Scientists have successfully immunised mice against the deadly ebola virus which has killed thousands in Africa.

By redesigning the shell of Ebola, Purdue University researchers have transformed the feared virus into a benevolent workhorse for gene therapy ? and as one of the first gene bearers that can be inhaled rather than injected, it might prove valuable in the fight against lung disease.

Experts warn that the technique used to create the first synthetic polio virus, revealed last week, could be also used to recreate Ebola or the 1918 flu strain that killed up to 40 million people.