Shark blood offer hope for new medicines

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Shark blood offer hope for new medicines

October 14, 2008 - 11:55
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Antibodies in shark blood could potentially be a potent weapon in the fight against cancer, Australian scientists have found.

Sharks have immune systems similar to humans, but their antibodies - the molecules which actually fight disease - are exceptionally resilient.

Researchers believe this quality could be harnessed to help slow the spread of diseases such as cancer.

Potentially, it could lead to a new generation of drug treatments.

The Australian team found that shark antibodies can withstand high temperatures as well as extremely acidic or alkaline conditions.

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