ciało-człowieka: Gain-of-function research

Evidence: 100 • authority: 72

Gain-of-function research (GoF research or GoFR) is medical research that genetically alters an organism in a way that may enhance the biological functions of gene products. This may include an altered pathogenesis, transmissibility, or host range, i.e., the types of hosts that a microorganism can infect. This research is intended to reveal targets to better predict emerging infectious diseases and to develop vaccines and therapeutics. For example, influenza B can infect only humans and harbor seals. Introducing a mutation that would allow influenza B to infect rabbits in a controlled laboratory situation would be considered a gain-of-function experiment, as the virus did not previously hav…

Evidence: 53 • authority: 80

The crystal structure of neuraminidase from a H3N8 influenza virus isolated from New England harbor seals

Evidence: 53 • authority: 92

Avian influenza overview March-June 2025.. Between 8 March and 6 June 2025, 365 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) virus detections were reported in domestic (167) and wild (198) birds across 24 countries in Europe. HPAI A(H5N1) virus detections were predominant and mainly located in western, central and south-eastern Europe. Most detections in wild birds concerned waterfowl, particularly swans and geese, but also gulls were involved. Poultry establishments, particularly domestic ducks and chickens, continued to be affected in large numbers in Hungary and Poland. In mammals, HPAI A(H5N1) and A(H5N5) virus detections were reported in a domestic cat, red foxes, Eurasian otters and…

Evidence: 53 • authority: 72

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an apicomplexan. Infections with toxoplasmosis are associated with a variety of neuropsychiatric and behavioral conditions. Occasionally, infected individuals may experience a few weeks or months of mild, flu-like illness such as muscle aches and tender lymph nodes. In a small number of people, eye problems may develop. In those with a weakened immune system, severe symptoms such as seizures and poor coordination may occur. If a woman becomes infected during pregnancy, a condition known as congenital toxoplasmosis may affect the child. Toxoplasmosis is usually spread by eating poorly cooked food that contains cysts, by exposu…