The Next Step?

Instead of using ever-stronger antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, the US government's military research division — DARPA — wants to try something else, says New Scientist. Since bacteria can adapt and find ways to resist antibiotics, DARPA wants to use adaptable nanotherapeutics based on siRNAs, which would be programmed to find specific genes in the bacteria and silence them. "DARPA is seeking ideas for adaptable nanoparticles that can be 'reprogrammed on the fly' by loading up specific siRNA to deal with outbreaks among troops," New Scientist says. "As with GPS systems and the internet, this innovation might benefit the military initially, but eventually become a model for mainstream medication."