Disease detectives are turning to molecular techniques to uncover emerging microbes

Article Abstract:

Scientists are developing molecular techniques to identify infectious organisms. These techniques are necessary because many organisms can not be cultured, which is the classic method for identifying bacteria. One of the techniques, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has revolutionized medical microbiology because it can amplify small amounts of DNA so it can be detected by other techniques. This can be used to detect potentially infectious organisms in organ transplants. A variation of PCR called broad-range PCR uses ribosomal RNA. A molecular technique called representational difference analysis (RDA) uses DNA hybridization to find nucleic acid sequences that are not normally present in the host. In this way, bacterial nucleic acid sequences can be identified among the host's nucleic acid.

Usage, Nucleic acid hybridization, Polymerase chain reaction, Molecular microbiology

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Researchers Describe Findings for Targeted Cancer Therapies

Article Abstract:

Oncologists are testing molecular strategies for targeting cancer cells and sparing healthy ones. One treatment is an antibody that blocks receptors for epidermal growth factor (EGF), a protein that stimulates cell proliferation. Of 15 patients tested, 13 (87%) experienced complete tumor regression. After an average follow-up period of 2.5 years, six patients have died and nine are living free of disease. Another experimental approach is the use of drugs that interfere with the development of blood vessels that tumors require to support their growth.

Cancer research, Antineoplastic agents, Cancer

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Researchers Describe Latest Strategies to Combat Antibiotic-Resistant Microbes

Article Abstract:

Researchers learned about a new generation of antibiotics at the 11th European Congress on Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. These drugs include oxazalidalones and daptomycin, which work by a different mechanism and should therefore inhibit bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics.

Product development, Antibiotics, Prevention, Drug resistance in microorganisms, Microbial drug resistance

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