Scientists say they have identified a key reason why bird flu has so far not posed a widespread menace to humans.
So far, the H5N1 strain has mainly infected birds and poultry workers, but experts fear the virus could mutate to pass easily from human to human.
However, Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that to enter human respiratory cells the virus must first pick a very specific type of lock.
The study appears in the journal Nature Biotechnology.
The researchers say their discovery may help scientists better monitor changes in H5N1 - and find better ways to fight it.
Flu viruses attack by binding sugar chains, called glycans, that line the airways and lungs.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7170365.stm
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