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'Lego' Approach Thwarts Anthrax Toxin

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the really-did-learn-everything-you-need-to-know-in-kindergarten dept.

NewScientist is reporting that scientists have discovered complex nanoscale structures that have successfully protected rats from anthrax. From the article: "The technique relies on using tiny 'peptide' molecules, stuck onto one large molecule, which bind to toxins and prevent them from causing damage. They do this in much the same way that two Lego bricks might fit together - with several studs from the binding molecule slotting into, and so blocking, the sites on a toxin molecule which are needed to cause damage."

10 of 78 comments (clear)

  1. Ho Hum... by Ancient_Hacker · · Score: 3, Insightful
    Sheesh... whover wrote this hasnt a clue...

    That's the way EVERYTHING in biochemistry works!

    1. Re:Ho Hum... by kfg · · Score: 5, Funny

      Just wait until they patent it and come after your hemoglobin.

      KFG

    2. Re:Ho Hum... by Lord+Ender · · Score: 3, Funny

      I won't deny the jackass claim. My post was blunt and insensitive. But based on the topic at hand, it was accurate. The words I used to describe your character were supported by my post, and were not overtly offensive, unlike the word "jackass." Fortunately, as you pointed out, you can rectify these personal flaws. There is no cure for being a jackass.

      I have but three serious perturbations: people who stand in the way of scientific progress, the use of logical fallacies, and carnies (you know, circus folk. very small hands. smell like cabbage.)

      With that in mind, I only now noticed your sig. Your violation of my first personal peeve is somewhat rectified by your support of my second. If I had seen it earlier, I may have formed my reply using more flowery prose. You have been added to my "friends" list. Unless, of course, you are a carnie.

      Besides, this is the internet. Civil discourse hasn't been here since the early 1990s.

      --
      A slashdotter who didn't build his own computer is like a Jedi who didn't build his own lightsaber.
  2. Patent Violation by MLopat · · Score: 4, Funny

    Doesn't Lego have a patent on the whole block stacking concept? Looks like they're in for a legal battle on this one. :)

  3. Dang microscopic kids! by Itninja · · Score: 5, Funny

    All I know is, know one has truly known pain until they have been barefoot and stepped on one of these molecules.

    --
    I judt got a nre Kinesis keybiartf so please excusr ant egregiou typos.
  4. Surprise, surprise... by Spy+der+Mann · · Score: 4, Interesting

    stuck onto one large molecule, which bind to toxins and prevent them from causing damage.

    That's called an antibody.

  5. Like putting too many legos in a balloon! by the_tsi · · Score: 4, Funny

    Leela: I didn't want to leave them either Fry but what are we supposed to do?
    Fry: Well, usually on the show someone would come up with a complicated plan then explain it with a simple analogy.
    Leela: Hmm. If we can reroute engine power through the primary weapons and reconfigure them to Melllvar's frequency that should overload his electro-quantum structure.
    Bender: Like putting too much air in a ballon!

  6. Sweet. Analog version of Folding @ Home by gardyloo · · Score: 3, Funny

    Great! Just put about a thousand 4-year-olds in a room with a whole bunch of Lego blocks, and a huge molecular model. You don't even have to tell them what to do. Just continuously monitor the state of the room with video cameras, and once they have designed an appropriate antibody, encase the whole thing in carbonite.

        Monsanto, here we come!

  7. Good week for antrax by thePig · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Two different studies, coming to conclusion this week.
    Now, along with the anthrax killer protien, we are making progress, indeed.
    Whats more, this protien looks to be anti-resistant too.

    --
    rajmohan_h@yahoo.com
  8. spy duh man, strikes again. by twitter · · Score: 3, Insightful
    That's called an antibody.

    It's nice to be able to make them to order for formerly untreatable disseases.

    --

    Friends don't help friends install M$ junk.