The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that University of Pennsylvania researchers have developed a gene delivery system, or vector, that takes advantage of the Ebola virus's ability to evade the immune system and attach to certain cells. Another component of the vector employs the mechanism HIV uses to deliver genes inside the nucleus of cells. The method needs additional laboratory tests, however, and tests in humans are still years away. Meanwhile, other researchers are discovering that cystic fibrosis is more complex than previously thought. A wire service report from C-Health describes the latest thinking on how the gene defect damages lungs and other organs.
Cystic fibrosis occurs most commonly among people of Northern European descent.
Approximately 1 in 20 of these people carry a single copy of the defective gene. In couples where both parents are carriers, there's a 25 percent chance any child will be born with cystic fibrosis. Get Your Medifocus Medguide Research Your Illness Visit our Medcenter and get your Medifocus Guide , trustworthy medical information specifically about your health condition. Bookstore Visit our Cystic Fibrosis Bookstore and find books on the latest treatments and remedies for your illness. Current members login here .