Research Briefs

Superhero CBG

Canadian scientists are hopeful that a compound from cannabis plants may wipe out drugresistant bacteria. Five cannabis compounds have been screened for their antibiotic properties and cannabigerol (CBG), was particularly potent at killing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), one of the most common hospital superbugs. The Guardian reported that CBG, which is not psychoactive, killed common MRSA microbes and ‘persister’ cells that are especially resistant to antibiotics and that often drive repeat infections. The compound also cleared up hard-to-shift biofilms of MRSA that can form on the skin and on medical implants. The study is under review at the ACS Infectious Diseases journal.

In the worm hole

Lifespan extension is a topic we covered in the November edition, with a particular focus on gene-editing in mitochondria. Researchers have since identified two major pathways that modulate aging in C. elegans, a type of nematode worm frequently used in research on ageing as they have short lifespans of around three to four weeks and share many of their genes with humans. By identifying and manipulating the synergistic cellular pathways which are responsible for longevity of the worms the researchers were able to extend their lifespans. The equivalent lifespan extension for humans would be around 400-500 years.

Shine a light Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are putting a new range of polymer devices to the test. Not to see how well they stand up, but if they can in fact break down inside the body with the introduction of LED light. Instead of surgical removal, researchers are finding that devices made form hydrogel break up when an LED light is inserted. The team say the approach could be extended to a broader range of medical equipment, as well as offering a new approach to delivering drugs to the right location at the right time. Writing in the journal Science Advances, researchers report how they applied their study to gastric balloons, which are removed after six months with an endoscope. Rather than fill the balloon with fluid, the porous shell was filled with a material that rapidly inflates when wet, and sealed it with a pin made from specially designed light-responsive hydrogel. An hour after inserting the gastric balloons into the stomach of three pigs and checking they had inflated, the team passed an endoscope bearing an LED and shone light onto the hydrogel pin for 30 minutes. Six hours after the balloon was inserted, scans showed it had reduced to almost 70% of its original inflated size, suggesting the pin had broken down and the balloon’s contents released.

Silver for Golden Oldies The RACGP’s updated clinical guidelines for the care of older people for the first time covering issues such as elder abuse and concerns in the care of older marginalised groups. College president Dr Harry Nespolan said the RACGP aged care clinical guide (Silver Book) Part B, had been significantly expanded in scope. Dr Nespolan said it was a vital document for the profession. “Statistics show that already, more than one in three GP-patient encounters are with people aged over 65 years, and the proportion of people aged over 65 will more than double in the near future,” he said. Dr Mortin Rawlin chaired the Silver Book review said the Royal Commission into Aged Care and Quality Safety highlighted the issues in aged care and unique concerns of marginalised group. Things needed to change. “There is a huge opportunity for GPs to make a difference – they have a central role to play in creating a more inclusive environment for all, and in doing so promoting health and wellbeing for everyone in our community.”

Read this story on mforum.com.au Fidelity of translation initiation is required for coordinated respiratory complex assembly A discovery from researchers at the University of WA, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and Curtin University have discovered how gene regulation in mitochondria could assist in identifying targets for drug treatments in energy-based morbidities such as cardiovascular disease. Pictured: PhD students Danielle Rudler and Laetitia Hughes who are working on the gene regulation study

Bile acid bio-nanoencapsulation improved drug targeted-delivery and pharmacological effects via cellular flux: 6-months diabetes preclinical study Researchers from Curtin University have created miniscule capsules with bio-nanotechnologies, filled them with bile acids and a lipid-reducing drug to target the liver and pancreas which can reduce the inflammatory effects of type two diabetes.

Decreased Physical Working Capacity in Adolescents With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Associates With Reduced Iron Availability Edith Cowan University researchers have found a correlation between individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and functional iron deficiency. The researchers suggest the iron deficiency could lead to people with NAFLD being physiologically incapable of exercising.

T cell receptor cross-reactivity between gliadin and bacterial peptides in celiac disease An international team of scientists in conjunction with Monash University and and the Australian Research Council have identified a link between gluten proteins and proteins found in some bacteria as a potential environmental risk factor in the development of coeliac disease, suggesting the immune response is the same for bacterial or gluten proteins as they are indistinguishable.

Complaints can be made against your medical practice too

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