[extropy-chat] immune system "training" to prevent autoimmune diseases

[jeffrey davis]

Spike and other bioreplicators,

There's such a thing as too clean.  Let the larvae play in the dirt, it's
good for him/her.

Parasitic worms used to fight bowel disease, says MSU researcher
http://newsroom.msu.edu/site/indexer/2779/content.htm

"Some researchers argue that improved hygiene throughout the developed world
may be responsible for inflammatory bowel disease, as well as a whole range
of autoimmune disorders. According to this "hygiene hypothesis," immune
systems require exposure to infections of all sorts early in life in order
to develop sufficiently."

"...inflammatory bowel disease... is virtually unknown in the developing
world, while it is increasing dramatically in developed societies."

[I think epidemiological studies have shown the same to be true of MS:
virtually unknown in the developing world.]

"...giving humans a concoction of whipworm eggs and Gatorade is very
effective in treating inflammatory bowel disease."

"...wants to apply this effort to a variety of autoimmune conditions, such
as asthma, diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Some researchers suggest that
all of these conditions can be explained as combinations of the hygiene
hypothesis and genetics."

Best, Jeff Davis

   "Everything's hard till you know how to do it."
                           Ray Charles
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