Bioengineered peptide combats antibiotic-resistant bacteria Researchers have engineered a bioinspired molecule that was highly effective in clearing infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains in a mouse model, according to a paper published in Scientific Reports on December 6. But there's a twist: The molecule doesn't act like an antibiotic.Read More
Alternative gene therapies could be effective in treating some rare diseases Bacteria-mediated genetic transfer has emerged as an alternative gene therapy (AGT) for the treatment of some rare diseases, such as phenylketonuria (PKU). This type of therapy is advantageous because it is easily regulated through established protein expression systems. One company, Synlogic, has developed an AGT candidate that uses a bacterial vector to treat PKU.Read More
New sensor-based test could lead to fast, cheap antibiotic susceptibility testing Scientists have developed a new method for monitoring bacterial responses to antibiotics that could enable personalized antibiotic therapies. The test uses sensors to reduce time and costs while increasing the portability for antibiotic susceptibility testing of patient samples. The results of the study were published recently in Scientific Reports.Read More
Researchers fight drug-resistant bacteria with antibiotic 'Trojan horse' In the latest chapter of the arms race between scientists and drug-resistant bacteria, scientists have devised an antibiotic-filled "Trojan horse" that penetrates deep into the patient's target tissues before unleashing an antibiotic payload on unsuspecting bacterial invaders. The methodology was described July 19 in eLife.Read More
Researchers capture new ribosome structures in motion Researchers have captured six new structures of the ribosome and its directional movement using single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer and cryogenic electron microscopy. The results were published in Nature on July 7.Read More
Potential of gene editing for clinical use highlighted at ASGCT 2021 From base editing to in vivo CRISPR therapeutics and CRISPR-modified bacteriophages, scientists discussed innovations in preclinical research that have allowed them to advance these unique products to the clinic during a scientific symposium at the 2021 American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) virtual meeting.Read More
Nobel Prize winner Doudna shares perspectives on future of CRISPR gene editing Small science can translate into big discoveries, according to Nobel Prize laureate Jennifer Doudna, PhD. She discussed how her curiosity in understanding CRISPR led to the gene editing revolution in a talk at the 2021 American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy virtual meeting.Read More
Nanoparticles may offer new way to tackle antibiotic-resistant bacteria A team of researchers has developed nanoparticles that use a completely different mode of action from conventional antibiotics. These inorganic nanoparticles have inherent antimicrobial properties and can target pesky bacteria that hide inside of cells. The results were published in Nanoscale on April 22.Read More