Immature Bacteria Fight Antibiotics
Posted on: Friday, 10 December 2004, 18:00 CST
Researchers in Israel have discovered that bacteria fight antibiotics by producing slow-growing cells that survive because they are so immature.
A team from Hebrew University in Jerusalem and Rockefeller University in New York say that the persistent cells later develop into normal cells that can re-infect a patient. Their research into e-coli bacteria appeared in a recent issue of Science Magazine.
The researchers found that bacteria colonies produce the immature cells constantly whether or not they are under attack.
Nathalie Questembert-Balaban, a professor of biophysics at Hebrew University, said that the research may lead to a solution to the problem of relapse. She suggested that either antibiotic administration could be timed to hit the persistent cells as they reach maturity or new drugs could be found targeting immature bacteria.
The team's work could also determine why cancer recurs in patients after a successful remission.
Source: United Press International
Related Articles
- Scientists Discover How Antibiotic Works
- Protein Found to Suppress Skin Cancer
- Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Build a Heart
- IBM's 'Cell University Challenge' Winners Uncover Breakthrough Applications for Brain Monitoring, Data Mapping, Medical Imaging and Object Detection
- Flu Shot May Provide Protection to Fetus
- Panel Affirms Scientist Faked Stem Cell Cloning Claim
- Korean University Says Cloning Claim Faked
- Discarded Placentas Deliver Researchers Promising Cells Similar to Embryonic Stem Cells
- Smoking Ups Flow of 'Feel Good' Brain Chemicals
- Frog Eggs Rejuvenate Human Cells
 |
 |
User Comments (0)
RSS Feeds