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Epidemiology of HIV-1 transmitted drug resistance

A study analyzing individual virus sequences from 287 published studies found that most HIV-1 transmitted drug resistance strains arose independently in sub-Saharan Africa and south/southeast Asia. The study suggests screening for specific high-prevalence mutations could identify patients with TDR before therapy initiation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 7, 2015

Agricultural waste could be used as biofuel

Researchers at the University of East Anglia have discovered five strains of yeast capable of breaking down agricultural by-products into bioethanol. This breakthrough could lead to the production of over 400 billion litres of bioethanol annually from crop waste, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels·DateMar 26, 2015

Predicting antibiotic resistance

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that mutations can converge on similar physical changes in bacteria, leading to resistance to multiple antibiotics. The researchers found a common set of features responsible for the development of resistance, which could help combat this growing problem.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 17, 2014

Study questions the prescription for drug resistance

A new study reviewing nearly 70 antimicrobial resistance studies suggests that aggressive treatment may not always be the best way to prevent resistant pathogens. The review found that varying drug dosages and treatment durations may affect resistance emergence, and moderate treatment could be a more effective strategy for some diseases.

Smarter toxins help crops fight resistant pests

A UA-led team of researchers discovered a new edge in overcoming resistance to certain pests by modifying the structure of crop-protecting proteins called Bt toxins. The modified toxins were found to be effective against some resistant strains, but not always working as expected and requiring further testing.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 9, 2011

In amoeba world, cheating doesn't pay

In a study published in Nature, researchers found that cooperative amoebas can evolve genetic defenses against cheaters, preserving collective behavior. The Dictyostelium discoideum mutants discovered by the Rice-Baylor team demonstrated a remarkable ability to resist cheater cells and maintain altruistic traits.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateOct 1, 2009

Typhoid fever cases in US linked to foreign travel

A study found that typhoid fever cases in the US are often associated with international travel to the Indian subcontinent and are increasingly resistant to common treatments. The majority of cases were linked to travelers who visited friends or family, highlighting the need for improved vaccination coverage and prevention measures.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 25, 2009

Tomato stands firm in face of fungus

Researchers found a small protein secreted by some fungal strains can suppress tomato disease resistance genes, but a third gene targets this protein, rendering the plant fully immune. The study provides a new strategy for durable disease control based on resistance gene combinations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 8, 2008

What recognizes what in plant disease resistance?

Researchers discover novel mechanism of gene-for-gene resistance in plant immune system, providing insights into enhancing crop yield and combating agricultural losses. The study reveals that the N resistance protein recognizes pathogen Avr proteins through a different region on its Toll-interleukin-1 receptor homology domain.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 12, 2007

Drug resistance in an influenza pandemic

A mathematical model suggests that widespread use of antiviral drugs like oseltamivir can quickly spread resistant viruses, even if they emerge rarely. Prophylaxis and treatment with oseltamivir would still delay the onset of the pandemic and reduce its total size.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 22, 2007

NYU And Rockefeller Scientists Design Molecules That Stymie A Notorious Bug

Researchers discover the structure of a key compound enabling the bacterium's deadly mechanism and create molecules that block its effects in mice. The study provides a novel way to combat Staphylococcus aureus infections without killing the bacteria, potentially addressing antibiotic resistance.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 16, 1999

Virulent Fungus Devastating Potato Crops

A new, aggressive strain of the late blight fungus, US-8, is devastating potato fields in the US and Canada, resistant to metalaxyl, a commonly used fungicide. The fungus reproduces rapidly, producing massive numbers of spores that can infect stored potatoes, leading to widespread crop loss.

SourceCornell University·JournalPlant Disease·DateMar 11, 1998