Microbiology
The dawn of the cyborg bacteria is here
It might be, but at a tiny level: Scientists at UPenn are working on using bacteria to control small synthetic structures, hoping to one day use them to deliver highly targeted doses of medicine. And don’t worry about the apocalypse: They still can’t defeat a bottle of bleach.
Scientists have engineered a bacteria with a genetic ‘kill switch’
“This device will self-destruct in 10 seconds: 10…9…8…7…” How many times have you seen that in an action or sci-fi thriller? Can you imagine that scenario involving bacteria? If not, it may be time to start: genetic engineers have created strains of bacteria designed to die on their own in the absence of a synthetic compound that does not exist anywhere in nature.
Ebola is creating a new epidemic of untreated illness and injury
The Ebola outbreak in West Africa is slowing in some areas, but the crisis is far from over. And the virus’ grip on the medical system in countries like Liberia means that people with other diseases or injuries often go without medical help.
