Shark compound squalamine helps in fight against viruses

[Bosonic]

A complex compound produced by sharks, called squalamine, was discovered in 1993 but a new study is exploring its potential use against human viruses.

Researchers tested squalamine - manufactured from the liver of the dogfish shark - in lab dishes and in animal subjects and found it could inhibit or control viral infections, and in some cases appeared to cure animals of their ills.

The project began when lead investigator Michael Zasloff, professor of surgery and paediatrics at Georgetown University Medical Center, sent samples of squalamine to a series of labs around the United States for testing.

Squalamine has been synthesised in a lab since 1995 and is no longer extracted directly from shark tissue.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/shark-compound-squalamine-helps-in-fight-against-viruses/story-e6frg6so-1226141498763

[xchrom]

1. recommend

[eppur_se_muova]

2. It's a steroid derivative -- should be possible to find a semi-synthetic route.

Then squalamine could be made from vegetable steroids, instead of wiping out the dogfish.

[TheMadMonk]

3. Didn't even bother to read to the bottom did we?

No fooking wonder the Republicans do so well? If it can't be expressed in 15 seconds or less, Americans aren't interested.

Thus "It's all the blacks, Mexicans, homos, etc." = traction.

"Well the problem is a socico-ecconomic systems which....." is as far as the average "Merkin" seems to get before deciding they like Glen Beck's answers better.