Free Republic

Citizens in Baghdad’s Doura district go into a corner market to buy food. Neighborhoods in the district have shown a recent economic revival after years of fighting. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Timmons, 1st Infantry Division, Public Affairs. BAGHDAD — Bullet holes attest to the battleground that was this two-block portion of the Doura neighborhood. Just a few months ago, residents were afraid to step outside, leaving their neighborhood filled with garbage, without power and with most of its shops closed. That was until members of 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division,...

Protecting People from a Terrifying Toxin: Vaccine stimulates immune response against ricin Ben Harder In its first test in people, a vaccine against the toxin ricin appears safe and generates antibodies that are expected to be protective against the potential bioterrorism agent. Ricin comes from castor seeds and can cause lethal damage to the gut if swallowed or to the lungs if inhaled. Murderers and assassins have used it for centuries. The vaccine might be used to protect soldiers and first responders in advance of possible ricin exposure, says immunologist and study leader Ellen S. Vitetta of the University of...