Discovery may explain how prion diseases spread between different types of animals

摘要

Medical researchers at the University of Alberta have made a discovery that may explain how prion diseases, like chronic wasting disease and mad cow disease, adapt in order to spread between various types of animals. The research team, led by neurologist Valerie Sim, discovered that a miniscule change in the prions' makeup appears to give the disease the ability to adapt - to mimic and recreate new strains with which it comes into contact. The team has been studying this area for two years.