Quarter 2: Summative Assessment: Writing
- Due Jan 14, 2021 at 11:59pm
- Points 1
- Questions 1
- Available until Jan 14, 2021 at 11:59pm
- Time Limit None
Instructions
Directions: Write
a summary of the article
Who Ever Thought Llamas Might Stop the Flu?
By Los Angeles Times, adapted by Newsela staff
Published:11/08/2018
Llamas are cute animals. They have long necks and fuzzy fur. They also have a secret power. Their bodies are good at fighting off the viruses that make us sick. Viruses are a kind of germ.
Llamas produce antibodies that are different. Antibodies are large molecules. They are a kind of protein. Our bodies make antibodies when viruses enter our blood. They help our bodies fight off germs.
Some llama antibodies are very tiny. They can pass through small openings in viruses. That makes them better at killing viruses. Someday soon llama antibodies may protect people against the flu.
Fighting Off The Flu
In California, scientists discovered the llama's special antibodies. These scientists used the llama's antibodies to make a new vaccine. Vaccines are a kind of medicine.
The scientists made a new kind of antibody. They made it out of the llama antibodies. They named the new antibody "MD3606." The scientists also made a new gene.
Nose Spray
The new gene helps the body make MD3606. The gene is in the new vaccine. People will not have to get a painful shot. MD3606 can be sprayed in a person's nose.
Until now, scientists made different vaccines for each kind of flu. Every year, a different kind of flu is the biggest danger. Making the right vaccine in time is not easy. Sometimes vaccines don't work.
The California scientists hope their new vaccine will work against most kinds of flu. The team tested their vaccine on mice. It worked very well.
Hopefully, the vaccine will work with people. A human body might see the llama antibodies as enemies and attack them.
The California scientists' next step is to run more tests.
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