Funny Nature & Travel Art & Stage Going Viral Science Greetings Inspirational

Edit Profile Recently Viewed Favorites

Main > Going Viral > Baba Recommends

The Human Protein That May Cure Zika

By: Tony A.

Add to Favorites In Favorites

Español

Font Size:

A+ A-

I have been getting gradually more alarmed, even terrified, about the devastating spread of the Zika virus every time I hear about it. It's now rampant in 52 countries, wreaking havoc and wrecking lives, with no cure available. But I have faith in human enterprise; I believe we will find a cure. And the good news is that scientists have discovered a tiny human protein found in our cells that can limit and even stop the virus from infecting and killing cells.

Image source: The red areas are, or are predicted to be, potential danger areas for Zika

The Zika virus
Zika is such a terrible virus for three reasons. Firstly, it causes mild and often unnoticeable symptoms. Therefore, Zika could be present in a community long before anyone even realizes. Secondly, it causes awful birth defects, such as microcephaly, which is a neurological condition describing a too small head and brain. This is very dangerous. For this reason, many governments are telling certain areas of the world to refrain from reproducing for two years.

Zika is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, as unborn infants are susceptible to massive birth defects as a result of infection

And thirdly, it can be transmitted by mosquito bites and through sexual contact. Therefore, it’s not just a matter of eliminating mosquitoes (even if that were possible), or going to a place that lacks the insects. Unfortunately many of the places in the world currently affected by Zika are areas where birth rates are high and contraceptives are not as widely available.

Zika is also transmitted through sexual contact

A hopeful new discovery

Scientists from the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) have discovered that a protein we all have to a greater of lesser degree can reduce and even prevent Zika’s infectious powers. Interferon-induced protein 3 (IFITM3) is found in virtually all human cells.

Scientists have given us hope with their new discovery of IFITM3's resilience against Zika

If our levels of this protein are less than average, Zika bursts through the cells’ defensive walls, causing infection. If our levels of the protein are above average, our cells walls prove resistant to Zika. What this causes is a de facto virus quarantine situation, where certain cells prevent the virus from getting to other cells. It is believed that this reduces the chance of cell death also.

A Yellow Fever mosquito (Aedes Aegyptii): the most common carrier of the Zika Virus

What’s the next step for scientists?

We are still unsure how IFITM3 actually works, so research will focus on this. Using mice with low levels of the protein, scientists will hopefully find that a lack of IFITM3 does indeed let in the Zika infection. Then the problem will be finding a way to improve people’s levels of the protein, taking into account any side-effects. It may even be the case that IFITM3 is not only a reliable shield against Zika but also against other viruses too. Therefore, this could be a major step forward.

Video: 10 Facts about the Zika Virus

H/T: secondnexus.com

Like Next Post Send Share WhatsApp

Copy Link

Did you mean:

Continue With: Facebook Google

By continuing, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy

Report copyright infringement

Print this content

You may also like:

Health

Can We PREVENT Type 1 Diabetes?

The study's findings point toward developing a simple blood test that could detect the immune failure leading to type 1 diabetes before insulin-producing cells are permanently lost.

Health

Symptoms Almost Completely Disappeared with New Virus

Scientists Found a Way to Reverse Age-Related Blindness!

Scientists may have found a new cure for age-related blindness.

Science and Technology

9:09

Protective Measures: How Our Body Reacts to a Tattoo

In this video, we’ll explore the microscopic war raging beneath your skin, where millions of your cells make the ultimate sacrifice to lock that ink in place, turning a defense mechanism into lifelong art.

Health

Medical Breakthrough: Can This Green Herb Prevent Cancer?

Moringa is getting scientists very excited, thanks to discoveries about the potential cancer-killing properties it possesses. Read on for this good news.

Health

Why Colorectal Cancers are Increasing in Younger People

Why Half of Colorectal Cancers Now Occur in Younger People

According to a major new report from the American Cancer Society (ACS), colorectal cancer — once considered largely a disease of older adults — is now striking younger people at rates that have experts genuinely alarmed.

Health

A New Treatment to Diminish Eye Floaters

This New Treatment Looks Set to End Annoying Eye Floaters

Eye floaters aren't a problem for some people, but for others, they can get pretty annoying. Read on to find out about a new treatment to get rid of them.

Health

The 5 Best Diets for a Healthier Heart

Many diets claim to be heart-healthy, but not all of them are backed by solid science or realistic enough to stick with long term. Here are five that check both boxes.

Tips, Life Hacks and DIY

Strange Things Your Cat Does While You Sleep

8:03

The Strange Thing Your Cat Does While You Sleep

Tonight, we're pulling back the curtain on the secret language of cats after dark — and what you discover might completely change the way you see your furry roommate. Get ready to fall even more in love.

Send Comment

Related Topics: science, health, cure, new in medicine, mosquitoes, zika virus, epidemic, pandemic, rumble video

Quizzes

What Do You Know About Poland?

Designed for curious adults who appreciate depth and nuance, these questions will test your knowledge of Poland.

General Knowledge Quiz February 2026

General knowledge is the quiet accumulation of history, culture, science, geography, and the odd fact that sticks with us for decades. This test isn’t about memorization or trendy topics—it’s about the long view. Y

What Do You Know About Social Media?

Whether you’re a longtime Facebook veteran or an Instagram minimalist, you’ll find a mix of nostalgia, history, and surprising details that shaped the digital world we scroll through every day.