Armonk-based IBM has helped to develop a new chemical to combat viral infections.

The chemical compound acts as a "magic bullet" killing viral infections including Ebola, Zika, herpes, influenza and other viral threats.

The compound can be incorporated into anti-viral wipes, soaps and other cleaning products, killing viruses on contact.

IBM and partner Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) in Singapore say the compound could someday be turned into a medicine that could protect cells from a virus. In early testing, scientists have seen no resistance to the latest macromolecule.