IBM Creates A Molecule That Could Destroy All Viruses

[To Be Quite Honest]

http://www.popsci.com/macromolecule-...iruses-at-once

"Instead, the researchers focused on glycoproteins, which sit on the outside of all viruses and attach to cells in the body, allowing the viruses to do their dirty work by infecting cells and making us sick. Using that knowledge, the researchers created a macromolecule, which is basically one giant molecule made of smaller subunits. This macromolecule has key factors that are crucial in fighting viruses. First, it’s able to attract viruses towards itself using electrostatic charges. Once the virus is close, the macromolecule attaches to the virus and makes the virus unable to attach to healthy cells. Then it neutralizes the virus’ acidity levels, which makes it less able to replicate."

[calumniate]

I know they've been into bio computing for a while now. This is more interesting though!

[White Out 403]

This is how a lot of zombie movies start

[CaptainCrunch]

Shouldn't they be working on making my internet faster and my cloud more cloudy like.

Get back to work on the real reason why IBM is still in existence. To improve access to pron for all mankind.

[Caged Great]

That would be great for anyone that has things like AIDS, Hepatitis, Herpes or any other virus that are detrimental.

[CaptainCrunch]

Its an interesting way of looking at things. Its almost like the magic bullet. I wonder how this thing would work against a virus like the common cold or even aids that changes itself and mutates so rapidly even during infection.

[Caged Great]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Its an interesting way of looking at things. Its almost like the magic bullet. I wonder how this thing would work against a virus like the common cold or even aids that changes itself and mutates so rapidly even during infection.

If I recall correctly, the part that this thing targets is common between all viruses and does not really mutate much at all. So it could potentially wipe them all out.

[GoinAllTheWay]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

If I recall correctly, the part that this thing targets is common between all viruses and does not really mutate much at all. So it could potentially wipe them all out.

Exactly. Targeting a virus through DNA is pointless as it keeps changing. So attack the one thing all viruses have in common and you are on to something. In this case, the wall of the virus.

It is really quite clever and hope they are on to something.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by GoinAllTheWay

Exactly. Targeting a virus through DNA is pointless as it keeps changing. So attack the one thing all viruses have in common and you are on to something. In this case, the wall of the virus.

It is really quite clever and hope they are on to something.

It's not unique or really all that novel from a strictly targeted perspective. An antiviral was made called amantidine which was used for influenza. It worked great, but resistance was 99% within years. I'd also be interested how this macromolecule interacts with host cells