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

New Study: The Secrets of the "Super-Agers"

Breakthrough Aging study: The Secrets of the "Super-Agers"

Age 80, Memory of a 50-Year-Old: Scientists Just Cracked the Secret of "SuperAgers"

Health

Do Hangovers Really Get Worse With Age?

While research on this phenomenon is somewhat limited, science offers several compelling explanations for why that morning-after misery intensifies as the years go by.

Health

Fruit Compound Inhibits Kidney Stone Growth

Could This Research Consign Kidney Stones To History?

Researchers have discovered that a compound found in fruit can be used effectively for preventing and treating kidney stones. Read on to find out more.

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.

Science and Technology

Scientists Have Just Reversed Alzheimer's in Mice. Wow.

The future treatment of Alzheimer's disease looks promising thanks to this new study.

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.

Nature

Giant Tortoises Return to Famous Island After 150 Years

After Almost 200 Years, the Galapagos Tortoises Return

For the first time in more than 180 years, giant tortoises are roaming the island of Floreana in the Galápagos archipelago — and conservationists are calling it one of the most significant ecological milestones in modern conservation history.

Spirituality

Feeling Exhausted All the Time? You Need Better Boundaries

Feeling Exhausted All the Time? You Might Need Better Boundaries

Send Comment

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

Quizzes

Weird Histories

Test your knowledge and see how well you know the stranger side of the past.

What Do You Know About the USSR?

Whether you're a history buff or just curious, get ready to test your knowledge of a world driven by loyalty, fear, and iron-fisted leadership.

The Women Who Changed History

From Nobel Prize winners to Olympic champions, from revolutionary artists to tech innovators - let's see how well you know these extraordinary female trailblazers.