Dr. Watson is a virologist

IBM Watson supercomputer helped scientists find a new approach in the fight against dangerous viruses

iXBT.com based on IBM Research: Scientists Discover New Technology Breakthrough in Fighting Viral Diseases

Specialists of the IBM Research division and their colleagues from the Singapore Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology have managed to find a new approach in the fight against dangerous viruses. The IBM Watson cognitive supercomputer was involved in the development.

Viral infections are associated with one of the biggest medical problems, which is that the natural ability of the virus to mutate quickly allows it to gain resistance to new drugs. At the same time, viruses can cause epidemics, posing a global threat.

Scientists have identified a new macromolecule that can help in the fight against viruses due to a unique triple-action mechanism that prevents the virus from developing drug resistance.

A macromolecule consists of several sections that perform certain functions.

One of them provides strong hydrogen bonds with an electrostatic interaction that attracts proteins on the surface of the virus, due to which it loses the ability to infect healthy cells.

Other components connect directly to the receptors of healthy cells of the immune system, helping them in the fight against viruses and providing an unhindered flow of these natural defenders of the body.

The third component, which includes the main groups of amines, neutralizes the pH factor in cells affected by the virus, as a result of which they become unsuitable for virus reproduction.

The first tests showed that Ebola, dengue fever, influenza, herpes and other viruses are defenseless against the macromolecule. Attacking both proteins and the mechanism of interaction between the virus and the carrier, the macromolecule slows down the development of mutations that would allow the virus to develop resistance.

In the short term, the development may find application in disinfectants, including those intended for the treatment of premises. Potential applications, the implementation of which will require a longer period of time, include the development of a new vaccination procedure that can put an end to entire categories of viral infections. Unfortunately, it is too early to talk about specific implementation dates.

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru  13.05.2016