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Monday, October 6, 2014

ScienceDaily: Top Environment News

ScienceDaily: Top Environment News


'Programmable' antibiotic harnesses an enzyme to attack drug-resistant microbes

Posted: 05 Oct 2014 10:49 AM PDT

Conventional antibiotics are indiscriminate about what they kill, a trait that can lead to complications for patients and can contribute to the growing problems of antibiotic resistance. But a a 'programmable' antibiotic would selectively target only the bad bugs, particularly those harboring antibiotic resistance genes, and leave beneficial microbes alone.

Study questions the prescription for drug resistance

Posted: 03 Oct 2014 06:43 PM PDT

A new study questions the accepted wisdom that aggressive treatment with high drug dosages and long durations is always the best way to stem the emergence and spread of resistant pathogens. The review of nearly 70 studies of antimicrobial resistance reveals the lack of evidence behind the practice of aggressive treatment in many cases.

MRSA biofilms in joint fluid make infections tough to tackle

Posted: 02 Oct 2014 09:37 AM PDT

Scientists come one step closer to understanding why joint infections are difficult to treat. Biofilms play a role. "Biofilm formation has been suspected to play a key role during septic arthritis and prosthetic joint infection." said one expert. "This study could help explain why these infections have been so difficult to treat and point to therapeutic approaches that could make antibiotics more effective."

On the scent of a wine's bouquet

Posted: 02 Oct 2014 09:36 AM PDT

The majority of wines are produced from around 20 different types of grape, all of which have their own typical aroma. This is due to the terpenes, a diverse category of chemical substances including cholesterol and estrogen. Scientists have now identified two enzymes that determine the terpene content -- and thus the aroma intensity -- of grapes. The findings could play an important role in the future development of grape varieties.

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