I found this article on ScienceDaily and thought it was really cool since we have been talking about biotechnology. These scientists have been studying the mechanisms that allow hantavirus, a virus contracted from rodent feces, into human cells in the respiratory system. Cases of hantavirus are very rare and localized here in the United States, but this virus has a 30-40% death rate among individuals that contract it. The main pathway this virus follows is linked with cholesterol transport in and out of cells. The studies done suggest that drugs created to lower cholesterol greatly reduce the susceptibility of respiratory cells to this virus. Lowering cellular cholesterol content seems to be an easily attainable preventative measure against this virus.

Here’s the link if you’re interested!

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140207083927.htm