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December 20, 2018

Archived: Festive Flu Virus Structure

By Alisa Zapp Machalek
The H1N1 flu virus as a decorative holiday ornament of blue, white, green, and red, nestled in a grey backdrop with white snowflakes. Refer to text for description. Credit: Rommie Amaro, Jacob Durrant, Adam Gardner, and colleagues.
Ah, December—a month suffused with light-filled holidays, presents, parties . . . and the spread of colds and flu. This playful image uses a festive approach to the serious science of understanding and finding ways to combat the flu virus. The structure shows the H1N1 influenza (flu) virus, so named for the hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) molecules shown in ice blue on the surface of the virus. Also appearing in atomic-level detail is the virus’ outer envelope (white), matrix proteins (bright green), and genetic material (ribonucleoproteins in red, pink, and dark green).
topic Injury and Illness , Molecular Structures
tag Diseases , Infectious Diseases , Viruses

About the Author

Alisa Zapp Machalek

Alisa Zapp Machalek

Originally trained in biochemistry, Alisa wrote about the full range of NIGMS-supported research before transferring to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases in April 2020. She managed the NIGMS image and video gallery, and helped foster science education at NIH.