In tropical climates, sea creatures produce a working sunscreen should we ever find ourselves stranded on a sunny beach. Once in a while, the antidote to a poisonous plant or creature can be found growing nearby in the same ecosystem.

Now, it seems, nature is offering us a new solution to the AIDS epidemic.

An unexpected find from the University of Rochester gives hope that a compound derived from wild mushrooms may effectively prevent the spread of the HIV virus.

The Rochester group discovered a unique feature in the way HIV replicates within human cells. Usually, viruses will use a molecule called dNTP for replication, but there is a shortage of dNTP in the cells targeted by HIV.

So – and here’s the surprising part – instead of using dNTP to proliferate itself, HIV uses a more readily available molecule called rNTP. That sneaky little bugger!

But here’s the bright side: a drug called Cordycepin (which is derived from wild mushrooms) is known to inhibit rNTP. Eventually, a microbicide could effectively prevent the transmission of the virus. Plus, these findings unlock new avenues to pursue in the struggle to eradicate AIDS forever.

Neat stuff, huh?

Stories like these are why I get so excited and optimistic when I think about the future. As a species, our potential is unlimited. We’ve already done so many incredible things, and we’ve only just begun to unlock the greatness that awaits!

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Tags: aids, hiv, hope, optimism, research, science