This study describes the identification of an antibiotic class acting via LpxH, involved in lipopolysaccharide synthesis having potent in vivo efficacy against bloodstream infections caused by the critical Gram-negative pathogens E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Further development of this class of antibiotics could make an important contribution to the ongoing struggle against antibiotic resistance.

https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2317274121 (open access)

This study attempts to identify the “protective” genetic factors that can modify or reduce the effect of APOEε4 on Alzheimer’s disease risk and to identify new pathogenic mechanisms, proteins, and pathways that inform development of therapeutic targets and diagnostics.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00401-024-02721-1 (open access).

Brief anger can temporarily impair blood vessel function, potentially heightening heart disease and stroke risks, finds new study in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

Scientists have created an infant ‘chimeric’ monkey by injecting a monkey embryo with stem cells from a genetically distinct donor embryo. The resulting animal is the first live-born chimeric primate to have a high proportion of cells originating from donor stem cells. However, the monkey had to be euthanized when it was only ten days old, due to health issues, thereby raising ethical concerns. DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.10.005

Chinese Scientists have introduced an innovative, green alternative to nylon and Kevlar

Taking a look at how the use of solar energy has evolved, from ancient civilizations leveraging passive sunlight to modern photovoltaic milestones.

Astronomers have been closely monitoring Bennu, which swings close to Earth every six years. However, the real cause for concern arises from the possibility that on September 24, 2182, Bennu could collide with our planet with a force equivalent to 22 atomic bombs. While the odds of such a catastrophic strike are estimated at 1 in 2,700, NASA is not taking any chances.

The newly discovered letter, written by a German Jesuit to Pope Pius XII’s personal secretary, suggests that the pope knew of Hitler’s atrocities but chose to remain silent.

The nations are taking bold steps in the espionage shadow war to try to collect intelligence on leadership thinking and military capabilities.

Feline thief Gingee, a four-year-old Maine Coon, has been ransacking nearby homes in Buckley, Flintshire.

The most startling moment for owners Jay Phoenix, 43 and Mathew Westlake-Toms, 31, was when Gingee delivered a stolen knife to their bedroom at night.

The concrete dome of the Pantheon in Rome remains stable enough for visitors to walk beneath, and some Roman harbours have underwater concrete elements that have not been repaired for two millennia – even though they are in regions often shaken by earthquakes.

Whence this remarkable resilience of Roman concrete architecture? It’s all down to the chemistry.