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News18
an hour ago
- Health
- News18
How ancient viruses could help fight antibiotic resistance
Southampton (UK), Jul 29 (The Conversation) If bacteria had a list of things to fear, phages would be at the top. These viruses are built to find, infect and kill them – and they have been doing it for billions of years. Now that ancient battle is offering clues for how we might fight back against antibiotic-resistant infections. As more bacteria evolve to withstand our antibiotics, previously treatable infections are becoming harder – and in some cases, impossible – to cure. This crisis, known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), already causes over a million deaths a year globally, and the number is rising fast. The World Health Organization has named AMR one of the top ten global public health threats. Phage therapy – the use of phages to treat bacterial infections – is gaining attention as a potential solution. Phages are highly specific, capable of targeting even drug-resistant strains. In some compassionate-use cases in the UK, they have cleared infections where every antibiotic had failed. But phages still face a challenge that is often overlooked: the bacteria themselves. Bacteria have evolved sophisticated systems to detect and destroy phages. These defences are diverse: some cut up viral DNA, others block entry, and a few launch a kind of intracellular shutdown to prevent viral takeover. In a new study published in Cell, my colleagues and I describe a system that works differently, called Kiwa. It acts like a sensor embedded in the bacterial membrane, detecting early signs of attack. Exactly what Kiwa is sensing remains an open question, but our findings suggest it responds to the mechanical stress that occurs when a phage latches on to the cell and injects its DNA. Once triggered, Kiwa acts fast. It shuts down the phage's ability to make the components it needs to build new phages, stopping the infection before it can take over the cell. But just as bacteria evolve ways to defend themselves, phages evolve ways to fight back. In our latest experiments, we saw two strategies in play. Some phages developed small mutations in the proteins they use to attach to the bacterial surface – subtle changes that helped them avoid triggering Kiwa's detection system. Others took a different approach: they allowed themselves to be detected, but escaped the consequences. These phages carried mutations in a viral protein that seems to be involved in how Kiwa shuts down the infection. We don't yet know exactly how this works, but the result is clear: with just a few changes, the virus keeps replicating, even after Kiwa has been activated. This evolutionary flexibility is part of what makes phages so powerful, and why they hold such promise in treating infections. But it also highlights a key challenge: to make phage therapy effective, we need to understand how these microbial battles play out. Rules of engagement If a bacterial strain carries a defence like Kiwa, not all phages will succeed against it. Some might be blocked entirely. But others, with just the right mutations, might slip through. That means choosing or engineering the right phage for the job is not just a matter of trial and error – it is a matter of knowing the rules of engagement. Studying bacterial defence systems like Kiwa gives us a deeper understanding of those rules. It helps explain why some phages fail, why others succeed, and how we might design better phage therapies in the future. In time, we may be able to predict which bacterial defences a given strain carries, and select phages that are naturally equipped – or artificially tuned – to overcome them. That is the idea behind our growing phage collection project. We are gathering phages from across the UK and beyond, including from public submissions – dirty water is often a goldmine – and testing them to see which ones can overcome the defences carried by dangerous bacteria. With over 600 types already catalogued, we are building a resource that could help guide future phage therapy, pairing the right phage with the right infection. Kiwa is just one piece of the puzzle. Bacteria encode many such defence systems, each adding a layer of complexity – and opportunity – to this microbial arms race. Some detect viral DNA directly, others sense damage or stress, and some even coordinate responses with neighbouring cells. The more we learn, the more precisely we can intervene. This is not a new war. Bacteria and phages have been locked in it for billions of years. But for the first time, we are starting to listen in. And if we learn how to navigate the strategies they have evolved, we might find new ways to treat the infections our antibiotics can no longer handle. (The Conversation) NSA NSA First Published: July 29, 2025, 10:00 IST News agency-feeds How ancient viruses could help fight antibiotic resistance Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New York Post
a day ago
- Health
- New York Post
Breakthrough as two FDA-approved drugs are found to reverse Alzheimer's — including restoring memory
In a stunning scientific discovery, researchers have found that a pair of drugs can not only slow down Alzheimer's disease but actually reverse it and restore memory in mice. And the best part of all? Both are already FDA-approved — albeit for cancer. Researchers first pinpointed how Alzheimer's disease scrambles gene activity in individual brain cells. 3 Researchers have found that a pair of drugs can not only slow down Alzheimer's disease but actually reverse it and restore memory in mice. Pixel-Shot – Using the Connectivity Map database of 1,300 FDA‑approved drugs, the researchers looked for medications that reverse Alzheimer's‑associated gene expression — landing on a shortlist of five, and zeroing in on two cancer drugs. In what one researcher called a 'mock clinical trial,' they then mined 1.4 million patients' medical records, finding that those who had taken letrozole or irinotecan for cancer were significantly less likely to develop Alzheimer's. When given together in an aggressive Alzheimer's mouse model, letrozole — used to treat certain types of breast cancer in postmenopausal women — and irinotecan — an anti-cancer medication used to treat colon cancer and small cell lung cancer — reversed disease‑related gene expression signatures, dissolved toxic tau protein clumps and prevented brain degeneration. Most importantly, they restored memory and learning in mice that had already developed severe symptoms. It's an exciting development for an illness that's notoriously tricky. 3 Letrozole — used to treat certain types of breast cancer in postmenopausal women — and irinotecan — an anti-cancer medication used to treat colon cancer and small cell lung cancer — reversed disease‑related gene expression signatures, dissolved toxic tau protein clumps and prevented brain degeneration. Eric Hood – 'Alzheimer's disease comes with complex changes to the brain, which has made it tough to study and treat, but our computational tools opened up the possibility of tackling the complexity directly,' Marina Sirota, the interim director of the UCSF Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, said in a statement. 'We're excited that our computational approach led us to a potential combination therapy for Alzheimer's based on existing FDA-approved medications.' 'Alzheimer's is likely the result of numerous alterations in many genes and proteins that, together, disrupt brain health,' said Yadong Huang, a professor of neurology and pathology at UCSF. 'This makes it very challenging for drug development — which traditionally produces one drug for a single gene or protein that drives disease.' 3 'Alzheimer's is likely the result of numerous alterations in many genes and proteins that, together, disrupt brain health,' said Yadong Huang, a professor of neurology and pathology at UCSF. yurakrasil – The findings were published in the journal Cell. Both drugs are already FDA‑approved for other uses, which could dramatically speed up the path to human trials. However, because they are cancer drugs, repurposing them may be complex and risky. This finding adds to a growing number of potential Alzheimer's treatments. A compound found in rosemary and sage — carnosic acid — has been shown to reverse memory loss and reduce brain inflammation in mice with Alzheimer's, bringing their cognitive function back to near-normal levels. A study from Stanford Medicine found that seniors who received the shingles vaccine were 20% less likely to develop dementia over seven years. And researchers at Penn State and Stanford University discovered that a certain cancer drug could restore memory and brain function in early stage Alzheimer's models.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- The Hindu
Man held with firearm and bullets at Nagpur airport
In a major security lapse at the Nagpur international airport, a man allegedly managed to carry a country-made pistol and bullets in his luggage, leading to his arrest, police said on Saturday (July 26, 2025). The accused, identified as Anil Shrikrishna Porad, is the president of the Tribal Cell of a political party. He is a resident of Yavatmal in eastern Maharashtra, a police official said. Mr. Porad reached the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport to board a flight to Delhi around 9 pm on Friday. 'During the scanning of his luggage, CISF personnel spotted a suspicious object. When they opened the bag, they found a desi katta (country-made firearm) and two live bullets inside', the official said. Airport authorities immediately alerted the Sonegaon police station, and a team of police personnel was dispatched to the scene. 'During questioning by police, Poram failed to explain why he was carrying a firearm. He was taken to the police station and arrested under provisions of the Arms Act,' the police official added. Further investigation is underway to understand Poram's motive and how he managed to bring the firearm to the airport despite strict security rules, he said.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Indian Express
Delhi Police arrest 2 interstate ATM robbers after tracking them for 6 months
The Delhi Police Special Cell Thursday night arrested two interstate ATM robbers from Haryana's Mewat after a brief exchange of fire near the Jaitpur-Kalindi Kunj Pusta road. According to the police, Sazid and Adil were wanted in multiple cases of ATM break-ins and arms trafficking across several states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, and West Bengal. Acting on a tip-off, the Special Cell team laid a trap following six months of surveillance and groundwork. At around 10 pm, the suspects were spotted riding a motorcycle to Madanpur Khadar. When flagged down by the police, the suspects allegedly attempted to flee and opened fire on the police. The police team returned fire, allegedly in self-defence, leading to the motorcycle skidding and both accused falling. Despite warnings to surrender, the suspects again opened fire and were overpowered after a second round of exchange, said the police. The police recovered two semi-automatic bore pistols with ammunition, along with the stolen motorcycle and Rs 48,500 in cash, which was identified as the amount recently looted from an ATM break-in in Siliguri in West Bengal on the night of July 22-23, said the police. The police revealed that they had been tracking the duo ever since the Special Cell had arrested another Mewat-based criminal named Jamshed. According to the police, Jamshed was responsible for killing a Head Constable in 2012. During his interrogation, Jamshed had allegedly disclosed that he had bought the gun that killed H C Yashpal from Sazid and revealed that Sazid and his associates were involved and wanted in multiple ATM robberies of different states. 'It was learnt that Sazid, along with his Mewat-based associates, used to go to different states by truck. They carry the tools including a cylinder for cutting the ATM in the truck. Upon reaching their target destination, they would steal a vehicle to commit an ATM robbery and conduct a reconnaissance of the area to identify an unguarded ATM kiosk. After robbery, they would abandon the vehicle and then disperse and return to their base by different modes or routes,' said Amit Kaushik, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Cell. Sazid, 23, a resident of Nangla Utawad in Mathura, had previously been arrested by the police in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Punjab for ATM-related crimes. After his name surfaced during an ATM robbery probe in Mathura, he shifted base to Nuh to evade arrest, said the police. He is currently wanted in ATM robbery cases in at least five states. His accomplice, Adil, 27, hailing from Azizabad in Palwal, Haryana, was also allegedly involved in ATM loot cases. He is wanted in connection with an ATM robbery in Gujarat in 2024, said the police.
News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Man held with firearm and bullets at Nagpur airport
Agency: PTI Last Updated: Nagpur, July 26 (PTI) In a major security lapse at the Nagpur international airport, a man allegedly managed to carry a country-made pistol and bullets in his luggage, leading to his arrest, police said on Saturday. The accused, identified as Anil Shrikrishna Porad, is the president of the Tribal Cell of a political party. He is a resident of Yavatmal in eastern Maharashtra, a police official said. Porad reached the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport to board a flight to Delhi around 9 pm on Friday. 'During scanning of his luggage, CISF personnel spotted a suspicious object. When they opened the bag, they found a desi katta (country-made firearm) and two live bullets inside," the official said. Airport authorities immediately alerted the Sonegaon police station, and a team of police personnel was dispatched to the scene. 'During questioning by police, Poram failed to explain why he was carrying a firearm. He was taken to the police station and arrested under provisions of the Arms Act," the police official added. Further investigation is underway to understand Poram's motive and how he managed to bring the firearm to the airport despite strict security rules, he said. PTI COR NSK First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
