Virus infections are famously hard to fight; diseases such as HIV and hepatitis are near impossible to treat. But now, scientists have added a new weapon to their antiviral arsenal: a laser.

When a pulse of light is delivered from a low powered laser, mechanical vibrations are produced in the wall of the virus, destroying it. Human cells remain undamaged.

No word yet on how long you’ll have to wait before seeing a laser at your next checkup.

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