News Microbes

Bird flu viruses may pack tools that help them infect human cells

Bringing along ANP32 proteins may give avian flu viruses a jump-start on copying themselves

A fair-skinned woman with brown hair in a ponytail and wearing a purplish pink T-shirt and jeans is scattering corn for a flock of brown and tan chickens. A sheep with its head down and not visible stands at 1 o'clock to the woman. The scene takes place in front of a white building with light green trees in the background.

Avian influenza viruses, such as ones that infect chickens, can sometimes jump into animals like pigs or sheep or into people. A new study suggests how those viruses can infect other species’ cells.

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By Tina Hesman Saey

Bird flu viruses may pack a little taste of home to help them adapt to life in new hosts.