ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Prion

A prion is a tiny thing that can make you very sick. It's so small that you can't see it with your eyes or a microscope. It's kind of like a bad germ, but it's even smaller than that.

Prions are different from other germs because they're made of a special kind of protein. These proteins are found in your body and help your cells work properly. But sometimes these proteins can get changed into the bad prions.

When that happens, the prions start to attack your brain. They cause problems with your memory, thinking, and movement. It's like they're eating away your brain.

The scary thing about prions is that they can spread from one person to another. If someone has the bad prions, they can pass them on to others through things like blood or tissue donations.

Even though prions are rare, they're still something to be aware of. Scientists are working hard to learn more about them and how to stop them from spreading.