Author Archives: ashleyd

An Unlikely Hero is the Key to Killing the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Each day, almost 7,000 people contract HIV around the world.  Many scientists have dedicated their entire lives to finding a cure for this virus and it seems that we have come one step closer to finding that cure. With a historical discovery coming out of Washington University, that number could soon be reduced to zero.

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found that bee venom can effectively poke holes in the envelope surrounding the HIV virus and kill it. The potent toxin contained within bee venom is called melittin.

Nanoparticles, when infused with the toxin, can filter HIV through it’s surface and destroy it, while leaving normal cells unharmed due to their much larger size. When nanoparticles come into contact with normal cells, they simply bounce off. Joshua L. Hood, MD, PhD, explained, “The melittin forms little pore-like attack complexes and ruptures the envelope, stripping it off the virus.” The virus has to have a protective coat and there is no way for the virus to adapt when its essential physical property is under attack.

Image displays nanoparticles (purple) infused with melittin (green), with molecular bumpers (small red ovals) allowing them to bounce off of normal body cells. Fuse with HIV (small spiked circles) and destroy their envelope.
Photo credit: Joshua L. Hood, MD, PhD.

The following video by the Huffington Post further explains this topic.

Video source: Huffington Post

There is promising evidence that HIV infection in children will be eliminated. A baby born with HIV in Mississippi has apparently been cured. Its mother was diagnosed with HIV during labor, and the baby received intense care just after 30 hours of birth. This child shows no sign of the virus today.

Most anti-HIV drugs inhibit the virus’s ability to replicate, while doing nothing to stop initial infection. The development of a vaginal gel is the new revelation to prevent the spread of HIV, and in addition, an intravenous treatment to help those already infected and clear HIV from the blood stream.

A Top Scientific Discovery: Would You Want To Know Your Baby’s Genetics?

Genome Sequencing For Fetuses

Can you imagine being able to know more than just the gender of your baby before it is even born? You may soon be able to learn personality and physical traits of your unborn baby!

A discovery in 2012 was made by researchers at the University of Washington when the successful sequencing of a complete fetal genome was made. This sequencing is unlike any previous techniques because it does not pose any risks to the baby. The technique is noninvasive and can create a genome sequence of the developing fetus from as early as the first trimester.

Fetus. source: flickr.com

Today’s common prenatal genetic tests include amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling. These tests require a needle inserted into the amniotic sac to test for certain genetic diseases and chromosomal abnormalities. They are invasive and pose a 2% risk of miscarriage.

The newly discovered technique is possible because there is circulating cell-free DNA. A portion of which, in a pregnant woman’s blood, is derived from the fetus. This can be isolated and further sequenced. The test requires a sample of blood from the mother and blood or saliva from the father. Once the parents’ genomes are determined, one can determine which DNA comes from the fetus.

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 The main benefit is early medical warnings that were previously unknown. Importantly, scientists are interested in identifying conditions that can be treated before birth.  Is there a limit though to how much genetic information parents should know?

 Not all genetic irregularities are expressed. Whole genome mapping merely predicts the possibility of disease. Consequently, parents could be living in fear or even abort the baby that may never actually have the disease appear.

 In just five years time this testing could be clinically available. I think this topic is so interesting and controversial, and the future debates on this topic will be fascinating.

By Ashley Dolman