Sunday, July 11, 2010
Vaccine for AIDS...closer to reality! New research optimistic for inflicted...
Federal researchers were ecstatic about a finding this past week that may save lives!
A pair of naturally-occuring anti-bodies capable of wiping out ninety-percent of all leading strains of the AIDS virus were identified.
The ureka moment means that researchers may be able to develop more effective treatments for those inflicted with the AIDS virus.
More importantly, it appears an actual vaccine may be on the horizon.
"Once the anti-bodies attach to a virtually changeless part part of the virus surface, they are capable of neutralizing a remarkable number of strains of the deadly virus," noted on leading researcher at the Infectious disease institute.
In the wake of the discovery, the researchers were able to focus on the remarkable anti-bodies, and determine how they interacted with a vital part of the HIV virus known as the spike.
From there, they took a leap, of sorts.
They proceeded to produce a synthetic version of the spike that would elicit the same "healing" responses in similar blocking scenarios in animal cells in the research lab.
Further testing with the animal subjects will establish if a vaccine has the potential to work in practice (not just in theor).
If so, the testing will extend to humans.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Shannon Tweed...Autism Awareness Day!
Shannon also underscored that April 2nd (Friday) is World Autism Awareness Day.
The subject of Autism is close to Ms. Tweed's heart since one of her own children is autistic.
World Autism Awareness Day shines a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis, according to the organizers.
WAAD activities help to increase and develop world knowledge of the autism epidemic and impart information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention.
Additionally, WAAD celebrates the unique talents and skills of persons with autism and is a day when individuals with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced in community events around the globe.
"By bringing together autism organizations all around the world, we will give a voice to the millions of individuals worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help" an official noted at the organization's web site.
Concerned inviduals are urged to join in the effort to inspire compassion inclusion and hope.
Info:
http://www.worldautismawarenessday.org/site/c.egLMI2ODKpF/b.3917077/k.186A/About_World_Autism_Awareness_Day.htm
Monday, February 16, 2009
Medicinal Marijuana, dudes? Or, ball buster...

Whoa, dudes!
Have 'ya heard the latest medical news?
Researchers have determined that young males (ages 20 to 35) who are habitual pot-smokers are at high risk to develop testicular cancer.
The research was conducted by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle and the stats were downright scary!
The association between the two (age group and frequency of toking the evil weed) was strongest with nonseminoma which is a faster-spreading (more aggressive) subtype of the deadly testicular cancer.
Dr. Glen Justice, Director of the cancer center at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in Fountain Valley underscored a sobering point, too.
"It's not just that you develop testicular cancer, but you develop a worse type of testicular cancer."
A myriad of studies have been conducted to determine the impact of environment or lifestyle changes that could account for a 3% to 6% increase in the disease since the 1960's.
But, the one pertaining to marijuana use - just recently pursued - was the most intriguing.
Janet R. Daling was inspired to research the idea after determining that the testes, like the human brain, have receptors for tetrahdrocannabinol (THC) which is the chemical component of the marijuana high that appeals.
The researchers are still in a quandary as to why the associations were not seen in seminoma, so the studies will presumably continue.
So, dudes, which is more important to you?
Getting stoned or a lusty toss in the hay?




