Overcoming Antibiotic Resistance to Tetracycline in Staphylococcus aureus by Gold and Silver Nanoparticles - Cytology and Genetics
Abstract The use of tetracyclines in medicine, veterinary medicine, and stock raising has led to the spread of bacterial resistance to tetracycline, particularly among dangerous representatives of Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, the analysis of resistance to tetracycline and the creation of approaches to overcome it are extremely relevant. Studies of 64 clinical isolates of S. aureus, which were characterized by moderate biofilm formation, showed that 33 of them contained plasmid DNA. A significant spread (in 96% of studied isolates) of the known transmissible tetracycline resistance genes tet(K) and tet(M) was shown in the examined plasmid-containing doxycycline-resistant clinical isolates of S. aureus. Plasmid-containing doxycycline-resistant clinical isolates with tet(K) and tet(M) genes lost resistance to the tetracycline antibiotic doxycycline after treatment of their cells with gold nanoparticles of 30 nm in a concentration of 3.2–9.6 μg/mL or medium-sized silver of 30 nm in a concentration of 20–40 μg/mL. Elimination of tet genes responsible for acquired resistance was confirmed by PCR.
New Gel Could Neutralize Alcohol's Effects Before a Hangover Hits
A gel made from milk proteins and gold nanoparticles may prove the ultimate hangover cure – by preventing the dreaded alcoholic aftermath from even occurring in the first place.
Study describes the melting of gold nanoparticles in gold-bearing fluids in the Earth's crust
Gold is a precious metal that has always fascinated humans. From Priam's Treasure to the legend of El Dorado, gold—regarded as the noblest of metals—has been a symbol of splendor and wealth in many civilizations. Historically, gold deposits were known to form when metal was transported dissolved by hot aqueous solution flows, or hydrothermal fluids, until it accumulated in some areas in the Earth's upper crust. The recent discovery of gold nanoparticles in such mineral deposits has brought some doubts on the validity of the classical model.
New imaging method enables pollution monitoring through precise detection of gold nanoparticles in woodlice
The woodlouse goes by many names: roly-poly, pill bug, potato bug, tomato bug, butchy boy, cheesy bob and chiggy pig, to name just a few. It is best known for contracting into a ball when agitated. This crustacean (yes, it's a crustacean, not an insect) thrives in heavily metal-contaminated areas due to its specialized digestive organ, called a hepatopancreas, that stores and expels unwanted metals.
Cytology and Genetics
Matt Willemsen
Phys.org
rixty