Vaccine developed
Scientists in The Netherlands have identified a potential vaccine for the deadly chikungunya virus (CHIKV) that has spread to Europe recently.
Scientists in The Netherlands have identified a potential vaccine for the deadly chikungunya virus (CHIKV) that has spread to Europe recently.
CHIKV is a mosquito-borne virus behind epidemics in Africa, South-East Asia and India, which has recently emerged in Europe through Asian tiger mosquitoes. Symptoms of the virus include joint pain, vomiting and nausea, headaches, chills and fever, as well as skin rashes.
The study, published in the Virology Journal,1 investigated the expression of individual CHIKV E1 and E2 glycoproteins in insect cells as well as developing purification methods for secreted forms of these glycoproteins. The study used metal affinity chromatography and confocal laser scanning microscopy to identify and obtain purified, glycosylated and secreted CHIKV E2. CHIKV E2 induces neutralizing antibodies in rabbits, which, according to the study, “underscores the potential use of E2 in a subunit vaccine to prevent CHIKV infections.”
1. S.W. Metz, Virology Journal, 8(353) (2011).
A Novel LC–QTOF-MS DIA Method for Pesticide Quantification and Screening in Agricultural Waters
May 8th 2025Scientists from the University of Santiago de Compostela developed a liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC–QTOF-MS) operated in data-independent acquisition (DIA) mode for pesticide quantification in agriculturally impacted waters.
Investigating 3D-Printable Stationary Phases in Liquid Chromatography
May 7th 20253D printing technology has potential in chromatography, but a major challenge is developing materials with both high porosity and robust mechanical properties. Recently, scientists compared the separation performances of eight different 3D printable stationary phases.
