By sciencebase, Section News Posted on Tue Aug 22, 2006 at 12:09:08 AM PST
Bacterial nano engineers, a cholesterol-raising acne drug, and a fast-acting anthrax detector caught my eye this week. Follow the leads to find out more about these discoveries...
Bacteria turn to nanoengineering
German scientists have used bacteria's survival skills to produce solid nanoclusters from the precious metal palladium. The tiny Pd bullets have enhanced catalytic powers over conventional Pd particles. Read on...
Acne drug raises cholesterol concerns
US researchers have found that people taking a particular acne medication had higher cholesterol levels than previously thought, although the condition is reversible. Teenagers and adults taking the drug isoretinoin (Acutane), had elevated total cholesterol, according to a study. However, the drug is so effective and can improve life quality so much that the researchers say this issue is not a cause for concern until clinical outcomes are assessed more thoroughly. Read on...
Anthrax detector
Once inhaled, spores of Bacillus anthracis almost always kill, unless victims are treated within a day or two, so a quick response is essential. Researchers in Switzerland have now developed a detector for anthrax spores based on a monoclonal antibody that recognizes a specific sugar on the bacterium and sounds the alarm. Read on...