zika
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In a Medical Twist, Zika Virus Could Become a Weapon Against Brain Cancer
A mosquito-borne disease best known for causing severe cranial deformities in babies may someday become humanity’s ally. Duke University scientists and others have created a weakened version of the Zika virus that could potentially be repurposed into a treatment for often fatal brain cancer. In lab experiments, their virus appeared to target and kill off…
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We’ll Likely Deal With More Pandemics as Earth Heats Up
As climate change permanently alters our environment, the world is increasingly opening up to new viruses — with potentially deadly consequences for us humans. A study published Thursday in Nature finds that as climate change is forcing animals to move habitats, they will increasingly come into contact with humans, and with each other, creating more…
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Diet Drugs Might Make Mosquitoes Stop Thirsting For Our Blood
Losing weight is definitely tough. So tough, in fact, that scientists have tried to whip up drugs that trick us into feeling full and suppress our appetite. But these concoctions might not just work in people, suggest the authors of a new study out Thursday in Cell. T hey found that some of these same…
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How Astonishing Zika Virus Images Were Made With a Nobel-Prize Winning Technique
“Form follows function” is an oft-repeated cliche in biology – if you know how something looks, then perhaps you can figure out how it works. But inevitably, some of the most intricate, awe-inspiring forms will take on some of the most diabolical functions imaginable. Such is the case for the pandemic Zika virus that has…