C ould a L lama S ave U s F rom COVID-19? M eet W inter , a 4-L egged H ero of V accine R esearch
using these llama antibodies in humans could potentially keep coronaviruses from entering human cells as well.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, people have turned to their four-legged friends for help and comfort. In Nebraska, an 11-year- old girl and her pony, Peanut, cheered up nursing home residents through their windows this spring, while in Pennsylvania, an award-winning golden retriever named Jackson starred in videos that kept thousands laughing. Pets like these have given the national mood a boost, but another four-legged critter deserves just as much recognition. Her name is Winter, and she’s the 4-year- old llama whose antibodies could help us beat the coronavirus. At this point, you’re probably thinking, “Llamas? Really? What will these scientists think up next?” But in fact, Winter wasn’t an outside-of-the-box discovery during the COVID-19 vaccine scramble. Llamas have been helping scientists battle viruses for years. That’s because, along with her fuzzy brown coat and long eyelashes, Winter has a unique virus treatment hidden in her blood: llama antibodies. According to The New York Times, Winter has participated in past studies for both SARS and MERS — diseases also caused by coronaviruses — and her antibodies fought off both infections. Llamas have also helped out with research for HIV and influenza. It turns out llama antibodies are smaller than the ones found in humans, which makes it easier for them to wiggle into the tiny pockets in virus-carrying proteins. This superpower gives them the ability to “neutralize” viruses, including COVID-19. Studies are now showing that
At least two separate llama studies have shown the effectiveness of these antibodies on coronavirus infections. This summer, a team of researchers from the U.K. discovered that llama antibodies “have the potential to be used in a similar way to convalescent serum, effectively stopping progression of the virus in patients who are ill” when given to those patients in a transfusion. They also suggested that a cocktail of llama and human antibodies could be even more successful at temporarily blocking the virus. Studies of the latter are in the works, and scientists around the world have their fingers crossed for success. In the meantime, Winter will continue peacefully grazing in Belgium, unaware that she just might play a role in saving the world.
P each and A rugula P asta S alad WARM SPINACH AND SUNCHOKE SALAD
Also known as Jerusalem artichokes, sunchokes will give your spinach salad a little something extra!
Ingredients •
Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. 2. In a large cast-iron skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil until nearly smoking. 3. Add sunchokes, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Season with salt and pepper. 4. Move skillet into the oven and roast for 25–30 minutes, until sunchokes are just tender. 5. In a large bowl, add the prepared spinach. 6. Remove skillet from the oven and add vinegar and remaining
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 lb sunchokes,
scrubbed and cut into 1-inch pieces • 15 garlic cloves, peeled • Pinch of crushed red pepper • Kosher salt and black pepper • 1 lb leaf or curly spinach, stemmed and large leaves torn • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar • 1 Honeycrisp apple, sliced • 4 oz clothbound cheddar, crumbled (1 cup), divided
2 tbsp olive oil, then pour mixture over the spinach.
7.
Toss gently until spinach is wilted.
8. Add apple and half of the cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. 9. Transfer to a serving bowl, toss, top with remaining cheese, and serve.
Inspired by FoodAndWine.com
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