An article in the Journal of Clinical Investigation outlines how a new antimicrobial approach kills bacteria in laboratory experiments and eliminate life-threatening infections in mice by interfering with a key bacterial nutrient. Iron is critical for the growth of bacteria and for their ability to form biofilms, slime-encased colonies of microbes that cause many chronic infections. "Gallium acts as a Trojan horse to iron-seeking bacteria," said Pradeep Singh (senior author). "Because gallium looks like iron, invading bacteria are tricked, in a way, into taking it up.

Bone tissue contains a massive mineral phase and is unique from other tissue in the body. As a result of this, bone requires a different type of protein treatment, which has significant side effects to the rest of the body. Therefore, any treatment must be delivered specifically to bone and not target other tissues.

Biphosphonates are a class of material that have a strong affinity for bone matter. Although other molecules can also be used, Biphosphonates are thought to have more flexibility for use in bone delivery systems. These molecules can be linked to protein molecules to ensure delivery only to bone tissues. The target efficiency can be increased by attaching more phosphate molecules to each of the protein chains. Earlier studies have shown that complexes of Biphosphonate molecules show no decrease in bone seeking capabilities. Another advantage of this type of treatment is that the potency will increase without an increase in the dosage.

Researchers from the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston (USA) have announced that hydrogen sulfide (sulphide) gas, H₂S, can induce a state of suspended animation in mice while maintaining normal blood pressure. It is hoped that this result eventually will help in the treatment critically-ill patients. This result was presented at the American Physiological Society conference, "Comparative Physiology 2006: Integrating Diversity," in Virginia Beach, Virginai, USA, October 2006.

Hydrogen sulfide (sulphide) gas, sometimes called sewer gas, produces a noxious odour often described as a rotten egg smell. This highly toxic gas occurs naturally in swamps, some springs, and volcanoes.