A new study reveals CoronaVac vaccine antibodies are less effective against the P.1 Brazil variant, raising concerns about vaccination program effectiveness and potential reinfection of previously infected individuals.
A new study finds that the microbiome of grasses plays a crucial role in their ability to withstand drought. Healthy bacteria in grasses can provide nutrients, protect against pathogens and UV radiation, and help manage drought. However, under severe drought conditions, the bacterial communities become less diverse and more harmful.
A study found that cats are more susceptible to COVID-19 than dogs, with 67% of owned cats testing positive for antibodies. Cats that sleep on their owner's bed are particularly at risk, and prolonged contact with owners may increase the chance of infection.
A new study found that one in ten veterinary workers in the Netherlands carries strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including ESBL-producing bacteria. The study suggests that occupational contact with animals may be a key factor in transmitting these resistant bacteria to humans.
A 29-year-old woman was hospitalized with sepsis 14 months after a dermal filler injection, revealing rare bacterial causes and increasing awareness of the need for cosmetic patients and healthcare professionals.
The study analyzed 114 COVID-19 guidelines from leading organizations in the UK, France, Germany, and the US, finding significant variations in respiratory protection recommendations. The variations were attributed to differences in national and international guidelines, as well as shortages of equipment.
Research shows that surgical face masks can filter out up to 98% of particles and provide low resistance to breathing. In contrast, plastic face shields have little to no protective effect.
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine provides strong protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including those from South Africa and Brazil. However, monoclonal antibody therapy may be less effective against these variants.
The study found that spinal cord injury-dependent effects on bacteria and viruses were observed, with beneficial bacteria decreasing and potentially pathogenic bacteria increasing. Functional microbial genes encoding essential pathways for central nervous system function were also reduced after spinal cord injury.
Researchers from Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology and Weizmann Institute of Science explain how methane carbon isotopes behave differently than expected in the deep sea. They found that sulfate availability governs the isotope effects in anaerobic methane oxidation, leading to 13C-depleted methane.
A multidisciplinary research group discovered that inhibiting IRE1α, a molecule activated by the endoplasmic reticulum in neutrophils, counters disease progression in lupus mice. The study found that abnormal activation of this pathway tracks closely with disease severity.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 studies found that self- and caregiver swabs are effective at detecting multiple pathogens, with high sensitivity (91%) and specificity (98%) compared to healthcare worker-collected swabs. This approach offers advantages in reducing transmission risk, expenses, and discomfort for patients.
The Microbiology Society's report emphasizes the need for increased research into soil health and collaboration with farmers to design sustainable management practices. Soil degradation is a significant issue, with the UK facing a potential 30-40 year decline in soil fertility if current rates of degradation are not reversed.
Researchers have discovered how Staphylococcus aureus binds to human corneocytes in atopic dermatitis, providing new insights into the development of targeted treatments.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 indirectly activates endothelial cell responses, leading to coagulation and inflammation associated with severe Covid-19 disease. Targeting endothelial cells may be a novel approach to resolving Covid-19 symptoms.
Researchers analyzed nearly 80,000 manuscript submissions to ASM journals and found women are underrepresented in publications. Manuscripts with female authors were rejected at a higher rate than those with male authors.
A study using next generation genetic sequencing tracks mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 virus, aiding diagnostic testing accuracy and tracking its history. The study found variations in the virus' genetic sequence but none affected current tests, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring.
A microbiology laboratory in Edinburgh reduces its plastic waste by 43kg per year using re-useable equipment and decontaminating plastic tubes. The team develops a new approach to reduce single-use plastics, saving over £400 and promoting sustainable practices in research labs.
Researchers discovered the mechanism of an enzyme called F420-oxidase that converts oxygen into water, allowing methanogens to thrive in oxygen-free environments. The enzyme uses a gas channel and gating system to control the reaction, preventing oxygen from being transformed into superoxide.
A new meta-analysis of published studies on hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 treatment finds no mortality benefit, while combining it with azithromycin is associated with a 27% increased risk. The study supports current clinical recommendations against using these drugs for COVID-19 patients.
Researchers discovered that neutralizing antibodies provide protection from SARS-CoV-2 reinfection in a group of sailors who tested positive for these antibodies before embarking on a voyage. The high percentage of infected crew members highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing reinfections.
Researchers develop a reproducible method to decontaminate N95 respirators using microwave-generated steam, achieving nearly complete sterilization after 3 minutes. This approach utilizes universally accessible materials and does not compromise filtration or fit, making it suitable for hospitals facing shortages.
Two studies provide new insights into antibody testing and RNA testing for SARS-CoV-2. Researchers found that antibody tests are highly accurate, but repeat testing is necessary to confirm infection status. The gold standard rt-PCR test can detect current infection, but false positives can occur.
Administering the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine could serve as a preventive measure to dampen septic inflammation associated with COVID-19 infection. Vaccination has no contraindications and may be especially effective for healthcare workers who can easily be exposed to COVID-19.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine will partner with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to rapidly test hundreds of drugs approved for other conditions to see if they can be repurposed to prevent or treat COVID-19.
A small study investigates the effect of sample inactivation on SARS-CoV-2 detection and finds that viral inactivation may contribute to false negatives. The researchers tested several inactivation methodologies, including TRIzol, which showed the least effect on RNA copy number, making it recommended for sample inactivation.
Researchers discovered that brown algae's cell wall contains the long-chained sugar fucoidan, which is only partially degraded by microbial communities. However, specific highly specialized bacteria can break down fucoidan using over 100 enzymes, sequestering carbon in the ocean.
A researcher at Penn State is testing the efficacy of common disinfectants against viruses. The study aims to determine the optimal contact time for sanitizing surfaces to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
A new type of vaccination has been shown to substantially enhance and sustain protection from HIV in monkeys, with a two-armed approach stimulating both serum and cellular immunity. The findings have broad implications for immunologists pursuing vaccines for other diseases, particularly those caused by coronaviruses.
Researchers found that surface runoff alters microbial communities in cave pools, with sulfur-oxidizing bacteria replaced by human contaminants during heavy rains. The study highlights the impact of surface pollution on groundwater sources and cave ecosystems.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology have discovered a new microbe, Ethanoperedens thermophilum, that eats ethane and grows faster than previously known microbes. The discovery sheds light on the mechanism of ethane degradation and its potential for biotechnological applications.
A recent study by European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases found that paper towels significantly reduce virus contamination compared to hand dryers. The study simulated contaminated hands using paper towels and jet air dryers, finding that paper towels reduced viral dispersal to environmental surfaces by 5 times.
New research addresses diagnostic stewardship for SARS-CoV-2, recommending test utilization and frequency based on patient risk factors. The study highlights the importance of considering individual factors, such as age, symptoms, and exposure history, when deciding when to test.
Researchers develop model to investigate Candida auris spread, finding it grows faster and colonizes skin exceptionally well. The study establishes a new strategy to prevent biofilm formation, which may lead to new strategies to target the pathogen.
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.
A new group of bacteria, Thiobarba, has been discovered in deep-sea mussels that fix carbon using the Calvin cycle. This is a surprise as most Epsilonproteobacteria use the reverse TCA-cycle instead.
Scientists have found a new metabolic pathway that recycles glycolic acid, a key compound in the ocean's ecosystem. This discovery challenges current understanding of the global carbon cycle and highlights the importance of microorganisms in recycling biomass.
A new study found that copper hospital beds in ICUs harbor 95% fewer bacteria than traditional beds, maintaining low-risk levels throughout patient stays. This could lead to improved patient outcomes, lives saved, and healthcare cost savings.
Researchers discovered a single nucleotide mutation in P. aeruginosa that caused rapid resistance to ceftolozane-tazobactam and partial resensitization to carbapenems and piperacilline-tazobactam. This finding may enable the use of these antibiotics in treating extremely drug-resistant P. aeruginosa cases.
Researchers discovered a diverse range of bacterial symbionts in deep-sea mussels, with each strain fulfilling different functions and enabling the mussel to adapt quickly to changing environments. This diversity challenges current evolutionary theories and suggests that similar symbionts can coexist.
A new study demonstrates DNA metabarcoding can amplify and sequence plant DNA from human stool, tracking dietary intake with high accuracy. The method has potential for characterizing animal and fungal components of human diets, offering a promising alternative to traditional assessment techniques.
A study has identified a washing machine as a reservoir of multidrug-resistant pathogens, specifically Klebsiella oxytoca. The bacteria were transmitted to newborns in a neonatal intensive care unit through contaminated clothing washed at low temperatures. Researchers highlight the need for higher temperatures or disinfectants to preve...
The study found that temporarily disabling SETD3, a crucial protein needed for enteroviral replication, can protect against viral diseases. In mice bioengineered to lack SETD3, the viruses were unable to infect and replicate.
Scientists engineer a plasmid that removes antibiotic resistance genes from Enterococcus faecalis, reducing its abundance by threefold in mouse models. The technology uses CRISPR-Cas9 and aims to combat antimicrobial resistance in hospitals.
A new microbe called Methanoliparia has been found to degrade long-chain hydrocarbons into methane and carbon dioxide. This discovery provides an alternative to the previously thought complex partnership between archaea and bacteria.
Researchers have identified three genes from a probiotic Lactobacillus species as critical for mediating adhesion to the vaginal epithelium. This is likely crucial for how this species benefits vaginal health.
A recent study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that genetics has a greater impact on the microbiome of mice than their maternal birth environment. The researchers tested two different inbred laboratory strains of mice and found that the offspring's microbiomes were similar regardless of which parent was black ...
A new study suggests global warming may have played a pivotal role in the emergence of Candida auris, a serious public health threat. The fungus can grow at higher temperatures than its closely related species, adapting to climate change and breaking through human protective temperatures.
Researchers found that C. difficile spores resist treatment with recommended disinfectant and can persist on hospital gowns and stainless steel surfaces. The study highlights the need to reevaluate infection control strategies in hospitals.
Researchers found a novel sulfur-oxidizing symbiont, Kentron, which upcycles waste products from its host and environment into biomass. This discovery contradicts traditional descriptions of symbiotic bacteria's carbon sources.
Trichoplax harbors two unusual bacterial symbionts that live in specific host cells, with Grellia residing in the endoplasmic reticulum and Ruthmannia in cells used for digestion. This discovery reveals a sophisticated level of complexity in Trichoplax.
Dr. Clare E. Reimmers selected as Fellow of The Oceanography Society for advancing sedimentary redox chemistry and microbiology using oxygen, pH, and pCO2 microelectrodes. Her work has significantly impacted our understanding of global carbon cycles, benthic fluxes, and seafloor energy harvesting approaches.
Using paper stickers to collect pathogens is more effective and less expensive than swabbing for monitoring in food processing plants. Researchers found that stickers can trap both bacterial and dead pathogens, providing a record of contamination over several weeks.
Under hypoxic conditions, fewer metabolites are produced in the citric acid cycle, reducing bacterial reproduction in macrophages. This discovery provides a new method for pathogen control that doesn't rely on oxygen levels.
A recent study explores the role of microscopic life in shaping the Earth's evolution and its impact on climate change. Microorganisms have been instrumental in creating a hospitable climate for human growth, but their responses to global warming pose significant threats.
A study found that zinc oxide reduces armpit odour by killing responsible bacteria, while also assisting in wound healing. The compound's antimicrobial effects were confirmed through a double-blind trial involving 30 healthy volunteers.
The UMD Institute for Genome Sciences has been awarded $17.5 million to continue its genome-based investigation of polymicrobial infectious disease outcomes. The grant will support research into host-pathogen-microbiome interactions, focusing on multiple bacteria, fungal pathogens, and parasitic tropical diseases.
Researchers have identified new key players in the methane cycle, discovering widespread metabolic pathways in archaea. The study found that different variants of methane metabolism are common in these microorganisms, suggesting a greater importance in global carbon balancing than previously thought.
Researchers have discovered that breast milk contains a variety of yeasts and fungi, including Malassezia and Davidiella, which are present in different geographic locations. These findings suggest that breast milk plays an important role in the initial seeding of fungal species to the infant gut.
A South African fungus has been found to rapidly degrade lignocellulose into fermentable simple sugars, feeding a community of surrounding fungi. The genome sequence of the fungus reveals its extraordinary ability to break down wood and produce valuable products.