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:

Science and Technology

Transfusions of Young Blood Are Proving Popular

This New Clinic is Infusing Seniors With Young Blood

Older people are getting blood transfusions from younger people in order to regain their vitality and fight aging. Find out more about this procedure.

Health

FDA Recalls Over 3 Million Bottles of Eye Drops - What You Need to Know

Warning: FDA Recalls Over 3 Million Bottles of Eye Drops

If you use over-the-counter eye drops, this is important news. A major recall is currently underway, and the products in question have been sold at some of the most popular pharmacies in the country.

Health

This Is What’s Currently Known About COVID-19 Immunity

We now know for certain that recovering Covid-19 patients possess antibodies for the illness. What does that mean regarding their immunity for reinfection?

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

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.

Health

A Surprising Cancer-Alzheimer's Connection

Why Are Cancer Patients Less at Risk of Alzheimer's?

Doctors and researchers began noticing something strange: people who had been diagnosed with cancer seemed less likely to develop Alzheimer's later in life. And conversely, Alzheimer's patients seemed to have lower rates of cancer.

Cute overload

3:39

This Skunk is in Love... With a Cat

hat began as a cautious introduction turned into a whirlwind of stolen cat treats, midnight zoomies, and a surprising friendship with a cat named Nola.

Travel

6:48

Let's Go on a Gorgeous Tour of Panama City!

Soar high above Panama City, the dazzling capital of Panama, in stunning 4K Ultra HD!

Send Comment

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

Quizzes

Science Quiz 2026

Whether you're a casual observer or a dedicated basement theorist, prepare to have your common sense challenged. Let’s begin!

Do You Know Plants?

The questions are designed to challenge your memory, reward careful thinking, and perhaps surprise you along the way. Whether you’re a gardener, a nature lover, or simply curious, let’s see how deeply rooted your botanical knowledge really is.

Music of the 1980s

Whether you danced through it or simply remember the tunes on the radio, this quiz will put your memory to the test.