Penn researchers discover new target for preventing and treating flu

User rating: 4.7 / 5 after 11 vote(s)

Structure of amantadine inside viral binding site. Credit: William F. DeGrado PhD University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Structure of amantadine inside viral binding site. Credit: William F. DeGrado, PhD, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Emerging subtypes of influenza A virus hold the potential to initiate a world-wide epidemic in the next few years, according to World Health Organization officials. However, almost all type A influenza viral strains have become resistant to amantadine and rimantadine, two drugs that make up one of only two classes used to treat the flu.


Full story »

All News summaries from Medicine & Health news
All News summaries for January 30, 2008

Cutting HIV: male circumcision booms in Uganda

5 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
Like many cultural events, a male circumcision ceremony in eastern Uganda has its share of governing rules: the "candidate" is not supposed to see the surgeon until seconds before the cutting and his mother cannot be present. ...

Latest warning highlights dangers of microwaving

5 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
(AP) -- Zapping frozen meals in the microwave may be fast and easy, but it also can make you sick if it's not done properly.

Pneumococcal vaccine associated with 50 percent lower risk of heart attacks

6 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
Pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccination was associated with a 50% lower risk of heart attacks 2 years after vaccination, suggests a large hospital-based case-control study published in CMAJ.

Study shows stool DNA testing for colorectal cancer has potential, but challenges remain

6 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
The first generation of a stool DNA test to identify early colorectal cancer has limitations, according to a Mayo Clinic-led study published in the Oct. 7, 2008, issue of Annals of Internal Medicine. Results did not ...

Children's experts say doctors and parents can sort out symptoms with a checklist

6 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
A young child arrives at the emergency room after several days of abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea and is sent home with a diagnosis of viral gastritis and treatment for the symptoms. The child seems better for a while, ...