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Gene Rift
13 March 2017

Gene Rift

Rift Valley fever starts with similar symptoms to a mild cold. For an unlucky few, it progresses to internal bleeding, sight loss, liver problems and even death. Outbreaks happen regularly in sub-Saharan Africa, killing tens or even hundreds of people and livestock. It’s caused by a virus transmitted by mosquitoes, but the exact way in which it infects human and animal cells is still a mystery. The viral genetic information is encoded in three different-sized strands of RNA [a chemical similar to DNA] and scientists have now discovered that each strand can infect cells to different degrees. These monkey kidney cells have been highlighted with fluorescent dyes to reveal infection with the small (green), medium (red) or large (blue) RNA. There’s no human vaccine for Rift Valley fever virus, although there’s one currently available for animals. By uncovering the infection process, researchers hope to develop new prevention and treatment approaches.

Written by Kat Arney

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BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

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