MI weekly selection #55
Vaccine to protect against staph infections in rabbits
Researchers have created a vaccine that has the potential to prevent pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in an animal model. The vaccine targets toxins secreted by the staph bacteria, preventing it from causing serious infections. Results may explain why human trials have failed.
Earlier brain connectivity may explain why girls mature faster than boys.
Between ages 4 to 40, the brain prunes connectivity, but maintains long-distance connections that are vital for integration of information. Brain scans of 121 healthy people showed that preservation of long-distance brain connections occurred at an earlier age in girls compared with boys, possibly explaining why they tend to mature faster.
First longer-term artificial heart is implanted
Surgeons have successfully implanted an artificial heart into a 75-year-old French man that could extend his life by up to five years. The artificial organ is made of special biomaterials designed to reduce rejection and is powered by lithium batteries that can be worn externally.
Some ant species use antimicrobial secretions to sanitize
The Brazilian leaf-cutting ant and the Southeast Asian weaver ant have developed a way to sanitize themselves, their families and nesting materials with antimicrobial secretions.
Feathers were the exception rather than the rule for dinosaurs
Survey of dinosaur family tree finds that most had scaly skin like reptiles.