Supercomputer empowers researchers to answer the
64-million-atom question by running detailed simulations of HIV
Researchers have determined the precise chemical structure
of the HIV capsid, a protein shell that protects the virus's genetic material
and is a key to its ability to infect and debilitate the human body's defense
mechanism. Detailed simulations were achieved with the use of a supercomputer
on a 64 million atom sample. The capsid has become an attractive target for the
development of new antiretroviral drugs that suppress the HIV virus and stop
the progression of AIDS.
The research paper describing these results is the cover
story of this week's journal Nature (May 30, 2013).