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When stubborn bugs refuse to make drugs

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis used comparative metabologenomics to study the genomes of Streptomyces bacteria and identify key factors that influence drug production. The study found that fine-tuning of specific nucleotides can control antibiotic production, offering new insights for next-generation drug discovery.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2021

Equalizing the microbial research playing field

The KAUST Metagenomic Analysis Platform (KMAP) enables researchers worldwide to analyze massive microbial data, eliminating the need for advanced bioinformatics skills. KMAP allows scientists to identify proteins and enzymes with potential applications in various industries, such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 29, 2021

Antibiotics may help to treat melanoma

Researchers at KU Leuven found that certain antibiotics can effectively target melanoma cells' mitochondria, which are vulnerable to specific classes of antibiotics. This suggests that these antibiotics may be repurposed as anti-melanoma agents to buy time for immunotherapy.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 22, 2021

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria found in cattle

New research from the University of Georgia reveals that 60% of cattle fecal samples contain multiple antibiotic-resistant salmonella strains, which can cause severe illness in people. CRISPR-SeroSeq technology identifies molecular signatures in bacteria's DNA, allowing for more sensitive detection of resistant strains.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateJun 30, 2021

HKU scientists reveal silver-based antimicrobials can be utilized as antibiotic adjuvants to combat antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Researchers at HKU have identified 38 authentic Ag+-binding proteins in Staphylococcus aureus, revealing silver's molecular targets and mode of action. The study shows that silver-based antimicrobials can potentiate the efficacy of antibiotics, resensitize MRSA to antibiotics, and slow down antibiotic resistance evolution.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 20, 2021

Research establishes safe water thresholds for antimicrobials, to help mitigate resistance

Researchers developed a new framework to establish safe thresholds for antimicrobial release into the environment, addressing the global health threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The framework provides guidance on risk assessment and could inform policy to reduce antimicrobial levels in water systems, helping to mitigate resistance.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalWater Research·DateJun 10, 2021

New defense against superbugs

Researchers at Flinders University have discovered that fish oil fatty acids can render bacteria more susceptible to antibiotics. This discovery is vital in combating the rise of superbugs with unprecedented levels of antibiotic resistance.

SourceFlinders University·JournalmBio·DateJun 9, 2021

Hundreds of antibiotic resistant genes found in the gastrointestinal tracts of Danish infants

A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that Danish one-year-olds carry several hundred antibiotic resistant genes in their bacterial gut flora. The presence of these genes is partly attributable to antibiotic use among mothers during pregnancy, and well-developed gut flora may reduce the incidence of resistant bacteria.

HKUST scientists discover how antibiotics target bacterial RNAP to inhibit its gene transcription

A research team at HKUST has discovered the mechanism of DNA melting and how an antibiotic called Myxopyronin inhibits this process. The study found that Myxopyronin binds to a partially closed form of the flexible clamp domain, diminishing the gate's ability to close and eventually inhibiting DNA melting.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2021

Risk of eczema after early exposure to antibiotics

A Swedish study of over 100,000 children found that early antibiotic exposure before birth and during the first year of life increases the risk of developing eczema. The research suggests a potential long-term consequence of antibiotic use on childhood skin health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 29, 2021

Imaging agent enables better monitoring of patients with bacterial infections

Scientists developed an imaging agent that enables safe and rapid detection of Enterobacterales infections in patients, distinguishing between drug-susceptible and resistant strains. The agent revealed sites of infection, monitored response to antibiotics, and identified secondary bacterial infections.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 15, 2021

Bioactive implant coatings resistant to most bacterial strains are obtained in Russia

Researchers from NUST MISIS have created innovative multilayer coatings that synthesizes protective properties of nanoparticles, biopolymers, anticoagulants, and antibiotics. The coatings demonstrated excellent bactericidal efficacy against antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains with a prolonged antibacterial effect up to 7 days.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalApplied Surface Science·DateApr 12, 2021