Although it does not generally infect humans, a single mutation of the H5N1 virus in the highly pathogenic avian and bovine clade 2.3.4.4b could overcome this barrier and possibly trigger a pandemic. Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have warned of this possibility after studying the three-dimensional structure of the viral hemagglutinin and seeing how a change in one amino acid would make it more suitable for the human cell receptor. The researchers stress the need to monitor new mutations of this virus in order to act quickly in case the global jump to our species occurs.

After raising AU$7 million (US$4.5 million) in is initial public offering on the Australian Securities Exchange last week, Renerve Ltd. is already exploring mainland China for its portfolio of nerve repair and regeneration products.

Researchers from the Fourth Military Medical University (Air Force Medical University) have identified novel antimicrobial molecules.

Researchers from Suzhou Siran Biotech Co. Ltd. presented the discovery and preclinical characterization of SA-1211, an N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-conjugated siRNA dimer targeting both hepatitis B virus (HBV) and PD-L1 gene expression, being developed as a potential new therapeutic candidate for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Researchers from Emory University, the U.S. CDC and collaborators have identified a broad-spectrum antiviral agent able to combat highly pathogenic arenaviruses. The compound, a ribonucleoside analogue that acts through RdRp inhibition, exhibited a good pharmacokinetic profile, oral bioavailability and tissue distribution in guinea pigs, while protecting animals from lethal challenges with Lassa and Junín viruses, even at very low doses.

Clostridioides difficile is a gram-positive bacteria that causes disease in persons with dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and has been listed as an urgent threat due to the emergence of resistance.

In what represents the first patenting from Glasgow-based Microplate Dx Ltd., three of its co-founders describe a system for diagnosing microbial infections and performing rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing, enabling quicker and more precise determination of effective antibiotics.