Ebola virus is now safe for researchers

According to the LookInfo.org.ua, American researchers managed to defuse a dangerous killer Ebola virus through the removal of a single gene. This discovery now enables the study of the virus in normal laboratory conditions, rather than the increased security requirements. Scientists from the University of Wisconsin (University of Wisconsin) in Madison, under the leadership of Yoshihiro Kawaoka (Yoshihiro Kawaoka) removed the Ebola virus VP30 gene, which controls the formulation of the protein necessary for the replication of the virus. In so doing was halted reproduction of the virus in normal cells.

The next phase of research was modified monkey kidney cells, which scientists are forced to produce protein necessary for reproduction of the virus. Now the specialists have an opportunity to study the virus to replicate perfectly safe. This virus is now reproduces only caged monkeys, which contain the protein necessary for him, but he does not play in a normal cell.

Ebola virus has the ability to easily spread from person to person and in about 80% of cases are fatal.

So far, studies of the virus may proceed only in a high level of security, which provide specially equipped laboratory. Specialists had to be at work using special protective suits in a room while maintaining a reduced atmospheric pressure in order to prevent the possible "leakage" virus. If further study confirms the safety of the virus, this will result in an opportunity to work on the Ebola virus will receive the usual laboratory and much more expertise. This, in turn, will facilitate more rapid development of new vaccines and treatments for Ebola.