"Mice Experiments Show How Zika Invades Placenta, Fetus"

"Washington - Experiments using lab mice show how the Zika virus travels through the bloodstream, multiplies in the placenta and invades the brain of the developing fetus, stunting growth or causing death, researchers said Wednesday.

A pair of studies, one published in the journal Cell and the other in Nature, could help scientists better understand the mosquito-borne infection and develop vaccines to prevent it.

"This is the first demonstration in an animal model of in utero transmission of Zika virus, and it shows some of the same outcomes we've been seeing in women and infants," said Michael Diamond, a professor of medicine, molecular microbiology and pathology and immunology at Washington University in St. Louis and co-senior author of the study in Cell."

Jean-Louis Santini and Marlowe Hood report for Agence France-Press May 11, 2016.

SEE ALSO:

"Public Health Professor: Because Of Zika, Rio Olympics 'Must Not Proceed'" (NPR)

"Rio 2016 Olympics Could Spark 'Full Blown Global Health Disaster', Say Harvard Scientists" (Independent)

"Olympics 2016: IOC Insists Games Will Go Ahead Despite Zika" (BBC News)

"Brazilian Researchers Find Evidence Zika Is Getting Worse" (NBC News)

"How The Zika Virus Damages The Brain" (NPR)