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IMAGE: The superbug Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause lung infections in people on ventilators in Intensive Care Units. view more
Credit: IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
Scientists have revealed how an antibiotic of last resort kills bacteria.
The findings, from Imperial College London and the University of Texas, may also reveal a potential way to make the antibiotic more powerful.
The antibiotic colistin has become a last resort treatment for infections caused by some of the world s nastiest superbugs. However, despite being discovered over 70 years ago, the process by which this antibiotic kills bacteria has, until now, been something of a mystery.
Scientists have revealed how an antibiotic of ‘last resort’ kills bacteria.
The findings, from Imperial College London and the University of Texas, may also reveal a potential way to make the antibiotic more powerful.
We were able to show colistin punctures both bacterial skins in the same way and this kills the superbug. Dr Andy Edwards Study author
The antibiotic colistin has become a last resort treatment for infections caused by some of the world s nastiest superbugs. However, despite being discovered over 70 years ago, the process by which this antibiotic kills bacteria has, until now, been something of a mystery.
Plasma donation at the Connaught Hospital, Freetown CREDIT: Professor Calum Semple
A high proportion of survivors of Ebola experienced a resurgence in antibody levels nearly a year after recovery.
This is the finding of a new study published in the journal Nature.
These unexpected observations in those who survive Ebola teach us about the need to follow those who survive COVID-19 in a similar way. Professor Richard Tedder Study author
The research hints that hidden reservoirs of virus, in protected sanctuary sites , could persist long after symptoms of the acute illness ease, and has implications for monitoring programmes and vaccine strategies.
Date Time
Imperial vaccine tech to target COVID mutations and booster doses
Imperial is focusing its RNA vaccine technology to target SARS-CoV-2 mutations, boosters and thermostability rather than an immediate efficacy trial.
“We want our technology to have the greatest impact. That means developing self-amplifying RNA technology to adapt to new variants, to boost other vaccines and to be deployed against future pandemic threats.” Professor Robin Shattock Imperial College London
As other COVID-19 vaccines are being licensed and rolled out, Professor Robin Shattock‘s team is working to maximise the impact of their groundbreaking self-amplifying RNA technology.
This includes developing the ability to respond rapidly if vaccine-resistant strains emerge, or the need for booster vaccines arises.
26 January 2021
Imperial is focusing its RNA vaccine technology to target SARS-CoV-2 mutations, boosters and thermostability rather than an immediate efficacy trial. We want our technology to have the greatest impact. That means developing self-amplifying RNA technology to adapt to new variants, to boost other vaccines and to be deployed against future pandemic threats. Professor Robin Shattock Imperial College London
As other COVID-19 vaccines are being licensed and rolled out, Professor Robin Shattock’s team is working to maximise the impact of their groundbreaking self-amplifying RNA technology.
This includes developing the ability to respond rapidly if vaccine-resistant strains emerge, or the need for booster vaccines arises.