Bacteria News and Research

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Scientists map origin of MRSA, technology could help understanding of other diseases

"Scientists have found a way to track minutely-differing strains of the 'superbug' MRSA [methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus] as they spread between people and across the globe, a finding that could aid efforts to control the deadly bacteria," Reuters/ABC News reports (Kelland, 1/21).

23 Jan 2010

BioSyent Pharma receives exclusive rights to manufacture and market Virsani sanitizer in Canada and U.S.

BioSyent Inc. ("BioSyent") announces that its subsidiary BioSyent Pharma Inc. has signed a license and distribution agreement with Notlers for VirsaniTM personal sanitizer.

22 Jan 2010

Pediatric hospitals can decrease bloodstream infections following low-tech rules

Pediatric hospitals can significantly decrease the number of bloodstream infections from central venous catheters by following some low-tech rules: Insert the catheter correctly and, above all, keep everything squeaky clean after that.

22 Jan 2010

Researchers show how MRSA transmission can be tracked in hospital settings

For the first time, researchers have shown how transmission of MRSA from one person to another can be precisely tracked in a hospital setting. The team have developed a remarkable new method that can 'zoom' from large-scale inter-continental transmission events to the much finer detail of person-to-person infection of MRSA within a single hospital.

22 Jan 2010

Current research suggests flu may predispose to secondary bacterial infections

Current research suggests that the flu may predispose to secondary bacterial infections, which account for a significant proportion of mortality during flu pandemics. The related report by Lee et al, "A mouse model of lethal synergism between influenza virus and Haemophilus influenzae," appears in the February 2010 issue of The American Journal of Pathology.

22 Jan 2010

Understanding mechanism of SIRT6 activity may help treat diabetes and cancer

A study investigating how a cellular enzyme affects blood glucose levels in mice provides clues to pathways that may be involved in processes including the regulation of longevity and the proliferation of tumor cells.

22 Jan 2010

Exalenz Bioscience finalizes production of its BreathID System for detecting H. pylori bacteria

Exalenz Bioscience has finalized production of the BreathID® and is preparing to ship the first devices and kits that are used in the detection of Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Additionally, in preparation for its American launch, the company is in the process of establishing national distribution channels. The company has recently announced the appointment of Mr. Dennis Boyle as Vice-President and National Manager in the USA. In his previous position, Mr. Boyle was director of sales and marketing to medical laboratories for Siemens USA.

21 Jan 2010

Quorum sensing offers a dynamic approach to increase sensitivity to external signals

Researchers at UC San Diego who last year genetically engineered bacteria to keep track of time by turning on and off fluorescent proteins within their cells have taken another step toward the construction of a programmable genetic sensor. The scientists recently synchronized these bacterial "genetic clocks" to blink in unison and engineered the bacterial genes to alter their blinking rates when environmental conditions change.

21 Jan 2010

Discovery of new class of compounds may help fight hepatitis C

Stanford University School of Medicine scientists have discovered a novel class of compounds that, in experiments in vitro, inhibit replication of the virus responsible for hepatitis C. If these compounds prove effective in infected humans as well, they may dramatically accelerate efforts to confront this virus’s propensity to rapidly acquire drug resistance, while possibly skirting some of the troubling side effects common among therapies in current use and in late-stage development.

21 Jan 2010

Eating contaminated chicken causes UTI in women

Chicken sold in supermarkets, restaurants and other outlets may place young women at risk of urinary tract infections (UTI), McGill researcher Amee Manges has discovered.

21 Jan 2010

Study shows nutrition has a direct influence on the immune system

Bonn researchers have discovered an elementary mechanism which regulates vital immune functions in healthy people. In situations of hunger which mean stress for the body's cells, the body releases more antimicrobial peptides in order to protect itself. The scientists will publish their results in the journal Nature.

21 Jan 2010

Xbrane Bioscience signs licensing arrangement with Vaxiion Therapeutics

The Swedish biotech company Xbrane Bioscience and the San Diego based biotech company Vaxiion Therapeutics, Inc. have announced that they have reached a licensing arrangement granting Xbrane Bioscience rights to Vaxiion’s proprietary protein production system – the Rhamex System™.

21 Jan 2010

Scientists explore new ways to counteract viral infections

For the first time the research world has managed to measure the energy that is used when a virus infects a cell. The aim is to find a way to reduce the amount of energy inside the virus and thereby ultimately find a medicine that can counteract infections.

20 Jan 2010

Antibiotics can reduce infections post-Caesarean section

Having a baby by Caesarean section is becoming increasingly common, despite the higher risks associated with the surgery compared to a vaginal birth. One important concern is the risk of infection, which is between five and 20 times greater for women who undergo scheduled or emergency Caesarean section.

20 Jan 2010

Microbiologists explain why apples are beneficial for health

Why does an apple a day keep the doctor away? New research published in the open access journal BMC Microbiology contributes to our understanding of why eating apples is good for you.

20 Jan 2010

Statins may protect SCD children from pneumococcal infection

New research suggests a family of widely used cholesterol-lowering drugs might help protect individuals from serious illness following bacterial infection, including the pneumococcal infections that pose a deadly threat to those with sickle cell disease.

20 Jan 2010

Antibiotic drops are safe and effective for treating swimmer's ear

When treating the pain and inflammation of swimmer's ear, antibiotic drops are the most effective — and safest - therapy, finds a new review of studies.

20 Jan 2010

Access to clean water remains an issue for victims and Haiti earthquake volunteers

Six days after the magnitude 7.0 earthquake rocked Haiti the health and sanitation situation is still less than optimal in the makeshift camps. "Access to shelter, sanitation, water, food and medical care remains extremely limited," announced Riccardo Conti on a bulletin yesterday from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC's).

19 Jan 2010

New functions in an enzyme can develop through point mutation

A new study by a research team at Uppsala University shows how new functions can develop in an enzyme. This can explain, for example, how resistance to toxins can occur so simply. The findings are now being published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

19 Jan 2010

BBB rates 6 Day Dental and Orthodontics A+

6 Day Dental and Orthodontics, a Coppell-based dental company founded by Dr. John Bond in 1989, today announced its A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Dallas, held since January 2003. BBB assigns grades from A to F with pluses and minuses, and 6 Day has achieved its highest mark. The grade represents BBB's degree of confidence that the business is operating in a trustworthy manner and will make a good faith effort to resolve any customer concerns.

19 Jan 2010