A proteinaceous infectious particle causing a invariably fatal neurodegenerative disorder in humans and other animals, the deadly prion is a relatively new discovery that is still being studied. Spawned from a mutated form of a common protein found in the human brain, the deadly prion can be transmitted through infected tissue, blood, or bodily fluids. It is believed that the disease originates from ingestion of meat from infected animals, although there is some evidence that the disease can also be spread through environmental contact. The symptoms of the deadly prion include loss of coordination, dementia, and finally, death. There is currently no cure or prevention for the disease, and research is ongoing in hopes of finding a treatment or vaccine. The deadly prion has had a relatively small impact on the human population so far, but as research continues and the disease spreads, it may become a greater threat to global public health.