Science News for December 17, 2005

Penicillin, amoxicillin: Step aside for strep throat treatment

A new study shows that shorter courses of cephalosporins are more effective than traditional antibiotics in treating strep throat, with fewer relapses and improved patient outcomes. Pediatricians recommend using these newer drugs as a first-line treatment to combat the rising rates of antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·DateDec 17, 2005

Sangamo BioSciences demonstrates its ZFP treatment protects cells from HIV infection

Researchers have found that Sangamo's ZFN-modified cells are resistant to HIV infection, whereas control cells are infected. The treatment works by disrupting the CCR5 gene, a receptor required for HIV entry into immune cells. This approach has advantages over other drugs in development, which require constant antagonist presence.

SourceBurns McClellan·DateDec 17, 2005