Steps Toward a Universal Flu Vaccine

Plasmoid writes "The NYTimes is reporting that scientists have starting developing what could turn out to be a 'universal' flu vaccine. They created antibody proteins that can neutralize different strains of the influenza virus, including the deadly H5N1 bird flu, the virus behind the 1918 epidemic, and common seasonal strains. These new antibodies target part of the virus that is shared between different strains and thus appear to be broadly effective. However, some experts question whether a universal vaccine of this kind is even possible, since the human body has been unable to come up with an antibody solution. An article on nature.com describes the work further."

Comments

So much for the meaning of "universal"

[CannonballHead]

I found this quote rather comical.

"If you have one or two that cover the vast majority of isolates, I wouldn't be ashamed to call that a universal vaccine."

So, universal now means "vast majority." So I guess, to really refer to universal, we'll have to say "actually universal." Hm.

FUCKIN' A

[Anonymous Coward]

Slashdotters really really need to get over the obsession with evolution, there is no such thing. How many fuckin' times do I have to tell you pimply kids that? If it was real, you wouldn't have pimples...

Re:vaccine even possible?

[cheesybagel]

That must be why the human body didn't come with a vaccine for smallpox either. Oh wait...

Re:Only stupidity is universal.

[interkin3tic]

Playing gods again, are we?

We kind of have been ever since we mastered fire. Humans have never gone with the natural flow. Where have you been for the last million years?

Have you seen a movie called "Terminator?" Better stop using your computer.

Re:Some Experts Question...

[93 Escort Wagon]

Quoting TFA:

" The flu virus uses the lollipop-shaped hemagglutinin spike to invade nose and lung cells.

That right there explains why the flu is so contagious with kids - you stick a lollipop in front of them and presto, they're all over it.

Re:Just incase anyone needs an update

[Merls the Sneaky]

Provided they don't have children to bring home contagions............

Oh wait this is /.!

Re:vaccine even possible?

[Fluffeh]

That must be why the human body didn't come with a vaccine for smallpox either. Oh wait...

Actually, in history, two humans have instantaneously developed full immunity to smallpox through the correct antibodies. Sadly, before anyone could work out they were immune to it, they died of the common cold.

Take the doctor's office approach

[StormySees]

When you go to the doc's, they rub your arm with alcohol so the puncture wound from the needle doesn't get infected, right? Alcohol kills off all the common, nasty germs that make you sick; like the Flu.

So if your blood alcohol level is raised, then the Flu virus can't possibly survive!

Let's all go out and have a shot of tequila with lime (citrus fruit with Vitamin C), share some laughs (laughter is the best medicine), and then go home and sleep off the alcohol (rest cures just about everything).

Who's with me?

Re:Give me a break there, will ya?

[Fluffeh]

I'm going to simply respond to your rambling, seemingly paranoid post with a single [Citation Needed].

I for one believe the GP of this when they say that they cannot afford the housing they live in. No citation needed.

Re:Just incase anyone needs an update

[hobbit]

Or use a toilet as your working surface. Think of the time saved!

Re:Only stupidity is universal.

[Kell Bengal]

No, I am Spart- err, God.