Flu viruses evolved proteins to cut through mucus.

INFLUENZA A virus; INFLUENZA viruses; VIRAL proteins; SIALIC acids; ANTIVIRAL agents

The article from New Scientist discusses how influenza A viruses have evolved proteins on their surface to navigate through the body's protective mucus, aiding in their ability to infect cells. Researchers have found that these proteins interact with complex sugars in the mucus, allowing the virus to move efficiently. Understanding this process could lead to the development of new antiviral drugs. The study highlights the importance of how viruses move through mucus in different animal species and its role in viral transmission and pandemics. [Extracted from the article]

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