Researchers are using yeast to home in on the genes behind people’s adverse reactions to antibiotics. Some 5-10% of us develop symptoms ranging from harmless rashes to serious allergies or organ damage when we are treated with these.
“If we can identify genetic differences associated with antibiotic sensitivities,” explains Simon Avery of the University of Nottingham, UK, “it should be possible in the future to take snapshots of a person’s genes and tailor their prescription.” Yeast cells operate in a way similar to human ones.
Nature