Medical Oddities: A Vaccine With a Foam Head?
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by Teraya Smith
January 14, 2026
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5 min
5 Key Takeaways
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1
Vaccine against BK polyomavirus uses genetically engineered yeast.
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2
Buck's self-experiment resulted in increased antibodies.
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3
TV depictions of CPR frequently misrepresent techniques.
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4
Yoga may improve outcomes in opioid withdrawal treatment.
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5
Higher tea intake is linked to lower obesity risk, but does not offset high meat intake.
Chuck Buck, a virologist at the US National Cancer Institute, is pioneering a novel oral vaccine against BK polyomavirus using genetically engineered yeast as a carrier. This virus can lead to severe health issues in immunosuppressed patients. Animal studies showed promising antibody responses with injectable forms. Buck's self-experimentation with this yeast-infused beer resulted in increased antibodies, igniting discussions on vaccine innovation. Concurrently, a study found that TV depictions of CPR often misrepresent life-saving techniques. Additionally, a clinical trial indicated that introducing yoga alongside standard treatment could benefit patients undergoing opioid withdrawal. Lastly, a large UK study revealed tea's inability to mitigate the obesity risk associated with high meat consumption.
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