A family of the smallest known viruses. The viruses of this family are a cause of the common cold and Hepatitis A in humans, one form of foot and mouth disease in animals, and at least one disease in corn (maize). In 1994, Dr. Asim Dasgupta discovered a cellular molecule within ordinary backer’s yeast that prevents picorna virus reproduction. This advance could lead to the creation of a treatment, in the future, to cure one or more of the above-mentioned diseases after infection has begun.