The Texas Biomed Knowledge Hub is your source for expert perspectives on infectious diseases, biomedical research, biodefense, emerging viruses and global health. Learn about pathogens such as Ebola, tuberculosis, avian influenza and hantavirus, the role of Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) laboratories and the scientific discoveries helping prevent, diagnose, and treat disease.
Written by Texas Biomed research experts, these articles provide reliable information on some of the world’s most important health challenges.
What Is Inflammation? Understanding the Link Between Infection and Chronic Disease
Inflammation is the body’s powerful defense against infection and injury, but when it persists, it can contribute to chronic disease. Researchers at Texas Biomed are studying this complex connection.
What Is an Emerging Infectious Disease?
Emerging infectious diseases can appear in new places, spread to new populations or evolve in unexpected ways. Learn what causes diseases to emerge, how scientists track and study these threats, and how Texas Biomed researchers work to develop vaccines, treatments and other tools to prepare for the next infectious-disease threat.
How Do Vaccines Work? Understanding How Vaccines Train the Immune System
How do vaccines teach the immune system to fight disease? Explore the science behind vaccination and learn how Texas Biomed researchers are working to develop longer-lasting protection against infectious diseases, including influenza.
What Are Medical Countermeasures? How Scientists Develop Tools to Protect Against Emerging Health Threats
Medical countermeasures — including vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics — are essential tools that help scientists and public health officials prepare for and respond to emerging infectious disease threats.
Bird Flu in 2026: What Texans need to know about H5N1 and pandemic preparedness
Influenza A(H5N1), commonly known as “bird flu,” is not new—but it continues to evolve in ways that keep scientists watching closely in 2026. While the general public risk remains low, the virus has shown
What Is a Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) Laboratory? How Scientists Safely Study the World’s Most Dangerous Viruses
Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) laboratories are among the world’s most secure research facilities, where scientists study the most dangerous infectious diseases. Learn what a BSL-4 lab is, how it operates and why this research is essential for developing vaccines and treatments for future infectious disease threats.
Why One Health matters more than ever
What is One Health, and why is it becoming increasingly important? Discover how connecting human, animal and environmental health is helping scientists prevent disease outbreaks, improve public health and prepare for future biological threats.
What is New World screwworm? Why Texans should be paying attention
New World screwworm has re-emerged in Texas after decades of eradication, raising concerns for livestock, agriculture and public health. Learn what New World screwworm is, why it matters, how it spreads and what scientists are doing to help stop the outbreak.
Hantavirus in the headlines: Texas Biomed explains the science behind the viral threat
When news broke about a hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius in April 2026, public attention quickly turned to a little-known virus that scientists have studied for decades but most people rarely hear about.
How Texas Biomed is advancing Ebola research and antiviral development
As Ebola outbreaks continue to emerge around the world, scientists are racing to develop effective antiviral therapies capable of stopping some of the world’s deadliest viruses before they become global threats.