Oregon State University researchers have discovered a new way of fighting bacteria called "PPMOs." These disease-fighters target the genes of the bacterium, rather than the conventional antibacterial method of disrupting cellular functions. This provides a valuable tool in combating the rise in antibacterial-resistant strains and provides a much more precise tool in fighting disease. PPMOs have not yet been tested in humans, but their precursor, PMOs, are completely safe. PPMOs are much more powerful, however, and are being seriously considered as a result. So, while the discovery is significant, much more work must be done before this exciting new bacteria fighter can be used to fight disease.
This article was incredibly interesting to me, especially considering all the discussion about resistant strains lately. Bacteria evolving and becoming resistant is a fairly new problem for us and one that is escalating in urgency, so this news is very timely and important. Hopefully PPMOs are viable for human use. We could certainly use another avenue for attacking bacterial diseases.
Antibiotic-resistant MRSA
(Article) http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131015134922.htm
(Related) http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/a/antibiotic_resistance.htm
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