Behind the Headlines Top Five of Top Fives 2015

In this study, researchers wanted to see why this is and if there could be any human applications. Researchers collected white blood cells from African and Asian elephants. They found elephants have at least 20 copies of a gene called TP53. TP53 is known to encourage cell "suicide" when DNA is damaged, stopping any potential cancer in its tracks. In contrast, humans are thought to have only a single copy of the TP53 gene. Of course the big question – the elephant in the room, if you will – is how we can boost TP53 activity in humans to stimulate a similar protective effect. The simple answer is: we don't know. Yet. Researchers 'a step closer' to universal flu vaccine It just like buses. You wait years for a potential universal flu vaccine then two come along at the same time. In August two studies were published, both on the possibility of creating a “one-size jab” for the flu. The flu virus is shaped like a ball, with many "spikes" sticking out of its surface made of a chemical called haemagglutinin. The "stem" part of this spike does not change as much as its tip or other parts of the virus, so both of these studies aimed to develop a vaccine that targeted the stem. Targeting these areas may help keep the vaccines effective even if new strains come along. Both vaccines were able to protect mice against what would usually be a lethal dose of flu, and one vaccine reduced fever symptoms in monkeys. While the results were encouraging, it i...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: QA articles Medical practice Special reports Source Type: news