PCR tests can accurately detect viral RNA in an individual only during the acute phase of the infection. After this short window passes, other tests are needed to determine if an individual has ever been exposed to the virus in the past. There is a critical need for these other tests, which detect antibodies made to specific viruses and other pathogens. These ‘serological assays’ complement the PCR test and are an essential tool in better managing the ongoing pandemic. Continue reading
Jimmy Smith, director general of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), holds a weekly town hall for the 600-plus staff of the institute as well as staff from many of ILRI partners who are hosted on ILRI campuses in Nairobi, Addis Ababa and elsewhere. In the town hall last week, Vish Nene, co-leader of ILRI’s Animal and Human Health program, made a short presentation on the latest developments in COVID-19 vaccine work. Excerpts and slides from his virtual presentation follow. Continue reading
Smaller than 100 nanometres in diameter—about 60 times smaller than the width of human hair and comparable in size to microscopic structures within cells—synthetically produced nanoparticles are readily incorporated into biological systems. These ‘ultrafine particles’, which can be produced using several methods, are of increasing scientific interest. Very stable and harmless to plants and … Continue reading
A week long training of 26 researchers from 14 different African countries in the field of genomics to ensure that information is widely shared. Continue reading
This article has been written by Steve Kemp In the next 30 years, the world population is expected to reach 10 billion. A big question is if we can feed this many people sustainably. A short answer, if one involving much uncertainty, is, Yes, we can. It is commonly understood that agricultural scientists will continue … Continue reading
Scientists from ILRI, UK, US, Australia and Tanzania have been working together since 2016 to test an experimental vaccine for malignant catarrhal fever (MCF). They tested an attenuated vaccine strain of MCF (AlHV-1 C500) at ILRI’s Kapiti Research Station. Continue reading
Sri Lankan-born global animal health professional Sam Thevasagayam today received a top award from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the 175-year-old regulatory body for veterinary surgeons in the United Kingdom responsible for upholding the educational, ethical and clinical standards of the veterinary profession. Continue reading
Scientists at ILRI are looking at using phages to kill strains of bacteria that are known to cause disease in poultry farms in Kenya. Continue reading
Today, thirty-five farmers and over fifty representatives from the Tanzanian government including Hon. Luhaga Mpina, Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Tanzania, and Dr. Eligy Mussa Shirima, Director General of the Tanzania Livestock Research Institute (TALIRI), Tanzanian government and dairy industry leaders, representatives from neighboring African nations and international organizations, gather at the Nane … Continue reading
Kodjo Glato was one of the 157 passengerswho tragically perished in the crashof flight ET302 on 10 March 2019. Continue reading
