by Karina C
Research teams from the University of Maryland and the University of Wisconsin-Madison reported that the generic map for the common cold has been completed. By mapping the genome of the common cold, scientist can now see how the virus strains are related or differ from one another. It is estimated that about $60 billion annually are spent in over the counter medicines, doctor visits and missed sick days at work. By mapping the genome for the common cold, drugs companies can now develop new treatments to stop the spread of the common cold virus, that has shown to be a factor in developing asthma and bronchitis sinusitis. Investigators predict that new drugs could come out in two to five years depending on the Food and Drug Administration approval, meaning that sooner than later, runny noses would be a piece of the past.
Source: CNN
Related Sources: University Health Systems
