A new class of antibiotics, the ketolides, has appeared on the horizon to treat drug-resistant pneumonia and similar conditions. The new drugs offer an alternative to standard antibiotics and another weapon in the arsenal against infectious agents that are becoming increasingly resistant to known pharmaceuticals.

A report out this week from MMWR summarizes investigations of an increase in fluoroquinolone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Hawaii and of a cluster of N. gonorrhoeae infections with decreased susceptibility to azithromycin in Missouri. You can read the reports in today's Vidyya.

In research news, scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center released two research studies this week that suggest that two locations in the insulin signaling system may result in type 2 diabetes and several conditions frequently associated with this form of diabetes, namely the inability to control appetite, obesity and even infertility.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men residing the United States. In 2000, an estimated 180,400 new cases will be diagnosed, and an estimated 31,900 men will die of the disease.

In our product watch section, we're happy to spotlight the Merck Manual Of Geriatrics. In response to the dramatic changes in geriatric medicine over the past five years, Merck has announced the publication of the new, third edition of The Merck Manual of Geriatrics. The world isn't getting any younger and knowledge of geriatric medicine is a must for any practitioner.

The articles in today's Vidyya are:

• New Antibiotic Offers Alternative In War Against Resistant Bacteria

• Drug Resistant Strains Of Neisseria gonorrhoeae In Missouri And Hawaii

• September Is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

• Studies Point To Link Between Insulin Signaling And Diabetes, Appetite, Obesity And Infertility

• Product Watch - New Edition Of The Merck Manual Of Geriatrics Now Available