Zapping zits.It you're like 850 percent of teens in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. , you've had pimples--and probably wished you could make them disappear. Now, scientists are closer to making that wish come tree. Researchers in Europe have figured out the complete set of genes (units of hereditary, material) for an acne-causing bacterium bacterium /bac·te·ri·um/ (bak-ter´e-um) pl. bacte´ria [L.] in general, any of the unicellular prokaryotic microorganisms that commonly multiply by cell division, lack a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, and possess a cell (single-celled organism lacking a nucleus). The bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes Propionibacterium acnes is a relatively slow growing, (typically) aerotolerant anaerobic gram positive bacterium that is linked to the skin condition acne; it can also cause chronic blepharitis and endophthalmitis, the latter particularly following intraocular surgery. (PRO-pee-AW-nih-bak-TEER-ee-um AK-nees), live on everyone's skin. But they can cause painful problems when natural skin oils build up behind clogged pores. The bacteria feast on the oil and rapidly multiply--irritating your skin. The result: pimples. Now that scientists have pinned down the bacteria's genes, they can develop "better weapons to fight acne acne, common inflammatory disease of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands characterized by blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, nodules and, in the more severe forms, by cysts and scarring. The lesions appear on the face, neck, back, chest, and arms. ," says Diane Madfes, a dermatologist der·ma·tol·o·gist n. A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders. Dermatologist A physician that specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the skin. . New medicines might work by "turning off" a section of these genes, decreasing the bacteria's ability to multiply. New drugs probably won't be ready for years. For now, gentle cleansing and a doctor's care can help you fight acne. |
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