The findings, published in Antiviral Therapy, will be used to develop a vaginal gel that could prevent the spread of HIV, the virus that causes Aids.
Bee venom contains a potent toxin called melittin that attacks the structure of HIV and other viruses.
The scientists were able to stop melittin destroying healthy cells by loading it onto nanoparticles fitted with ‘bumpers’. HIV is small enough to slot between the bumpers and make contact with the toxin, while normal cells, which are far bigger, bounce off them.
“Our hope is that in places where HIV is running rampant, people could use this gel as a preventative measure to stop the initial infection,” said researcher Joshua Hood.
The method could also be used to target existing drug-resistant HIV infections
(THIS IS KAI) Finding cure to HIV isnt something that is important but to discover such an alternative treatment just shows you the dirrection in which we are all heading towards.Balance and peaceful.This wouldn't have been discovered 5 years ago.Think about it.one love
link to article: http://positivenews.org.uk/2013/wellbeing/health/14192/nanoparticles-car...
