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from the like-throwing-stars-but-smaller dept.
Tiny, star-shaped molecules are effective at killing bacteria that can no longer be killed by current antibiotics, new research shows.
The study, published today in Nature Microbiology, holds promise for a new treatment method against antibiotic-resistant bacteria (commonly known as superbugs).
The star-shaped structures, are short chains of proteins called 'peptide polymers', and were created by a team from the Melbourne School of Engineering.
...
tests undertaken on red blood cells showed that the star-shaped polymer dosage rate would need to be increased by a factor of greater than 100 to become toxic. The star-shaped peptide polymer is also effective in killing superbugs when tested in animal models.Furthermore, superbugs showed no signs of resistance against these peptide polymers. The team discovered that their star-shaped peptide polymers can kill bacteria with multiple pathways, unlike most antibiotics which kill with a single pathway.
Let's hope any such molecules are thoroughly vetted with long-term studies before being introduced to medical therapies.
(Score: 2) by edIII on Thursday September 15 2016, @08:03PM
LOL, I didn't think we were talking about the literal kitchen sink! Sorry, I thought we were still talking in metaphors :)
Yeah, there should probably be a doctor in the room (or some voice of reason) before snorting drain cleaner or something. I meant when everything is said and done, and the doctors say to make preparations to "leave", that the person should be afforded their dignity and autonomy as much as possible. If you wish to offer the services, which is laudable, my only wish is that it not be mandated as a dependency before receiving assisted suicide. Apologies, I just see that as very similar to forcing a girl to speak with priests and psychologists before receiving an abortion. In those cases the intent to help is far less genuine, and is more about an attempt to bring the girl back into the moral comfort zone of some people. Just the same, when counseling someone that is highly likely to die quite soon, are we counseling them to provide comfort to us, or to them? That's my wish; To recognize that when speaking with them.
It sounds like we are in agreement anyways, just confused on the metaphors ;)
Technically, lunchtime is at any moment. It's just a wave function.