"Gene clue to HIV origin in humans"

Tezcatlipoca · 10-01-2005, 19:28

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4160849.stm

Quote:

Scientists say they have uncovered an important clue to understanding the origins of the Aids epidemic.

They have pinpointed crucial differences in a gene found in rhesus monkeys that can prevent HIV infection, and its human counterpart, that cannot.

It appears that only a single change to the human gene is needed to enable it to block HIV infection.

The study, by the National Institute for Medical Research, is published in Current Biology.

Very interesting! Could in future lead to new treatments.

kronas · 10-01-2005, 19:34

Quote:

"Although it is theoretically possible, this approach is unlikely to be practical or cost-effective with currently available technologies."

well there goes that idea, i would have thought they would be throwing everything at finding a cure, ofcourse the skeptic in me suggests we wont hear and forget about this again.

Tezcatlipoca · 10-01-2005, 19:38

"currently available technologies"

Technology improves. I'm sure there will be benefits from this, in the long term.

kronas · 11-01-2005, 00:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt D

"currently available technologies"

Technology improves. I'm sure there will be benefits from this, in the long term.

i dont dispute that, but it is about cost, new technologies usally cost alot at the start, economics play the part aswell.

AndrewJ · 11-01-2005, 10:46

Well at least there is hope aint there?