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Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies

Prion proof in progress

Whether a protein can transmit disease in mammals has been an open question for some time. The latest test of this idea provides some strong evidence in favour, but is unlikely to end the debate.

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Figure 1: Can a protein be infectious?

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Edskes, H., Wickner, R. Prion proof in progress. Nature 430, 977–978 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/430977a

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