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Notre Dame chemists discover new class of antibiotics

A team of researchers from Notre Dame has discovered a new class of oxadiazole antibiotics effective against MRSA and other drug-resistant bacteria, offering a promising treatment option. The discovery is based on the inhibition of penicillin-binding proteins and shows promise in mouse models of infection.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 7, 2014

Be gone, bacteria

A University of Iowa-led team recommends a three-step protocol to reduce post-surgical staph infections, which can cause significant pain and financial burden. The guideline involves nasal swabs and application of an anti-bacterial nose ointment before surgery to target MRSA bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalThe BMJ·DateJun 13, 2013

Are you okay to kiss?

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a pocket-size breath test that can detect the presence of malodorous bacteria, allowing users to determine if their breath is 'okay to kiss'. The test uses biomarkers in saliva to identify two distinct populations of bacteria causing bad breath.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Breath Research·DateMay 18, 2009

Bacteria manage perfume oil production from grass

Scientists discovered bacteria in Vetiver grass roots that enhance essential oil production while altering molecular structure. The bacteria change the oil's properties to include insecticidal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant characteristics.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateOct 31, 2008

Newly found sensing system enables certain bacteria to resist human immune defenses

Researchers at NIAID discovered a survival mechanism in gram-positive bacteria that protects it from antimicrobial peptides, which are defense molecules sent by the body to kill bacteria. The discovery may help chart a path to designing new drugs to bolster our antimicrobial treatment options.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 2007

'Smart bandage' diagnoses danger before infection takes hold

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a smart bandage that can detect bacteria and provide instant diagnosis, changing color to indicate the presence of Gram-positive or negative bacteria. The bandage is part of a larger 'smart medical home' system that aims to give people more control over their health.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 1, 2001

Linezolid is highly effective against antibiotic-resistant infections

A study by Northwestern University researchers finds that linezolid is highly effective against a range of gram-positive bacteria, including those resistant to vancomycin and oxacillin. The antibiotic showed potent activity against all isolates tested, making it a promising new treatment option for patients with drug-resistant infections.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateAug 15, 1999