Explore 3D models of some of the most dangerous viruses

Explore a 3D model of the influenza virus

This interactive 3D model reveals the influenza virus’s structure—its outer coat and spike proteins—and compares it with other well-known viruses, offering a clear view of how flu differs from pathogens like HIV or coronaviruses.

Marburg virus, related to Ebola, is also extremely deadly

Discovered nine years before Ebola, Marburg is part of the same filovirus family. While this virus is less contagious, it can still be deadly. Currently, no vaccines exist against this disease. (Some users may encounter a paywall.)

Every virus is classified into 7 groups based on genetic differences

Viruses infecting humans have been named based on symptoms ("chickenpox") or the location or animal in which they were first discovered ("Bolivian Haemorrhagic Fever" and "Monkeypox"). For clarity among scientists and to reduce stigma, virologists classify the 15,000 known viruses (270 of which infect humans) by their basic genetic material.

Bats are uniquely suited to act as reservoirs of viruses

Some of the deadliest diseases to jump from animals to humans originate in bat species. This rich visualization explores the diversity of bats and the factors that make them efficient vectors for harboring and transmitting disease, from their long lifespans to their migration patterns.

View the model of the tobacco mosaic virus from the 1958 Brussels World's Fair

After she finished analyzing her X-ray diffraction data on DNA fibers, Rosalind Franklin explored plant virus structures. For her work on the TMV, she was invited to build this 5-foot model, modified from earlier versions made of ping pong balls and bicycle handlebar grips.

Explore demonstrations of hundreds of viruses and other malware in action

On their YouTube channel, Malware historian Daniel White has documented what happens when various types of malware—mostly from the 1980s and 90s—run on a computer or Nokia cell phone. The demonstrations were safely conducted within virtual machines—older operating systems run within contained windows of modern software, resembling a picture-in-picture setup.

View a list of simple ways you can avoid catching a computer virus

Because this type of malware requires human intervention, such as plugging an infected flash drive into a computer or downloading and running an infected file, the chance of infection can be greatly reduced by being cautious about unfamiliar emails, attachments, and links. Keeping systems up to date with the latest security fixes is also crucial.

Marburg virus, related to Ebola, is also extremely deadly, and has no available vaccine.

Increasing contact between humans and wild animals is driving zoonotic threats

Zoonotic diseases, which spread from animals to humans, present one of the most significant emerging threats worldwide. Scientists have identified around 200 viruses capable of infecting humans, and unfortunately, the number of such diseases are on the rise—at least 60% of all emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic in origin.

Watch how viruses like Ebola can spill over from animals to humans—and vice-versa.

How the 1918 pandemic spurred developments in virology and vaccines

This article provides an in-depth historical account of the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic, including its impact on the global population and how its occurrence spurred significant advancements in the study of viruses—laying the groundwork for the...

Ebola is a filovirus, meaning it resembles a thread under a microscope, though it sometimes twists and can resemble a bowl of spaghetti.

Simulation of the coronavirus inside an aerosol droplet

A new simulation shows how the virus survives inside tiny airborne particles of water — and gives clues about how the Delta variant became dominant.

Receptors on the cell surface are key to whether a virus is successful

Viral receptors are key regulators of host range, tissue tropism, and viral pathogenesis—basically, the door locks on cells allowing viruses to invade, if they have the right key. How this process works at the microscopic level determines whether a virus is able to trigger a widespread illness in the host.

What is the gut virome?

The gut microbiome's community of viruses is collectively known as the virome. It has been found to affect immune system development—important to the gut-brain axis—and has been implicated in the development of inflammatory bowel disease and Type 2 diabetes. As of early 2023, less than half of the viral sequences in the gut had been identified. Further study is needed to understand the virome's influence and therapeutic potential.

A technical look at the measles virus and its life cycle

The measles virus is made up of a single strand of RNA, packaged inside an envelope that varies in shape and size. A negative-sense paramyxovirus—the same family as mumps—the virus is encased in proteins that help it attach to immune cells inside the body.

Unprecedented imaging of the Vibrio bacteria, published in 2026, may highlight new treatment targets

Researchers have produced the most detailed image ever of a key part of the Vibrio bacteria—the cause of cholera—known as the sheathed flagellum, which helps it move.

Breaking down the different types of vaccine technologies

There are several different types of vaccines. Each type is designed to teach your immune system how to fight off germs—and the serious diseases they cause. This short overview breaks down the differences between the types.

An estimated 1% of DNA mutations in bacteria can produce more dangerous strains

Researchers have developed a technique to monitor these mutations in real time. Using this technology, scientists found that mutations occur at a steady rate, with 1% leading to potentially deadly changes.

HFMD can survive on surfaces for days at a time

That's why the virus can be transmitted via fomites—surfaces that have virus on them like doorknobs, kids toys, etc. These viruses are resilient—they are often even resistant to freezing (and are frequently stored at freezing temperatures in lab settings).

Fungi make people sick when they invade and survive in otherwise healthy human tissue

We breathe in airborne spores frequently, but they often don't make us sick. This video details how certain concerning fungal changes can occur and discusses the role of mycologists—scientists who study fungi—in helping to improve human health.

Visualize how CRISPR-Cas9—a type of immune system used by single-celled organisms to attack invasive viruses—targets and makes precise changes to a gene's DNA.

Dispose of invading viruses while learning about the CRISPR immune system

In this free, easy-to-play game, defend the city of Bacterium by playing the role of Cris Perotein. As you play, you'll learn microbiology and the workings of the mechanisms that CRISPR uses to protect bacteria. (desktop recommended)

Why we don't have an answer for the common cold

Since a landmark study of the common cold in 1925, researchers have learned much more about the seasonal ailment. Despite continuous study, people still contract colds for similar periods of time at the same rate with the same symptoms, and there's no vaccine. This article explains how the many viral strains make it hard to control.

Most flu cases are treated at home, but antivirals help high-risk patients

Rest, fluids and common medicines usually ease influenza symptoms. For people at higher risk of complications, doctors may prescribe antiviral drugs, which work best when started soon after symptoms begin.

Explore what it's like inside a patient isolation unit, used in situations such as treating a patient or suspected patient with Ebola.

This real-time tracking of the hantavirus cruise ship outbreak in May 2026 offers a unique glimpse into the global reach of the outbreak and whether the virus sickened passengers and their communities around the world.

Model organisms like yeast, mice, and flies help scientists decode the human body

Some species are used to quickly study the effects of human diseases and treatments because they are short-lived and have similar systems to those found in humans. Bacteria, like E. coli, have been used as human proxies given their rapid growth and ease of genetic manipulability.

Particle accelerators have been used to reveal detailed ant anatomy

Using a synchrotron facility at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany, a pair of X-ray beams swept across about 2,200 ant specimens to create over 200 terabytes of projection images from multiple angles. The images were compiled into micrometer-resolution 3D reconstructions of 792 species, which are freely accessible on the Antscan platform.

Learn about the basic anatomy of mosquitoes

This short explainer video breaks down the mosquito's general body components, highlighting how mosquitoes breathe, fly, and more. It also touches on how experts can tell different mosquito species apart.

View a gallery of images and videos of over 200 types of cells

Funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health, the Cell Image Library houses over 60,000 pieces of media, including microscopic photographs, time-lapse videos of cellular activity, and 3D reconstructions of organic processes.

See these 16 pieces of art evoking phobias of snakes, flying, spiders, and more. 

See how each of the more than two million known species relates to each other—and to common ancestors—in this zoomable tree of life.

See images of medical cases of firework injuries shared on this 'Instagram for doctors.' (Warning: Graphic content)

In 2019, a laptop loaded with six of the worst malware in history and described as 'an exhibit of historical weaponry' sold for $1.3M.

Elk Cloner, the first computer virus to spread in public, was written as a practical joke by Richard Skrenta, a Pittsburgh high school student.

Explore the known asteroids, comets, and spacecraft involved in asteroid studies within our solar system with 'Eyes on Asteroids,' a 3D visualization from NASA.

The deadliest aspect of volcanic eruptions is often not lava, but pyroclastic flows—avalanches of ash, gas, and rock that can move more than half the speed of sound.

View the ten deadliest tornadoes in US history.

After 25 people used virtual reality headsets to practice flying with virtual wings—flapping their arms—their visual cortex responded to the wings almost as if they were real arms, treating them as body parts.

This poison ivy knowledge quiz—accompanied by photos of the plant's varied forms—may help you identify this common rash-inducing growth.

As of 2025, the most cited papers in science include a review of graphene, methods to improve image recognition, streamlining electron density calculations, and optimizing protein studies.

Objects can be 3D printed with light by projecting 2D computerized tomography (CT) scans onto rotating cylinders of resin, which solidify upon exposure.

While atoms are normally made of protons, neutrons, and electrons, exotic ones have been built with antimatter—alternate versions of normal matter that live for fractions of a second and are about a billion times as rare.

At the beginning of the 20th century, a group of young men ate standard American food—replete with food additives like borax and formaldehyde—as part of government research to better understand food safety.

Alzheimer's can lead to brain shrinkage, with an average of around 2% of volume reduction per year

Tattoos remain visible on your skin thanks to immune cells called macrophages

For centuries, Niagara Falls has been a magnet for daredevils seeking to conquer one of nature's most powerful wonders, with its 200-foot drop and water rushing at 32 feet per second with 280 tons of force.

Chaos theory—informally known as the butterfly effect—is the reason why weather forecasts are presented with probabilities rather than certainties.

Explore fun facts from the USPS, including unique post office buildings, a stamp that traveled past Pluto, and more.