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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...'"

1 of 477 comments (clear)

  1. 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?