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Researchers Discover Gene That Blocks HIV

stemceller writes to tell us that a team of researchers at the University of Alberta claims to have discovered a gene capable of blocking HIV thereby preventing the onset of full blown AIDS. "Stephen Barr, a molecular virologist in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, says his team has identified a gene called TRIM22 that can block HIV infection in a cell culture by preventing the assembly of the virus. 'When we put this gene in cells, it prevents the assembly of the HIV virus," said Barr, a postdoctoral fellow. "This means the virus cannot get out of the cells to infect other cells, thereby blocking the spread of the virus.'"

8 of 333 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Holy crap! by jollyreaper · · Score: 5, Funny

    Sure. They just use a mostly-dead other virus to permanently change your genetic code. Nothing could possibly go wrong. If it was all dead, we could go through its pockets for spare change.
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  2. It's called... by Robber+Baron · · Score: 4, Funny

    A team of researchers at the University of Alberta claims to have discovered a gene capable of blocking HIV thereby preventing the onset of full blown AIDS. It's called trilevinassalone.
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  3. Re:Holy crap! by zippthorne · · Score: 5, Funny

    Fortunately, we also know of a virus which suppresses the immune system...

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  4. Re:Holy crap! by CommunistHamster · · Score: 2, Funny

    Moderated +1 reciprocal.

  5. Re:Holy crap! by leenks · · Score: 4, Funny

    Isn't getting turned on what causes most of the problem in the first place ? :o

  6. Re:Holy crap! by Marcos+Eliziario · · Score: 2, Funny

    We only have a small problem ... the program is stored in a few trillion copies (all of which need to be changed), of extremely complex molecules (which we can't reliable modify (we can't even reliably read them) even when we have only 1 outside of the body).


    Looks like some legacy I've had to work it in the past.
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  7. Re:Holy crap! by MagusSlurpy · · Score: 2, Funny

    And eat it!

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  8. Re:Holy crap! by Nodamnnicknamesavial · · Score: 3, Funny

    Yes, only the ugly filthy people get sick.

    And showering washes away all your sins ... and colonics mean you can eat whatever you want.

    *rolleyes*

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    I have spoken'eth.