An acid found in soil may make a disease killing deer less infectious

The incurable neurodegenerative disease is crippling deer, elk and moose populations

deer

TRACKING INFECTION Chronic wasting disease has crippled deer, elk and moose populations throughout the northern hemisphere. But scientists have identified an organic soil compound, humic acid, that may prevent its spread.

Mike Hopper/Kansas Dept. of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism

An acid found in rich humus soil breaks down the misfolded brain proteins — called prions — that cause chronic wasting disease.