Doing Our Part

In the GWOT:

Scientists at the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research have discovered that llama antibodies may be able to fight off seven different types of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs). BoNTs are the only toxins on the federal Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention's top list of potential bioterror threats. These llama antibodies, called single domain antibodies (sdAb) or “nanobodies”, are different than those found in humans. They’re molecularly flexible. “As such, sdAb may allow biosensors to be regenerable and used over and over without loss of activity. Also, for some types of BoNT, conventional antibodies are not generally available and we are filling this biosecurity gap,” said Dr. Andrew Hayhurst, a virologist a the biomedical research facility in Texas. "We not only aim to use the antibodies in BoNT detection tests, but also to understand how they bind and inhibit these fascinating molecules," Hayhurst said. Not only do researchers hope to use the llama antibodies to help fight bioterrorism, but also to develop future anti-botulism treatments.

Just imagine the practical applications! I can envision us going about like Jack Bauer, yelling "Get on the ground - NOW!!" and then spitting.

All for the cause of national security, of course.