Killer tomatoes attack human diseases

NewScientist.com ^ | 29 June 2006 | Andy Coghlan

[annie laurie]

GENETICALLY modified tomatoes containing edible vaccine are to be used to challenge two of the world's most lethal viruses.

The aim is to create affordable vaccines for HIV and the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that could be easily grown and processed in the countries where they are most needed. So far, none of the 90 or so potential vaccines against HIV have proved successful and, though a vaccine already exists for HBV, it is too expensive to be used by poorer countries.

...

The tomato plants then manufacture the proteins and, like the oral polio vaccine, when the tomatoes are eaten, these proteins prompt the body to create antibodies against the viruses.

Mice fed a solution containing the tomatoes in powdered form developed high levels of antibodies in their blood to both viruses.

[annie laurie]

Excerpt-only site, but worth the click to read the entire article.

Very interesting concept.

[Hegemony Cricket]

See - tomatoes are poisonous!

[theDentist]

[annie laurie]

Ping

[coconutt2000]

France is going to throw a fit.

[patton]

Actually...tomatos contain nicotine, so if you believe the CDC or the surgeon general...

[GSlob]

"See - tomatoes are poisonous!"
Well, solanines [alkaloid glycosides found there] could do that to you. Do not overindulge.

[Hegemony Cricket]

They're really hard to keep lit, though...

[Hegemony Cricket]

"Do not overindulge."

Not hard advice for me to follow. I eat a few here and there, just because I know they do have a lot of nutritional value, but it's sure not something I crave.

[patton]

I see you have never eaten my wife's spaghetti sauce...

LOL

[Mike Darancette]

The watermelons have so scared people about genetically mutated food it is doubtful whether the people would eat or the governments allow the growing of "Killer Tomatoes".

[djf]

With or without vaccine, tomatos is
Gud fur ya!!!!

I luv em. Got 21 plants this year... can't wait for the cherry sun golds!

[Starter]

Do they subject the tomatoes to constant playing of "Puberty Love?"

[AnotherUnixGeek]

Actually...tomatos contain nicotine

No kidding? I thought that was just something from an episode of The Simpsons.

[patton]

No kidding. Tomatos, tobacco, and nightshade (don't smoke the nightshade)

[djf]

Here in Seattle we have tons of Black Nightshade (Solanum Nigrum), which is reputed to be poisonous.But I have eaten the ripe berries before with no problem, although it is said they can be quite bad for children, or if eaten when not ripe.

[AntiGuv]

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[annie laurie]

LOL, I'd forgotten that one. Tomacco, wasn't it?

[GSlob]

It is the green berries and leaves. Ripe berries are less toxic, at least sometimes.

[Shaun_MD]

Early Girls and Bloody Butcher. Mmm Mmm good for you. Life is not worth living without 'maters