Heman Gill_Week 7

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Week 7: November 4-10, 2019:

CRISPR has often been used to solved macroscopic tasks such as genetically altering mosquitoes in order to prevent the spread of malaria, curing some patients of certain diseases such as a common blood disorder: sickle cell disease, or helping to genetically engineer certain crops such as tomatoes for commercial benefit. However, it is recently being thought of as a solution to help address common issues among viruses including antibiotic resistance. A common problem among viruses is their innately rapid ability to replicate and adapt. A recent study conducted by Dr. David Edgell was able to utilize Cas9 (a CRISPR associated enzyme) in order to target a species of Salmonella by forcing it to make lethal cuts in its genome. Although it will still take a relatively long time in order to commercialize a CRISPR, therapeutic drug, recent studies have shown promise in the ability to target specific bacteria and viruses attacking our immune system.

-Heman

Sources: 1) https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/28/health/crispr-genetics-antibiotic-resistance.html

Heman Gill_Week 2

Week 2: September 30-October 6, 2019:

Researchers from the University of Washington Health Sciences/UW Medicine have identified a new monoclonal antibody that has been shown to inhibit the fusion of henipaviruses in merging with the membrane of cells they are attempting to infect. The antibody specifically inhibits the process of membrane fusion, and penetration of the virus (processes within the dynamic phase!) to allow for the integration of its genome with the host genome. Researcher hope that this discovery will provide useful information in the synthesis of a vaccine for Nipa and Hendra viral infections.

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/09/190930114756.htm

Heman Gill_Week 6

Week 6: October 28-November 3, 2019:

A team of researchers have recently discovered have recently discovered an antibody that seems to exhibit protective effects within the body against many different influenza strains: specifically 12 strains of influenza virus. This research has very powerful implications, and provides more clear insight into the development of a potential universal vaccine. The antibody isolated was the 1G01 antibody, and the researchers are working on developing new and improved treatments and vaccines for influenza based on antibody 1G01. Researchers originally found out about this discovery as they noticed in analyzing serum from mice infected with the influenza virus there were additional proteins in addition to containing antibodies against hemagglutinin, the major protein on the surface of the virus, it contained other antibodies that were clearly targeting something else.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/10/191025094024.htm