Articles on Viral vectors

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A mural in Rome depicts a white dove parachuting vials of COVID-19 vaccine. Several COVID-19 vaccines are based on a viral vector developed by Canadian Frank Graham decades ago. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

How the puzzle of viral vector vaccines was solved, leading to today’s COVID‑19 shots

Viral vectors are modified viruses that trigger an immune response without causing infection. The vector that’s used in several COVID-19 vaccines was created decades ago by Canadian Frank Graham.
There’s a short window between when a tick bites and when it passes on bacteria or virus. MSU Ag Communications, Courtesy Dr. Tina Nations

Ticks spread plenty more for you to worry about beyond Lyme disease

Tick-borne diseases are becoming more common in the United States. A public health entomologist outlines some of the lesser-known threats ticks pose to human health.
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes at the Laboratory of Entomology and Ecology of the Dengue Branch of the CDC in San Juan. Alvin Baez/Reuters

Understanding mosquitoes can help us find better ways to kill them

While no one likes getting bitten by mosquitoes, you might be surprised (and even a little fascinated) at the complex adaptions mosquitoes have developed to locate their favorite food sources.
Viruses like this one may yet become a benevolent force in modern medicine. Microbe World/Flickr

From scourge to saviour: using viruses to treat serious disease

Viruses have traditionally been mankind’s enemies, causing disease and often mutating out of the reach of our medicines. But now a new technology is conscripting them into doing good. Viral vectors show…

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