To explore intracellular microbial persistance as a factor of latent infection and the huge biological reservoir problem.
Genomics is a very powerful tool in studying microbial persistence and drug resistance. This technique though predictive does not always reflect phenotypic characteristics. On the other-hand, microscopy and other phenotypic methods provide the real life picture of microbe responses as well as the ability to see how they react and respond in the presence of drugs and other compounds. Wang et al (2014) (DOI: 10.1002/adma.201306069) recently showed that proteins molecules could be imaged in graphene water balloons without the need to dehydrate or section them. Wow! Imagine being able to see live bacteria cells reacting or responding to drug treatment under an electron microscope. We can see how membrane new pores form, open or shut; how substances are pumped out, etc. This data is spot on. Not predictive or suggestive and can help scientists come up with new interventions within the shortest span of time.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.201306069/abstract
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- Chemistry
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