A recent study has claimed that injecting aggressive skin cancers with modified herpes virus (the agent causing cold cores) can reduce their rate of growth or even destroy them (http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/may/26/skin-cancer-patients-successfully-treated-with-herpes-based-drug). This appears to be a nice example of adapting the 'talents' of one agent for another purpose (it's a bit like using antibiotics- chemicals produced by fungi allowing them to out-compete bacteria, to counter human infections).
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Wednesday, 27 May 2015
Herpes to the Rescue?
A recent study has claimed that injecting aggressive skin cancers with modified herpes virus (the agent causing cold cores) can reduce their rate of growth or even destroy them (http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/may/26/skin-cancer-patients-successfully-treated-with-herpes-based-drug). This appears to be a nice example of adapting the 'talents' of one agent for another purpose (it's a bit like using antibiotics- chemicals produced by fungi allowing them to out-compete bacteria, to counter human infections).
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