What if there was a vaccine for all diseases? You never had to worry about life-long STDs or terminal cancers. Well, this of course is hypothetical for now, but who knows what science will be capable of in 20 years. Better yet, who knows what science is capable of NOW! The online journal Science Daily stays up-to-date on all the latest vaccine trends. From anti-vaxxer news to vaccine developments. They really just have the whole spectrum of news. This site explains vaccines I didn’t even know were being developed yet. It is truly incredible how far science has come. Alright, enough of the advertising, let’s get down to the real science!
Melanoma is a serious skin cancer, and not just serious, but one of the most aggressive forms. This type of cancer can be treated if caught early, but has a much higher fatality rate if it metastasizes to the lymph-nodes or organs. Did you know that 1 in every 5 people develop skin cancer by the age of 70? That’s alarming! This can be from sun exposure, but also from genetic predisposition. Good news though! Some super cool researchers at Tel Aviv University have started testing, on mice, a new potential vaccine for melanoma. A vaccine to prevent skin cancer? SIGN ME UP! The vaccine injected into the mice contained two peptides that are part of the melanoma cells. As hoped for, the immune systems in the mice learned to attack these peptides when coming into contact with them. This is indicative that if in the future the body were to come into contact with melanoma, the body would have an immune response to fight them off. WOW! Though there are no current human studies, this is an incredible step in the right direction!
In other vaccine news, scientists are searching for a vaccination that will prevent against HIV, in particular, the “death star” strain. This particular strain has been a road block in finding a cure and prevention for HIV. Not anymore! Well, hopefully not for much longer. Another article in Science Daily explains the research being done, and a trial that successfully destructed the death star. Unlike the melanoma trial, this vaccine targeted muscle cells, rather than immune cells, to help attack the disease. This is not how vaccine normally work, but there’s a first time for everything! The scientists introduced a protective protein that contained two HIV co-receptors. This infected the muscle cells and built up a protective protein known as eCD4-lg. I know, it sounds crazy. Anyways, this intense protein attracts HIV, it then changes its shape, and HIV is no longer able to infect the muscle cells. Pretty cool right?! They did this study on animal subjects, so there is still a long ways to go before they start injecting humans. However, this research could be revolutionary. DOWN WITH THE DEATH STAR!
Science is amazing, and so are vaccinations! Let’s hope in the near future we see these two diseases demolished, with the help of vaccinations!
Laura's Food For Thought 