A new cancer vaccine, based on genetically modified bacteria, was developed by a team of scientists at Columbia University.

Researchers have worked to harness the power of bacteria in an unusual way, only in tests on mice with colon cancer and melanoma, but with highly positive results.

The bacterial vaccine against cancer is the result of the genetic modification of a strain of the Escherichia coli bacteria to make it encode specific proteins of tumor cells. The scientists “introduced into its DNA the instructions for the bacteria to synthesize these proteins and display them on its surface.”

When the individual’s immune system attacks the bacteria, it triggers a response against it, “but also against those specific proteins of the tumor. Thus, when there are no more modified bacteria in the body, the body’s defenses will be ready to attack the tumor. They will have developed memory.”

Advantages of the bacterial vaccine against cancer

According to the team from Columbia University, there are three main advantages of this novel approach.

Firstly, it is a personalized vaccine, since the tumor cells that are taken are those of the patient himself to sequence his genetic material in search of those mutated genes that turn them into cancer.

Secondly, the vaccine “not only carries those specific proteins, known as antigens. It also carries in its DNA other modulators of the immune system that enhance its responses.”

Finally, the third advantage is the ability to inhibit the protective mechanisms of the bacteria against the immune system. In the event of an error that did not allow the tumor to be found, “the immune system would quickly remove the bacteria from circulation.”

Tests on mouse models with colon cancer and melanoma yielded good results, managing to slow the growth of the tumors and even their total elimination.

M.Pino

Source: hipertextual

(Reference image source: Getty Images for Unsplash)

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The need to stay connected has led people to use their mobile phones even in the bathroom. However, the medical sector warns about contamination of the device with fecal bacteria, as well as cases of hemorrhoids from spending too much time sitting on the restroom using the mobile phone.

Thousands of people take their smartphones to the bathroom, either because they want to answer calls and send messages or to entertain themselves. But they do not realize how much time they spend sitting on the bathroom using the mobile phone.

“Experts and researchers are warning of the problems that can arise from sitting on the bathroom with a mobile phone, something that 9 out of 10 people do, but which can end up being very harmful to health.”

Dr. Karen Zaghiyan points out that using the phone in the bathroom “can cause hemorrhoids” due to prolonged sitting on the restroom. Added to this is a bad body posture, holding the phone.

The next warning has to do with contamination of the device with bacteria that swarm in that area of ​​the house. And even if the person washes their hands, as expected, once they use the bathroom, it is also recommended to clean the mobile phone with a wet wipe, for example, or another product after going to the bathroom with it.

If they do not do this, the person will then use the smartphone again by bringing it close to their face and mouth, and having to hold it, which can contaminate it “with harmful bacteria and microbes from the bathroom.”

As simple preventive measures, experts mention reducing the time spent in the bathroom, with or without the mobile phone, to a maximum of 15 minutes. Also, closing the toilet lid before flushing to avoid splashes. And, of course, washing your hands after using the bathroom and cleaning the device effectively.

M.Pino

Source: eleconomista

(Reference image source: Getty Images for Unsplash+)

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