BUG REPELLENT

Researchers from RMIT have developed a new weapon in the war against superbugs, effective against a broad range of drug-resistant bacteria and fungal infections. Antibiotic resistance to bacterial infections is a major global health threat, causing hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. Additionally, tiny fungal spores found in soil, air and water, which are harmless to most humans, can be fatal for people with a weakened immune system and kill an estimated 1.5 million people globally each year. Researchers from Australia’s RMIT University have developed a new superbug-destroying coating that could be used on wound dressings and implants to prevent and treat potentially deadly bacterial and fungal infections. The material is one of the thinnest antimicrobial coatings developed to date and is effective against a broad range of drug-resistant bacteria and fungal cells, while leaving human cells unharmed. Co-lead researcher Dr Aaron Elbourne says finding one material that could prevent both bacterial and fungal infections is a significant advance. “These pathogens are responsible for massive health burdens and as drug-resistance continues to grow, our ability to treat these infections becomes increasingly difficult. We need smart new weapons for the war on superbugs, which don’t contribute to the problem of antimicrobial resistance.” The nanothin coating works by tearing bacteria and fungal cells apart, something microbes will struggle to adapt to.

Starting your day by thinking about what kind of leader you want to be can make you more effective at work – even if you’re not the boss, a new study from the University of Florida reveals. “It’s as simple as taking a few moments in the morning to reflect on who you want to be as a leader,” says author of the study, Remy Jennings. The researchers recommend asking yourself questions such as: What qualities do you have that make you a good leader, or will in the future? What effect do you want to have on your colleagues? Do you want to motivate them? Inspire them? Identify and develop their talents? What skills or traits do you have that can help with those goals? It was found that when study participants began their day by considering these questions, they were more likely to report helping co-workers and providing strategic vision than on days they didn’t. They also felt more in charge on those days, perceiving more power and influence in the office. And unlike being given extra responsibility or leading a team project, a morning reflection is under the employee’s control. “They’re not dependent on their organisation to provide formal opportunities. They don’t have to wait for that ‘leader’ title to take on leadership at work,” Jennings says.