Here is what Indian scientists achieved in 2018
Here is a collection of 15 such stories that gives a glimpse of important developments reported by Indian scientists during the year.
Twin studies pave way for Ebola, Zika and dengue treatment
Researchers use protein-to-protein interaction between viruses and human cells to narrow down on potential treatment targets
Zika needs to be controlled but how?
With 131 cases of Zika infections being reported in Rajasthan, the country is up in arms against the disease but has no reliable way of dealing …
Genetically modified mosquitoes for controlling vector-borne diseases? Successful trial gives hope
The findings were achieved after a decade of fight for public acceptance, regulatory approvals
How to tame the mosquito
India does not have to bear the onslaught of vector-borne diseases year after year. It is possible to control mosquitoes that spread these diseases
Love in the time of Zika
South American countries have advised couples to not have children for up to two years. This pregnancy advice could have a profound societal …
We're developing the world's first vaccine suitable for humans and livestock
The technique uses a chimpanzee respiratory virus (adenovirus) to expose individuals to just a small part of the Rift Valley Fever virus
2016, the year that was: health and medicine
Health spent a lot of time in the spotlight in 2016 and it was a major issue in numerous government reviews
Zika impact: Demand for abortion up 100% in Brazil
Pregnant women from Zika-affected countries are defying national laws which restrict abortion to request abortion medications online, a new …
Zika-the new global pandemic
After dengue and chikungunya, the Aedes mosquito is delivering a new emergency— Zika. Down To Earth looks into the reasons behind the …
Anti-malaria drug may be repurposed to treat Zika
A team of Indian researchers identify a viral protein that can be targeted by an already available anti-malarial drug — hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)
WHO to discuss Zika impact on Rio Olympics next week
Concern over the spread of the disease is growing with athletes pulling out of the event and scientists writing to WHO to move or postpone the Games
Understanding zoonotic diseases: How viruses break the nature-human divide
Their novel nature and unpredictability make diseases that jump from animals to humans extremely dangerous
Ebola and Zika epidemics are driven by pathologies of society, not just a virus
To tackle Zika and other viral outbreaks, we need to focus not only on the pathology of the disease, but also on the global political …
India’s mysterious diseases: A timeline
India has witnessed at least 33 unknown fever and 12 acute encephalitis syndrome outbreaks since 2019
Vector-borne diseases may shift base with warmer temperatures
Stanford researchers say climate change will increase risk of vector-borne diseases spreading to countries characterised by cooler climate till now
International Day for Biological Diversity 2020: Why viruses are necessary
Possible solution to antimicrobial resistance, organ protection are some beneficial roles viruses play
COVID-19: Climate-related disasters impact labour more than wars
The ongoing pandemic will add to already-reduced labour productivity caused by natural disasters whose frequency has doubled since 2000
COVID-19 and pregnancy: What happens to your immune system
The foetus is well protected from the passage of SARS-CoV-2 from mother to child, according to studies
How the 2015-16 El Nino affected disease outbreaks
Major diseases like chikungunya, dengue, malaria, hantavirus, rift valley fever, cholera, plague and zika are affected by the weather events …
Should we worry about the long-term impact of the novel coronavirus?
Pathogens differ in their ability to affect multiple organs but they all invariably cause long-term effects