Researchers at Purdue make a Zika virus breakthrough

 

 

Researchers at Purdue University have made a major breakthrough with the Zika  virus. Purdue scientists and students have determined the structure of the virus, which could help develop a vaccine. The Zika virus is spread by mosquitos and is associated with a birth defect that causes brain damage and an abnormally small head in babies born to mothers infected during pregnancy. The virus can also lead to temporary paralysis. Purdue’s recent $250 million investment in the life sciences funded the purchase of advanced equipment that helped researchers in their study of the virus.