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eppur_se_muova

(36,262 posts)
Thu Oct 2, 2014, 06:56 PM Oct 2014

Novel antibiotic class created (BBC)

By Michael Eyre
Science reporter

Scientists have designed a new class of antibiotic which seeks and destroys resistance genes in bacteria.

The unique approach could be used to genetically engineer bacteria in our bodies to become less dangerous.

The technology might also lead to new treatments for metabolic diseases like obesity, the researchers claim.

Scientists and politicians have warned that we face a return to the medical "dark ages" if action is not taken against antibiotic resistance.
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In a series of laboratory experiments published in Nature Biotechnology, the researchers showed they could produce a molecular "conditional-lethality device" capable of highly targeted action against the "bad" bacteria in a consortium of different strains.
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more: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-29306807

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