A virus is defined as any of a various number of submicroscopic parasites that can infect any animal, plant or bacteria and often lead to very serious or even deadly diseases. A virus consists of a core of RNA or DNA, generally surrounded by a protein, lipid or glycoprotein coat, or some combination of the three. No virus can replicate without the help of a host cell, and though they can be spread, viruses lack the ability of self-reproduction and are not always considered to be living organisms in the regular sense.Some of the most common or best known viruses include the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is the virus that causes AIDS, the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores, smallpox, multiple sclerosis, and the human papilloma virus, now believed to be a leading cause of cervical cancer in adult women. The common human cold is also caused by a virus.Since a great deal of mystery still surrounds the origins of most modern viruses, ways to cure these viruses and the diseases they cause are still in the very early stages of development.
Latest about Viruses, Infections & Disease
New blood test for colorectal cancer approved by FDA
Scientists hope a new blood test for colorectal cancer could improve screening rates.
'Brain-eating' infections could become more common, scientists warn
Researchers think climate change will soon cause an increase in the incidence of Naegleria fowleri infections, a "brain-eating" disease.
Can you get a brain-eating amoeba from tap water?
In the U.S., tap water is generally safe and not a likely source of brain-eating-amoeba infections, experts told Live Science.
'Brain-eating' amoebas kill nearly 100% of victims. Could new treatments change that?
Doctors are pulling out new techniques and drugs in an effort to cure devastating brain infections.
Scientists find secret 'back door' flu viruses use to enter cells
Flu viruses that can use a second cellular entry point may move more effectively between animals and humans, scientists say.
New, faster sepsis test could save lives, scientists say
Preliminary experiments suggest that a new test could diagnose bacterial infections that cause sepsis days faster than conventional approaches, with potentially lifesaving consequences.
New fungal infection discovered in China
Scientists uncovered a species of fungi that had never before been seen in humans. They say warmer temperatures could drive its evolution, for the worse.
Black patients may be missed on common cancer screening, study suggests
An early screening test for endometrial cancer may be missing the disease in many Black patients.
