Injected Proteins Protect Mice From Lethal Radiation Dose 59
ananyo writes "Two anti-clotting compounds already approved for use in humans may have a surprising role in treating radiation sickness. Last year's nuclear accident in Fukushima, Japan renewed anxiety over the lack of treatments for radiation poisoning. It was long thought that the effects of exposure to high doses of radiation were instantaneous and irreversible, leading to destruction of the gut and loss of bone marrow cells, which damages blood-cell production and the immune system. The two compounds are thrombomodulin (Solulin/Recomodulin), currently approved in Japan to prevent thrombosis, and activated protein C (Xigris). Treating mice with either drug post-exposure led to an eightfold increase in key bone marrow cells needed for the production of white blood cells, and improved the survival rates of mice receiving lethal radiation doses by 40–80% (abstract). And yes, the lead author's name really is Geiger."
stupid Scientists! (Score:5, Funny)
Great! Just Great! Now how are we going to defeat the coming mouse revolution now that scientists have taken nuclear weapons off the table!
Don't they think before they hand out things like radiation immunity to something that wants our cheese?
Re:Cancer? (Score:4, Funny)
If they are going to give some one total body irradiation, they will have to give you a stem cell transplant in order for you to survive.
Or else say they're looking for terrorists and are irradiating you for your own good.
Re:Finally (Score:4, Funny)
How about RadAway?
Re:Finally (Score:5, Funny)
RadOff, apply directly to the forehead
RadOff, apply directly to the forehead
RadOff, apply directly to the forehead