June 2017

Science Policy Challenges, Part Four: Information Overload

June 28, 2017April 9, 2021 Science Connectedinformation, research, science policy

Every week, we manage more than 23 exabytes of data. What challenges do researchers face with such an overwhelming information overload?

Biology Health

Stopping Bacteria from Stealing Our Iron

June 22, 2017April 6, 2021 Science Connectedantibiotics, antimicrobial, iron, microbiology, siderophore, spinach

Many pathogenic bacteria use “stealth siderophores” to steal iron from humans. Find out how scientists are stopping bacteria from stealing our iron. By Ada Hagan As we discussed last time, bacteria that infect the human body face a major challenge, iron, which is essential for bacterial growth, is hard to obtain from human tissues. Many pathogenic bacteria solve this problem by deploying “stealth siderophores,” which steal iron from human iron-binding proteins while evading our defenses. In the battle between humans and pathogenic bacteria, our best weapons—antibiotics—are being weakened by widespread…

Biology Health

Komodo Dragon Blood Inspires Alternative Antibiotic

June 20, 2017June 20, 2017 Science Connectedantimicrobial

By Katherine Lindemann In light of growing concerns about antibiotic resistance, the search is on for alternatives to existing antibiotics. Peptides, small protein-like molecules that sometimes have antimicrobial properties, are one promising avenue. In a new study, researchers modeled a synthetic peptide after one that occurs naturally in the blood of Komodo dragons, protecting the reptiles from infection. They found that it helped heal infected wounds in mice. The peptide, called DRGN-1, works by increasing the permeability of bacterial membranes. It also promotes the migration of skin cells to the…

Biology Health

Spinach and Siderophores: The Bacterial Battle for Iron

June 15, 2017April 16, 2021 Science Connectedbiology, iron, microbiology, siderophore, spinach

Human cells need iron, and so does bacteria. Bacteria make siderophores, scavenger molecules that leave the cell to poach iron from hosts.

Biology Get to Know a Scientist New Technologies

Flow Cytometry: Going with the Flow

June 13, 2017April 5, 2021 Science Connectedbiochemistry, flow cytometry

By Cathy Seiler Sara Bowen, PhD, is a biochemist with what can only be described as a giddy excitement for her job. She runs the flow cytometry facility at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Barrow Neurological Institute in Arizona, and she positively lights up when talking about “flow” and her lasers. An analogy to understand flow cytometry is to think about a stream filled with lots of different fish: big fish and small fish, black fish and white fish. To better understand the characteristics of the fish in the stream, you…