Scientists from the University of Tsukuba have created a method to grow conducting polymers with magnetic properties using harmless virus particles as templates. The resulting polymer networks exhibit helical antiferromagnetic behavior, opening doors for applications in biosensors and virus detection.
A team of scientists at KAUST has developed a novel approach for cleaning biofouled membranes in anaerobic bioreactors, combining UV irradiation with bacteriophages to eliminate bacteria. The method improved upon individual treatments and was proven effective over four cleaning cycles.
Researchers discovered that bacteria exchange mobile genetic elements to defend against viruses, enabling rapid evolution of innate immunity and development of resistance. This finding has significant implications for designing phage-based therapies against bacterial infections.
Researchers identified a new family of marine megaphages with genomes over 650 kb in length, which could impact biogeochemical cycling. These 'megaphages', found in the English Channel, are distantly related to human gut phages and represent a new family in the marine environment.
Researchers at the University of Exeter develop a new method to mimic microenvironments in the human body, overcoming a major obstacle to using phage therapy. The study finds that phage can effectively kill bacteria in these environments without promoting genetic resistance.
Researchers have identified a new prophage-mediated defence system in Salmonella Typhimurium ST313 called BstA, which efficiently suppresses phage attacks. This discovery opens up a new avenue of research and could potentially lead to the development of new biotechnologies.
Phages play a key role in initiating rapid bacterial evolution and the emergence of treatment-resistant superbugs, according to new research from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The study reveals that phages interact with bacteria and facilitate adaptation, allowing resistant strains to gain an evolutionary advantage.
Researchers discovered that viral expansions can transition from 'pulled' to 'pushed', where the expansion is driven by viruses arising behind the front, retaining genetic diversity for longer. This finding suggests that viral populations in infected organisms may be more adaptable than previously thought.
Researchers from Institut Pasteur and CNRS discover the biosynthesis pathway of 2-aminoadenine, a new base in DNA, using crystallography platform. The discovery increases coding bases in DNA, enabling synthetic genetic biopolymers.
Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry found that phage potency is affected by container material, leading to reduced efficacy. The study highlights the importance of using specific containers with controlled surface properties to maintain phage concentration.
Researchers have discovered that a bacterial protein has a similar structure and function as human ESCRT-III proteins, which are responsible for remodeling and rebuilding the cell membrane. The protein, PspA, forms protective structures on the cell membrane to cope with stress, and its structure is essential for its function.
Researchers have discovered a highly selective phage activation mechanism based on signal molecules in bacterial ecosystems. The study reveals that a specific bacterium produces a signal molecule that triggers the conversion of a latent phage into an active parasite, offering new possibilities for phage therapies and biotechnology.
Researchers have discovered that pre-trained phages can increase their ability to fight bacterial infections, delaying the onset of antibiotic resistance. This breakthrough uses evolutionary training to improve phage potency against deadly bacteria.
Researchers developed a novel technique for live-cell imaging with the POLArIS probe, which revealed a new actin structure called FLARE in dividing starfish embryos. This discovery sheds light on fundamental questions of cell division and development.
A team of scientists from the University of Warwick used phage display to discover a small peptide that can bind to ice, which has potential applications in preserving frozen cells and foods. The discovery highlights the power of biotechnology tools in discovering new materials with unique properties.
Researchers have discovered the biosynthesis pathway of 2-aminoadenine, a new DNA nucleobase found in bacteriophage S-2L. The pathway was identified through a homolog of the known enzyme succinoadenylate synthase and indicates that new bases can be enzymatically incorporated into genetic material.
Researchers uncover how tailocins, produced by bacteria under stress, target specific strains with lethal precision. The nanomachines have potential applications in studying microbial interactions and developing new antibiotics.
Researchers at 48Hour Discovery will screen billions of peptides to identify hit compounds for pharmaceutical giant Merck. The two-year project aims to accelerate drug development and address unmet medical needs.
The NIH has awarded grants to support research on bacteriophage therapy, an emerging field that could yield new ways to fight antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Researchers will study the interaction between phages and bacteria to create lasting, re-usable therapeutics.
A team of researchers from Harvard University has successfully evolved custom proteases that can target specific proteins with high selectivity, opening up new possibilities for neuroregeneration, growth hormone regulation, and cytokine storm treatment. The technology uses phage-assisted continuous evolution to generate bespoke protein...
Researchers at the NIH used bacteriophages to treat mice infected with multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae sequence type 258, showing promising results in reducing bacterial loads. However, phage resistance was also observed in some cases, highlighting the need for further investigation.
Researchers have identified a novel phage called ES17 that can specifically locate and destroy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. The phage's ability to bind to mucins and heparan sulfate enables it to target bacteria in high-mucin environments, potentially preventing infections.
A study from Texas A&M AgriLife Communications reveals that membrane-localized phage proteins may help revitalize and enhance existing antibiotics. Researchers identified 35 unique lysis genes in E. coli bacteria, which could potentially represent new mechanisms for bacterial cell lysis.
Researchers at Chung-Ang University have created a novel quantitative method to assess the safety of food, particularly for fish samples. By using fluorescent carbon nanoparticles and a protein that binds strongly to histamine, the team can accurately quantify histamine levels in fish samples with high sensitivity and specificity.
Researchers have developed an efficient method to study phage-microbe interactions, which can reveal bacterial receptors exploited by phages and cellular mechanisms used to respond to infection. The approach has implications for understanding microbiomes, developing new medicines and addressing antibiotic-resistant infections.
A new lung delivery system using phage particles has been developed to induce potent antibody responses in mice and non-human primates without causing lung damage.
Researchers discovered a unique RNA polymerase in crAss-like phages that helps transcribe its genes. The enzyme was found to be inactive in standard tests but active when exposed to specific conditions, revealing new insights into the mechanism of viral infections.
Researchers have shed light on the atomic resolution structure of the phage DNA tube, a crucial component of phage therapy. The 3D structure reveals a hollow tube with flexible linkers, allowing negatively charged DNA to pass through smoothly. This study marks a significant milestone in integrated structural biology.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a new method to extract tiny but extremely powerful SARS-CoV-2 antibody fragments from llamas. These nanobodies are much smaller than human antibodies and many times more effective at neutralizing the virus, with the potential to prevent and treat COVID-19.
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 discovered a two-component system in the Butters prophage that blocks entry of some phages, but not others, from attacking a strain of mycobacteria. The study advances phage therapy development and may lead to engineering phage-resistant bacteria.
A new CRISPR-Cas3 tool allows for larger DNA edits, enabling researchers to study disease and normal function in humans and other organisms. This advancement will facilitate the development of new treatments and improve our understanding of the human microbiome.
Researchers have identified 9 antibody-like proteins that bind to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including 4 with neutralizing activity. These proteins show promise for developing diagnostic tests and treatments for COVID-19.
A new protocol developed by San Diego State University researchers can produce therapeutic phages in as little as two to three weeks, cutting the typical processing time in half. The guidelines combine traditional techniques with modern filtration technology to reduce endotoxin levels and increase phage yields.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a synthetic inhibitor of coagulation factor XII that efficiently blocks blood clotting without causing bleeding side-effects. The inhibitor has high potency and selectivity, but its short retention time requires constant infusion to achieve sustained thrompobrotection.
Australian researchers have developed a phage cocktail therapy to combat antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in diabetic foot ulcers. The treatment has shown promising results, effectively decreasing bacterial load and improving wound healing.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals the intricate choreography of phage assembly and its impact on bacterial infections. The research provides new insights into the mechanism of action of phages, which could lead to more precise and effective treatments for drug-resistant bacterial infections.
A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases suggests that phage therapy could be a game-changer in treating complex bacterial infections in prosthetic joints. The treatment has shown promising results in patients with biofilm-related infections, which are notoriously difficult to eradicate with antibiotics.
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 hypercompact CRISPR enzyme, CasΦ, has been discovered in huge bacteriophages and provides a powerful tool for genome editing. It can target a wider range of genetic sequences than current CRISPR-Cas proteins, making it a promising alternative for cellular delivery.
Researchers analyzed fecal samples from healthy Japanese individuals and detected phage-derived antibacterial enzymes that control pathobionts. These enzymes were shown to regulate C. difficile infection in mice, providing a potential treatment for this disease.
Researchers at Skoltech identify a component of a bacterial self-defense system that works by targeting transfer RNAs for glycine, disrupting translation and protein synthesis. The discovery may lead to the development of powerful new antibiotics by controlling each step of protein synthesis.
A newly discovered ocean virus is hijacking the metabolism of the most abundant organism on Earth, Prochlorococcus marinus. The virus alters the ability of P. marinus to store carbon and counter the greenhouse gas effect, potentially preventing gigatons of carbon from being taken out of the air annually.
A multi-disciplinary team is studying how COVID-19 spreads and mutates in the environment, aiming to inform public health agencies and predict transmission risk. Citizen scientists can participate by collecting environmental samples and uploading data.
Researchers from SMART have discovered a new defence mechanism found in some bacteria that uses phosphorothioates to protect their DNA. This discovery enables scientists to tackle existing challenges in bacterial resistance to antibiotics and has huge implications for phage therapy.
Researchers from Skoltech and international collaborators investigated the BREX defense mechanism, which bacteria use to protect themselves from viral infection. They found that a multipurpose viral protein called Ocr can mimic DNA and disable this defense system.
A Japanese research team has developed a cyclic peptide that enhances blood-brain barrier penetration, allowing for the delivery of macromolecular drugs to the brain. The technology, which uses nanoparticles and liposomes, shows promise in treating central nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Researchers have developed a chemically modified phage capsid that perfectly fits influenza viruses, preventing them from infecting lung cells. The new approach shows promise for treating seasonal and avian flus.
Researchers from University of Jyväskylä uncovered historical data on phage therapy's successful use against dysentery and staphylococcal infections in Brazil. The study sheds light on the revived interest in phage therapy as an alternative to antibiotics in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have successfully harnessed bacteria's ability to create peptides with noncanonical amino acids, enabling the expansion of phage display libraries. This new method paves the way for new peptide-based therapeutics in cancer and other human diseases.
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.
Researchers identified 351 large phages carrying bacterial genes, including CRISPR and ribosomal proteins, which blur the line between life and non-life. These enormous phages use these genes against their bacterial hosts and have the potential to provide new tools for genome engineering.
Bacterial autoimmunity occurs when the CRISPR-Cas system targets viral DNA incorporated into the host genome, leading to damaging autoimmunity. The absence of this key immune system can be beneficial for bacterial survival and proliferation. Anti-CRISPR proteins also provide protection for the host by disabling its immune system.
Researchers found compounds in commonly consumed foods trigger phage production, killing harmful bacteria and promoting beneficial bacteria growth. This 'landscape' approach has far-reaching implications for controlling harmful microbes and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
Researchers at UC San Diego have discovered a bacterial immune system that works by abortive infection, where the infected cell self-destructs. This new system could be employed to improve treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections through phage therapy.
Research team around Dr Thomas Böttcher studies phage-host interactions to understand the transition from latent to active states, with potential applications for developing alternative antibiotics. The team aims to uncover molecular signals controlling dormant phages and their impact on the human microbiome.
Phages construct an impenetrable compartment to protect their vulnerable DNA from CRISPR and restriction enzymes. This unique mechanism makes them virtually indestructible, with only two jumbo phages showing pan-CRISPR resistance.
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 successfully applied phage therapy to mice with alcohol-related liver disease, eradicating the disease by targeting destructive gut bacteria. Nearly 90% of patients with cytolysin-positive alcoholic hepatitis died within 180 days, but phage therapy showed promise in treating the condition.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine successfully applied phage therapy in mice for a condition not considered a classic bacterial infection: alcoholic liver disease. Phages target the cytolysin toxin produced by Enterococcus faecalis, reducing bacteria and alleviating liver damage.