Viruses Can Have Immune Systems
A study published in Nature reports that a viral predator of the cholera bacteria has stolen the functional immune system of bacteria and is using it against its bacterial host. The study provides the first evidence that this type of virus, the bacteriophage (“phage” for short) can acquire a wholly functional and adaptive immune system.
The phage used the stolen immune system to disable – and thus overcome – the cholera bacteria’s defense system against phages. Therefore, the phage can kill the cholera bacteria and multiply to produce more phage offspring, which can then kill more cholera bacteria. The study has dramatic implications for phage therapy, which is the use of phages to treat bacterial diseases. Developing phage therapy is particularly important because some bacteria, called superbugs, are resistant to most or all current antibiotics.
Read more: http://www.laboratoryequipment.com/news/2013/02/viruses-can-have-immune-systems
ELISA test information
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Today's Grand Experiment!
So, I woke up this morning with that familiar sensation in the back of my throat that signifies a cold coming on. Ugh! Usually, I would drown myself in cold medicine and orange juice and hope to whatever higher power may exist that I won’t get sick. Today, however, I’m going to experiment with this great power of yoga!
Throughout the day, I’m going to do a sun salutation or two, a forward fold, a twist, some pranayam, and see what happens! Generally speaking, when you forward fold, it helps bring lymph (the fluid of the immune system) to the head and then when you raise yourself again, all that lymph gets flushed out, helping to cleanse you. Along with sun sals, here is one of my favorite flows to help boost the immune system (quick go through of poses, feel free to ask me any specifics!)…
Start in warrior 1, right foot forward. Following the breath flow from warrior one to parsvotonasana. Inhale to warrior, exhale to parsvo (or switch it up and notice any differences!). After your last exhale to par., place your right hand on your right leg and open up, like a book, into trikonasana (triangle pose). Take a few breaths there, then lift and give yourself a little counter stretch, placing the left hand on the left hip and side stretch towards the left leg. Lifting up, rotate to center (ficve pointed star) and fold forward to wide angle forward fold. After a few breaths, repeat on the other side.
Another really great pose for boosting the immune system is bridge, setu bandhasana.
You can also do a supported version of this pose placing a block or bolster at the small of the back. Soften in the throat and shoulders and hang out for as many breaths as you’d like!
Let the experiments begin!
Fever Increases Numbers Of Immune Cells: Scientific American Podcast
scientificamerican.comThis SciAm podcast looks at why you develop a fever as part of your immune response. It turns out it may be more than just to make your body less habitable for the invader …
I’ve always thought that when I get a fever, it’s my body trying to make things uncomfortable for the invading pathogen. And that’s often true—higher temperatures can inhibit the bad guys’ ability to replicate. But my fever may actually be a one-two-punch. In addition to slowing down the invader, the heat helps the immune system recruit more troops for a counter-attack.
More examples of social media marketing fail
amplify.comIs it any wonder that most social media marketing initiatives fail ? Brands should be putting their your money into quality, service, training and problem solving. By doing so they sustain customer loyalty by delivering outstanding products on time, providing excellent service and quickly resolving any problems. The good news in this is that loyal customers don’t worry about price and are largely immune to your competitors’ enticements. Social media of course is one of the best channels to provide an exceptional brand experience but you would never know it from some of the brands that don’t seem to care one way or another
Stay Healthy
Man, so many people sick around me. Well, facebook-speaking. Thankfully working from my home office keeps me away from the office string of sickness.
However, the gym and the store aren’t immune and I’m certainly not either. The last thing I need right now is a set back so along with my daily supplement of vitamin C and Women’s One-a-Day vitamins, I’m doubling up on the Vitamin C and taking one each evening after I eat a meal too. Hoping workout intensity will help too.
Stay Healthy! And rock on,
Danelle
