Scientist Steve Worland shows Alan that inhibiting this protein may shorten colds

Perhaps one of our most nagging little questions is why, when science can heal so many life-threatening illnesses, can't we cure the simple common cold? As Alan learns from cold-study veteran Dr. Ronald Turner, getting to the root of the ubiquitous, and varied, cold virus is tricky business.

Through the years, Turner has tested numerous popular remedies on his student volunteers, all deliberately infected with one of the most common cold culprits, the rhinovirus. Much to Alan's personal disappointment, Turner's list of failed cures is a long one: echinacea, zinc, vitamin E. In this segment, Alan meets up with Turner at the start of yet another clinical trial. After emptying pipettes filled with rhinovirus into the noses of his test subjects, Turner instructs each of them to take similar-looking pills. Some are actually getting a placebo, others the medication in question, but none, it turns out, is taking just what they think.

Dr. Turner dispenses cold virus to his patient volunteers

Next Alan visits, Agouron Pharmaceuticals, where researchers have been able to prevent the rhinovirus from multiplying, essentially stopping it in its tracks. But even if their drug is proven effective, it will have to be incredibly fast-acting, inexpensive, and free from side effects to make it in the marketplace. As Agouron scientist Steve Worland points out, as annoying as the common cold is, it always goes away on its own and it is never life-threatening. This is one nagging question that may require a near-perfect solution.

For more on this topic, see the web feature:
"The Cold Truth"