November 17, ANSA Scientists working on "vegetable vaccination" project.
Common garden vegetables such as potatoes and carrots could help fend off a bioterrorist threat, Italian researchers said on Thursday, November 17. Speaking at a United States−Italian scientific conference, they explained that the combined efforts of experts from both countries had produced a "vegetable vaccination" project. Although still in the early stages, the scheme could eventually see the DNA of the smallpox virus introduced into that of carrots, potatoes, and other vegetable plants. Once eaten, the vegetables would stimulate the production of antibodies, helping the body's natural defenses fight off the disease. Researchers developed the idea as a way of avoiding the costly, often unpleasant process of giving injections. It would also cut out the risk of accidental contagion from the vaccination currently used, and make it far easier and safer to transport. The project is still "a long way" from becoming reality, said Giuseppe Ippolito, one of the project's directors, but if it comes to fruition, the vaccination process would be simpler, safer, and much easier to administer. The research, which is also looking at other bioterrorist threats such as anthrax, is part of a much broader bilateral initiative launched more than two years ago.
Source: http://ansa.it/main/notizie/awnplus/english/news/2005−11−17_1863970.html
Common garden vegetables such as potatoes and carrots could help fend off a bioterrorist threat, Italian researchers said on Thursday, November 17. Speaking at a United States−Italian scientific conference, they explained that the combined efforts of experts from both countries had produced a "vegetable vaccination" project. Although still in the early stages, the scheme could eventually see the DNA of the smallpox virus introduced into that of carrots, potatoes, and other vegetable plants. Once eaten, the vegetables would stimulate the production of antibodies, helping the body's natural defenses fight off the disease. Researchers developed the idea as a way of avoiding the costly, often unpleasant process of giving injections. It would also cut out the risk of accidental contagion from the vaccination currently used, and make it far easier and safer to transport. The project is still "a long way" from becoming reality, said Giuseppe Ippolito, one of the project's directors, but if it comes to fruition, the vaccination process would be simpler, safer, and much easier to administer. The research, which is also looking at other bioterrorist threats such as anthrax, is part of a much broader bilateral initiative launched more than two years ago.
Source: http://ansa.it/main/notizie/awnplus/english/news/2005−11−17_1863970.html
