Researchers from Purdue University announced a major breakthrough Thursday, becoming the first team to determine the structure of the Zika virus.
The groundbreaking discovery reveals insights that are critical to finding an effective antiviral treatment or vaccine for the virus.
The team, which published a paper on their findings in the journal Science, also identified regions within the Zika virus that set it apart from other insect-borne viruses such as dengue, West Nile, and yellow fever.
“The structure of the virus provides a map that shows potential regions of the virus that could be targeted by a therapeutic treatment, used …”
More Must-Reads from TIME
- How Donald Trump Won
- The Best Inventions of 2024
- Why Sleep Is the Key to Living Longer
- Robert Zemeckis Just Wants to Move You
- How to Break 8 Toxic Communication Habits
- Nicola Coughlan Bet on Herself—And Won
- Why Vinegar Is So Good for You
- Meet TIME's Newest Class of Next Generation Leaders
Contact us at letters@time.com