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Genes and Ancient Remedies May Help Fight Antibiotic Resistance
szczys writes: We've been hearing about it for years; bacteria are developing resistance to antibiotics and evolving into what are called superbugs. Some forecast the end of our ability to combat infection, but humanity has a knack for making breakthroughs that carry everyone forward. Dan Maloney looked at what is being done to combat antibiotic-resistance and the answer combines new technology with old remedies. It turns out that there are many ancient cures that successfully combat infections (video); they're just mixed in among a lot of cruft. More modern efforts focus on attacking bacteria on the genetic level which is a research area just getting itself up to speed now.
This is a good example of why all forms of information should be retained and studied.
We have history going back ever further. Who know what might be found in ancient maths, astronomy, cooking, animal husbandry or whatever.
What other useful things might be pulled out when the right to people sit down together in the cafeteria. It is the best of blue sky thinking and a great reason to keep those non STEM subjects going.
Lets see about stopping the destruction of ancient history in Syria. Maybe we can find again how to make Damascus steel. (Something to keep the conservatives feeling positive there.)
I'll see your Constitution and raise you a Queen.
The ancient cure was covered here on /. about six months ago; it's a poison so of course it kills bacteria (among other things).
Regarding the genetic research, it is indeed a major area of diagnosis and treatment. At this point it's mostly diagnosis - if you can identify the resistance genes a bacteria has you can select the appropriate antibiotic much sooner.