Subject: Microbiology
Specifically: Bacteria, and phages
So, like, about 70 years ago, this Russian scientist, for a lark, mixes
sewage water with a particular bacteria. The bacteria is neutralized. He
studies sewage water.
Meanwhile, In Canada, a fellow reads about this and - with no scientific or
medical training - goes to Russia to work with this scientist.
Together, they discover phages - which work something like this:
bacteria produces its own anti-virus, known as a phage. Phages exit the
body in waste product, since without the presence of a matching bacteria,
there is nothing for the phage to connect with/feed off.
*Each phage has a DNA structure identical to its matching bacteria, so each
strain of basteria which exists actually produces its own antivuris.*
(!!!!!!!!!)
Awsome news.
For years Western science does not access Russian science journals. Western
science, in the meantime, produces artificaly anti-virus' - antibiotics -
which, as we all know, are beinginng to fail -
In theTV program, video cameras visit the lab (located in a remote foresty
area of what is now Georgia) where primarily women scientists have been
working, without significant funding, for the past 20 years or so,
identifying and storing various phages.
A wealthy Canadian hears about this a few years ago, and decides to invest
$ to boost the research. After a year (2 yrs?) they drop out because they
find that the Russian scientists (women) are "too secretive."
HA!
Anyhow, as a result, phages remain an elusive treatment for bacterial infection.
So, how much validity is there to this story?
My understanding is that much of the secrecy about phages is related to
biological warfare.
anyone know anything?
diane
"Every tool is a weapon if you hold it right." Ani Difranco
*********************************************
diane celia hodges
faculty of education, centre for the study of curriculum and
instruction,
university of british columbia
vancouver, bc canada
snailmail: 3519 Hull Street
Vancouver, BC, Canada V5N 4R8