Breakthrough could help combat superbugs

Breakthrough could help combat superbugs

In a paper published today in the premier journal Science, the researchers describe for the first time the mechanism of a bacterial pressure-release valve or channel - which helps safeguard bacteria.

The findings of the two teams from the University of Aberdeen, led by Professor Ian Booth, and the University of St Andrews, led by Professor James Naismith, could pave the way for new chemicals to combat potentially deadly bugs by acting on these channels.

All bacteria have tiny channels in their walls which operate like the valve on a pressure cooker – they open to release material when the pressure in a bacterial cell gets too great. If the channel didn't open to relieve pressure the bacteria would explode and die.

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