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Soil study could lead to new antibiotics
antibiotics
A better understanding of soil ecosystems could facilitate the discovery of antimicrobial agents.
Research challenges existing theories on how bacteria prosper in soil

New discoveries about how bacteria thrive in soil could aid the development of new antibiotics, according to Edinburgh scientists.

Research findings published in The American Naturalist may debunk the Baas Becking theory that bacteria can only prosper in their native environment. The truth may in fact be more complicated.

In order to kill fungi and other bugs, bacteria in soil produce potent biological agents, which scientists say could be used to develop new antibiotic drugs.

A research team from the universities of Edinburgh and Ottawa collected soil and bacteria samples from a forest in Western Quebec in Canada. By growing bacteria in soils from each of the sites sampled, the team discovered they could thrive in a range of different conditions.

The scientists now say the distribution of bacteria may be controlled by other factors, such as water and nutrient content, the number of predators and the levels of inter-species competition.

An increased understanding of how soil dictates where bacteria are found could facilitate the discovery of antimicrobial agents for the production of new antibiotics.

Commenting on the findings, lead author Dr Susanne Kraemer, from the University of Edinburgh, said: Soil often gets overlooked as an ecosystem, even though it is absolutely crucial for nutrient cycling, food and fibre production and the discovery of antibiotic compounds.

"It is surprising how little we know about the hundreds of thousands of bacteria which ensure the functioning of this ecosystem."

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.