News Genetics

A mutation may explain the sudden rise in birth defects from Zika

One small change in a protein in 2013 could have led to surge in microcephaly

baby with microcephaly

MICROCEPHALY MUTATION Scientists may finally understand why the Zika virus was suddenly able to cause microcephaly, as seen in this child in Salvador, Brazil. The virus picked up a mutation in 2013 that makes it more aggressive at killing brain cells.

Joa Souza/Shutterstock

By Tina Hesman Saey

- More than 2 years ago

A single genetic mutation made the Zika virus far more dangerous by enhancing its ability to kill nerve cells in developing brains, a new study suggests.