With long-read sequencing, mapping, and other approaches, researchers assembled a high-quality genome for Aedes aegypti, a notorious infectious disease vector.
Researchers trained a machine-learning model to predict animal reservoirs or insect vectors for dozens of "orphan" viruses with unknown natural sources.
Using biorepository strains, researchers from the J. Craig Venter Institute and elsewhere profiled Zika virus consensus sequences, variant patterns, and phylogenetics.
The test is designed to detect the presence or absence of the Zika virus in serum or plasma collected alongside urine from patients with suspected infection.
The FDA said that pooled testing of donations using a screening test that it has licensed is a sufficient method for complying with its testing regulations.
Despite the astronomical costs, it may prove challenging to reverse course and discontinue Zika testing according to a commentary article accompanying a NEJM study.
