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(Image source: Digital Trends)
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BY BRIANA ALTERGOTT
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Good news in the fight against HIV. Scientists from Washington University School of Medicine
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in St. Louis have discovered that bee venom kills the virus while leaving the body unharmed.
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A team of researchers found nanoparticles infused with melittin, the toxin in bee venom,
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destroys the protective envelope around the HIV virus while leaving the surrounding cells
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intact. According the study, the nanoparticles
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don’t harm healthy cells because of the “protective bumpers” around each particle.
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According to researchers in the study: “When the nanoparticles come into contact with normal
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cells … the particles simply bounce off. HIV … is even smaller than the nanoparticle,
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so HIV fits between the bumpers and makes contact with the surface of the nanoparticle,
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where the bee toxin awaits.” (Via Washington University in St. Louis)
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Bee venom not only kills the HIV virus, but can also help prevent against contracting
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it in the first place. The researchers hope to use this new technique
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to develop anti-HIV vaginal gel and other treatments to prevent the initial infection.
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In the future, this topical gel could be mixed with spermicide to work as a double
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whammy against both HIV and pregnancy. Unlike other methods used to prevent HIV
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from reproducing, the bee venom technique works to break down the virus’ structure
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and wipe it out. Experts believe the idea behind this technique might also knock out
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other diseases such as hepatitis B and C. This discovery is yet another success story
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in the medical world this week. A baby girl born with HIV in rural Mississippi was pronounced
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cured by doctors on March 3 after months of HIV treatment.