Potential New Class of Antibiotic

            

By: Jessica Robertson

All currently marketed antibiotics are slowly but steadily losing their power against the bacteria of our time. Bacteria have been exposed to our drugs for decades now, and they continue to develop resistance mechanisms. It is absolutely essential that new agents be developed to war against the infections of our day if we plan to remain victorious against modern disease.

            An international team of researchers from Germany, Austria, and Canada has been busy studying a promising new antimicrobial mechanism. They are observing a small peptide known as MP196, which represents a class of very small peptides with a positive charge; composed of just four to ten amino acids, these peptides are showing themselves effective against a wide array of bacteria, even those that are considered multi-drug resistant and are common causes of sepsis. In order for a drug to be approved for use, its mechanism must be fully and deeply understood; after much thorough research, this team has finally answered that question, making the path to a new antibiotic a little easier.

The team showed that the peptide forces its way into the membrane of the bacterial cell, causing major disruptions in some of the crucial proteins located in the cell wall. The bacterial cell cannot continue the synthesis of its cell wall, an ongoing process that lends protection and stability to the cell, and the cell can no longer efficiently produce its own energy, making all cell mechanisms impossible.

The processes by which the peptide disarm the bacteria are special in nature, and the researchers predict that the peptide will be particularly difficult for bacteria to develop a resistance against. The nature of the process also ensures that the peptides will not harm human cells, since human cells lack the cell wall that the peptides are designed to attack.

Findings such as these establish hope that even in the face of numerous multi-drug resistant diseases, the age of the antibiotic is not over. We can all do our part to prolong the efficacy of our current drugs by following the directions of our prescriber's. Do not stop taking a series of antibiotic drugs unless directed by your doctor, and always properly dispose of unused antibiotics by returning the leftover pills to a participating pharmacy, instead of throwing them in trash or flushing them through the water system.

Sleepy or sleepless

By: Kate M. Serrano
Do you have trouble staying alert when you are supposed to be awake and working? And do you have trouble sleeping when it’s time to rest? This is a common condition for those whose work schedule collides with their body's natural internal clock— you’re forced to try to sleep when you feel alert and work when you feel drowsy. It’s called shift work sleep disorder and people who work shifts are those most at risk. The symptoms include insomnia, fatigue, irritability, decreased alertness, and trouble concentrating and none of which will help win the Employee of the Month status.

Not all shift workers are affected though. Night owls adjust well to working at night and they get enough sleep during the day. And despite the toll that such shifts can take, somebody has to work them. Here are a few of the jobs that may put you at risk of shift work sleep disorder.

Factory Workers. To maximize productivity, the manufacturing industry relies on shift work for productivity and maximizing profit. Drowsy or tired workers can increase the risk of workplace injuries.

Nurses. In the goal of providing continuous care for patients, nurses work not only shifts but long hours too.

Senior Managers. Senior managers deal with stress all the time – overseeing the team, resolving financial issues, attending to clients. If you have a cranky boss, too little sleep could be the reason.

Airplane Pilots. They face irregular hours, long shifts and jet lags as they take on red eye flights and travel through multiple time zones. Because of this, there are strict guidelines to flight time and rest. Before completing a flight, pilots must have at least eight hours of uninterrupted rest.

Network Administrators. The Internet has created a new demand for shift workers. Network administrators are hired to ensure a 24/7 smooth operation on web-based services. The downside to this is that there are more sleep-deprived workers than in the past.

New Parents. Proven and tested as a sleep wrecker. When a newborn wakes up, it is rather difficult for parents to get sleep. A new mom may be sleeping seven hours at night but sleep is fragmented, irregular and not refreshing. Luckily, as the baby grows older, sleeping pattern improves too.

Experts recommend sticking to the same schedule even on days off or weekends when working shifts otherwise you’re more likely to feel fatigued, have lesser concentration or be more prone to accidents at work. There are strategies though to keep you alert – drink something with caffeine at the start of the shift, walk around during breaks. It also helps if you work with others instead of being alone. And when it’s time to go home and sleep, wear an eye mask or put the curtains down. You can also create a bedtime ritual like reading a book or taking a shower to signal your brain that it’s time to sleep.

Most people don’t have it so easy. Sleeping is a skill, rest is a necessity. Be savvy about the amount of sleep you get.

Promiscuous Marsupial

By: Daniela Silva

A new marsupial has been discovered and has been noted for the incredible climatic demise these minuscule creatures endure. The Black-tailed antechinus is approximately the size of a mouse with the sex drive of a teenager. They mate very promiscuously up until the very moment the male dies of over-exertion.

The black tailed antechinus carries a heavy brown fur coat followed by a orange rump and black tail, it resembles a shrew or mouse. These marsupials have solely been discovered at the highest peak of Gondwana rain forest located in southeast Queensland; which is astonishing considering that the discovery of new mammals is quite rare. Global warming and the destruction of its habitat is proving the preservation and study of this species increasingly difficult.