An a very interesting breakthrough, scientists at the University of Pittsburgh have successfully prevented the onset of type 1 diabetes in mice that were prone to its development.

Currently, there are over 700,000 Americans who have type 1. So, if these researchers are truly onto something here, hopefully that number will at the very least not get any higher. In efforts to make this the case, the scientists made this discovery by treating non-obese mice with an antibody -- basically, a type of protein that's produced by the immune system whose function is to identify and do battle with infections and the like -- directed against a receptor known as CD137 on the surface of T-cells. By doing so, the mice with the anti-CD137 antibodies were able to suppress the onset of type 1 diabetes, whereas control mice who were not treated developed diabetes within six months.

Buuuuut, "Suppression" is the key word here. Not to sound negative about this wonderful step forward in the quest for a cure, but I'd be remiss if I didn't stress the operative nature of that term in this case. The mice did, unfortunately, still have lymphocytes in their pancreatic islets, which is a strong indication of pancreatic inflammation and autoimmunity. Still, by no means is all lost. In fact, it's just the opposite. Doctors are calling this a solid step in the right direction, to the point where they are hopeful that it could lead to treatment capable of entirely preventing the disease before it is able to take hold.