Tuberculosis Ratted Out by Giant Rats!

Submitted by James, class of 2012

You might first react to these large rodents by exclaiming “Get that away from me!” but you, and especially those in low-income countries, now have a reason to actually benefit from Gambian pouched rats. These huge rodents can sniff out Tuberculosis, which is estimated by the World Health Organization to affect one in three people worldwide. The rats are 90% accurate, and can detect low doses of TB that might be skipped over by primary microscopy tests. They might one day be used commercially in low-income countries, and would be much more affordable. Once trained, they can whip through a dozen samples in a minute.

Link: http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/68001/title/Giant_rats_detect_tuberculosis

Arsenic for Dinner?

Check ou this article from the New York Times. A scientist has grown bacteria that exist on a phosphorous-free diet and eat arsenic instead. Quite intriguing...