Drug-resistant bacteria ― known as superbugs ― are one of the biggest medical threats of our time. Here, a doctor, researcher, and ethics professor tells the exhilarating story of his race to beat them and save countless lives.

When doctor Matt McCarthy first meets Jackson, a mechanic from Queens, it is in the ER, where he has come for treatment for an infected gunshot wound. Usually, antibiotics would be prescribed, but Jackson’s infection is one of a growing number of superbugs, bacteria that have built up resistance to known drugs. He only has one option, and if that doesn’t work he may lose his leg or even his life.

On the same day, McCarthy and his mentor Tom Walsh begin work on a groundbreaking clinical trial for a new antibiotic they believe will eradicate certain kinds of superbugs and demonstrate to Big Pharma that investment in these drugs can save millions of lives and prove financially viable. But there are seemingly endless hoops to jump through before they can begin administering the drug to patients, and for people like Jackson time is in short supply.

Superbugs is a compelling tale of medical ingenuity. From the muddy trenches of the First World War, where Alexander Fleming searched for a cure for soldiers with infected wounds, to breakthroughs in antibiotics and antifungals today that could revolutionise how infections are treated, McCarthy takes the reader on a roller-coaster ride through the history ― and future ― of medicine. Along the way, we meet patients like Remy, a teenage girl with a dangerous and rare infection; Donny, a retired firefighter with a compromised immune system; and Bill, the author’s own father-in-law, who contracts a deadly staph infection. And we learn about the ethics of medical research: why potentially life-saving treatments are often delayed for years to protect patients from exploitation.

Can McCarthy get his trial approved and underway in time to save the lives of his countless patients infected with deadly bacteria, who have otherwise lost all hope?

The marine environment covers 70% of the earth's surface and accounts for 98% of the potentially habitable space. The bioactives from marine microorganisms include antibiotic compounds, polysaccharides, inhibitors, enzymes, peptides, and pigments. These are used in various fields of biology that range from nutraceuticals to cosmeceuticals. Recent scientific investigations have revealed that marine microbial compounds exhibit various beneficial biological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-HIV, anti-hypertensive, and anti-diabetic. Marine Microorganisms: Extraction and Analysis of Bioactive Compounds sheds light on the extraction, clean-up, and detection methods of major compounds from marine organisms. The book includes information on the different classes of marine microorganisms and the different bioactives that can be extracted from bacteria, fungi and microalgae. Divided into 7 chapters, the book covers bioactive marine natural products, such as marine microbes, seaweeds, and marine sponges as potential sources of drug discovery, and focuses on analysis methods of the biocomponents from marine microorganisms. A useful reference tool for researchers and students, this book provides current knowledge about isolation and analysis methods of the bioactives and provides insight into the various bioactives of marine microbes toward nutraceutical and pharmaceutical development.

This volume brings together a wide range of methods to explore the structure and function of bacterial chromatin from molecular to the cellular scale. Chapters detail experimental protocols of in vivo and in vitro approaches, approaches to genome structure modeling, and data analysis. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Bacterial Chromatin: Methods and Protocols aims to be useful as an up-to-date reference work for scholars in the bacterial chromatin field, those entering the field from adjacent research fields, and scientists in the eukaryotic chromatin field.

This book correlates the vast genetic diversity associated with environmental samples and still underexploited potential for the development of biotechnology products. The book points out the potential of different types of environmental samples. It presents the main characteristics of microbial diversity, the main approaches used for molecular characterization of the diversity, and practical examples of application of the exploration of the microbial diversity. It presents a not-yet-explored structure for discussing the main topics related to molecular biology of environmental prokaryotes and their biotechnological applications.

This outstanding overview sets a new standard for a methods book on pathogen detection. The first chapter provides an outline of currently used routine methods, including their background, strengths and weaknesses, as well as comparing them to newer methods. The following chapters then cover novel methods already in wide use and which are still more experimental for routine purposes. An invaluable resource for all medical laboratories and clinical institutions dealing with infectious diseases.

Xenobiotic compounds including pesticides, nitrophenols, pyridine, polycyclic aromatic compounds and polychlorinated biphenyls are widely spread in environment due to anthropogenic activities. Most of them are highly toxic to living beings due to their mutagenic and carcinogenic properties. Therefore, the removal of these compounds from environment is an essential step for environmental sustainability. Microbial remediation has emerged as an effective technology for degradation of these xenobiotic compounds as microorganisms have unique ability to utilize these compounds as their sole source of carbon and energy. The primary goal of this book is to provide detailed information of microbial degradation of many xenobiotic compounds in various microorganisms.

This edited volume emphasizes how microorganisms have become a reliable pillar of biotechnology. The authors discuss advances in synthetic biology and genetic engineering that have made it possible to reprogram the microbial cellular capabilities. This enables an economically viable production of high-value products at an industrial level. The first part of the book provides an overview of synthetic biology and genome editing tools for engineering microbial cell factories in modern fermentation. Readers also learn how high-throughput bioprocessing methods are used to recover and purify microbial products. The remaining parts of this book explore the implementation and challenges of these upstream and downstream processing techniques for manufacturing high-value products. Cost-effectiveness and quality-control are key factors, when discussing the production of low-molecular-weight products, biopharmaceuticals, biopolymers and protein-based nanoparticles. This book is a valuable resource for biotechnologists both in the industry and in academia.

This book is concerned primarily with operative endoscopy utilizing lasers, presenting proved and future endoscopic applications of lasers in medicine. It includes new concepts of cancer therapy, such as photodynamic therapy, because of the laser's endoscopic application.

This book is intended to be a general reference for environmental decision makers who are interested in the fate of chlorinated aromatic compounds with respect to microbial activity. It includes reviews of microbial physiology, genetics, and methods of biodegradation assessment.

This book provides an assessment of the understanding of soil microbiology and biochemistry as part of reclamation processes. It attempts to assemble more specialized literature on reclamation, where application of microbiological concepts has provided the understanding of the process.

This stunningly illustrated book provides a rare window into the amazing, varied, and often beautiful world of viruses. Contrary to popular belief, not all viruses are bad for you. In fact, several are beneficial to their hosts, and many are crucial to the health of our planet. Virus offers an unprecedented look at 101 incredible microbes that infect all branches of life on Earth--from humans and other animals to insects, plants, fungi, and bacteria. Featuring hundreds of breathtaking color images throughout, this guide begins with a lively and informative introduction to virology. Here readers can learn about the history of this unique science, how viruses are named, how their genes work, how they copy and package themselves, how they interact with their hosts, how immune systems counteract viruses, and how viruses travel from host to host. The concise entries that follow highlight important or interesting facts about each virus. Learn about the geographic origins of dengue and why old tires and unused pots help the virus to spread. Read about Ebola, Zika, West Nile, Frog virus 3, the Tulip breaking virus, and many others--how they were discovered, what their hosts are, how they are transmitted, whether or not there is a vaccine, and much more. Each entry is easy to read and includes a graphic of the virus, and nearly every entry features a colorized image of the virus as seen through the microscope. Written by a leading authority, this handsomely illustrated guide reveals the unseen wonders of the microbial world. It will give you an entirely new appreciation for viruses.

The annual Evolutionary Biology Meetings in Marseilles serve to gather leading scientists, promote the exchange of ideas and encourage the formation of international collaborations.

This book contains the most essential contributions presented at the 14th Evolutionary Biology Meeting, which took place in September 2010. It comprises19 chapters organized according to the following categories:

. Evolutionary Biology Concepts

. Biodiversity and Evolution

. Macroevolution

. Genome Evolution

Offering an up-to-date overview of recent results in the field of evolutionary biology, this book is an invaluable source of information for scientists, teachers and advanced students. "

The future of agriculture strongly depends on our ability to enhance productivity without sacrificing long-term production potential. An ecologically and economically sustainable strategy is the application of microorganisms, such as the diverse bacterial species of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB). The use of these bio-resources for the enhancement of crop productivity is gaining worldwide importance. "Bacteria in Agrobiology: Plant Nutrient Management" focus on the management of plant nutrient to support plant growth and development. The topics treated in this book include mechanisms of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, zinc and phosphate solubilizing microorganisms, sulfur oxidizing bacteria, ACC deaminase, siderophores, phytohormones, quorum-sensing, biofilms, antibiotics, volatiles, denitrification and integrated nutrient management.

The future prospects of probiotics lie in the successful application of individual strains with specific beneficial effects on the host. This development implies that not only the most robust strains are selected but also strains with a promising probiotic function with moderate or high sensitivity to processing stresses. This also means an increasing variety of probiotic strains with different functions. Therefore the processing of probiotics becomes an important issue. The strains have to be cultivable and proper growth conditions have to be known. Another very important step in processing is the preservation step. This includes either the freezing and frozen storage or the drying and storage in powder form. The fermentation, drying, and storage processes are highly interrelated. Therefore a holistic approach has to be chosen for the production of highly effective probiotic formulation. The book comprises state-of-the-art knowledge on isolation and characterization of probiotics as well as processing (fermentation, freezing, drying, and storage) and application of probiotics in different food products. This book will serve as a guidebook to researchers, technologists, and industry professionals in the field of probiotics.

This book brings together a collection of methods for the successful detection, culture and investigation of H. pylori, and its associated diseases. Chapters guide the reader through overviews on H. pylori infection, protocols for analyzing human clinical samples, and protocols for characterizing H. pylori, its functional components and its interactions with host cells. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Helicobacter pylori: Methods and Protocols aims to be a useful practical guide to researchers to help further their study in this field.

This is the first book to collect and summarize in one publication the efforts to use kinases or phosphatases for drug development against parasite infections.
The editors and contributors comprise the Who is Who in the field, and they are comprehensive in covering every aspect of the topic, from basic research findings to translational approaches in drug development
The result will be welcomed by everyone in academia and industry participating in the global effort to finally combat the major diseases caused by eukaryotic parasites. This is volume one of a two-volume treatise, the second being exclusively dedicated to efforts to combat malaria using the same approach.

Phage Display in Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Second Edition provides a comprehensive view of the impact and promise of phage display in drug discovery and biotechnology. Building on the success of its previous edition, the book discusses current theories, principles, and methods in the field and demonstrates applications for peptide phage display, protein phage display, and the development of novel antibodies. The book provides readers with an overview of the amazing breadth of the impact that phage display technology has had on the study of proteins in general as well as the development of proteins. It will be a valuable resource for those interested in using phage display and recombinant antibodies in basic research and drug discovery.

The Working Group M.O. (Interactions of soil minerals with organic components and microorganisms) (WGMO) of the International Soil Science Society (ISSS) was founded in 1990 at the 14th World Congress of Soil Science (Kyoto, Japan), with Professor P.M. Huang being the Chairman. Since then, the Working Group M.O. has served as a forum to bring together soil chemists, soil mineralogists, soil microbiologists, soil biochemists, soil physi cists and environmental, ecological, and health scientists. The objective of the Working Group M.O. is to promote research, teaching, and also the exchange of technology concerning the knowledge and the impact of the interactions between minerals-organics and microorganisms on environmental quality, agricultural sustainability, and ecosystem "health". This group is first a scientific group as defined just previously, but it also intends to develop exchange and transfer between scientists and engineers. The first International Meeting organized by Professor P. M. Huang, was held in Edmonton, Canada, in August 1992, where 87 papers were presented by scientists from 20 countries. Following this meeting, a two volume book was edited by P. M. Huang, J. Berthelin, J.-M. Bollag, W. B. McGill, and A. L. Page, entitled "Environmental impact of soil component interaction" : Volume I "Natural and anthropogenic organic-volume II "Metals, other inorganic and microbial activities", and published by c.R.C. Lewis Pub lishers (1995).

Incorporates the Experiences of World-Class Researchers Microbial Biotechnology: Progress and Trends offers a theoretical take on topics that relate to microbial biotechnology. The text uses the "novel experimental experiences" of various contributors from around the world-designed as case studies-to highlight relevant topics, issues, and recent developments surrounding this highly interdisciplinary field. It factors in metagenomics and microbial biofuels production, and incorporates major contributions from a wide range of disciplines that include microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, chemistry, biochemical engineering, and bioprocess engineering. In addition, it also provides a variety of photos, diagrams, and tables to help illustrate the material.The book consists of 15 chapters and contains subject matter that addresses: Microbial biotechnology from its historical roots to its different processes Some of the new developments in upstream processes Solid-state fermentation as an interesting field in modern fermentation processes Recent developments in the production of valuable microbial products such as biofuels, organic acids, amino acids, probiotics, healthcare products, and edible biomass Important microbial activities such as biofertilizer, biocontrol, biodegradation, and bioremediation Students, scientists, and researchers can benefit from Microbial Biotechnology: Progress and Trends, a resource that addresses biotechnology, applied microbiology, bioprocess/fermentation technology, healthcare/pharmaceutical products, food innovations/food processing, plant agriculture/crop improvement, energy and environment management, and all disciplines related to microbial biotechnology.

This book series focuses on current progress in the broad field of medical microbiology, and covers both basic and applied topics related to the study of microbes, their interactions with human and animals, and emerging issues relevant for public health. Original research and review articles present and discuss multidisciplinary findings and developments on various aspects of microbiology, infectious diseases, and their diagnosis, treatment and prevention. The book series publishes review and original research contributions, short reports as well as guest edited thematic book volumes. All contributions will be published online first and collected in book volumes. There are no publication costs. Advances in Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Public Health is a subseries of Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, which has been publishing significant contributions in the field for over 30 years and is indexed in Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, BIOSIS, Biological Abstracts, CSA, Biological Sciences and Living Resources (ASFA-1), and Biological Sciences. 2019 Impact Factor: 2.450. 5 Year Impact Factor: 2.324; Cite Score: 3.0; Eigenfactor Score: 0.03583; Article Influence Score: 0.603

Antimicrobial Resistance in Wastewater Treatment Processes Antimicrobial resistance is arguably the greatest threat to worldwide human health. This book evaluates the roles of human water use, treatment and conservation in the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Designed as a companion volume to Antimicrobial Resistance in the Environment (Wiley-Blackwell, 2012), this book is a multi-disciplinary synthesis of topics related to antimicrobial resistance and wastewater treatment processes. Antimicrobial Resistance in Wastewater Treatment Processes assembles detailed discussions written by many of the world s best-known experts in microbiology, civil engineering, chemistry, environmental science, public health and related fields. The book presents a collection of subjects that includes: * Current knowledge of the role of the environment in development and spread of antimicrobial resistance * Chemical analysis of antibiotics in environmental samples * Molecular methods for analysis of antimicrobial resistance genes * Advanced wastewater treatment processes and antimicrobial resistance effects * Public perception of risk related to health consequences of antimicrobial resistance * Public health implications of antimicrobial resistance with focus on wastewater treatment processes Antimicrobial resistance has gained a foothold in the global consciousness as a serious public health threat. There is a much greater appreciation for the role of the environment in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance and the effects of pollutants that can potentially promote development of resistance in bacteria. Contaminants released from wastewater treatment plants are a concern. In Antimicrobial Resistance in Wastewater Treatment Processes, readers will be guided through examinations of the current science related to this important health issue.

Negative strand RNA viruses have a unique mechanism of replication. Their genome is a single strand RNA that has to be transcribed as soon as the virus enters the host in order to carry out viral replication. As a result, a viral-specific RNA polymerase is packaged in the virion and is ready for transcription after virus entry. This novel replication mechanism dictates the assembly and RNA synthesis of negative strand RNA viruses. In recent years, many discoveries have been made with regard to the entry, replication and assembly of this class of viruses. This book will present updated coverage of the fundamental knowledge about negative strand RNA viruses.

The six years that have passed since the publication of the first edition have brought significant advances in both biofilm research and biofilm engineering, which have matured to the extent that biofilm-based technologies are now being designed and implemented. As a result, many chapters have been updated and expanded with the addition of sections reflecting changes in the status quo in biofilm research and engineering. Emphasizing process analysis, engineering systems, biofilm applications, and mathematical modeling, Fundamentals of Biofilm Research, Second Edition provides the tools to unify and advance biofilm research as a whole. Retaining the goals of the first edition, this second edition serves as: A compendium of knowledge about biofilms and biofilm processes A set of instructions for designing and conducting biofilm experiments A set of instructions for making and using various tools useful in biofilm research A set of computational procedures useful in interpreting results of biofilm research A set of instructions for using the model of stratified biofilms for data interpretation, analysis, and biofilm activity prediction

This handbook acquaints readers with the exciting developments in various areas of cyanobacterial research in the backdrop of the publication of complete genome sequence of the cyanobacterium "Synechocystis sp. "strain PCC 6803 in 1996. It begins with a summary of the current knowledge on the taxonomy, phylogeny and evolution of cyanobacteria followed by the sequenced genomes, differentiation of akinetes and heterocyst. The book considers mechanisms of cellular movements (gliding, swimming and twitching motions) exhibited by various cyanobacteria in order to adjust to their environmental niches and the operation of the circadian rhythms. It covers cyanobacterial symbiosis, cyanophages and cyanobacterial toxins, followed by a discussion on stress responses (salinity, temperature, desiccation and oxidation).

A comprehensive account on the developments in all these spheres has been presented in a lucid style with the required background information, molecular techniques employed and models proposed. This handbook constitutes the first such book written by a single author at a level and depth for graduate and research students in botany and microbiology.

Microbiological Examination Methods of Food and Water is an illustrated laboratory manual that provides an overview of current standard microbiological culture methods for the examination of food and water, adhered to by renowned international organizations, such as ISO, AOAC, APHA, FDA and FSIS/USDA. It includes methods for the enumeration of indicator microorganisms of general contamination, indicators of hygiene and sanitary conditions, sporeforming, spoilage fungi and pathogenic bacteria. Every chapter begins with a comprehensive, in-depth and updated bibliographic reference on the microorganism(s) dealt with in that particular section of the book. The latest facts on the taxonomic position of each group, genus or species are given, as well as clear guidelines on how to deal with changes in nomenclature on the internet. All chapters provide schematic comparisons between the methods presented, highlighting the main differences and similarities. This allows the user to choose the method that best meets his/her needs. Moreover, each chapter lists validated alternative quick methods, which, though not described in the book, may and can be used for the analysis of the microorganism(s) dealt with in that particular chapter. The didactic setup and the visualization of procedures in step-by-step schemes allow the user to quickly perceive and execute the procedure intended. This compendium will serve as an up-to-date practical companion for laboratory professionals, technicians and research scientists, instructors, teachers and food and water analysts. Alimentary engineering, chemistry, biotechnology and biology (under)graduate students specializing in food sciences will also find the book beneficial. It is furthermore suited for use as a practical/laboratory manual for graduate courses in Food Engineering and Food Microbiology.