NEW CLASS OF ANTIBIOTICS CALLS FOR NEW ECONOMIC MODEL.

Acinetobacter baumannii, a resilient bacterium causing various infections and known for its antibiotic resistance, poses a significant global health threat, recognized by the World Health Organization. It thrives in harsh environments like hospitals, contributing to over a million annual deaths due to antibiotic-resistant microbes. Recent studies have identified new drug candidates, including zosurabalpin, showing promise in combating resistant A. baumannii strains, with one compound advancing to clinical trials. However, the development of new antibiotics faces scientific and economic challenges, including high costs and limited commercial returns due to cautious usage policies. Health economists suggest combining ‘push’ (government funding for research) and ‘pull’ (purchase guarantees) incentives to encourage antimicrobial drug development. Initiatives like the UK’s fixed annual payment model for drug companies, based on a drug’s healthcare value, are being considered globally to make the market for these drugs viable. The upcoming UN General Assembly on antimicrobial resistance is an opportunity for global action, emphasizing the urgent need for strategic funding and implementation of these new treatments. (Nature)

RISKY BUSINESS.

A recent study in Science Advances analyzed DNA data from 450,000 people in the UK, finding genetic differences between bisexual behavior and exclusive homosexuality. This study links bisexual behavior in men to risk-taking tendencies and explains their relatively higher number of offspring compared to exclusively homosexual men. This suggests a possible evolutionary reason for the persistence of these genes. The findings have sparked debate. Some scientists value the insights, while others criticize the methodology or express concern about stigmatizing sexual minorities. Critics also point out that the study’s reliance on self-reported sexual history may not fully capture sexual identity. Concerns were raised about potential misuse of the findings to perpetuate negative stereotypes about bisexual people. The researchers, acknowledging the sensitivity of their work, engaged with the LGBTQ+ community to refine their approach and clarify that their research is not meant to justify discrimination. They argue for more research into the biological aspects of sexuality without moral judgement. (Science)

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EGYPT TOOK ON HEP C AND WON.

In October, the WHO lauded Egypt for being on track to end its hepatitis C epidemic by 2030, a remarkable turnaround given its status a decade ago as the country with the highest hepatitis C rates. Egypt’s transformation followed a monumental health campaign from 2014 to 2020, where 50 million were screened and over 4 million treated. The campaign’s success, attributed to political will and extensive healthcare mobilization, now positions Egypt to aid other nations, especially in Africa, with similar challenges. Egypt’s hepatitis C crisis originated from a previous health campaign using shared syringes, inadvertently spreading the virus. A significant breakthrough came with an affordable oral antiviral drug, leading to widespread treatment and infection rate reduction. Egypt’s model, marked by a 98% recovery rate, showcases a successful approach to public health crises. The country is extending support to African nations, sharing expertise and resources to combat hepatitis C globally. (El Pais)

AVOID HEAVY EXERCISE WITH LONG COVID.

Researchers have uncovered biological causes for the prolonged fatigue, unwellness, and pain experienced by long Covid patients after exercise. Published in Nature Communications, the study compared 25 long Covid patients with 21 recovered individuals. Participants, previously fit and of working age, underwent a 10-15 minute exercise bike test, with blood samples and muscle biopsies taken before and after the exercise. The study found that long Covid patients had lower exercise capacity and more white fibers in muscles, which have fewer mitochondria and capillaries, leading to reduced power production. Post-exercise, these patients showed worsened mitochondrial function, significant muscle damage, and repair attempts, explaining the muscle pain and fatigue they experience. The presence of microclots and amyloid protein clumps in muscles was observed, though they weren’t blocking blood vessels. The findings suggest intense exercise might be harmful for long Covid sufferers, worsening their symptoms. While mitochondrial dysfunction appears to be a key factor in post-exercise fatigue, other aspects like persistent inflammation may also contribute. The study emphasizes exploring treatments to improve mitochondrial health in long Covid management. (The Guardian)

FALLEN BIRD.

John, working for Bird Global in California, manages 250 electric scooters. His role involves recovering stolen or damaged scooters, essential for maintaining his income and meeting Bird’s strict productivity scores. This demanding task often requires confronting thieves and repairing scooters. Bird, once a thriving micromobility company valued at over $2 billion, faced financial difficulties during the pandemic, leading to a significant reduction in share value and potential bankruptcy. The company responded by intensifying demands on fleet managers like John, altering contracts to reduce their earnings. The job’s risks and pressures are high, with some managers even carrying guns for protection. Bird’s strategy to mitigate financial struggles included replacing the fleet manager program in some areas, further impacting contractors’ livelihoods. This situation reflects the challenges within the gig economy, where workers like John invest heavily in their roles but face instability and lack control over their working conditions, often feeling expendable in the face of corporate cost-cutting. (Wired)

STUNNING VISUALS OF JUNO.

NASA’s Juno spacecraft recently achieved a close flyby of Jupiter’s moon Io, the closest approach in over 20 years, at about 930 miles from its surface. Juno captured six images of Io, the most volcanically active body in our solar system, using its JunoCam. This flyby, part of Juno’s mission to study Jupiter since its 2011 launch, aims to deepen our understanding of Io’s volcanic activity and its relation to Jupiter’s magnetosphere. Juno, equipped with various scientific instruments including high-resolution and infrared cameras, will continue to explore Io’s volcanic features, influenced by Jupiter’s gravity and that of nearby moons. After shortening its orbit around Jupiter, Juno is scheduled for another close approach to Io in February. The spacecraft’s mission is set to end in September 2025, following which NASA’s Europa Clipper will study Europa, another of Jupiter’s moons. (Smithsonian)

Thanks for reading. Let’s be careful out there.

WORDS: The Biology Guy.

IMAGE CREDIT: cottonbro studio.