Blair Strang
@strangviruslab.bsky.social
City St George's, University of London.
HCMV, anti-viral drugs, placental infection, transmission, etc etc etc.
#JGV Editoral Board.
Views my own.
HCMV, anti-viral drugs, placental infection, transmission, etc etc etc.
#JGV Editoral Board.
Views my own.
Reposted by Blair Strang
We are hiring a computational biology postdoc for a new project on zoonotic diseases, host pathogen interactions and pandemic risk. Please take a look and get in touch for more details www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/postdoc...
Postdoctoral Research Associate (Fixed Term)
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in the Centre for Pandemic Risk Management. The Centre for Pandemic Risk Management brings together an interdisciplinary team of
www.cam.ac.uk
November 16, 2025 at 3:19 PM
We are hiring a computational biology postdoc for a new project on zoonotic diseases, host pathogen interactions and pandemic risk. Please take a look and get in touch for more details www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/postdoc...
Reposted by Blair Strang
Reposted by Blair Strang
Finished a virology PhD or finishing soon? Check out this job - www.healthjobsuk.com/job/UK/Londo...
Job vacancy: Healthcare Scientist, UK Health Security Agency, London | trac.jobs
www.healthjobsuk.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Finished a virology PhD or finishing soon? Check out this job - www.healthjobsuk.com/job/UK/Londo...
Reposted by Blair Strang
Whoah
EBV not only causes multiple sclerosis, it also might be the root of SLE
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
An EBV vaccine to rid ourselves of these horrible autoimmune conditions (and many cancers)?
#lupus #medsky #RheumSky
@christosargyrop.bsky.social
EBV not only causes multiple sclerosis, it also might be the root of SLE
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
An EBV vaccine to rid ourselves of these horrible autoimmune conditions (and many cancers)?
#lupus #medsky #RheumSky
@christosargyrop.bsky.social
Epstein-Barr virus reprograms autoreactive B cells as antigen-presenting cells in systemic lupus erythematosus
Epstein-Barr virus reprograms autoreactive B cells as antigen-presenting cells to promote pathogenic antinuclear T and B cell responses in lupus.
www.science.org
November 13, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Whoah
EBV not only causes multiple sclerosis, it also might be the root of SLE
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
An EBV vaccine to rid ourselves of these horrible autoimmune conditions (and many cancers)?
#lupus #medsky #RheumSky
@christosargyrop.bsky.social
EBV not only causes multiple sclerosis, it also might be the root of SLE
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
An EBV vaccine to rid ourselves of these horrible autoimmune conditions (and many cancers)?
#lupus #medsky #RheumSky
@christosargyrop.bsky.social
Reposted by Blair Strang
Almost half of all Americans are hesitant to vaccinate their dogs.
Their primary concern?
Dog autism.
- @caulfieldtim.bsky.social
www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
Their primary concern?
Dog autism.
- @caulfieldtim.bsky.social
www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
On measles and vaccines, Canada can’t keep ignoring the elephant in the room
Study after study has shown that political affiliation is one of the single strongest predictors of vaccination status.
www.thestar.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Almost half of all Americans are hesitant to vaccinate their dogs.
Their primary concern?
Dog autism.
- @caulfieldtim.bsky.social
www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
Their primary concern?
Dog autism.
- @caulfieldtim.bsky.social
www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
Reposted by Blair Strang
Reposted by Blair Strang
"I am, somehow, less interested in the weight and convolutions of Einstein’s brain than in the near certainty that people of equal talent have lived and died in cotton fields and sweatshops."
- Stephen Jay Gould.
- Stephen Jay Gould.
October 18, 2023 at 9:50 PM
"I am, somehow, less interested in the weight and convolutions of Einstein’s brain than in the near certainty that people of equal talent have lived and died in cotton fields and sweatshops."
- Stephen Jay Gould.
- Stephen Jay Gould.
Reposted by Blair Strang
Three German universities offering post-docs for researchers "who cannot conduct or continue their work in the USA appropriately because of actual political pressure. "
www.uni-konstanz.de/zukunftskoll...
www.uni-konstanz.de/zukunftskoll...
Early Career Rescue Fellowship
www.uni-konstanz.de
November 11, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Three German universities offering post-docs for researchers "who cannot conduct or continue their work in the USA appropriately because of actual political pressure. "
www.uni-konstanz.de/zukunftskoll...
www.uni-konstanz.de/zukunftskoll...
Reposted by Blair Strang
I don't like the sound of this: www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
US to demand countries share data on ‘pathogens with epidemic potential’ in return for health aid
Draft template seen by the Guardian has no reference to countries receiving benefits for sharing information, such as guaranteed access to medicines developed as a result
www.theguardian.com
November 8, 2025 at 4:05 PM
I don't like the sound of this: www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
Reposted by Blair Strang
Amazing journal cover for the new Trends In Microbiology special issue on geographic diversity in microbiology
www.cell.com/trends/micro...
www.cell.com/trends/micro...
November 12, 2025 at 2:10 AM
Amazing journal cover for the new Trends In Microbiology special issue on geographic diversity in microbiology
www.cell.com/trends/micro...
www.cell.com/trends/micro...
Reposted by Blair Strang
NEW PAPER!
Here is the intro to our theme issue, incl a summary of included papers and overview of key debates in the field
Increasing mechanistic understanding but little work robustly quantifying impact of CMV indirect effects on population health
We suggest a few ways forward!
#IDSky #ViroSky
Here is the intro to our theme issue, incl a summary of included papers and overview of key debates in the field
Increasing mechanistic understanding but little work robustly quantifying impact of CMV indirect effects on population health
We suggest a few ways forward!
#IDSky #ViroSky
The indirect effects of cytomegalovirus infection—mechanisms and consequences | Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
In this introduction, we summarize the research papers, review articles, opinion pieces
and important aspects of the facilitated discussion from the meeting ‘The indirect
effects of cytomegalovirus in...
royalsocietypublishing.org
November 7, 2025 at 8:23 AM
Reposted by Blair Strang
Applications are open for the NIH-sponsored undergraduate Research Opportunities HIV RNA (ROHR) program for Summer 2026. Successful applicants will get to carry out a research project at a major university and attend a conference at the NIH. Please spread the word!
sites.google.com/a/umich.edu/...
sites.google.com/a/umich.edu/...
November 10, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Applications are open for the NIH-sponsored undergraduate Research Opportunities HIV RNA (ROHR) program for Summer 2026. Successful applicants will get to carry out a research project at a major university and attend a conference at the NIH. Please spread the word!
sites.google.com/a/umich.edu/...
sites.google.com/a/umich.edu/...
Reposted by Blair Strang
This is a very interesting study that implicates CMV seropositivity with enhanced spike-specific T cell immunity post covid vaccination.
www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1...
www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1...
Impact of CMV Infection and Cancer Treatment on Vaccine Efficacy in Oncology Patients
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection leaves lasting effects on the immune system, particularly shaping T-cell populations. In patients with advanced cancer, persistent CMV exposure may influence vaccine re...
www.medrxiv.org
November 9, 2025 at 3:30 PM
This is a very interesting study that implicates CMV seropositivity with enhanced spike-specific T cell immunity post covid vaccination.
www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1...
www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1...
Reposted by Blair Strang
BBC News - Experts say this could be the worst flu season for a decade - here's why
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Will a new mutated flu strain cause a rough winter?
Leading flu experts say they will not be surprised if this year's is the worst flu season for a decade.
www.bbc.com
November 9, 2025 at 12:13 PM
BBC News - Experts say this could be the worst flu season for a decade - here's why
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Blair Strang
I think about this post every day 🧪
November 7, 2025 at 12:15 PM
I think about this post every day 🧪
Reposted by Blair Strang
James Watson, Co-Discoverer of the Structure of DNA, Is Dead at 97
www.nytimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Reposted by Blair Strang
NEW JOURNAL ISSUE!
The indirect effects of cytomegalovirus infection: mechanisms and consequences
Enjoyed editing this with Helen Payne and @strangviruslab.bsky.social
Includes protocol for NIRVANA trial, which is getting started in Uganda and South Africa
#idsky #virosky
The indirect effects of cytomegalovirus infection: mechanisms and consequences
Enjoyed editing this with Helen Payne and @strangviruslab.bsky.social
Includes protocol for NIRVANA trial, which is getting started in Uganda and South Africa
#idsky #virosky
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences: Vol 380, No 1938
share.google
November 6, 2025 at 10:49 AM
NEW JOURNAL ISSUE!
The indirect effects of cytomegalovirus infection: mechanisms and consequences
Enjoyed editing this with Helen Payne and @strangviruslab.bsky.social
Includes protocol for NIRVANA trial, which is getting started in Uganda and South Africa
#idsky #virosky
The indirect effects of cytomegalovirus infection: mechanisms and consequences
Enjoyed editing this with Helen Payne and @strangviruslab.bsky.social
Includes protocol for NIRVANA trial, which is getting started in Uganda and South Africa
#idsky #virosky
For all bunyavirus enthusiasts out there:
@alainkohlvirology.bsky.social
@clive-mckimmie.bsky.social
@cvrinfo.bsky.social
@alainkohlvirology.bsky.social
@clive-mckimmie.bsky.social
@cvrinfo.bsky.social
A system to rapidly develop a bunyavirus pseudotyped virus neutralisation assay for pandemic preparedness
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
A system to rapidly develop a bunyavirus pseudotyped virus neutralisation assay for pandemic preparedness - npj Vaccines
npj Vaccines - A system to rapidly develop a bunyavirus pseudotyped virus neutralisation assay for pandemic preparedness
www.nature.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:55 PM
For all bunyavirus enthusiasts out there:
@alainkohlvirology.bsky.social
@clive-mckimmie.bsky.social
@cvrinfo.bsky.social
@alainkohlvirology.bsky.social
@clive-mckimmie.bsky.social
@cvrinfo.bsky.social
Reposted by Blair Strang
Delighted to share that the remarkable work of Qing Yao, with contributions from my group and many others, has been published in Nature Microbiology. 🧪 #cryoEM
This study reveals, for the first time, the structure of the binding pocket of HSV helicase-primase inhibitors and their mode of action.
This study reveals, for the first time, the structure of the binding pocket of HSV helicase-primase inhibitors and their mode of action.
Structural and mechanistic insights into herpesvirus helicase–primase and its therapeutic inhibitors - Nature Microbiology
The cryo-EM structure of the herpes simplex virus helicase–primase (HP) complex informs about the mechanism of action of HP inhibitors pritelivir and amenamevir, which are drugs of clinical relevance.
www.nature.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Delighted to share that the remarkable work of Qing Yao, with contributions from my group and many others, has been published in Nature Microbiology. 🧪 #cryoEM
This study reveals, for the first time, the structure of the binding pocket of HSV helicase-primase inhibitors and their mode of action.
This study reveals, for the first time, the structure of the binding pocket of HSV helicase-primase inhibitors and their mode of action.
Reposted by Blair Strang
Nature suggests you use their "Manuscript Adviser" bot to get advice before submitting
I uploaded the classic Watson & Crick paper about DNA structure, and the Adviser had this to say about one of the greatest paper endings of the century:
I uploaded the classic Watson & Crick paper about DNA structure, and the Adviser had this to say about one of the greatest paper endings of the century:
November 3, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Nature suggests you use their "Manuscript Adviser" bot to get advice before submitting
I uploaded the classic Watson & Crick paper about DNA structure, and the Adviser had this to say about one of the greatest paper endings of the century:
I uploaded the classic Watson & Crick paper about DNA structure, and the Adviser had this to say about one of the greatest paper endings of the century:
Reposted by Blair Strang
Delighted to announce that we have a PhD project, subject to competition, on targeting and understanding the envelope protein ion channel from SARS2, and extending our understanding to pan-CoV therapeutics...
Funded by MRC DiMeN with sophion as partners.
www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
Funded by MRC DiMeN with sophion as partners.
www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Plugging the holes in pandemic coronavirus therapy at University of Leeds on FindAPhD.com
PhD Project - MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership: Plugging the holes in pandemic coronavirus therapy at University of Leeds, listed on FindAPhD.com
www.findaphd.com
November 3, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Delighted to announce that we have a PhD project, subject to competition, on targeting and understanding the envelope protein ion channel from SARS2, and extending our understanding to pan-CoV therapeutics...
Funded by MRC DiMeN with sophion as partners.
www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
Funded by MRC DiMeN with sophion as partners.
www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
Reposted by Blair Strang
We've just launched the first large, site-less (home, direct to participant) randomized trial for treatment of #LongCovid, testing tirzepatide (a GLP-1 drug) vs placebo. Please help spread the word
www.scripps.edu/news-and-eve...
www.scripps.edu/news-and-eve...
Scripps Research scientists launch new digital clinical trial to test repurposed drug for long COVID symptom relief
www.scripps.edu
October 31, 2025 at 5:07 PM
We've just launched the first large, site-less (home, direct to participant) randomized trial for treatment of #LongCovid, testing tirzepatide (a GLP-1 drug) vs placebo. Please help spread the word
www.scripps.edu/news-and-eve...
www.scripps.edu/news-and-eve...
Just as Moderna back away from HCMV vaccine development, this is out.
A somewhat narrow view, relying on papers from the Nature Group. But, many worthwhile points👇
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
A somewhat narrow view, relying on papers from the Nature Group. But, many worthwhile points👇
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
The complex path towards herpesvirus vaccines - Nature Microbiology
Herpesviruses cause a high disease burden, yet vaccines are lacking. Developing efficacious vaccines remains challenging and more research is needed to address this unmet public health priority.
www.nature.com
November 1, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Just as Moderna back away from HCMV vaccine development, this is out.
A somewhat narrow view, relying on papers from the Nature Group. But, many worthwhile points👇
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
A somewhat narrow view, relying on papers from the Nature Group. But, many worthwhile points👇
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
If you have any appropriate applicants looking for a PhD post, please send them this way👇
They will not be disappointed.
They will not be disappointed.
New PhD opportunity! Can skin inflammation protect us from mosquito-borne viruses like Zika?
Join our MRC PhD project at York exploring how psoriasis and eczema change skin immunity to virus.
Our grads thrive in academia, biotech & beyond.
Apply now 👉 tinyurl.com/bfmd2rf4
Join our MRC PhD project at York exploring how psoriasis and eczema change skin immunity to virus.
Our grads thrive in academia, biotech & beyond.
Apply now 👉 tinyurl.com/bfmd2rf4
November 1, 2025 at 12:14 PM
If you have any appropriate applicants looking for a PhD post, please send them this way👇
They will not be disappointed.
They will not be disappointed.
Reposted by Blair Strang
The key thing re. Moderna and other companies in the same situation - when the next pandemic hits, which it will, they won't be there to save us.
The same will be true for scientists and other responders who immediately stood up in the face of a devastating pandemic - they too will be gone.
The same will be true for scientists and other responders who immediately stood up in the face of a devastating pandemic - they too will be gone.
1. Looking for weekend reads? Can't do better than these by my uber-talented @statnews.com colleagues @jasonmast.bsky.social & @lizzylawrence.bsky.social.
First, Jason's indepth look at #Moderna's transition from pandemic savior to company with significant problems. www.statnews.com/2025/10/30/m...
First, Jason's indepth look at #Moderna's transition from pandemic savior to company with significant problems. www.statnews.com/2025/10/30/m...
How Moderna, the company that helped save the world, unraveled
Exclusive: The inside story of why Moderna now faces a crisis unlike any in its 15-year-history.
www.statnews.com
October 31, 2025 at 9:23 PM
The key thing re. Moderna and other companies in the same situation - when the next pandemic hits, which it will, they won't be there to save us.
The same will be true for scientists and other responders who immediately stood up in the face of a devastating pandemic - they too will be gone.
The same will be true for scientists and other responders who immediately stood up in the face of a devastating pandemic - they too will be gone.