Important Innovations Collection

Novel Flu Prevention Method Source:  Artist Rendering of the Bacteriophages German Scientific Discovery Scientists in Germany have invented a novel means of defeating the flu.  They've created non-infectious virus shells that the flu virus latches onto.  This essentially traps the flu virus and prevents it from causing infection. Highly Effective The virus shells, created by the scientists, are called bacteriophages or simply phages.  They act as a trap for the flu virus by mimicking lung cells, which is the normal target of the flu virus.  The shells encapsulate the flu virus, thereby rendering it ineffective.  Mathematical models show the non-infectious phages to work effectively against a number of flu strains, including the deadly Avian flu virus.  Tests in animal models and cell cultures showed the phages neutralizing the flu in human lung tissue, preventing the flu from taking hold and spreading infection. Next Steps This is...

Potential New Approach to Cancer Prevention & Treatment Source:  Stock Image of Broccoli New Research from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Your Mom is right...eat your vegetables, particularly broccoli which has a natural compound in it that researchers have discovered blocks cancer.  The compound in broccoli inactivates a gene that is known to play a key role in the development of cancer.  These research findings were just reported by scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. More Research and Development The study documents that targeting the gene, WWPI, with the compound found in broccoli suppressed tumor growth in cancer-prone lab animals.  Broccoli and other vegetables in its category like cauliflower, cabbage and kale, have long been associated with possibly cutting the risk of cancer. The study is published in the journal Science.  The scientists are engaged in more R&D to turn their findings into a potential n...