Bad new bacteria

Article Abstract:

Group A streptococcus which causes strep throat, impetigo (skin lesions), and scarlet and rheumatic fever in children is now causing toxic shock-like syndrome (TSLS), an acute and fatal disease in adults. The first signs of TSLS are a mild skin infection and sore throat and cough, which progress rapidly into high fever, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of blood circulation. Some experts think that the bacteria is once again producing the toxin that causes scarlet fever, but in a more severe form. Since the 1940s, the group A strep has not produced the toxin. Other scientists think that the bacteria are producing a new toxin or a mutated form of an old toxin. The molecular mechanisms of the disease are not understood, but it is known that the action of many different genes is required, which take place at different times during the infection. Some of the genes that control the expression of other genes have been identified, but it is still not known how these other genes work to cause disease. When evaluating bacterial diseases, the changes that humans have made should also be taken into consideration. For example, bacteria are becoming more resistant to antibiotics. This is because of the widespread use of antibiotics, for both human use and in animal feed. Bacteria which normally live inside of a person's body can acquire and carry the genes which confer resistance to antibiotics. These genes can then be transferred to disease-causing organisms. Other bacteria are developing different mechanisms to survive against antibiotics. Bacteria and their hosts have interacted throughout evolution. Antibiotics have only been used for a little more than 40 years. An evolutionary response to antibiotics would be expected. Resistance to antibiotics is becoming a major medical problem. Research must be conducted to find new antibiotics and ways to dismantle the genes that cause the disease without killing the bacteria. The later would be difficult to achieve as it would require a complete understanding of the disease process. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Usage, Evaluation, Antibiotics, Causes of, Drug resistance in microorganisms, Microbial drug resistance, Streptococcus, Bacteria, Bacterial genetics, Microorganisms, Microbial mutation

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Is chocolate a vegetable?

Article Abstract:

Researchers have discovered that chocolate contains flavonoids, the same antioxidants found in red wine. Although most chocolate is too high in fat and empty calories to be a health food, hot chocolate made with 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder contains as much flavonoids as 75% of a glass of red wine.

Health aspects, Flavonoids, Chocolate

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Informed choices

Article Abstract:

The Nobel prize awards for 2000 are examined, showing the benefits from the work of winners of the prizes.

2000 AD, Nobel laureates, Nobel prizes

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