World's first plastic antibody works in mice

nomadthethird

more issues than Time mag
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn19031-worlds-first-plastic-antibody-works-in-mice.html


"Antibodies made entirely from plastic have saved the lives of mice injected with bee venom – the first time such a strategy has worked in live animals.

Researchers developing the antibodies say it is the first step towards customised antibodies for a host of other medical applications, from treating people who have been poisoned to combating infection.

Natural antibodies are made by the body's immune system to lock onto a specific "antigen". Likewise, the plastic antibodies contain cavities moulded in exactly the right shape to capture target molecules, in this case, melittin – the active agent in bee venom."

The Singularity draweth nigh.
 
Top