microbe news from FierceBioResearcher

A new approach to synthesizing natural compounds could significantly speed research and manufacturing processes for these therapeutics. Typically, compounds found in a plant or microbe that could Read more...

The Times' Anjana Ahuja takes J. Craig Venter's latest revelation and breaks it down to some easily understood concepts. Venter is focused on creating synthetic life, taking 400 or so genes and making a microbe of his own design. Built properly, the microbe could be used to create a new generation of clean fuels. And his patent on the work, if granted, would give Venter …

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There's new evidence to support the theory that the enzyme protein kinase G offers a promising target in the fight against tuberculosis. The enzyme is secreted by the microbe that triggers TB and is believed to provide essential protection for the bug from the host's immune system, which tracks down and kills most pathogens. Scientists say they have a compound that can block the protein, but were worried about interfering with the action of other proteins also secreted by the microbe. …

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Cell Press is launching a new journal focused on the interactions between microbes and their hosts. The journal, Cell Host & Microbe, is designed to stimulate the exchange of ideas and concepts between scientists studying the microbe and those studying host responses upon microbial invasion. The magazine debuts March, 2007. Release