A ROGUE, misfolded protein really is enough to trigger prion diseases such as mad cow disease, laying to rest the notion that a virus has to be involved as well.
Prion diseases seem to start with changes in the shape of the prion protein found in mammalian brains, which, mysteriously, prompt other identical prions to change shape too. These misfolded proteins build up leading to brain damage and often death, the theory goes. Since no one is sure how a rogue prion can persuade others to follow suit, some researchers have insisted a virus must also be involved.
To…
