The researchers are running tests and analyzing data for one of the two papers they currently have in progress.
Background
The Help Stop TB project was created to study the sheath of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes TB. Knowing more about this sheath could help scientists better understand how the bacterium protects itself, which could in turn assist in the ongoing search for better treatments.
In October 2020, the World Health Organization released the most recent global statistics on TB, including the following:
- In 2019, an estimated 10 million people contracted TB.
- 1.4 million people died from TB in 2019.
- TB remains one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, and the leading cause from a single infectious agent (above HIV/AIDS).
Work continues on two papers
With the recent addition of new team members, the researchers are making decisions about how to proceed with two papers that are in the works. They are currently running tests and re-checking analyses for Paper 1 using new methods they recently developed. Once they've completed these analyses, they will determine the best direction for Paper 2.
Current status of work units
- In progress: 25 batches (1,020 work units)
- Completed: 24,287 batches
51 batches in the last 30 days
Average of 1.7 batches per day
Note: For this particular project, the researchers often need to analyze the batches we send back to them before they can build more work units. This can sometimes lead to an intermittent work unit supply.
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