Chemical stops deadly diarrhoea

Scientists have discovered a chemical that could help to treat cholera and other diarrhoeas, which kill more than a million people a year in developing countries.

The chemical stops cells losing their fluids. It works by interfering with a protein called CFTR which normally controls secretion in cells.

Dehydration caused by diarrhoea is currently treated by providing a salt and glucose solution that stimulates the intestine to absorb water. But other treatments, such as ones based on this newly discovered chemical, could help to prevent severe dehydration and death in the young and old.

Link to Nature Science Update news story

Reference: Nature Science Update