Russian scientists create visual model of Zika virus

3D model of the Zika virus at atomic resolution. Source: Visual Science

Russian scientists from Visual Science have created a visual model of the Zika virus. The model reflects the scientists' current understanding of the virus's architecture. “It includes 360 distinct surface protein structures, the lipid envelope, and the likely structure of genetic material in complex with capsid proteins,” Visual Science said in a press note.

The Zika virus model is a part of Visual Science's Viral Park project, which already includes models of the HIV, H1N1, Ebola and papilloma. 

The Zika virus was first discovered in the 1940s in Uganda, where its natural carriers were monkeys. But while the local population developed a strong immunity to the virus, it was "noticed" on a global level only after the mosquitoes carrying it appeared in South America and actively settled throughout the continent.

Since October 2015 more than 4,000 cases of microcephaly in children born to infected mothers have been registered in Brazil alone, a country that is preparing to host the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Read more: How to avoid the Zika virus during the 2016 Rio Olympics 

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