Virology News
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Topical news snippets about viruses that affect people.  And other things. Like Led Zeppelin. And zombies B-)
Curated by Ed Rybicki
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'Alien DNA' raining down on Earth could mix with Zika and form super disease - NOT!

'Alien DNA' raining down on Earth could mix with Zika and form super disease - NOT! | Virology News | Scoop.it

"Scientists have warned that  panspermia - the theory of genetic material raining down from space - could make Zika stronger and more deadly"


Genetic material falling on Earth from outer space could create a supercharged version of the Zika virus, scientists have warned.


Experts claim that the virus, which is spreading across the globe, will become more prevalent and deadly in the future.


Changes in Zika have already been noted, as it's changed to be passable through sexual contact.


The disease, first discovered in monkeys in 1947, had previously only been transferable by mosquito bite.


But now, scientists are warning that it could mutate, growing stronger and spreading more easily - with its victims suffering more serious consequences.


They have warned that future strains could become worse thanks to panspermia - the theory of genetic material constantly raining down on Earth from outer space.

Ed Rybicki's insight:
The bullshirt is strong with this one...I have to include some conspiracy nonsense from time to time, just to show what's out there!
And what's out there for Zika is Fred Hoyle's old mate, Chandra Wickramasinghe, who really should stick to astronomy or astrophysics - because he's just making an idiot of himself.
Consider these statements:
"Genetic material falling on Earth from outer space could create a supercharged version of the Zika virus, scientists have warned."
"Changes in Zika have already been noted, as it's changed to be passable through sexual contact."
"Professor Chandra Wickramasinghe, of the University of Buckingham, has long held panspermia as a common route of viral and bacterial mutation....
Worryingly, he said, is the apparent ability of the Zika virus to pick up foreign DNA and adapt quickly to become more virulent."
OK: just how, exactly, is Zika supposed to be able to interact with the genetic material falling from space? And how in heaven's name can anyone tie sexual transmission of Zika - which has only not been documented before, NOT shown not to happen - with picking up genetic material? Which, if Professor W is to be believed, is DNA - and Zika is a (+)sense RNA virus, which are not much given to picking up DNA fragments?
As I said, bullshirt: Zika is quite capable of mutating all by itself, without extraplanetary influences.
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Novavax exploring options with Zika virus vaccine program

Novavax exploring options with Zika virus vaccine program | Virology News | Scoop.it
Novavax Inc. previously responded to concerns about Ebola and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome by making new vaccine candidates. But it has remained mum on Zika virus, until now.
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S[outh] A[ustralia] confirms first 2016 Zika virus case

S[outh] A[ustralia] confirms first 2016 Zika virus case | Virology News | Scoop.it
SA confirms first 2016 Zika virus case
Ed Rybicki's insight:
Not the REAL SA, then!
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