Anti-antibiotic-resistance

A recent experiment has shown promise with understanding and controlling the mechanisms behind developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Many patients and doctors are concerned with the idea of bacteria developing resistance to antibiotics; a new drug which could prevent bacteria from ever preventing resistance to antibiotics would vastly decrease the risk of patients developing bacterial infections to a life threatening level.

Since the 1970’s, scientists have been aware of a practice, known as the SOS response, in bacteria. The bacteria utilize mutations, which are usually associated as a form of malfunction of DNA replication, as a method of self-preservation. A molecular biologist by the name of Floyd E. Romesberg fronted a team of scientist in an experiment to further our understanding of the SOS response in bacteria. After discovering the mechanisms employed by bacteria to develop resistance, Romesberg saw the opportunity to develop a pharmaceutical drug which could increase the efficiency of antibiotics. Romesberg, at his laboratory at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California, leads a group of scientists advancing our knowledge of this subject, as well as studying other ideas concerning evolution. 41190052.