Researchers at the University of Exeter have identified a population of dormant Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria that are better equipped to revive when conditions improve. The study also discovered an enzyme involved in this process, which breaks down lactic acid into pyruvate, allowing the bacteria to survive for extended periods.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have discovered that synthetic cannabidiol can kill certain types of bacteria responsible for serious infections. The study's findings suggest that cannabidiol could lead to the development of new antibiotics, which would be a major breakthrough in combating antibiotic resistance.
Researchers discovered a novel mechanism by which mycolic acid-containing bacteria form diverse types of membrane vesicles in response to DNA damage and envelope stress. This finding provides insight into the mechanisms of membrane vesicle formation, which could be helpful for developing novel therapeutics or vaccines.
Scientists from the University of Copenhagen have created an AI-powered method to study the complex gut microbiome by analyzing faeces. The technique can help identify patterns in bacterial composition and connection to diseases like diabetes and autism.
Researchers develop peptide that disrupts protective outer coating of TB pathogen, making it susceptible to antibiotics and die. The peptide specifically targets the fatty acid on the pathogen's surface, allowing it to effectively kill the bacteria without harming good bacteria.
Researchers at Rice University developed an optogenetic control system to turn on and off genes in gut bacteria, extending the lifespan of transparent worms by up to 50% by regulating mitochondrial function. The study suggests that gut bacteria directly impact health and disease, and that controlling metabolite production with precisio...
Researchers discovered a unique evolutionary event in which an antibacterial enzyme in ticks protects them from bacteria on human skin while allowing the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium to thrive. The ticks acquired this gene 40 million years ago through horizontal gene transfer.
Scientists have discovered a way to control the flow of liquids using magnetotactic bacteria, which can be used to transport cancer drugs directly to tumors. The bacteria produce an effect similar to that of a micropump, allowing for precise control over the movement of active substances.
A study published in eLife journal reveals that a specific strain of lung bacteria, Lactobacillus murinus, can inhibit the growth of pneumococcal pathogens and prevent colonization. The findings suggest that probiotics could be a potential treatment alternative to antibiotics for respiratory illnesses.
Researchers at Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) have developed a method to produce customisable engineered lysins that can selectively kill specific bacteria while leaving others unharmed. This discovery presents a promising alternative to antibiotics for treating existing drug-resistant bacteria.
Research reveals slow-moving bacteria can outcompete fast-moving counterparts due to efficient invasion strategies. The study uses genetics, experiments, and physics to understand the behavior of bacteria on an individual and collective level.
Researchers found that slower-moving bacteria outcompete faster-moving cells in densely packed groups, allowing them to spread across surfaces. This discovery sheds light on how bacteria spread within the body during infections.
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Communications have discovered that some phages can stop bacteria from sharing genes for antibiotic resistance by attaching to and disarming pili on bacterial surface. This discovery may lead to new treatments for infections, reducing the need for antibiotics or gentler alternatives.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba and ETH Zurich found that marine bacteria switch between lifestyles to get the best resources, optimizing nutrient uptake in seascapes of organic particles. Bacteria spend more time on higher-quality patches, fine-tuning their foraging strategy according to patch quality.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have discovered a mutualistic relationship between fungi and bacteria that allows bacteria to travel on fungal highways in exchange for thiamine. The study reveals a new mechanism by which bacteria can disperse and multiply, using the fungus as a 'highway' to colonize new areas.
Researchers have identified a unique enzyme used by predatory bacteria to rupture the cell wall of its prey bacteria and exit without damaging its own cell wall. The discovery of this novel lysozyme holds promise for developing new therapies against antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
A new technology allows scientists to study the role of gut bacteria in health by taking samples anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. The non-invasive tool, a drug-like capsule, can collect intestinal fluid containing bacteria and protect it for analysis.
Research by Technical University of Munich shows that faster-growing bacteria are more likely to die when deprived of food, highlighting the balance between growth and survivability in bacterial fitness. The study may lead to improved effectiveness of antibiotics by stimulating intestinal bacteria growth.
Scientists found that ultra-small, parasitic bacteria from the TM7 phylum are present in humans, moose, dogs, cats, dolphins, and groundwater. Despite their diverse environments, these bacteria have minimally changed genomes, indicating recent acquisition by humans.
Research reveals a complex interaction between bacteria and their viruses in the gut, where some bacteria can resist infection while others remain susceptible. The study suggests that beneficially altering the gut microbiome through bacterial viruses could offer a new treatment for disease.
A new technique developed by University of Exeter scientists allows users to predict which antibiotics are effective against bacteria in minutes. The method works by examining fluorescent qualities of antibiotics taken up by bacteria, revealing that the antibiotic has infiltrated the membrane and could be effective.
Researchers discovered that anammox bacteria can transfer electrons to solid-state matter outside their cells, bypassing traditional electron acceptors. This breakthrough has significant implications for sustainable wastewater treatment, energy production, and the global nitrogen cycle.
A pioneering study found specific genetic changes affect gut bacteria populations, paving the way for understanding disease causes. Researchers identified 13 DNA changes related to changes in gut bacteria presence or quantity.
Researchers at Linköping University have developed an organic electrochemical transistor to study extracellular electron transfer in bacteria. They successfully detect and amplify the signal, allowing for detailed analysis of charge release by bacteria.
A new study found that specific gut bacteria in worms can modify their behavior, directing them to choose certain food sources. The bacteria influence neural circuit activity by producing chemicals like tyramine, which increase tolerance for certain smells.
A review paper argues that bacteriophages are essential for maintaining healthy bacterial communities around plant roots, which is vital for plant growth. The researchers suggest that these phages can stimulate microbes to protect plants during droughts and transfer DNA between cells, leading to new functionalities.
Researchers found a link between gram-negative bacteria and cerebral cavernous malformations, which can cause hemorrhagic strokes, seizures, or headaches. The study showed that gut bacteria from CA patients produced more lipopolysaccharide molecules, driving CA formation in mice.
A comprehensive survey reveals that bacteria are widespread in human tumors, differing by tumor type. Different tumor types harbor distinct microbiomes, with breast tumors displaying a rich and diverse community of bacteria.
A study published in Cell Reports suggests that lactobacilli have a niche in the human nose and may play a role in preventing chronic nasal and sinus inflammation. Researchers developed a proof-of-concept nasal spray that delivered lactobacillus to the nose, colonizing healthy volunteers' upper respiratory tracts without adverse effects.
Scientists at KIT have developed a programmable biohybrid material system that uses bacteria to generate power. The system consists of a nanocomposite and the Shewanella oneidensis bacterium, which produces electrons. The team achieved controlled electron flow with increasing bacterial cells on the conductive matrix.
Despite challenging genetic tradeoffs, bacteria can still evolve antibiotic resistance when exposed to varying antibiotic concentrations. Researchers developed a model that showed bacteria may reverse course and regain susceptibility to antibiotics at lower drug concentrations.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt and the University of Exeter have found that Thermus thermophilus bacteria possess two types of tiny surface hairs, or pili, with different functions. The thick pili are used for DNA capture, while the thin pili facilitate movement on surfaces.
Researchers discovered that bacteria use a strategy called surface tumbling to slow down and reorient themselves on surfaces. This allows them to escape from surface traps and explore the surface for optimal conditions, leading to colonization and biofilm formation.
Researchers at the University of Washington and Idaho discovered that prolonged antibiotic exposure can 'prime' single-resistant bacteria to become multidrug-resistant. This effect makes it more likely for bacteria to acquire resistance to multiple antibiotics, even in an antibiotic-free environment.
Researchers found that adding cable bacteria to rice soil reduces methane emissions by over 90%. Cable bacteria recycle sulfur compounds, maintaining a large amount of sulfate in the soil and reducing methane-producing microbes' activity.
Researchers identified the origin source of lactic acid bacteria responsible for kimchi fermentation, revealing that ingredients such as ginger and red pepper do not contribute to fermentation. The study found three unique fermentative microbes specific to each ingredient, resulting in distinct flavor profiles.
Scientists at the Niels Bohr Institute have successfully controlled bacterial jets to carry strings of microscopic cargos, opening up new possibilities for biological tools and medical applications. The novel approach utilizes a liquid crystal to dictate bacterial movement, suppressing instabilities and enabling precise cargo transport.
Engineers created a tiny device to rapidly detect harmful bacteria in blood, allowing for prompt diagnosis and treatment of potentially deadly infections. The device can capture up to 86% of target bacteria, including E. coli, making it ideal for laboratory and healthcare settings.
Researchers discovered that bacteria employ a strategy of adding new DNA while shedding unused genes, allowing them to avoid overloading their genomes. This process helps the bacteria outgrow competitors and potentially infect other organisms more easily.
Researchers at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência found that certain bacteria can mutate 1000-fold higher than normal, leading to bursts of diversity in the gut microbiota. A beneficial mutation was identified that increases the ability of the bacteria to eat a specific sugar.
A study by the Dynamical Systems Biology lab reveals that bacteria can make each other more tolerant to antibiotics when coexisting. The response of bacteria to antibiotics depends on other species they live with, suggesting new strategies to combat bacterial infections.
Scientists at Penn State identified key genetic regulators controlling the expression of a vital gene required for luminescent bacteria to compete and form symbiosis with Hawaiian bobtail squids. The findings shed light on molecular mechanisms underlying animal-microbe interactions, which may be applicable to human microbiomes.
Researchers at Cornell University have identified a new species of bacteria that can break down organic matter, including toxic chemicals released from burning coal, gas, and oil. The discovery could hold key to understanding the soil carbon cycle and predicting global climate change.
Researchers found over 350 huge phages with genomes four times larger than average, including the largest bacteriophage to date. These viruses carry genes normally found in bacteria and use them against their hosts, bridging the gap between non-living and living organisms.
A new group of antibiotics, corbomycin and complestatin, have been discovered with a unique approach to killing bacteria by blocking the function of the bacterial cell wall. The researchers demonstrated its effectiveness in mice against drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.
Researchers discovered that a 'frameshift mutation' in TB bacteria's RpoB gene makes them resistant to rifampicin. The mutation suppresses the effect of the frameshift, allowing the bacteria to survive and thrive.
Consuming natural yoghurt daily may lower breast cancer risk by displacing harmful bacteria with beneficial ones. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk, likely due to lactose fermenting bacteria occupying breast ducts.
Scientists at University of Gothenburg discovered a new species of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Scandinavium goeteborgense, isolated from an infected wound. The bacteria exhibit novel genetic variants of resistance, highlighting the need for precise treatment choices.
A new probiotic drink has shown promise in combating antibiotic resistant bacteria by targeting the genetic basis of resistance. The drink, engineered with a key genetic element, works by preventing plasmids from replicating and displacing resistance genes.
Researchers at KU Leuven developed a new antibacterial strategy that prevents bacterial cooperation, reducing the emergence of resistance. Non-resistant bacteria outnumber resistant ones, making it harder for them to spread.
University of Tartu scientists have discovered that sleeping bacteria can learn about the growth of other bacteria by spying on them. This discovery offers hope for creating a solution for chronic infections that do not respond to antibiotic treatment.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new technology to destroy bacteria and bacterial biofilm without harming good cells, offering a potential solution to the deadly problem of antibiotic resistance. The technology uses precision-engineered liquid metals to physically rip bacteria to shreds and smash through the biofilm wher...
A recent study published in Respiratory Research found that vaping may have similar effects on harmful lung bacteria as smoking. Researchers compared the effects of cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vapor on four types of bacteria associated with smoking-related illnesses, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.
Researchers have discovered that Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria send out warning signals when attacked by antibiotics or viruses, allowing them to survive and potentially evade treatment. This communication mechanism may hold the key to developing new treatments and improving existing ones.
Researchers at University of Jyväskylä found that bacteria-infecting viruses preferentially bind to mucosal surfaces, providing extra immunity against bacterial infections. This symbiotic model shows phages enriched in mucus, where encounters with host bacteria are more probable.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a unique bacterial regulatory mechanism called T-boxes, which facilitate basic functioning in bacteria. Understanding the structure of these elements could lead to designing targeted antibiotics, offering hope against antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Researchers discovered that bats have fewer bacterial species living in their guts than in their mouths and skin. The kinds of bacteria living in the bats' guts varied from species to species without following any apparent evolutionary pattern, a stark contrast to other mammals.
Researchers have identified a link between certain gut bacteria and an increased risk of bowel cancer. The study found that individuals with a specific type of bacteria from the Bacteroidales group had a slightly higher risk of developing the disease, with risks ranging from 2-15%.
Researchers at Michigan State University have found that scents emitted by songbirds are produced by certain bacteria in preen glands, which identify a bird to other birds. Altering these bacteria can disrupt the bird's ability to communicate and find a mate, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balanced microbiome.
Researchers found that bacteria living in biofilms develop unique adaptations to resist antibiotics, whereas free-floating bacteria become more resistant but vulnerable to other classes of antibiotics. This discovery highlights the importance of studying bacteria in their natural lifestyle.