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Your quick rundown of the health news that’s fascinating the world today.
Antibiotic resistance breakthrough
Antibiotic resistance is a global health threat that could have some very serious consequences. Experts warn that within two decades, risk of infection could make even the most routine surgeries, like hip replacements, life-threatening. Before antibiotics, childbirth, pneumonia and basic skin infections were often deadly, while ear infections and sore throats could be followed by deafness and heart failure. So we can only imagine what bacteria’s increasing resistance to antibiotics could mean for the world’s health (you can read more here).
However, English scientists claim they have made a breakthrough that could stop one of the three major groups of bacteria from developing that resistance. The researchers have discovered how the bug that causes E.coli and salmonella builds a membrane that defends against attacks from the human immune system and medication. They believe that within a few years, a drug can be developed to specifically target the molecules within this barrier, thus exposing the bacteria cell inside. (Read more at The Independent.)
Scientists discover birth protein
A group of Australian researchers appear to have discovered the process that causes a pregnant body to go into labour.
According to a study published today in the journal Nature Communications, the body produces a protein in the lead-up to childbirth that “switches on” the uterus’ ability to contract. This discovery could lead to the development of medication to induce labour in overweight or obese women, as their bodies don’t produce enough of the protein molecule to spark this natural chain reaction. For this reason, these expectant mothers don’t respond as well to current methods of induction, and often require caesarian sections.
