Phosphorus-based nanotech rips apart superbugs & accelerates healing

Researchers have found that using nano-sized flakes of black phosphorus on wounds infected with drug-resistant superbugs not only kills the pathogens, but also promotes wound healing. More than a coating, the innovative antimicrobial can be incorporate… Continue reading Phosphorus-based nanotech rips apart superbugs & accelerates healing

Titanium spikes kill superbugs drug-free by literally ripping them apart

Inspired by the bacteria-killing structures seen on the wings of some insects, researchers have developed a drug-free way to kill off drug-resistant microbes that commonly cause hospital-acquired infections. Their technique is a novel and effective way… Continue reading Titanium spikes kill superbugs drug-free by literally ripping them apart

Microbial dark matter yields new type of superbug-busting antibiotic

Researchers have derived an antibiotic from microbes living in the sandy soil of North Carolina. Because it works completely differently than others before it, clovibactin might help turn the tide in the battle against superbugs that resist current dru… Continue reading Microbial dark matter yields new type of superbug-busting antibiotic

Even new antibiotics losing effectiveness as bacteria quickly adapt

As more and more bacteria develop resistance to the drugs designed to kill them, a new study has found that even a relatively new antibiotic isn’t immune. Researchers have uncovered a gene amplification mechanism that causes bacteria to become increasi… Continue reading Even new antibiotics losing effectiveness as bacteria quickly adapt

Novel ‘fast, tenacious’ molecule can KO drug-resistant superbugs

Decades of work has seemingly paid off with scientists developing a potent new synthetic molecule that swiftly knocked out 285 strains of bacteria it was tested on, setting it up as a valuable ally in our fight against a looming superbug infection cris… Continue reading Novel ‘fast, tenacious’ molecule can KO drug-resistant superbugs

“Molecular wedge” renders superbugs vulnerable to antibiotics again

We’re locked in an arms race with bacteria – and worryingly, it looks like we’re losing, as they increasingly develop resistance to our best drugs. Now, scientists at the University of Oklahoma have identified a new class of molecules that disable a ma… Continue reading “Molecular wedge” renders superbugs vulnerable to antibiotics again

Bacteria-hunting viruses help diagnose and treat UTIs

Viruses may get a bad rap, but some of them can be helpful to fight off bacterial infections. Scientists at ETH Zurich have demonstrated a new way to use them to diagnose which bacteria is causing a UTI, and then launch a stronger attack against them.C… Continue reading Bacteria-hunting viruses help diagnose and treat UTIs

This drug can give us an edge in the bacteria-antibiotics arms race

The arms race in nature, usually a battle between predator and prey, is one of the most fascinating phenomena in evolutionary biology. But one arms race that isn’t looking too good for humans is the tussle between bacteria and the antibiotics we have t… Continue reading This drug can give us an edge in the bacteria-antibiotics arms race

New antibiotic trial shows promise against dangerous pneumonia superbug

A new antibiotic combo has proven promising in a clinical trial for treating an often-deadly form of pneumonia. The experimental drug was found to be at least as effective in preventing death as the current standard, but with far milder side effects.Co… Continue reading New antibiotic trial shows promise against dangerous pneumonia superbug

Bug-inspired coating could make for better bone and joint implants

Inspired by the wings of dragonflies and cicadas, researchers have developed a new coating for orthopedic implants. It not only shreds harmful bacteria, but also monitors stress on the system, meaning it could warn of impending implant failure.Continue… Continue reading Bug-inspired coating could make for better bone and joint implants