Understanding a health epidemic: Meghan May publishes Zika Virus research

Meghan May

In an attempt to understand the sudden emergence of Zika, Meghan May, Ph.D., associate professor of microbiology and infectious disease in the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine conducted research with Ryan Relich, Ph.D., clinical assistant professor at Indiana University. They published a paper titled, “A Comprehensive Systems Biology Approach to Studying Zika Virus.”

May and Relich researched the genetic diversity of the Zika virus coming from different parts of the world. They found that no two isolates were alike, indicating that Zika Virus is changing and adapting very quickly. These changes would result in less effective testing for the virus. May and Relich also discovered a genetic change in a protein that could explain why Zika is causing microcephaly in fetal brains.

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About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.