A Basic Recipe for PrionsMonday, Jul 2, 2007
Prions have been among the most controversial of infectious disease agents. These misshapen proteins have no DNA or RNA, so
many researchers have been skeptical of the idea that they alone can be responsible for disease. Now, infectious prions have
successfully been created in the laboratory for the first time, providing insight into how these deadly proteins form.
Protein Marker Found in Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies: Finding May Lead to Diagnostic Test for Human, Cattle
DisordersWednesday, Sep 25, 1996
A protein widely distributed in tissues throughout the body, with the highest concentration in the brain, has been shown to
be a specific marker in the spinal fluid of humans and animals infected with transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, scientists
say. This discovery paves the way for the development of an improved test for the diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
in humans and encephalopathies in animals. The test could enable precise identification of disease in British cattle presently
targeted for slaughter because of suspected infection with bovine spongiform encephalopathy, known as Mad Cow disease.
Pressure Combined with Heat Reduces Prion Infectivity in Processed MeatsMonday, May 5, 2003
The combination of high temperature and very high pressure in the preparation of processed meats such as hot dogs and salami
may effectively reduce the presence of infective prions while retaining the taste, texture, and look of these meats, according
to a new study.
Fact Sheet Protein Marker Found in Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies: Finding May Lead to Diagnostic Test for Human, Cattle
DisordersWednesday, Sep 25, 1996
A protein widely distributed in tissues throughout the body, with the highest concentration in the brain, has been shown to
be a specific marker in the spinal fluid of humans and animals infected with transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, scientists
say. This discovery paves the way for the development of an improved test for the diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
in humans and encephalopathies in animals. The test could enable precise identification of disease in British cattle presently
targeted for slaughter because of suspected infection with bovine spongiform encephalopathy, known as Mad Cow disease.