Yogurt bacteria may soon fight HIV

January 18, 2006

Brown University scientists say they've genetically modified some of the 'friendly bacteria' found in yogurt to release a drug that blocks HIV infection.

Although the bacteria have only been tested in the lab, the scientists are optimistic their technique could provide a cheaper and more effective way of delivering drugs to fight the spread of AIDS, nature.com reported.

The researchers, led by Bharat Ramratnam, an HIV specialist at the university, altered the genetic makeup of L. lactis, so it generates cyanovirin, a drug that has prevented HIV infection in monkeys and human cells and which will be involved in human trials next year.

The researchers report their findings in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International


print this article email this article download pdf blog this article bookmark this article     Stumble it Digg this share on Facebook retweet share on Reddit add to delicious
Rate this story - 4.5 /5 (22 votes)


January 18, 2006 all stories

Comments: 0

4.5 /5 (22 votes)
  • Stumble this up

  • Digg this

  • share this

  • hide
  • Related Stories



Other News

Today's children decide their school and career path early

Other Sciences / Social Sciences

created 5 hours ago | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Children as young as 12 have a strong sense of their personal futures and can reflect thoughtfully on what life might hold for them, according to new research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and led by ...


Glorious Dawn: Sagan, Hawking Sing (w/ Video)

Other Sciences / Other

created Nov 12, 2009 | popularity 4.5 / 5 (15) | comments 8

Astronomer and long time science advocate Carl Sagan once said that he was "not very good at singing songs." But on Nov. 9 in Washington D.C., his voice could be heard singing about the wonders of universe -- 13 years after ...


Rice sociologist looks at pediatric physicians' views on religion, spirituality

Other Sciences / Social Sciences

created Nov 11, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 5

(PhysOrg.com) -- Pediatricians and pediatric oncologists express differing views on religion and spirituality, largely based on the types of patients they treat, according to a survey that will appear in the current edition ...


National anti-gun violence program largely successful, study finds

Other Sciences / Social Sciences

created Nov 09, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 3

Project Safe Neighborhoods - a community-based policing effort launched in 2001 - has been largely successful in its goal of reducing violent crime, according to an analysis by Michigan State University, the national research ...


Failing the sniff test: Researchers find new way to spot fraud

Other Sciences / Economics

created Nov 09, 2009 | popularity 4 / 5 (1) | comments 2

Companies that commit fraud can find innovative ways to fudge the numbers, making it hard to tell something is wrong by just looking at their financial statements. But research from North Carolina State University unveils ...