Viruses are both the villains and heroes of life as we know it

Viruses have gotten a bad rap for the many illnesses and pandemics they’ve caused. But viruses are also genetic innovators – and possibly the pioneers of using DNA as the genetic blueprint of life.

Ivan Erill, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore County • conversation
Oct. 19, 2021 ~8 min

Lemurs that live close to humans harbor drug-resistant bacteria

Antibiotic resistance is showing up in the guts of lemurs that live in close contact to humans. The closer the contact, the more antibiotic resistance.

Duke University • futurity
Aug. 16, 2021 ~7 min


New technology can create treatment against drug-resistant bacteria in under a week and adapt to antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest public health threats in the world. New research, however, may have found a way to keep up with rapidly evolving bacteria.

Kristen Eller, PhD Candidate in Chemical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
Aug. 9, 2021 ~5 min

Non-immune cells make ‘detergent’ to clean out pathogens

Similar to the way Ajax can clean your kitchen, a protein in non-immune cells can wipe out invading pathogens to fight infection.

Bill Hathaway-Yale • futurity
July 27, 2021 ~5 min

Early use of antibiotics may change brain development

Exposure to antibiotics in utero or after birth could lead to brain disorders in later childhood, a study with mice shows.

Patti Verbanas-Rutgers • futurity
July 15, 2021 ~4 min

Antibiotic makes these pesky flies produce only males

Making certain fruit flies, Drosophila suzukii, produce only male offspring could protect soft-skinned fruit crops, research indicates.

Mick Kulikowski-NC State • futurity
June 30, 2021 ~4 min

International travelers carry ‘superbug’ stowaways

New and potentially deadly strains of antimicrobial resistant superbugs are hiding out in the guts of international travelers, a new study shows.

Gerry Everding-WUSTL • futurity
June 11, 2021 ~10 min

Despite antibiotics, Lyme infection persisted in woman’s brain

The study marks the first time researchers have identified a possible correlation between Lyme disease infection and Lewy body dementia.

Keith Brannon-Tulane • futurity
May 24, 2021 ~5 min


Lyme bacteria survive antibiotics, even months later

The bacteria that cause Lyme disease can survive in organ tissue even after treatment with a full course of antibiotics months after infection.

Keith Brannon-Tulane • futurity
May 19, 2021 ~4 min

Low-cost portable device rapidly diagnoses gonorrhea

A new inexpesive, portable device and mobile app can check for gonorrhea in less than fifteen minutes, researchers report.

Lisa Ercolano-Johns Hopkins • futurity
May 13, 2021 ~5 min

/

19