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Individual Bacterial Cells Are Capable Of Quorum Sensing When Confined In Small Volumes
Infections of wounds, pneumonia, etc. in hospitals in particular are often caused by bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Once they reach a certain density, colonies of Pseudomonas aeruginosa produce virulence factors and can enter into a slimy state, a biofilm, which prevents antibiotics from penetrating. The process of quorum sensing, which cells use to "sense" cell density, is triggered when the concentration of certain signaling compounds generated by the bacteria reaches a threshold level. A team working with Rustem F. Ismagilov at the University of Chicago has now demonstrated that the absolute number of cells is irrelevant; only the number of bacteria in a given volume plays a role. As the researchers report in the journal Angewandte Chemie, they were even able to trigger quorum-sensing processes in single cells when these were confined in extremely small volumes.

Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland Urges Young Men In Argyll & Bute To Test For Chlamydia And Gonorrhoea
A new campaign has just been launched encouraging young men in Argyll & Bute aged 16 - 24 to get tested for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. The scheme, run by Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland and funded by NHS Highland, aims to reduce undiagnosed sexually transmitted infections (STIs) amongst young men because research suggests they are much less likely to get checked out.
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Questions Over The Gates Foundation's Allocation Of Funds-To Whom Do They Answer?
A paper in this week"s Lancet raises questions about the transparency, accountability and governance of the Gates Foundation (GF). This Health Policy paper is written by Dr David McCoy, Centre for International Development, UCL (University College London), UK, and colleagues. An Editorial and Comment accompany the piece.
Nutrition

Experts On Modeling Infectious Disease Spread

Scientists involved in the National Institutes of Health"s Models of Infectious Disease Agent Study (MIDAS) are developing computational tools to study the emergence, spread and containment of contagious outbreaks, including H1N1. The MIDAS researchers are currently applying their earlier work on modeling pandemic flu to understand the origin, infectiousness and likely spread of the 2009 H1N1 virus. They also are simulating the spread of MRSA, drug resistance and seasonal infectious diseases. Their efforts will help advance the field of disease modeling by improving techniques and incorporating knowledge about human behavior. While models can"t forecast exactly what will happen, they do let researchers, health officials and policymakers evaluate different possible intervention strategies, aiding the development and implementation of control measures both before and during an outbreak. NIGMS


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