The terms ‘flesh-eating bacteria’ and ‘good news’ do not normally go together, but a group of researchers from the University of Oxford believe they have engineered a protein from flesh-eating bacteria that acts as a molecular ‘superglue’ and could be used to help detect cancer cells.
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E-break Time
Breakthrough offers hope in breast cancer fight
Monday 22 August 2011
A naturally occurring molecule in bacteria can block the development of breast cancer, scientists have discovered, paving the way for the design of more potent and selective drugs.
Oldest known fossils prove life began more than 3.4bn years ago
Monday 22 August 2011
The fossilised remains of the oldest known lifeforms on Earth have been discovered in samples of rock collected near a remote watering hole in the middle of the Australian Outback.
And you thought it was just fluff? New bacteria found in belly-buttons
Friday 08 July 2011
Scientists have found 1,400 strains of bacteria lurking in human belly buttons. The discovery was made during a study in which 95 volunteers allowed a team of microbiologists to gaze at their navels and take swabs from inside their belly buttons.
Germany: Sprouts did cause deadly E. coli outbreak
Friday 10 June 2011
German vegetable sprouts caused the E. coli outbreak that has killed 31 people and sickened more than 3,000, investigators announced Friday after tracking the bacteria from patients in hospital beds to restaurants and then farm fields.
E.coli: Is it safe to eat salad? And can the bacteria be passed between people?
Saturday 04 June 2011
Q&A
Bacteria link to Parkinson's
Monday 23 May 2011
A stomach bug that causes ulcers may help to trigger Parkinson's disease, research suggests.
Antibiotics that reduce gut bacteria linked to obesity
Tuesday 03 May 2011
Scientists believe that the widespread use of antibiotics may be playing a significant role in exacerbating the obesity epidemic.
'Lyme disease nearly made me come indoors,' says Ray Mears
Tuesday 12 April 2011
Survival guru highlights tick-borne diseases
The conker canker: disease fells avenue of horse chestnuts
Saturday 26 February 2011
A sad milestone in the spread of a disease mortally affecting Britain's horse chestnut trees was passed this week when one of the country's noblest horse chestnut avenues was finally cut down.
It's life, but not as the scientists of Nasa know it
Wednesday 05 January 2011
It was one of Nasa's most intriguing messages: an invitation to a briefing where it would "discuss an astrobiology finding that will impact the search for extraterrestrial life". The event held on 2 December at Nasa's headquarters in Washington led to headlines around the world, including The Independent's "Science grapples with the concept that alien life may be among us".
New superbug strain affects youing and healthy
Friday 24 December 2010
A new strain of the superbug MRSA has been detected on the Isle of Man, said health bosses.
Statins may ward off serious infections
Wednesday 17 November 2010
Cholesterol-lowering drugs have a useful side effect - killing bacteria, scientists have discovered.
Cholera may have arrived on island 'years ago' from Asia
Wednesday 17 November 2010
Medical briefing
Hard times cause hard feelings over office etiquette
Wednesday 17 November 2010
Longer hours and job insecurity are blurring the boundaries between home and office – and not everyone approves
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Pope Francis: Being an atheist is alright as long as you do good
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Man and woman arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder victim of Woolwich machete attack, named as Drummer Lee Rigby
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'Sickening, deluded and unforgivable': Horrific attack brings terror to London’s streets
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Archaeologists uncover nearly 5,000 cave paintings in Burgos, Mexico
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Woolwich attack: The EDL will seek to exploit this evil crime for their own evil ends
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