sharing new genetic material for dangerous traits.
Cell & Microbiology
Sep 9, 2025
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A study from Würzburg reveals that pox viruses have developed a unique strategy to rapidly multiply after infecting a host cell. The findings uncover a previously unknown role for a well-known molecule and may serve as a ...
Molecular & Computational biology
Sep 4, 2025
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Burning, blisters, pain: More than 40 million people worldwide are infected with the herpes virus every year. The virus can pose a serious threat to newborns and people with weakened immune systems. Researchers in Hamburg ...
Bio & Medicine
Sep 4, 2025
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Researchers from USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and their university partners are helping U.S. tomato growers fight a devastating crop disease. Researchers found that a tomato line developed 30 years ago is showing ...
Biotechnology
Aug 28, 2025
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An international team of scientists has found that a promising African swine fever (ASF) vaccine can protect pigs against some strains of the virus but offers little or no protection against others. The findings point to ...
Veterinary medicine
Aug 25, 2025
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Researchers at San Diego State University and Michigan State University are shedding new light on how viruses meticulously pack their genetic material — a breakthrough that could help researchers engineer antivirals and gene ...
Molecular & Computational biology
Aug 15, 2025
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Cells have evolved ingenious ways to defend themselves from viral attack. Research from The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute sheds light on one of their sneakier strategies.
Cell & Microbiology
Aug 7, 2025
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Scientists have discovered a previously unknown virus in farmed Pacific oysters during a mass die-off in B.C., Canada. The discovery serves as a reminder that growers should exercise caution when moving young oysters internationally ...
Molecular & Computational biology
Aug 4, 2025
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Viruses in the cold waters of the Arctic are strongly seasonal and are also detected in the Antarctic. This surprising discovery comes from a multi-year time-series study led by the GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research ...
Ecology
Jul 31, 2025
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Researchers at the University of Southampton have worked out how bacteria defend themselves against viruses called phages and the new insights could be key to tackling antibiotic resistance.
Cell & Microbiology
Jul 28, 2025
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