Professor leads vital research in superbug fight

Oct 2 2008 by Sandra Walls, Hamilton Advertiser

A FORMER Hamilton Grammar pupil has played a key role in vital research aimed at wiping out two hospital superbugs.

Professor James Naismith co-ordinated extensive tests carried out at St Andrews University.

Along with research conducted at Aberdeen University, a potential breakthrough has been made in the drive to halt the spread of MRSA and Clostridium difficile.

Professor Naismith (40) was brought up in Hamilton. He attended Low Waters Primary and went on to be dux medallist at Hamilton Grammar.

His father, Duncan (67), told the Advertiser: “James was the youngest professor in science at St Andrews and now works in conjunction with other universities in biological sciences and experiments.

“Both myself and his mum, Frances, have always been very proud of his achievements over the years, but to be part of such a worldwide discovery that could be the catalyst for getting rid of these superbugs, is beyond comprehension.”

Professor Ian Booth, who led the Aberdeen team, explained the breakthrough.

“Channels in bacteria perform key roles in cell survival..

“We have been able to show how these channels open and close.

“Understanding how they work will play a major role in inhibiting the survival of bacteria and could have applications as basic as cleansing hospital equipment and wards.”

Professor Naismith added: “The system is mechanical. The channel senses the pressure inside the bacteria and, as a result, the channel alters its shape and creates an opening, releasing the pressure.”

“Not only is this a major step forward in scientific understanding of a fundamental process in biology, but it paves the way for the development of new drugs against bacteria.

James lives in St Andrews with his wife Rachel (44), who also has a PHD in science, and their son William (11, and Lisa, their nine-year-old daughter.