The tapeworm contraceptive
Despite intensive research, scientists have so far failed to find the perfect contraceptive for women – let alone men. However, a study in freshwater fish of the carp family has found a parasite, Ligula intestinalis, that makes the fish infertile. The infertility appears to be caused by a compound released by the parasite, which suppresses the production of eggs in females and sperm in males. Professor Chris Arme at Keele University has also shown that the contraceptive effect is evident when the tapeworm is inserted into non-host species, such as toads.
Writing in the December issue of Biologist (to be published 6 December), Chris Arme is not suggesting that people rush out and infect themselves with fish parasites. He is working to isolate the contraceptive chemical in the hope that it can be developed for human use. ‘It and its mode of action may well be unique.’ He goes on to say, ‘The tapeworm contraceptive may yet come to occupy a place in our medicine cupboards. But, in contrast to the products currently available, this could be labelled “For him or for her”.’
Media Contact
More Information:
http://www.iob.org/downloads/Arme_49_265.pdfAll latest news from the category: Life Sciences and Chemistry
Articles and reports from the Life Sciences and chemistry area deal with applied and basic research into modern biology, chemistry and human medicine.
Valuable information can be found on a range of life sciences fields including bacteriology, biochemistry, bionics, bioinformatics, biophysics, biotechnology, genetics, geobotany, human biology, marine biology, microbiology, molecular biology, cellular biology, zoology, bioinorganic chemistry, microchemistry and environmental chemistry.
Newest articles
Sea slugs inspire highly stretchable biomedical sensor
USC Viterbi School of Engineering researcher Hangbo Zhao presents findings on highly stretchable and customizable microneedles for application in fields including neuroscience, tissue engineering, and wearable bioelectronics. The revolution in…
Twisting and binding matter waves with photons in a cavity
Precisely measuring the energy states of individual atoms has been a historical challenge for physicists due to atomic recoil. When an atom interacts with a photon, the atom “recoils” in…
Nanotubes, nanoparticles, and antibodies detect tiny amounts of fentanyl
New sensor is six orders of magnitude more sensitive than the next best thing. A research team at Pitt led by Alexander Star, a chemistry professor in the Kenneth P. Dietrich…
