This discovery is based on the basic principles of
fluorescence. Molecules become fluorescent when specific dye compounds are
combined to create a glowing reaction in the specific item. Van Oosten and her
team were able to discover the specific fluorescent dyes needed to create this
reaction in bacteria molecules.
In conclusion, this discovery will only help to identify a
certain amount of infections, not all of them. It also requires further
development in order to be effective in humans. However, the creation of this
fluorescent antibiotic will lead to a faster diagnosis of infections, rather
than performing a biopsy (which is the current option for distinguishing ordinary
post-surgical swelling from an infection).
This discovery is significant because it introduces a new
way to detect infections. As Niren Murthy suggests, with biopsies currently
being the most common and feasible option, “a new way to detect infections is badly needed”
(Reardon). The fact that this fluorescent antibiotic only makes certain bacteria
glow is not necessarily a bad thing; it can help physicians narrow down the
cause of an infection. This helps them to settle on the correct treatment
option.
This discovery could have a major impact on the medical
world. Since vancomycin and the dye are known to be safe options for humans, “Van
Oosten hopes that the technique can soon be used on people.” Hopefully, this
will allow physicians to identify and cure infections in humans much quicker
than current science allows.
Sources:
http://www.ndt-ed.org/EducationResources/CommunityCollege/PenetrantTest/PTMaterials/whythingsfluoresce.htm
This seems very interesting and unique. I would have never thought to detect infections by making the bacteria glow. This technique seems like it could also lead to many different ways of detecting infections. Hopefully scientists can improve upon this research and make it available to humans. I think it would be kind of scary tho if you went to a party and there was a black light and your skin started to glow. That would be bad.
ReplyDeleteGreat article to read about! I do think it'd be great to finally have an antibiotic strong enough to be seen in human bodies and test on larger species other than rats. I feel that with this particular glowing miracle, we can detect serious diseases before they even spread or we know what it is - aiding a healthy lifestyle before a negative one can even begin with any harmful sickness thanks to this glowing medicine currently being tested. I do like Zach's comment about glowing in the dark at a black light party - a tad bit awkward I'm sure if that we're ever the case!
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