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Unique Structure Of African Swine Fever Virus Enzyme May Allow Drug Development

A DNA-copying protein from a lethal pig virus has a unique structure that may offer a target for drugs designed to combat this important agricultural disease, according to a study publishing February 28th in the open-access journal PLOS Biology by Yiqing Chen and colleagues at Fudan University in Shanghai, China.



African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a highly contagious and deadly disease in pigs that has spread from Africa to areas of Europe and Asia. Currently there are no treatments, and control relies on killing entire herds once infection is detected. Viral replication depends in part on a polymerase enzyme, AsfvPolX, that repairs breaks in the DNA, but the structure of this enzyme has not been determined in detail. Here, the authors used X-ray diffraction and nuclear magnetic resonance to solve the structure at atomic resolution.
 

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Up and Comers in the Pork Industry: A Conversation with Lauren Meier from Iowa Pork

Video: Up and Comers in the Pork Industry: A Conversation with Lauren Meier from Iowa Pork

In this insightful interview, Lauren Meier from Iowa Pork shares her journey in the pork industry and discusses key challenges and opportunities the industry faces today, particularly from a younger generation’s perspective. Lauren talks about the importance of encouraging the next generation to get involved, Iowa Pork’s approach to critical issues like sustainability and animal welfare, and the strategic initiatives that will shape the future of the industry. Tune in to discover the lesser-known aspects of pork production and hear Lauren’s thoughts on what’s next for the industry over the next 5 to 10 years.