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Long recovery from mass extinction seen
CHAPEL HILL, N.C., July 21 (UPI) -- Using a common cold virus to deliver a corrected gene to cystic fibrosis cells restores normal function to lung tissue, researchers in North Carolina said.
The treatment is the most efficient gene therapy for cystic fibrosis to be found in the last 20 years, researchers at the University of North Carolina said Tuesday in a release.
The next step is to ensure the safety of the delivery system so it can be administered to cystic fibrosis patients, who suffer from thicker-than-normal mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening infections, said lead researcher Ray Pickles, calling the discovery a "giant leap forward."
The common cold virus evolved to infect human airways. Using that virus to transmit corrected genes improved the ability of lung cells to hydrate and transport mucus secretions, Pickles and his team wrote in the July 21 issue PLoS Biology, the journal of the Public Library of Science.
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MIAMI, May 30 (UPI) --
The man who bit off parts of the face of a homeless man in Miami found his victim sleeping in the shade of elevated train tracks, video footage shows.
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LOS ANGELES, May 30 (UPI) --
Actor Tim Daly said via Twitter his character Pete Wilder won't be on next season of the U.S. medical drama, "Private Practice."
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ITHACA, N.Y., May 30 (UPI) --
The genome of the tomato has been decoded, a step toward improving yield, nutrition, disease resistance, taste and color of the tomato, U.S. researchers say.
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TUCSON, May 30 (UPI) --
An Arizona woman said her 8-year-old daughter was humiliated to receive the "Catastrophe Award" from her teacher for giving the most homework excuses.
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