Gizmodo's Joel Johnson went to Belize to check out experimental medicines that interfere with quorum sensing — bacteria's ability to sense other bacteria — a key step in preventing them from 'activating' and making you ill. The research is underwritten by antivirus supremo John McAfee, who is quite eccentric. Furthermore, it's hard to develop rigorous test controls, and the fact that alcohol is the main ingredient makes any antiseptic claims immediately suspect.
Topic-Qx is Quorumex's first product, a topical solution of plant materials containing purported anti-quorum sensing properties. It's green, smells like mouthwash, and stings when applied. Dr. Adonizio later explains bashfully that the sting is from the alcohol in which the plant matter is suspended. Alcohol is the easiest spray-on solution for a fledgling company, but she worries that skeptics might chalk up Topic-Qx's antibacterial properties to the alcohol.
My favorite part is when he calls scientists to arrange independent testing, but they don't want to see it. It turns out that some of them are interested in developing their own anti-quorum-sensing meds, and dare not expose themselves to others' intellectual property.
From Antivirus to Antibiotics, McAfee Searches for a Last Cure [Gizmodo]
