New Enzyme may cure HIV
Samatha Green '11
Issue date: 10/3/07 Section: News
A group of scientists, led by Doctor Indrani Sarkar have constructed an enzyme, known as Tre, that can potentially remove the HIV virus out of the patient's DNA.
This is the first method that tries to eradicate the virus while still in its dormant form. The Tre enzyme is only in the very early stages of development, and will still be at least ten years before it is even in the clinical testing stage.
Wheaton's AIDS Prevention Education Team's (APET) goal is to spread awareness about AIDS and to promote safer sex.
"All the members buy condoms and distribute them throughout the year," says Amy Broderick '08, a member of APET for two years.
APET brings in speakers to talk about HIV and AIDS in an effort to remove the stereotypes about it being a "gay disease."
The group focuses on social awareness, and Wheaton is even privileged enough to be able to display the AIDS Memorial Quilt. "It is really a moving experience," Broderick says.
The Student Health Center for Wheaton is also concerned with the medical implications of the virus. They are currently focusing on many new innovations that will aid in intervention.
Hailing from Boston Medical Center, Director of Student Health Craig Andrade arrived at Wheaton just two years ago. He had close experience dealing with the current treatments for HIV/AIDS. With these treatments, Andrade says, patients can live "long happy lives," but this enzyme makes an attempt to cure the disease.
Wheaton has many resources in the local community for treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, but the first step is always prevention.
This year, Andrade hopes to provide Wheaton with "education, information, and support" regarding STDs and sexual health.
In October, Attleboro Family Planning will be coming to campus to teach awareness from a professional standpoint.
While the need for such a cure is not a top priority in this area, according to the CDC, as of 2004 only 2% of the Massachusetts population is affected. However, this enzyme, while still only in the early testing stages, could have a huge impact on the Wheaton community.
This is the first method that tries to eradicate the virus while still in its dormant form. The Tre enzyme is only in the very early stages of development, and will still be at least ten years before it is even in the clinical testing stage.
Wheaton's AIDS Prevention Education Team's (APET) goal is to spread awareness about AIDS and to promote safer sex.
"All the members buy condoms and distribute them throughout the year," says Amy Broderick '08, a member of APET for two years.
APET brings in speakers to talk about HIV and AIDS in an effort to remove the stereotypes about it being a "gay disease."
The group focuses on social awareness, and Wheaton is even privileged enough to be able to display the AIDS Memorial Quilt. "It is really a moving experience," Broderick says.
The Student Health Center for Wheaton is also concerned with the medical implications of the virus. They are currently focusing on many new innovations that will aid in intervention.
Hailing from Boston Medical Center, Director of Student Health Craig Andrade arrived at Wheaton just two years ago. He had close experience dealing with the current treatments for HIV/AIDS. With these treatments, Andrade says, patients can live "long happy lives," but this enzyme makes an attempt to cure the disease.
Wheaton has many resources in the local community for treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, but the first step is always prevention.
This year, Andrade hopes to provide Wheaton with "education, information, and support" regarding STDs and sexual health.
In October, Attleboro Family Planning will be coming to campus to teach awareness from a professional standpoint.
While the need for such a cure is not a top priority in this area, according to the CDC, as of 2004 only 2% of the Massachusetts population is affected. However, this enzyme, while still only in the early testing stages, could have a huge impact on the Wheaton community.
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posted 3/21/10 @ 12:06 PM EST
This article is amazing. I?m going to spend so much time procrastinating on here. I?m not quite sure if I should be thanking you, or cursing you
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