Recent News

A man with short grey hair and a beard stands against a wooden panel background, wearing a light blue shirt. An inset hexagonal frame in the foreground contains a portrait of a woman with short brown hair, wearing a yellow floral blouse and smiling.
A man with short grey hair and a beard stands against a wooden panel background, wearing a light blue shirt. An inset hexagonal frame in the foreground contains a portrait of a woman with short brown hair, wearing a yellow floral blouse and smiling.

Professor Massimo Palmarini steps down as CVR director after 14 successful years

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 16:09:01 GMT

After more than a decade leading the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), Professor Massimo Palmarini is stepping down as Director of the globally renowned research facility to take up a new role.

A group of vampire bats clings to a rocky surface, hanging upside down. An inset circular graphic overlays the image, depicting a digitally rendered influenza virus particle with spike-like proteins.
A group of vampire bats clings to a rocky surface, hanging upside down. An inset circular graphic overlays the image, depicting a digitally rendered influenza virus particle with spike-like proteins.

Understanding the Spread of Influenza in Vampire Bats

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 13:10:01 GMT

New study explores how bat flu spreads in vampire bats, revealing transmission patterns and potential risks for cross-species infection and disease control.

This image highlights a mosquito on human skin, with an inset showcasing fluorescent imaging view of internal structures.
This image highlights a mosquito on human skin, with an inset showcasing fluorescent imaging view of internal structures.

New research reveals the crucial role of NSm protein for bunyavirus transmission between vertebrate and mosquito hosts

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 14:06:00 GMT

New research from the CVR reveals how the NSm protein helps bunyaviruses spread by mosquitoes. NSm enables the virus to bypass the midgut barrier, making transmission to humans and animals possible.

A visual representation of a virus particle with a focus on its spike proteins. A circular inset depicts a silhouetted superhero figure in a cape against a dramatic sunset background.
A visual representation of a virus particle with a focus on its spike proteins. A circular inset depicts a silhouetted superhero figure in a cape against a dramatic sunset background.

New research finds the ‘Clark Kent’ of cells, secretly fighting to protect us from viruses

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 14:17:00 GMT

From hard-working newspaper reporter to world-saving superhero, Clark Kent makes the transition to Superman in just a few seconds. Now, scientists have discovered that human cells are home to their own hidden superheroes, secretly helping us to fight off a range of viruses.

The image shows a group of horses in a grassy field, with a circular inset highlighting a visual representation of H5N1 virus particles
The image shows a group of horses in a grassy field, with a circular inset highlighting a visual representation of H5N1 virus particles

Horses can be infected with H5N1, with viral infections occurring unnoticed

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 11:37:05 GMT

A new study has shown that horses have been infected with H5N1 – avian flu – in Asia and that infections have been occurring in horses undetected

Doctors in white coats in the background and map showing countries which were involved in the study in a frame in the foreground
Doctors in white coats in the background and map showing countries which were involved in the study in a frame in the foreground

Large-scale study on Long Covid highlights urgent, global need for investment in diagnosis and management of the condition

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 15:20:10 BST

New study in BMJ Global Health reveals the key Long Covid characteristics affecting populations worldwide. 6-12 months after hospital discharge, 70% of study participants were affected by Long Covid in high-income countries, and 42% in low and middle-income countries.

Man sat at a desk looking at a monitor which is displaying ribbon diagrams of proteins.
Man sat at a desk looking at a monitor which is displaying ribbon diagrams of proteins.

CVR Receives UKRI Funding to Tackle Viral Threats and Enhance Epidemic Preparedness

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 12:37:00 BST

The CVR has received funding from UKRI as part of its work to tackle infections. The "One Health Computational Network" (OHCN), will be established as an interdisciplinary project focused on predicting, detecting, and preventing viral diseases that threaten humans, animals, and plants.

A black ape sat in a tree in the background. Digital render of a virus in a circular frame in the foreground.
A black ape sat in a tree in the background. Digital render of a virus in a circular frame in the foreground.

New Research Sheds Light on the Complex Evolution of RL11 Genes in Cytomegalovirus

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 11:05:00 BST

Scientists at the CVR have unraveled the evolutionary history of the RL11 gene family in cytomegaloviruses (CMVs). Using bioinformatics and phylogenetic tools, they discovered RL11 genes are exclusive to CMVs in Old World monkeys and great apes, providing insights into virus-host coevolution and immune evasion.

Purple RNA Molecule with blurred blue and purple background
Purple RNA Molecule with blurred blue and purple background

Research Reveals the Hidden Role of RNA Binding in TRIM25’s Antiviral Activity

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 12:28:03 BST

Researchers at CVR and EMBL have discovered that TRIM25's RNA binding is essential for its antiviral function, providing key insights into immune defense and opening new avenues for developing antiviral therapies.

Background image in a mosquito on skin. In foreground is a circular frame with Dr Emilie Pondeville looking down a microscope.
Background image in a mosquito on skin. In foreground is a circular frame with Dr Emilie Pondeville looking down a microscope.

Pondeville and Shagari receive £300k to investigate mosquito populations in Kenya.

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 13:16:00 BST

The MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research's Dr Emilie Pondeville and co-Principal Investigator Dr Shehu Shagari Awandu have been awarded a Medical Research Funding grant of over £300,000 to investigate mosquito populations in Kenya.

A vaccine being injected into a patients arm.
A vaccine being injected into a patients arm.

Thousands of deaths could be avoided with new vaccine

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 18:08:03 BST

New vaccines against RSV have been recently developed. Review of all evidence has found that the new vaccines are safe and effective. There is a specific focus on encouraging those aged 75 to 79 years old to be vaccinated.

3D structure of viral proteins.
3D structure of viral proteins.

Scientists use AI to unlock protein structures of hundreds of viruses for the first time

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 13:57:00 BST

Scientists are pioneering the use of machine-learning artificial intelligence software to investigate viruses, revealing never-before-seen viral mechanisms which yield immediate fundamental insights and pave the way for vaccine development.

Image of monkeypox virus
Image of monkeypox virus

Historical smallpox vaccination may confer some protection against monkeypox disease

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 12:59:14 BST

Researchers studying the monkeypox virus have made an interesting observation which may relate back to an outbreak of smallpox in Glasgow in 1950.

A vaccine being injected into a patients arm.
A vaccine being injected into a patients arm.

Healthcare Workers at Risk: Gaps in Measles Immunity Exposed

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 15:27:00 BST

Legacy of vaccine hesitancy may be leaving workers, particularly those born after 1998, vulnerable to measles infection and spread

A herd of cows. One cow, mostly black, looking towards the viewer.
A herd of cows. One cow, mostly black, looking towards the viewer.

As ‘bird flu’ in cattle raises concerns for milk safety in the US, scientists confirm that pasteurisation effectively inactivates influenza viruses

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 14:53:00 BST

A new study has confirmed that pasteurisation temperatures, if applied for industry standard times, should effectively inactivate H5N1 influenza viruses in cows’ milk and render it safe to consume.

Image taken down a microscope of a mosquito secreting saliva down a tube.
Image taken down a microscope of a mosquito secreting saliva down a tube.

Understanding Mosquito Saliva: Wolbachia's Impact on Virus Transmission

Thu, 16 May 2024 12:28:55 BST

Daniella Lefteri's has recently been awarded a Wellcome Early-Career Fellowship to conduct research aiming to understand how the insect bacteria Wolbachia affects mosquito salivary glands and virus transmission.

One male and one female sat on the floor outdoors surrounded by trees and grass, holding a small mosquito net.
One male and one female sat on the floor outdoors surrounded by trees and grass, holding a small mosquito net.

Scientists Ask the Public to Help Find Mosquitoes in Scotland

Mon, 13 May 2024 14:32:44 BST

Scientists are asking people in Scotland to be on the lookout for mosquitoes, as new research shows they can be found in many locations across the country

Cartoon style figure of a bat pointing at a drawing of a virus and a scientists in a white lab coat holding a test tube.
Cartoon style figure of a bat pointing at a drawing of a virus and a scientists in a white lab coat holding a test tube.

Spreading Protection: Exploring the Potential of Transmissible Vaccines to Safeguard Ecosystems

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 15:39:00 BST

An interesting new publication explores self-spreading vaccines to protect wildlife from deadly pathogens such as rabies. Megan Griffiths explains the complex interdisciplinary work behind this innovative technology.

COVID-19 virus particles

Coronaviruses circulate twice yearly in Malawi, not only in winter

Common human coronaviruses circulate twice yearly in Malawi, in contrast to annual winter peaks in more temperate climates, according to new data

 

People wearing air-tight suits in a high containment facility conducting research in fume hoods.
People wearing air-tight suits in a high containment facility conducting research in fume hoods.

New Research Sheds Light on neutralisation and virulence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 17:50:00 GMT

Two new publications offer important information about the virulence and antibody neutralisation of Omicron variants, and the disease severity caused by different Omicron sublineages.

Over the shoulder image of a scientist pipetting pink liquid in a fume hood.
Over the shoulder image of a scientist pipetting pink liquid in a fume hood.

SARS-CoV-2 in domestic UK cats from Alpha to Omicron

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 14:46:00 BST

Pet cats live closely alongside us and are susceptible, but we don’t yet know the full spectrum of illness that the virus may cause in cats. A team of CVR researchers found that cats have been less susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 since Omicron became the dominant variant and that infected cats show a variety of clinical signs.

Two spheres which represent immune protection. One sphere contains a human silhouette, the other contains two chicken silhouettes.

Key Gene that Blocks the 'Spillover' of Avian Flu to Humans Discovered

Understanding the genetic make-up of currently circulating avian flu strains may offer one of the best lines of defence against widespread human transmission. This is, according to new research which has found a key human gene responsible for blocking most avian flu viruses from spilling over into people

Sheila Graham wearing blue lab coat and sitting in front of a microscope and wearing latex gloves.

New ‘microwave’ medical treatment shows promise for patients with HPV

An innovative new medical device which uses microwave heating has shown promising potential for treating precancers and cancers caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV)

Stock image of cat staring at viewer.

Variants of COVID-19 in cats followed the same timeline as the human population

Household cats acquired the same COVID-19 variants as their owners throughout the pandemic, according to new research

 

Mosquito in high detail on blue fabric.

UofG to lead national surveillance programme for mosquitoes and their pathogens in wake of climate change

The University of Glasgow – in collaboration with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) – has been awarded a £1.25m grant aimed at improving our understanding of how climate change could increase the risk of mosquito-borne disease in Scotland, and enhance our preparedness.

CODEX analysis of liver tissue

Strong evidence that AAV2 and underlying genetic predisposition played a key role in child hepatitis cases

There is now strong evidence that the virus AAV2, alongside an underlying genetic predisposition, played a key role in cases of acute hepatitis in children, according to a new study published in Nature – the first detailed research investigation into the worldwide outbreak

 

Microscopy imaging of two strains of flu represented by green and purple fluorescence showing the segregation between the two strains in the host cell.

The secret world of Influenza A infections

Scientists at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research have revealed more about the hidden world of respiratory viral infection

 

Three cats lying on the floor.
Three cats lying on the floor.

ISCAID to hold its 2022 Symposium in Glasgow this September

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 10:08:00 BST

ISCAID's 2022 Symposium will include a range of exciting topics in companion animal infectious disease, including One Health topics spanning a spectrum of zoonotic pathogens in both man and animals.

Image of 3D blood cells and adenovirus structure

Hepatitis Cases in Children Linked to Adeno-Associated Virus AAV2

Recent acute hepatitis cases of unknown origin in children have now been linked to the virus AAV2 in two new UK studies, with no evidence of a direct link to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Computer generated flu virion
Computer generated flu virion

UofG researchers to lead new national influenza virus toolkit

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 14:25:00 GMT

Researchers at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) have received £200,000 funding from the Medical Research Council (MRC), matched with more than £100,000 of in-kind funding from MRC Units, to develop the Influenza Virus Toolkit, a reagent repository for influenza virus researchers.

Banner containing cartoon ticks and viruses
Banner containing cartoon ticks and viruses

Brennan Lab awarded large Public Engagement grant from Wellcome

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 14:25:00 GMT

The Brennan Lab have been awarded £67k from the Scottish Public Engagement Network (Wellcome) to undertake a 2.5 year project raising awareness of ticks & tick-borne diseases across Scotland, empowering people to make informed decisions about accessing the outdoors

Common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) captured in Peru having samples collected for virus testing as part of a long-term study. Credit: Laura Bergner
Common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) captured in Peru having samples collected for virus testing as part of a long-term study. Credit: Laura Bergner

Haris Malik awarded Carnegie Trust Robertson Medal

Thu, 06 May 2021 14:25:00 BST

We are delighted to share that Haris Malik, a PhD student with Dr. Daniel Streicker and a Carnegie Henry Dryerre Scholar, has been awarded the Robertson Medal for Science, Engineering and Technology.

COVID-19 virus particles
COVID-19 virus particles

Investigations reveal fundamental changes in the Omicron variant

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 09:59:00 GMT

Researchers at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research have revealed fundamental changes that are likely to be important for Omicron spread and disease.

Lateral flow device to diagnose hepatitis C

‘Origami’ diagnostic test could help Hepatitis C treatment

A new test for hepatitis C which uses origami-style folded paper to deliver fast, accurate and affordable diagnoses could help the global fight against the deadly virus.

The CVR and Pirbright Institute logos
The CVR and Pirbright Institute logos

Funding strengthens CVR and Pirbright partnership

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 09:59:00 GMT

The long-term partnership between the CVR and The Pirbright Institute has been strengthened by a joint funding award of £500,000 from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

Logo of the Queens Anniversary Prize

CVR wins Queen's Anniversary Prize

The MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research wins a Queen's Anniversary Prize, recognising the efforts and contributions towards excellence, innovation and public benefit in virus research. 

The Medical Research Foundation Logo
The Medical Research Foundation Logo

The Medical Research Foundation Honours Dr Antonia Ho

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 09:59:00 GMT

Dr Antonia Ho has been awarded a prestigious Emerging Leaders Prize for her contributions to COVID-19 research

CVR Virion LGBTQ coloured for LGBTQ in STEM day
CVR Virion LGBTQ coloured for LGBTQ in STEM day

LGBTQ+ in STEM – Our Researchers Share their Stories

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 20:50:00 GMT

Here at the CVR, we are highlighting the experiences of some of our LGBTQ+ researchers and collaborators in celebration of LGBTQ+ in STEM day.

Image of a 24 well plate containing cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 under a widefield microscope
Image of a 24 well plate containing cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 under a widefield microscope

CVR Technicians Shortlisted for Prestigious National Award in Recognition of COVID-19 National Impact

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 10:58:00 BST

We are delighted to announce that following hundreds of nominations, our technicians and professional staff at the CVR have been shortlisted for a prestigious national award in recognition of their critical role in the national pandemic response.

Profile pictures of Professor Massimo Palmarini and Professor Emma Thomson
Profile pictures of Professor Massimo Palmarini and Professor Emma Thomson

Two CVR Professors named on new future pandemic expert committee

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 12:20:39 BST

CVR Director Professor Massimo Palmarini and Professor Emma Thomson have both been named on the new ‘Steering Committee for Pandemics’ created to strengthen public health preparations.