Time to Say 'Wow.'

Viruses are presently the greatest risk of global disaster.  Bacteria are dangerous, even deadly, but most all can be treated with antibiotics.  With other considerations, like the speed of bacterial reproduction, it is unlikely any bacterial infection could endanger the entire world.


Viruses are different, and not just because there are no general antiviral drugs.  They don't actually reproduce; instead they hijack a victim's living cell to manufacture copies.  This destroys the cell and original virus, but releases thousands of new viruses into the victim. This frightening infection speed is what makes a virus so incredibly dangerous.  


The good news is that the human immune system 'remembers' and fights previously suffered viral infections, which is how vaccines work.  The bad news is a new virus meets no defense.  Humans are a single mutation away from annihilation.


Until now.  Lincoln Laboratory's Chemical, Biological, and Nanoscale Technologies Group recently announced a new drug that attacks the virus where it is most exposed - as it hijacks the host cell.  The attack is as brutal as it is effective, forcing infected cells to self-destruct, taking the virus with it.


Initial testing in mice has proven extremely effective and soon should advance closer to human tests.  For the first time in human history, we may soon be able to cure the common cold virus.


Wow. 8)