Cross-border shelling has killed at least 70 civilians, including children, rescue workers and journalists
The two drugs are pamidronate and zoledronate, which are marketed by Novartis AG under the brand names Aredia and Reclast, respectively.
In their experiment, the researchers exposed human cells that had been infected with the influenza viruses to the two drugs.
They observed that the drugs triggered extra production of a type of white blood cell called yd-T cells, which went on to kill human cells that were infected with the flu viruses.
Flu viruses can only replicate in living human or animal cells and killing infected cells would stop the viruses from replicating, the researchers said.
Professor Lau Yu-lung at the University of Hong Kong’s pediatrics and adolescent medicine department described the infected human cells as “factories that will produce viruses.”
“These drugs attack the viruses specifically ... This approach kills the factories that are producing viruses.”
Malik Peiris, also part of the research team, said the drugs could enhance immune responses of the human body.
That was especially important as flu viruses mutate constantly, which reduces the efficacy of vaccines, he added.
The researchers plan to move next into animal and then human clinical testing.
Cross-border shelling has killed at least 70 civilians, including children, rescue workers and journalists
The hosts dominate with a total of 194 medals including 65 golds with Saudi in second place and Kuwait in third
Residents with any information have been urged to contact the concerned authority
Northeastern University in Boston says the action was taken after some protesters resorted to virulent anti-Semitic slurs
The church has been built on 4.37 acres of land, and stands opposite the BAPS Hindu temple
A detailed guide on where to apply, the steps involved, and criteria for eligibility
The Emirates called for strengthening the international humanitarian response and providing urgent relief to those in need
Photonics is the study of light and has several applications including LED, VR, holograms, high-speed internet and solar panels among other things