A University of Granada researcher proposes that antibiotic abuse forces bacteria to take up DNA from resistant strains, leading to increased resistance. This stress-induced uptake can also make non-resistant bacteria more virulent, exacerbating the problem.
Researchers discovered two strains of acne bacteria associated with pimples and one strain linked to healthy skin. Increasing the body's friendly strain through a cream or lotion may help calm spotty complexions.
A recent study by UCLA and Washington University researchers discovered that acne-causing bacteria contain both 'bad' and 'good' strains. The 'good' strain is found in healthy skin but rarely occurs in those with acne, suggesting it may have a natural defense mechanism to protect the skin.
A new study reveals that certain viruses, known as bacteriophages, can hijack the immune systems of bacteria to overcome their defenses. This discovery has significant implications for phage therapy, which could potentially treat bacterial infections resistant to antibiotics.
Research found that stressed bacteria can spontaneously develop resistance to rifampicin, a commonly used antibiotic. This discovery has significant implications for the evolution of antibiotic resistance and may impact treatment options for serious bacterial infections such as tuberculosis and leprosy.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have made significant findings on the link between gut bacteria and cholesterol metabolism. The study reveals that gut bacteria can reduce bile acid synthesis in the liver by signaling through a specific protein, which could lead to new treatments for cardiovascular disease.
Research on ancient human skeletons reveals negative changes in oral bacteria due to dietary shifts, including the introduction of farming and processed sugar. The study provides a new record of dietary impacts and health changes over time.
A group of researchers at Brown University has discovered how Streptomyces bacteria regulate genes to break down lignin, a highly stable polymer. The study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms behind lignin degradation and its potential applications in biotechnology.
Researchers at Rice University propose combining synthetic and natural toxins to create a 'one-two punch' therapy against cancer and drug-resistant bacteria, potentially reducing side effects and preventing resistance. The approach targets the unique membranes of both cancer cells and Gram-negative bacteria.
Researchers at UC Davis have uncovered a biological mechanism by which harmful bacteria thrive in the guts of those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The discovery may lead to new treatments with fewer side effects than current therapies, targeting molecular pathways that generate nitric oxide and nitrate.
Researchers have created a way to cultivate iron-oxidizing bacteria using electricity, enabling the study of these organisms and potentially leading to biofuel production. The electrochemical cultivation method supplies the bacteria with electrons, allowing them to respire and replicate without iron.
A new study published in BMC Microbiology reveals that children with eczema have a more diverse set of bacteria in their guts than healthy children. The types of bacteria present were also more typical of adult gut microbes, suggesting an early change towards adult-type bacteria may be a risk factor for eczema.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh discovered that bacteria can change the properties of supporting cells within the nerve system, called Schwann cells, to mimic stem cells. This process enables bacteria to spread throughout the body and potentially aid research into degenerative conditions.
Researchers have identified specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by certain bacteria, which can be used to diagnose lung infections. The findings suggest a potential breath test to detect bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis, in just minutes.
Researchers created a biophysical model predicting that holes larger than 15-24 nanometers would cause bacterial cells to burst. Experiments validated this theory by measuring holes in lysed bacteria cells with diameters of 22-180 nanometers.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute discover that EF-P plays a crucial role in protein production of pathogenic bacteria, leading to the development of new specific antibiotics. Intestinal bacteria lacking EF-P are less fit and not as virulent.
Researchers at Lund University discovered that antibodies in the immune system can be turned around by certain bacteria, affecting their recognition and neutralization. The study shows that this phenomenon varies depending on the severity of the infection, with more serious diseases having the correct antibody orientation.
Researchers at The Ohio State University have developed a method to purify and enrich magnetotactic bacteria, which can produce magnetic nanocrystals. These bacteria are found in aquatic environments worldwide and possess unique properties that allow them to align with the Earth's magnetic field.
Researchers discovered a new bacterium in an Indiana man's infected wound, revealing how insects domesticate bacteria. The strain, HS, has a relatively large genetic blueprint and is closely related to Sodalis-like bacteria that live in many insect species.
Researchers found that eliminating bacteria's DNA and boosting human beta-defensin-3 can kill NTHI bacteria, a major cause of middle ear infections. The study suggests a new treatment approach to target biofilms formed by the bacteria.
Researchers at Aarhus University discovered bacteria that function as live electric cables, conducting electric currents over centimeter-long distances. These 'cable bacteria' contain insulated wires that transfer electrons, allowing them to thrive in oxygen-free parts of the seabed.
A new study suggests that bacteria cue choanoflagellates, the closest living relatives of animals, to form colonies. The discovery implies that bacteria may have helped kick off multicellular life, a development that eventually led to all animals, including humans.
Scientists at Queen's University Belfast have developed a new technique using a cold plasma jet to kill bacteria in biofilms, making it effective against complex organised communities of bacteria. The approach has the potential to control hospital superbugs, including multidrug-resistant bacteria like MRSA.
A study published in Nature reveals that people with type 2 diabetes have a high level of pathogens in their intestines, which can increase resistance to certain medicines. The research also identifies biological indicators that could be used for faster and earlier diagnosis of the disease.
Researchers at MU developed a technique using bacteriophages to selectively kill harmful bacteria in water treatment facilities. This method could save taxpayers money by reducing cleaning costs and has potential applications against deadly antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Bacteria exhibit social behaviors similar to plants and animals, including cooperation and competition. The study found that certain individuals produce antibiotics to defend against competitors, while others benefit from association with these producers.
Scientists have identified a new signaling system in bacteria that enables them to produce an appendage, swim away, and inhibit biofilm formation. This discovery could lead to understanding how to break up harmful bacterial biofilms on teeth or medical devices.
Researchers found at least seven shared antibiotic-resistance genes between soil bacteria and disease-causing pathogens, suggesting recent gene transfers. The discovery highlights the potential for environmental bacteria to contribute to human health risks.
Researchers at Université de Montréal have discovered a novel strategy to combat antibiotic-resistant superbugs by targeting virulence factors. By removing these proteins, the body's immune system can eliminate the bacteria, making them harmless.
Researchers at UEA applied strategic thinking from insurance companies to understand how animals and plants recruit beneficial bacteria, revealing the importance of 'screening out' bad bacteria and ' screening in' good ones. The breakthrough brings scientists closer to understanding the human body's relationship with bacteria.
Scientists have developed a new method to study how the immune system interacts with bacteria during chronic infections. The method uses 5 mm silicone tubes and combines light microscopy and electron microscopy to visualize the interaction between white blood cells and bacteria.
Researchers discovered that certain types of bacteria form biofilms on filters, breaking off into drinking water due to pH levels. Simple changes to filter cleaning and water pH can shift the balance towards beneficial bacteria, potentially improving water quality.
Michigan State University researchers discovered how bacteria flip a DNA switch to transform from harmless microbes to deadly insecticides. The bacteria, bioluminescent insect pathogens, reside in the intestines of worms and aid their survival, but can rapidly grow and produce toxins when the worms infest insects.
Researchers discovered how bacteria release proteins to spread infections, providing a new target for antibiotic development. The discovery sheds light on the mechanism by which normal, non-pathogenic bacteria can release proteins through their membrane pores.
A new study published in Immunity reveals that commensal bacteria play a vital role in fighting off viral infections. The research found that signals from these beneficial microbes are essential for optimal immune responses to experimental viral infections, and their absence can lead to impaired antiviral immunity.
Researchers have imaged the structure of the S-layer protein coat in bacteria down to individual atoms, revealing its role as a protective layer. The discovery provides insights into how bacteria interact with their environment and could lead to new nanomaterials and drug delivery methods.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that caspase-11 enables immune cells to fuse and degrade bacteria causing Legionnaires' disease. The enzyme's activation helps kill the bacteria by triggering a fusion event between phagosomes and lysosomes, preventing bacterial replication.
Researchers identify innate lymphoid cells as key players in limiting commensal bacteria to intestinal tissues. The study suggests that targeting these immune cells or specific bacterial groups may be useful in treating chronic inflammatory diseases.
Native gut bacteria help fend off invaders, suggesting ways to prevent or treat deadly forms of E. coli by selectively removing nutrients and boosting others. The study also identifies potential targets for prevention and treatment using antibiotics.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified a protein called calpain that allows Listeria bacteria to spread infection within human cells. By blocking this protein, new anti-infective drugs may be developed to combat antibiotic resistance.
A study by North Carolina State University has found that feral pigs in the state are exposed to Brucella suis, a harmful bacteria that can be transmitted to people through unsafe butchering and consumption of undercooked meat. The bacteria can also spread in pig populations, causing abortions in affected swine.
Research discovered a protein complex called the Translocation and Assembly Module (TAM), which forms a molecular pump allowing bacteria to shuttle disease-causing molecules from inside to outside the bacterial cell. This finding paves the way for designing new drugs that inhibit this process, potentially preventing antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have created 'backpacking' bacteria that can carry micro- or nano-sized molecules or devices with useful properties. These biohybrid devices can move freely while carrying cargo, and the team plans to test their feasibility in laboratory experiments and potentially use them for diagnosing and treating diseases.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that the stomachs of wild honey bees contain a diverse range of healthy lactic acid bacteria that can combat bacterial infections and diseases in both bees and humans. The researchers also discovered that these beneficial bacteria are lost when commercially farmed bees are treated with antibiotics.
Researchers have found that bacteria help decompose the leaves and turn them into nutrients for both ants and fungi. The study, published in The ISME Journal, reveals a new understanding of the symbiotic relationship between leafcutter ants, fungi, and bacteria.
A new study suggests that bacteria can communicate through physical contact, using a system of 'cellular communication' to coordinate functions. The researchers found that certain bacteria require specific proteins to bind and interact with each other, facilitating this touch-dependent language.
A new study suggests that adding prebiotic ingredients to infant formula can help colonize the newborn's gut with a stable population of beneficial bacteria, enhancing immunity in formula-fed infants. Researchers found that probiotics also significantly enhanced immunity in formula-fed babies, particularly those delivered by C-section.
Research reveals that bacteria can cause disease through frontal attack or stealthy manipulation of the host's immune system. Bacteria that destroy phagocytes have low infectivity, while those with high growth rates and quorum-sensing capabilities are more infectious.
Researchers identified NLRP7 as a key protein that recognizes bacterial cell wall components in harmful gram-positive bacteria. The discovery could lead to novel treatment strategies to combat infections from deadly bacteria like Listeria and MRSA.
Researchers have developed a model gastric system to evaluate probiotic survival, finding that some bacteria strains thrive in fermented milks. The study suggests that certain lactococcal and enterococci strains can resurrect their viability in the small intestine.
A new study found that smoking disrupts a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth, making smokers more susceptible to gum disease and other oral health issues. The researchers suggest that dentists should offer more aggressive treatment for smokers and encourage them to quit.
Researchers discovered that CTLP acts as a key pass granting Treponema access to oral bacteria communities. Inhibiting CTLP could reduce bleeding gums and slow down periodontal disease progression. Regular tooth brushing is crucial in keeping harmful mouth bacteria at bay.
Researchers have mapped the molecular structure of restriction enzymes found in many bacteria, shedding light on how they control bacterial resistance to antibiotics. This knowledge could aid in developing new treatments for superbugs like MRSA, which become resistant to most drugs through genetic exchange.
A new detection method for urinary tract infection (UTI) causing bacteria uses MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, reducing diagnostic time to under 30 minutes. This technique has the potential to improve treatment outcomes and reduce costs by accurately identifying bacteria and targeting specific antibiotics.
A new study by engineering researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute demonstrates the impact of viscoelasticity on the collective behavior of swimming microorganisms, such as H. pylori. The findings suggest that human mucus and saliva may have evolved to disrupt the ability of harmful bacteria to coordinate.
New study reveals bacteria in large intestine slow down 'good' fat tissue activity, affecting energy usage and weight gain. Researchers found links between intestinal bacteria, gender differences in weight, and brown fat activity.
Bacteria manipulate a natural cellular process to divert raw materials for building and disguising a structure that houses the bacteria as it replicates. The modification creates a dam, blocking proteins from reaching their destination, allowing the bacteria to blend in with the cell.
Legume plants allow nitrogen-fixing bacteria to breach their cell walls, enabling the bacteria to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. The discovery sheds light on how plants promote nitrogen fixation, a crucial process for agriculture and food production.
Scientists have discovered a new communication code employed by disease-causing bacteria, which is recognized by plant and animal immune receptors. This discovery has significant implications for controlling bacterial diseases and could lead to new methods for treatment.
Tel Aviv University engineers have developed an efficient liquid solution that can alter the genetic make-up of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making them sensitive again. The solution is easy to prepare and apply, and non-toxic, with potential to be added to antibacterial cleansers.