Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Gene Found In Black Death Survivors Stops HIV

Posted by Zonk on from the research-halted-at-politician's-request dept.

WindozeSux writes "According to research done by Dr. Stephen O'Brien, a mutated gene known as delta 32 found in Black Death survivor descendants, stops HIV in its tracks. In order to be immune both parents have to have the delta 32 gene. From the Article: 'In 1996, research showed that delta 32 prevents HIV from entering human cells and infecting the body. O'Brien thought this principle could be applied to the plague bacteria, which affects the body in a similar manner. To determine whether the Eyam plague survivors may have carried delta 32, O'Brien tested the DNA of their modern-day descendents...'"

3 of 477 comments (clear)

  1. yes that's true by circletimessquare · · Score: 0, Troll

    but you are asking people to stop having sex

    for anyone except slashdot posters on a friday night ( ;-P ) that's a complete absurdity

    look around you: there over 6 billion of us

    that didn't happen without a drive to have sex that is, of course, like all animals on this planet, our prime biological directive

    defeating it, or dismissing it out of hand is an utterly insane position to take on the matter of aids

    seriously: what you are saying, it's also like saying "well the solution to not being poisoned by cynanide gas is to stop breathing"

    the words you say are exactly the same as that

    --
    intellectual property law is philosophically incoherent. it is your moral duty to ignore it or sabotage it
  2. Re:Probably as close as we'll get... by Tony+Hoyle · · Score: 0, Troll

    Since 1) is basically unchievable except in a few individuals (you might as well say 'stop breathing' since it's hardcoded into our genes to want sex) you have to use other means.

    3) has nothing to do with it... I mean WTF? What if I want short term monogamy? 2-3 days per person should be enough...

  3. Re:Plague and religion by fanblade · · Score: 1, Troll

    "Still think religion in Africa helps fight HIV?"

    YES. It does, if you're a faithful Catholic. Ignoring the scientific mistakes of one church official, their moral teachings definitely benefit the adherents of the religion. How many single-partner/abstinate men and women do you think have been infected?

    Are you saying that religion is no help to the people that ignore everything the church says anyway?