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Microbiota of Wounds

Researchers led by Crystal Jaing from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory examined pathogens present in 124 wound samples obtained from US soldiers injured in combat.

As they report in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, the researchers used microarrays and, for a subset of samples, next-generation sequencing and metagenomic analysis, to peer into what bacteria were common in soldiers' wounds and whether there were any links between the bacteria that were there and the soldiers' outcomes.

"The treatment of infection in these patients requires innovative care," co-senior author Eric Elster, from the Uniformed Services University tells the Los Angeles Times. "Studies such as this one will allow us to better understand the interaction between the body and pathogens, and develop new treatment strategies."

The researchers found that Acinetobacter baumannii were common in the wound samples, as were a number of Pseudomonas species. Additionally, they linked the presence of the Acinetobacter plasmid pRAY with wound failure and enteric-associated bacteria with successful healing.

The Scan

Genes Linked to White-Tailed Jackrabbits' Winter Coat Color Change

Climate change, the researchers noted in Science, may lead to camouflage mismatch and increase predation of white-tailed jackrabbits.

Adenine Base Editor Targets SCID Mutation in New Study

Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, report in Cell that adenine base editing was able to produce functional T lymphocytes in a model of severe combined immune deficiency.

Researchers Find Gene Affecting Alkaline Sensitivity in Plants

Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Science have found a locus affecting alkaline-salinity sensitivity, which could aid in efforts to improve crop productivity, as they report in Science.

International Team Proposes Checklist for Returning Genomic Research Results

Researchers in the European Journal of Human Genetics present a checklist to guide the return of genomic research results to study participants.