E. coli Bacterium Credit: Janice Carr/CDC

Researchers from the University of Toronto have developed a method for analyzing blood and other samples to quickly identify specific bacteria and other germs that are the source of an infection. The researchers developed an electronic chip that not only identifies specific germs, but also determines their antibiotic resistance level. It is believed that this technology will reduce the use of ineffective or inappropriate antibiotics. Overuse of antibiotics is thought to be the driving force behind the rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

According to researcher Paul S. Weiss, "The solution-based circuit chip rapidly identifies and determines the antibiotic resistance of multiple pathogens -- this represents a significant advance in biomolecular sensing." Current identification methods can take several days as they involve culturing bacteria in a lab. The electrochemical detection method can identify a pathogen within several minutes.

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• Breakthrough Allows Fast, Reliable Pathogen Identification (Science Daily)

A bioengineered tissue is used in a vein graft at Duke University Hospital. Credit: Shawn Rocco, Duke Medicine

Surgeons at Duke University Hospital have become the first in the United States to help create and implant a bioengineered blood vessel into a patient. The bioengineered vein was implanted into the arm of a kidney hemodialysis patient. The vein was developed using smooth muscle cells from donated human tissue samples. The final product of the technique used to create the bioengineered vein is an implantable vessel that does not induce an immune response.

According to researcher Laura Niklason, "At the end of the process, we have a non-living, immunologically silent graft that can be stored on the shelf and used in patients whenever they need it. Unlike other synthetic replacements made of Teflon or Dacron, which tend to be stiff, our blood vessels mechanically match the arteries and veins they are being sewn to. We think this is an advantage." The researchers believe the bioengineered tissue will be an important development for those with end-stage kidney disease. If the current trials are successful, the next step for the researchers will be to develop bioengineered tissue grafts for heart bypass surgeries.

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• Surgeons Implant Bioengineered Vein (Science Daily)

HIV-infected T-cell Credit: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

Researchers from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have discovered how HIV destroys cells of the immune system. This virus infects white blood cells called T lymphocytes (T-cells). HIV kills T-cells by triggering a signal that causes T-cells to die.

When HIV replicates within a cell, viral genes get inserted into the genes of the host cell. It was discovered that during this process, an enzyme becomes activated that aids in the repair of broken DNA strands. When HIV integrates its genes into the T-cell genes, the enzyme DNA-PK uncharacteristically sets off a sequence that leads to the death of the T-cell. The virus thereby destroys the cells that play a major role in the body's defense against infectious agents.

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• Scientists Discover How HIV Kills Immune Cells (Science Daily)

Image Credit: Naypong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Researchers have demonstrated that drinking excessive amounts of soda can be as damaging to teeth as abusing drugs such as methamphetamine and crack cocaine. Similar to the corrosive materials used in preparing illegal drugs, the acid in carbonated drinks can corrode the tooth enamel that protects teeth. This allows mouth bacteria to cause tooth decay that can lead to tooth discoloration, gum disease, and even tooth loss. In addition to drug use or excessive soda consumption, the participants in the study also had poor oral hygiene habits and did not visit a dentist regularly. The damage to the tooth enamel of soda drinkers was to the same degree as enamel damage resulting from illegal drug use.

According to lead researcher Mohamed A. Bassiouny, "The striking similarities found in this study should be a wake-up call to consumers who think that soda -- even diet soda -- is not harmful to their oral health." In the study, excessive soda consumption amounted to drinking two liters of diet soda per day over a three to five year span. Dentists recommend that individuals drink more water and consume less soda. They also suggest chewing sugar-free gum or rinsing with water after drinking soda to reduce acidity levels in the mouth.

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• Soda and Illegal Drugs Cause Similar Damage to Teeth (Science Daily)