A zombie fungus that paralyzes and kills caterpillars could be beneficial for humans. According to a new study, it can be used to prevent and cure many types of cancer. There is actually a zombie fungus, whose name is Cordyceps.
Cordyceps first paralyzes the caterpillar after infecting it. After this he kills him. Before dying, it extracts all the essential nutrients from its body. During this period there is a change in the behavior of the insects. Ultimately, the worm or caterpillar dies. During this a chemical called Cordycepin is released.
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A special type of chemical is released.
When scientists studied cordycepin. He investigated their gene expression, cell signaling and protein production. Then it was revealed what this chemical does after all. How do you do it? RNA biologist Cornelia De Moore said that after studying thousands of genes, we discovered what this chemical does. From this, scientists created an active compound called cordycepin triphosphate.
Protects healthy cells from cancer.
This active compound increases the activity of cells. It makes them more powerful and active. This chemical substance gives such strength to cells that it stops the signals coming from cancer cells. Thanks to this, cancer does not spread from one cell to another. That means the cancer cells can’t grow.
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From this, anti-cancer drugs can be manufactured in the future.
One thing is clear: the chemical released by this zombie fungus will be successful in preventing many types of cancer. But how this chemical works remains to be discovered. However, new anti-cancer drugs can be made from this chemical. Thanks to which cancer cells can be prevented from growing without causing very little damage to healthy cells.
