IIT Roorkee Scientists Unveil Superbug’s Defense Mechanism, Paving the Way for New Treatments
IIT Roorkee scientists have uncovered the defense mechanism of superbugs, potentially opening the door to new and more effective treatments.
IIT Roorkee Scientists Unveil Superbug’s Defense Mechanism
Scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) have discovered a vital regulatory mechanism in Acinetobacter baumannii, a dangerous, drug-resistant superbug linked to severe infections. Their groundbreaking study, published in mBio, the renowned journal of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), sheds light on how the pathogen manages its attack and defense systems, offering promising new avenues for treatment strategies.
The research team, led by Prof. Ranjana Pathania, found that A. baumannii regulates its T6SS (Type VI secretion system) based on environmental conditions. A small RNA molecule, AbsR28, is central to this regulation and is influenced by manganese (Mn²+) levels. When Mn²+ levels are elevated, AbsR28 binds to the essential gene (tssM) required for T6SS function, triggering its degradation. This prevents T6SS activation, allowing A. baumannii to retain plasmid pAB3, which carries multiple antibiotic resistance genes.
Acinetobacter baumannii is infamous for its resistance to multiple antibiotics, posing a significant threat in healthcare environments. It is responsible for serious hospital-acquired infections, such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and urinary tract infections. One of the key survival mechanisms of this superbug is the Type 6 Secretion System (T6SS), a bacterial "weapon" used to attack rival microbes.
“We found that when A. baumannii activates T6SS, it becomes more vulnerable to antibiotics and oxidative stress. So, the bacteria must carefully regulate this system to survive in different conditions,” said Prof. Pathania. “Our discovery sheds light on how this pathogen adapts during infections, helping it evade both antibiotics and the immune system.”
The research team includes Somok Bhowmik, Avik Pathak, Shivam Pandey, Kuldip Devnath, Abhiroop Sett, Nishant Jyoti, Timsy Bhando, Jawed Akhter, Saurabh Chugh, Dr. Ramandeep Singh, and Tarun Kumar Sharma. Their pioneering work reinforces IIT Roorkee’s leadership in cutting-edge biomedical research.
Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, said, “At IIT Roorkee, we are committed to advancing scientific research that addresses global health challenges. This breakthrough in understanding Acinetobacter baumannii’s defense mechanism is a testament to the high-impact work being carried out by our researchers. Such discoveries pave the way for innovative solutions in tackling antibiotic resistance and improving healthcare outcomes.”
Q: Is B.Sc. at IIT Roorkee a good choice?
Q: Is it worth pursuing B.Arch at IIT Roorkee?
Based on the feedback from students and alumni, here are some key points to consider:
* High Placements: IIT Roorkee's B.Arch programme has a excellent placement record, with almost 90% of students getting placed every year. Top companies like Microsoft, Meta, J.P. Morgan, and Accenture visit the campus for placements, offering packages ranging from 8-45 LPA.
* Good Faculty: The faculty members are highly qualified, with many holding Ph.D.s. While some may not be enthusiastic about teaching, others are exceptional and provide valuable guidance and mentorship.
* Infrastructure: The college has modern infrastructure, including state-of-the-art laboratories, libraries, and sports facilities. The hostels are comfortable, with basic amenities like Wi-Fi, gym, and mess.
* Research Opportunities: The college encourages research and innovation, providing opportunities for students to participate in projects and internships.
* Festivals and Events: IIT Roorkee hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, including Thomson, Tech-Fest, and cultural programs.
However, some students mentioned the following challenges:
* Course Load: The coursework can be heavy, with frequent assignments and projects.
* Hostel Food: Some students were dissatisfied with the hostel food, citing poor quality and limited options.
* Teaching Style: A few faculty members may not be engaging or effective teachers.
Overall, while there may be some drawbacks, the majority of students agree that pursuing B.Arch at IIT Roorkee is a great decision, considering its strong reputation, excellent placements, and good faculty. With hard work and dedication, students can make the most of their experience at the college.
Here's a summary in bullet points:
* Excellent placement records
* Good faculty with Ph.D. qualifications
* Modern infrastructure and facilities
* Research opportunities and internships
* Variety of festivals and events
* Heavy coursework and project load
* Poor hostel food
* Teaching style varies among faculty members
Remember to weigh these pros and cons carefully to decide whether IIT Roorkee's B.Arch programme is right for you.
Q: Is IIT Roorkee MBA worth it?
IITR is the seventh IIT recognised as an Institution of National Importance. IIT Roorkee is famous for its:
- Strong placements: IIT Roorkee has achieved a 100% placement rate during MBA placement drive of 2023. Top companies like DE Shaw, Uber, Microsoft, Flipkart, Samsung Research, and IBM Research participate in campus recruitment.
- Good infrastructure: IITR has well-equipped labs, lecture halls, and hostels with modern facilities.
- Knowledgeable and helpful faculty members: The faculty members at IIT Roorkee are PhD holders and have vast experience. The faculty-student ratio is about 1:3 at IIT Roorkee which is among the best in the country.
- Variety of technical and cultural clubs: The clubs provide opportunities for students to explore their interests and develop their skills.
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Based on the reviews and feedback from students and alumni, here's a summary of the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Excellent Placement Record: 100% placement record with top companies like Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Oracle, Adobe, and many more offering salaries between INR8-INR43 Lacs per annum.
* Highly Qualified Faculty: Professors are knowledgeable and helpful, with many holding Ph.D.s in their respective fields.
* Relevant Curriculum: Course curriculum is highly relevant, providing immense opportunities in different fields of the industry.
* Good Infrastructure: Modern classrooms, air-conditioned libraries, and well-maintained hostels with amenities like Wi-Fi, LAN, gym, and sports facilities.
* Campus Life: Campus life is lively with multiple fests, sports events, and clubs catering to various interests.
* Internship Opportunities: Many students secure internships with leading companies, with 70-90% of students participating in internships.
Cons:
* Limited Faculty Availability: Not all professors are approachable, and some might not be readily available for guidance.
* Placement Focus on IT Sector: While the placement record is impressive, the focus tends to lean towards the IT sector, leaving limited options for core engineering students.
* Food and Mess Issues: Feedback suggests that the mess food is average, and some students face issues with the quality of meals.
In conclusion, B.Sc. at IIT Roorkee appears to be a good choice for those seeking a strong foundation in mathematics and computer science, with excellent placement prospects and a vibrant campus life. However, it's essential to weigh the potential limitations, particularly regarding faculty availability and the focus on the IT sector.