Scientists redesign virus to target specific bacteria
Zurich scientists have succeeded in “re-programming” a bacteria-killing virus to make it attack a different target instead of its usual prey.
This content was published on
1 minute
Keystone-SDA/dos
The method is still in its infancy, but could have consequences for a more targeted tackling of bacterial infections, the Swiss Federal Technology Institute ETH Zurich wrote on MondayExternal link.
Essentially, the scientists managed to manipulate the behaviour of a certain virus that survives and propagates through attacking specific bacteria cells.
By identifying the features of the “anti-Listeria” bacteriophage (a type of virus), then adapting it by adding similar but different features from other bacteriophages, the researchers made it head for a different layer of the Listeria bacteria than the one it usually attacks.
The advantage of this approach is that it allows a very precise targeting of pathogenic bacteria, ETH wrote, especially when compared to standard antibiotics. The latter are indiscriminate in attacking both good and bad bacteria.
Moreover, bacteria can build up a resistance to antibiotics over time, something that this targeted system also gets around.
Although bacteriophage therapy was used successfully in one recent case – that of an American teenager suffering from cystic fibrosis who had contracted a severe infection – the ETH scientists say that a large-scale use of the method is not going to happen soon.
Swiss justice minister hopes EU reform will reduce irregular migration
This content was published on
The European Union’s (EU) New Pact on Migration and Asylum aims to curb irregular migration within Schengen, Justice Minister Beat Jans said on Tuesday.
Swiss electricity supply outlook positive despite uncertainties
This content was published on
Thanks to well-filled gas stores in Europe and increased availability of French nuclear power, the Swiss Federal Electricity Commission is optimistic.
Finance minister wants Swiss banks to hold more equity
This content was published on
Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter has repeated calls for banks and their holdings in subsidiaries abroad to hold more equity.
Telecoms sector kept Swiss competitions regulator busy in 2023
This content was published on
Last year, the Swiss Competition Commission (COMCO) conducted 27 investigations and initiated 17 preliminary investigations.
This content was published on
Although Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) achieved higher revenue at the start of the year, it suffered a dip in profits.
40,000 signatures against animal testing in Switzerland
This content was published on
Switzerland should do away with “restrictive” animal testing and should become a model for innovative, effective, and pain-free scientific research.
More than 45,000 signatures in favour of federal funding for UNRWA
This content was published on
The Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives (FAC) is expected to decide on the funding of the UNRWA at the beginning of the week.
This content was published on
At the end of January 2024, 6,881 men and women were behind bars in Switzerland. Almost 95% of all places were occupied, the highest number since 2014.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
CHF200,000 awarded to protein synthesis pioneer
This content was published on
Nenad Ban of the federal technology institute ETH Zurich has been selected to receive the Otto Naegeli prize for his work on ribosomes.
Discovery could help counter antibiotic resistance
This content was published on
Swiss researchers have brought to light new antibiotic substances in bacteria on a still rarely explored site: the surface of a common field weed.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.