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A&M Professor Finds Chickens May Be The Key To Cure Cancer

Updated: Wed 6:56 PM, Aug 01, 2012

Texas A&M University Distinguished Professor Dr. James Womack is working on things that are way above most of our heads.

"Well we're studying the innate immune system," said Womack.

Specifically Dr. Womack is working with chickens and how their immune system fights off germs and infections. During his research he found something he wasn't expecting.

"We discovered that the antimicrobial peptides are not only effective against microbial pathogens but they are effective against cancer cells," said Womack.

Not only does a chicken's immune system fight off germs but it also seems to fight off cancer.

And the incredible discovery didn't stop there.

"What's interesting to us is that these little peptides can recognize the difference between cancer cells and normal cells," said Womack.

Dr. Womack hopes to find out why these peptides that can kill cancer cells know the difference between normal white blood cells and cancer cells.

If so, the discovery could be a huge key to the cure for cancer.

"We might be able to hook them up with a more powerful drug and use them as keys to target cancer cells versus the normal cells which we don't want to kill," said Womack.

Research of the possible chicken cancer cure will extend through to next year, that's when its anti-cancer potential will be evaluated.

More information on the research can be found on the link below.


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