A global research collaboration identified Lactobacillus crispatus as a key protective bacterium in the vaginal microbiome. The study also found significant variations in vaginal microbiomes across human populations, with implications for improved diagnostics and treatments.
A new study has identified five species of root-lesion nematodes in maize fields across New Zealand, revealing significant diversity and regional distribution patterns. The discovery highlights the need for targeted pest management strategies to protect crop yields and maintain agricultural productivity.
Researchers found peculiar mitochondria-like symbionts in freshwater lakes, groundwater, and wastewater worldwide, revealing surprising metabolic capacities. They can respire oxygen in addition to nitrogen, impacting the nitrogen cycle and potentially producing greenhouse gases.
Eighteen microbiologists propose a global science-based task force to develop and implement microbiological solutions grounded in ecological knowledge. Microorganisms can capture carbon, break down pollutants, produce biofuel, and strengthen ecosystems, offering numerous potential solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Researchers developed a new experimental infection model using Drosophila flies to test drugs for infectious diseases, reducing the use of vertebrate animals. The model assesses innate immunity against infections by Candida albicans and allows for the design of new therapeutic approaches targeting uncontrolled immune responses.
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2024 have been named, including the One Health Microbiome Center at Penn State and researchers Dr. François Thomas and Dr. Helen Onyeaka.
A new study reveals that human waste, both treated and untreated, is responsible for the microbial impairment in Delaware's inland waterways. The researchers found a majority of microbial signatures in the water matched a human waste signature, indicating infrastructure issues with septic systems may be to blame.
Leading scientists issue a unified call to action, emphasizing the importance of deploying microbiome technologies to address climate change. The authors advocate for a global science-driven task force to expedite the implementation of these solutions, warning that inaction will exacerbate the climate crisis.
Scientists are urging global leaders and industries to deploy microbial solutions to combat climate change. The initiative aims to expedite the use of microbiome technologies to capture carbon, reduce greenhouse gases, and restore ecosystems.
Scientists from leading institutions and societies urge governments to adopt scalable, innovative microbial technologies to combat climate change. These solutions have shown promise in carbon sequestration, methane mitigation, bioenergy production, bioremediation, and more.
Professor Lenski wins Microbiology Society Prize Medal 2025 for his groundbreaking Long-Term Evolution Experiment and work on digital organisms. Professor Salmond receives the Marjory Stephenson Prize 2025 for his pioneering research on quorum sensing, antibiotic synthesis, and bacterial surface receptors.
The webinar aims to connect, inspire, and advocate for LGBTQIA+ researchers in microbiology, providing a platform for sharing experiences and challenges. The event will also promote strategies for greater inclusion in research and academia.
A new integrated method simplifies luminescence lifetime measurements, allowing researchers to determine lifetimes using standard camera systems. This breakthrough technique transforms fields that rely on optical sensing and chemical imaging.
A new study has discovered a novel semi-synthetic compound derived from natural compounds that exhibits potent activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including multi-drug resistant strains. The compound, BPD-9, provides a promising chemical scaffold for developing new anti-tuberculosis drugs.
A new study reveals that soil pH sets the stage for microbial interactions and community composition, with bacteria cooperating to survive in acidic environments. The research sheds light on global nitrogen cycling and provides insights into reducing potent greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers discovered a bacterial parasite that infects the nuclei of deep-sea mussels, reproducing to over 80,000 cells while keeping its host alive. The parasite produces proteins that suppress apoptosis, an 'arms race' with the host cell, and acquires nutrients from host components.
Research finds that climate change can promote Salmonella survival and internalization in romaine lettuce, making it a significant food safety issue. Climate change is predicted to increase humid periods, enhancing the ability of Salmonella to grow rapidly in lettuce.
Biocide use can promote well-being when used appropriately, controlling infections and reducing antibiotic use in clinical settings. However, its misuse might contribute to antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the need for a balanced consideration of risks and benefits.
A study found that microwaves contain a unique microbial community, comprising 747 different genera, which resembles those on solar panels and kitchen surfaces. The diversity of the microbiome varies between single-household kitchens, shared domestic spaces, and laboratory microwaves.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have developed a novel compound that effectively clears bacterial infections in mice, including those causing rare and potentially fatal 'flesh-eating' illnesses. The compound targets gram-positive bacteria, reducing virulence and speeding up post-infection healing.
Researchers have detected anaerobic and aerobic bacteria in commercial tattoo and permanent makeup inks, indicating a potential source of human infections. The study found that around 35% of tattoo or permanent makeup inks sold in the US were contaminated with bacteria, highlighting the importance of monitoring these products.
Lopatkin's lab will investigate how bacterial metabolism contributes to antibiotic resistance using sophisticated tools and techniques. The research aims to identify drug-resistance mutations that arise in bacteria adapting to different antibiotics and metabolism-altering chemicals.
Researchers found that nasal microbiota of ICU patients with sepsis is significantly lower in community richness and has distinct compositions compared to non-septic patients. Key bacterial genera such as Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas were enriched in the nasal microbiota of septic patients.
A recent study from Ohio State University reveals that low-nutrient environments alter viral infection of cells, resulting in commonalities among virocells. The findings suggest the environment plays a crucial role in shaping microbial interactions, with implications for large-scale modeling of ocean and soil microbial systems.
Scientists have discovered a positive relationship between calcium concentrations and potato plant resistance to bacterial wilt. Calcium supplementation can significantly reduce the growth rate of the pathogen and negatively affect its ability to form biofilms and move.
Researchers have identified specific gut microbiota signatures associated with KRAS mutations in colorectal cancer. The study suggests that these microbes may serve as non-invasive biomarkers for identifying subtypes of CRC and inform personalized treatment approaches.
A new EU study has found that over-60s are six times more likely to acquire pneumonia-causing bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae after daily contact with young children. Pneumococcal infections mainly affect children under two and the elderly, claiming almost two million lives worldwide every year.
A population-wide observational study found an association between tuberculosis (TB) and a higher incidence of various cancers. TB patients were more likely to be diagnosed with lung, blood, gynaecological, colorectal, thyroid, oesophagus, and stomach cancers compared to the general population.
A Swedish study reveals that neutralising antibodies to the monkeypox virus decline significantly after two doses of the MVA-BN vaccine within the first month. The findings suggest that a booster dose may be necessary to maintain immunity, emphasizing the need for scientific evidence before policy decisions are made.
A UK study found that individuals with multiple sclerosis had a seven times greater risk of hospitalization and a four-fold increased risk of dying from COVID-19, even after repeated doses of vaccines. Vaccination alone may not adequately protect this vulnerable population, highlighting the need for additional preventive measures.
The incidence of STIs among older adults is rising globally, with data from the US CDC showing a more than doubling of rates over the past decade. Experts say misconceptions about age and sex, as well as limited access to sexual health services, contribute to the problem.
A new study published in Microbiology Spectrum shows that an enzymatic cocktail can effectively kill a variety of mycobacterial species, including those causing tuberculosis. The research delivers the enzymes inside host macrophages where mycobacteria grow, increasing efficacy and reducing toxicities associated with current treatments.
Older people with HIV are more likely to have comorbidities and become frail compared to their age groups without HIV. By 65 years old, around 70% of those living with HIV for 20 years or more are living with multiple conditions.
Researchers successfully carried out pioneering fecal microbiota transplantations on Navy bottlenose dolphins, showing significant improvement and increased microbial diversity. The study's findings have important implications for marine mammal medicine, highlighting a non-antibiotic option to treat gastrointestinal diseases.
A study of two large European patient cohorts found that increased abundance of butyrate-producing gut bacteria is associated with reduced risk of hospitalization for infections. Each 10% increase in these bacteria resulted in a 14-25% lower risk of hospitalization, regardless of demographics or comorbidities.
Researchers have developed a cost-effective approach for identifying L. pneumophila using whole genome sequencing, which can analyze available specimens without culturing. This method has already been used to identify the source of deadly Legionnaires' disease outbreaks, including a 2015 outbreak in New York City.
Researchers successfully demonstrate CRISPR-Cas gene editing technology to eliminate all traces of the HIV virus from infected cells in laboratory settings. The study aims to develop a robust and safe combinatorial regimen to target diverse HIV strains across various cellular contexts.
Research suggests that long COVID's impact on the health system is due to high volumes of COVID-19 cases rather than symptom severity. Symptoms reported with long COVID include fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath, but are indistinguishable from those experienced by individuals with seasonal influenza or other post-viral illnesses.
A new study has identified the role of microbes in regulating coral thermal bleaching susceptibility, revealing that heat-tolerant Symbiodiniaceae dominate microbial communities on Huangyan Island. Increased fungal diversity and pathogen abundance are associated with higher coral thermal bleaching susceptibility.
A new review at ECCMID 2024 will examine improving preventive measures to stop surgical infections. It highlights the need for evidence-based recommendations, citing examples such as pre-surgery showering and instrument handling, while acknowledging inconsistent practices.
A new review focuses on personalised care for diseases like influenza, enabling accurate determination of when the infectious part has passed. The approach involves dialogue about treatment and prevention options, as well as individualised risk assessments to promote transparency and equity in medical care.
A new research review at ECCMID 2024 explores the use of AI in infection control, including ensuring correct mask wear and intelligent cleaning. The key to successful AI use is identifying problems and offloading repetitive tasks to AI systems.
Research suggests AI can identify key risk factors for outbreaks, pinpointing specific
Researchers found that streams with ample groundwater connections have greater microbial diversity and are more effective at preventing toxic metal entry. They also better detoxify existing metals.
Researchers at HKUMed developed a PD-1-enhanced DNA vaccine that induces sustained virus-specific CD8+ T cell immunity in an AIDS monkey model. The vaccinated monkeys remained free of AIDS for six years without cART, demonstrating the potential of this strategy as a third-generation DNA vaccine for AIDS prevention and immunotherapy.
Scientists have identified ocean viruses that can help trap carbon dioxide in seawater, using similar techniques to prevent methane's escape from thawing Arctic soil. The study reveals which viruses target the most important reactions in microbial community metabolisms.
A new publication provides insights into the relationship between movies and microbiology, exploring how films can educate the public about microbial concepts. The review highlights examples of movies that accurately portray scientific concepts, such as viral host recognition and epidemiology, to teach undergraduate students.
Researchers found that tomato juice can kill Salmonella Typhi and other enteric pathogens by impairing their bacterial membrane. The study identified two effective antimicrobial peptides in tomatoes that can eliminate these harmful bacteria.
Researchers identified two probiotic strains that promote weight loss in obese dogs. The strains, Enterococcus faecium IDCC 2102 and Bifidobacterium lactis IDCC 4301, reduced body fat percentage and improved intestinal microflora balance in dogs fed a high-fat diet.
A team of researchers identified a CTP-dependent transcription factor controlling Shigella virulence gene expression, providing new avenues for combating this and related bacterial pathogens. The discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial pathogenesis.
Researchers have discovered that bees produce multiple acids that provide essential nutrients to native gut microbes, such as Snodgrassella alvi. This finding suggests that the bee directly enables bacterial colonization by furnishing necessary nutrients, highlighting the intricate metabolic synergy between bees and their gut microbiota.
Letters in Applied Microbiology invites submissions on Pseudomonas biotechnology, covering applied biotechnology and metabolic engineering, as well as novel genetic tools. Early-career researchers are encouraged to share their work, fostering collaboration and inspiring future innovations.
Researchers found correlations between flaxseed diets and changes in the gut microbiome and mammary gland miRNA profiles. Flaxseed lignans were shown to modify the relationship between the microbiota and miRNAs to be non-cancer causing.
A study by Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology reveals that extracellular vesicles are the primary mechanism for genetic information exchange in the ocean. This discovery challenges traditional views on horizontal gene transfer and highlights the importance of EVs in microbial ecosystems.
Researchers have discovered that the gut bacteria Lactobacillus reuteri produces oxytocin, a hormone involved in social behavior and wound healing, in human intestinal tissue. This finding provides a novel explanation for how the microbiome affects distant organs and suggests potential treatments for autism spectrum disorders.
A new study reveals that the coral microbiome changes after just 48 hours when oxygen levels drop, with some bacteria increasing in abundance. The research suggests that changes in the microbiome may influence coral resilience to low oxygen conditions and warming seas.
Researchers found blue light kills both dried cells and biofilms of Listeria monocytogenes, a frequent contaminant of food processing facilities. The pathogen's demise occurred quickest on polystyrene surfaces.
A portable laboratory device can rapidly detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA from environmental surfaces, holding promise for scenarios where access to testing labs is challenging. The device uses a compact centrifuge and PCR technology to provide highly sensitive on-site detection.
Scientists have isolated a microbial enzyme that converts CO2 to formate with high efficiency when attached to an electrode, making it a potential candidate for capturing the greenhouse gas. The system uses renewable energy from wind or solar power to drive the conversion process, storing energy in the form of formate.
A University of Barcelona team has identified 25 new viruses in Barcelona's wastewaters, including the crAssBcn phage, which is specific to human intestinal tract bacteria. The discovery expands the global map of Crassvirales viruses and suggests they may play a regulatory role in human intestinal microbiota.