Advice | Community | State Reports | Videos | Photos | Blogs
Join | Login
› improve your world
Monday, March 22, 2010
  • Earth Matters

    Browse All » Climate Change Energy Politics Recycling Space Translating Uncle Sam Wilderness & Resources

  • Lifestyle

    Browse All » Arts & Culture Eco-Tourism Health & Well-being Natural Beauty & Fashion Outdoor Activities Pets & Animals Responsible Living

  • GREEN TECH

    Browse All » Computers Gadgets & Electronics Research & Innovations

  • Eco-Biz

    Browse All » Building, Products, Supplies Money & Green Jobs Sustainable Business Practices

  • food

    Browse All » Beer Healthy Eating & Recipes Organic Farming Wine & Spirits

  • Your Home

    Browse All » Around the House Green Building & Remodeling

  • Transportation

    Browse All » Alternative Transportation Cars

  • family

    Browse All » Raising a Family

MNN.COM›

Eco-Glossary

Viruses & Diseases

 
Viruses and diseases are biological entities that, although not exclusively malignant, have the ability to impair the health and functioning of a living organism. Specifically, viruses are ultramicroscopic infectious agents, many of which are pathogenic, that reproduce within the cells of living hosts. They are inert in their independent state, but will become reactive when in contact with an organism. Because of this distinct trait, they are characterized as being both living and non-living structures. (Source: WordNet, UCMP/Berkeley / Photo: Flickr)

Recent Stories


Bananas prevent HIV infection

Tue, Mar 16 2010 at 6:42 AM EST

Chemicals found in bananas are better at preventing HIV than two current synthetic anti-HIV drugs, according to new study.


MTV to air Summit on the Summit

Sat, Mar 13 2010 at 8:02 PM EST

Celebrity trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro will be aired on MTV Sunday to raise awareness of an emerging global water crisis.


Court says thimerosal did not cause autism

Fri, Mar 12 2010 at 10:09 PM EST

The ruling said the experts in the three cases testified that mercury can affect a number of biological processes, but didn't offer opinions on autism's cause.


Tainted ingredient sold after salmonella found

Wed, Mar 10 2010 at 3:28 PM EST

FDA says company knew of contaminated equipment on Jan. 21 but continued to manufacture hydrolyzed vegetable protein until Feb. 20.


Tasmanian devil colony shows immunity to cancer

Wed, Mar 10 2010 at 12:16 PM EST

Devils from the western part of Tasmania seems to show a genetic immunity to the contagious face cancer that has almost wiped out the population.


'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks'

Tue, Mar 09 2010 at 9:40 AM EST

Henrietta Lacks didn't know it, but her cells helped develop the polio vaccine and medications for most illnesses treatable today. A new book by Rebecca Skloot reveals the woman behind it all.


Cancer strikes sea lions

Mon, Mar 08 2010 at 5:05 PM EST

Why are California sea lions getting sick with cancer? Researchers suspect viruses, PCBs in the water and genetics.


Could germs be making you fat?

Fri, Mar 05 2010 at 5:22 PM EST

Certain bacteria may cause inflammation that can affect appetite as well as inflammatory bowel conditions like Crohn's disease and colitis.


Urine-filled mosquitoes less likely to spread disease

Fri, Mar 05 2010 at 3:25 PM EST

Making bloodsuckers uncomfortable down below may lead to greater control of populations and diseases.


Mice infest UK's Westminster Palace in London

Thu, Mar 04 2010 at 3:38 PM EST

Will cats roam Parliament to get rid of the rodents?


  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • �
  • >>
  • >|

ADVERTISEMENT

Mother Nature. Delivered.

MNN's weekly newsletter sent straight to your inbox.
Follow us on Twitter Fan us on Facebook


Quick Links

  • Earth Matters
  • Lifestyle
  • Green Tech
  • Eco-Biz
  • Food
  • Your Home
  • Transportation
  • Family

 

  • Advice
  • Community
  • State Reports
  • Videos
  • Photos
  • Blogs

MNN Tools

  • About us
  • Advisory Board
  • Press
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy
  • Terms of service
  • Contact us

All About MNN

  • Join MNN
  • Newsletters
  • RSS
  • Eco-glossary
  • Widgets
  • MNN Contests
  • MNN Lists
  • MNN Mobile
 

Copyright © 2010 MNN Holdings, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Website by GLICK INTERACTIVE | Powered by COLOCUBE
 
SPONSORS