Researchers at ETH Zurich have created synthetic phages that can recognize and attack a broader range of bacterial strains, providing a potential solution for treating antibiotic-resistant infections. The synthesized phages share the same genome but have different receptor binding proteins, allowing them to target specific hosts.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that bacteria evolving alongside other microbes develop resistance to phages using an immune mechanism called CRISPR-Cas. This resistance does not reduce the bacteria's virulence, with similar effects expected in humans.
MIT researchers developed engineered bacteriophages that can kill different strains of E. coli by making targeted mutations in a viral protein. The new approach creates a large number of phage variants and tests them against resistant strains, showing promise for overcoming multidrug resistance.
Scientists have discovered a key protein structure that could lead to the development of treatments for Epstein-Barr virus infections. The portal protein plays a crucial role in the virus's DNA entry and exit mechanisms, and understanding its structure may enable the design of virus-specific inhibitors.
A pioneer study published in PNAS reveals that bacterial sex plays a pivotal role in the evolution of the mammalian microbiome. Horizontal gene transfer, facilitated by temperate bacteriophages, is the primary mechanism driving bacterial evolution in a healthy gut.
Researchers at McMaster University developed a novel antibacterial gel made entirely from bacteria-killing viruses, which can be targeted to attack specific forms of bacteria. The gel holds promise for numerous beneficial applications in medicine and environmental protection.
Researchers developed an algorithm that can identify a certain type of bacterial viruses called inoviruses, significantly expanding their known diversity. The tool was trained on a reference dataset and combed through over 70,000 microbial and metagenome datasets, ultimately identifying more than 10,000 inovirus-like sequences.
A study by San Diego State University researcher Rob Edwards found a country-specific biomarker for the crAssphage virus in humans, which rapidly changes with travel. The research analyzed over 32,000 sequences from 65 countries and revealed the phage's global distribution.
Researchers identified a unique biomarker, KLHL11, that targets autoantibodies in men with testicular cancer-associated paraneoplastic encephalitis. The discovery has the potential to diagnose this condition earlier and improve treatment outcomes for patients.
Researchers discovered Cas9's ability to block gene activity without cutting DNA in pathogenic bacterium Francisella novicida, regulating disease-causing genes. This finding expands the versatility of CRISPR/Cas9 for genome engineering and potential antibiotic resistance solutions.
A world-first study uses 'good viruses' to eliminate targeted bacteria in green sea turtles without harming non-targeted 'good bacteria'. Researchers have identified the potential for phage therapy as an alternative treatment for bacterial infections in marine animals.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego discovered a complex process where viral components are transported along filaments within bacterial cells. This 'treadmill-like' structure allows for efficient movement of cargo, similar to human cell mechanisms, and has significant implications for understanding phage therapy.
A new study reveals that bacteriophages can have a profound impact on the dynamics of the gut microbiome, causing a cascade of effects on other species and modulating metabolite levels. This finding has significant implications for therapeutic use and understanding the potential effects of other treatments.
Researchers discovered that bacteria employ Cas13 to counter viral attacks, employing a dormancy strategy to hinder virus replication. This approach offers superior protection against viral mutations and phage escape.
A 15-year-old girl with cystic fibrosis was treated with genetically engineered bacteriophages to combat a life-threatening, drug-resistant infection. The treatment led to the clearance of skin nodules and improvement in liver function, demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of phage therapy.
Researchers discovered that bacteria can distinguish themselves from closely related competitors through the use of a virus. A novel phage, SW1, controls formation of a demarcation line by utilizing one of the host's cryptic prophage proteins, providing conditional benefits to E. coli K-12.
Researchers discovered a link between filamentous phages and antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in cystic fibrosis patients. The viruses form biofilms that sequester antibiotics, allowing resistant bacteria to thrive.
Certain bacteriophages exacerbate bacterial infections in cystic fibrosis patients, particularly with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These phage-carrying bacteria are more resistant to standard antibiotics, highlighting potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers found that bacteria can recognize themselves using phages, which helps them repel competitors and gain a fitness advantage.
Researchers studied viruses that infect pathogenic bacteria called bacteriophages to develop a vaccine against bacterial infection. They found that some bacteriophages induce an anti-viral response in humans, which can hinder the clearance of bacterial infections.
A Stanford study finds that a bacterial pathogen produces a virus that increases its ability to infect humans and causes the immune system to mount an antiviral response. The discovery could lead to new ways of preventing chronic infections by keeping antibiotic-resistant bacteria from getting a foothold in wounds.
Scientists have deciphered the process by which viruses induce their hosts to transcribe viral genetic information, producing daughter viruses. The discovery sheds light on the 'viral exploitation' mechanism used by bacteriophages, such as lambda phage, and may contribute to the development of new antibacterial drugs.
Researchers have identified a new group of massive viruses, known as megaphages, that target specific bacteria found in the guts of individuals eating non-Western, high-fiber diets. These phages, which are 10 times larger than average phages, can carry genes that exacerbate human illnesses and may move between humans and animals.
A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals a strong correlation between
A team of researchers analyzed the immune system of P. aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis patients, finding diverse bacterial populations with varying responses to viruses. The study's findings have implications for phage therapy and understanding infectious disease.
Researchers at NUS Medicine and University of Glasgow have discovered lateral transduction, a new mode of genetic transfer that enables the transfer of large sections of bacterial chromosomes between bacteria. This highly efficient mechanism could explain the rapid evolution of antibiotic-resistant strains.
A new study reveals bacterial DNA is transferred to phages at frequencies 1,000 times higher than previously thought, allowing for rapid adaptation and gene dissemination. This discovery has significant implications for the spread of antibiotic resistance and other survival factors among bacteria.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new test that employs a bacteriophage to detect the presence of E. coli in drinking water. The test can provide results within hours, rather than days, allowing for faster action to be taken in case of contamination.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict the spread of melioidosis in Southeast Asia, highlighting the impact of bacteriophages on bacterial populations. The study found that phage-free bacteria numbers are highest during cooler periods, and using fertilizers can kill off phages, posing a risk of more frequent infections.
Researchers discovered altered intestinal phage communities in mice with colitis, which overlapped with healthy human phages, suggesting a potential role in IBD. The study also found specific phages linked to disease-causing bacteria, highlighting the need for further investigation into viral contributions to inflammatory diseases.
A study reveals a connection between viruses and inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Phages play an unidentified role in IBD, potentially leading to new treatments by targeting specific bacteria with viruses.
Researchers discovered that phages cooperate to rapidly infect bacteria, overcoming destruction by CRISPR. The cooperation allows the first phage to sacrifice itself and produce anti-CRISPR compounds to neutralize some CRISPs, helping subsequent phages. This new model proposes a tipping point between numbers and speed of CRISPR and ant...
Research reveals phages work together to overcome CRISPR-Cas, a key breakthrough for improving phage therapy to treat life-threatening bacterial infections. The study shows that a high number of viral particles can overwhelm bacterial defenses, leading to the establishment of an infection in bacterial populations.
A new delivery technique using dry, porous microparticles coated with phages successfully treated pneumonia in infected mice and reduced bacterial levels in cystic fibrosis models. The technique improves the distribution of phages in the lungs and could one day be used to deliver a dry-powder phage via an inhaler.
A new platform enables quick discovery of molecules that recognize specific strains of bacteria, overcoming challenges in developing targeted antibiotics. The approach uses phage display with chemically enhanced peptides, resulting in potent and selective probes against two antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens.
Researchers use droplet-sized miniecosystems to simultaneously test antibody binding affinity and cell function, reducing the drug discovery process. The new method enables scientists to select functional antibodies directly with phage display.
A clinical study confirms the safety and tolerability of using bacteriophages to eliminate disease-causing bacteria in the gut, promoting beneficial bacteria growth. The treatment shows no apparent side effects and improves inflammatory markers and gut bacterial diversity.
Researchers from Ohio State University have discovered that viral infections can affect nutrient turnover, health, and disease in bacteria commonly found in the environment. The study highlights the importance of understanding these interactions to improve environmental preservation and human health, potentially leading to new ways to ...
Researchers have found four bacteriophages effective in eliminating Yersinia enterocolitica from food and kitchenware. The study's results suggest phage treatment could become a routine method in food production to prevent foodborne infections.
Researchers have developed a novel technology platform to genetically modify phage genomes systematically, providing additional functionality. The new phage workbench allows for the creation of custom bacteriophages with various functions, overcoming constraints associated with naturally occurring phages.
Researchers found 457 novel phage sequences in bacterial genomes from the female urinary microbiome, suggesting a common set of phages that reside in the bladder. The study also indicates that phage may contribute to urinary health and offers potential alternative treatment for urinary tract infections.
Researchers are exploring phages as a solution to combat antibiotic resistance. Studies suggest that phages can alter microbial balances and have been proposed for use in faecal microbiota transplantations. Despite challenges, phage therapy may offer a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics.
A team of Norwegian researchers has developed a tool to monitor bacterial strains in cheese cultures, enabling prompt detection and countermeasures to maintain quality. The tool uses next-generation sequencing to analyze the epsD gene, which is involved in resisting phage and producing exopolysaccharide.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have identified a peptide that can predict early Alzheimer's disease by recognizing vasculature associated with brain inflammation. The discovery may provide a means of homing drugs to diseased areas of the brain, targeting treatments before amyloid plaques appear.
Using supercomputer simulations, researchers have discovered that kinks in DNA can significantly reduce energy and pressure, allowing it to fit into a micron-sized space. The findings provide new insights into how cells pack DNA and could lead to advances in understanding biological phenomena.
Researchers have developed a new method to control fire blight by using a genetically modified bacteriophage (Y2) that can dissolve the slime layer protecting the Erwinia bacteria and kill it. Additionally, another variant of Y2 has been engineered to detect Salmonella by emitting light when bound to infected bacteria.
Researchers have successfully resurrected a four-billion-year-old protein in modern E. coli bacteria, protecting it from viruses. This breakthrough could lead to the development of crop-resistant plants, as the ancient protein can't be hijacked by phages.
Scientists used bacteriophages to treat a patient with a deadly, antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The patient recovered well after the treatment, which could be an alternative to failing antibiotics for treating multidrug-resistant infections.
Researchers found that acne is associated with an imbalance of skin bacteria, including increased levels of virulence-associated genes and reduced beneficial bacteria. Targeted treatments, such as probiotic supplementation or phage therapy, may be more effective than antibiotics in maintaining a healthy bacterial balance.
Researchers at ETH Zurich found that inflammation triggers the transfer of phage genes to Salmonella bacteria, increasing their pathogenicity. Vaccination can prevent this process, alleviating the risk of phage release.
Scientists at the University of Liverpool have shown that phage therapy can kill drug-resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common cause of chronic lung infections in Cystic Fibrosis patients. The study suggests that phage therapy could be a valuable addition to treatment options for these hard-to-treat infections.
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research have found that viruses make decisions about their actions in host bacteria, similar to human decision-making. The study's findings could lead to the development of more effective phage therapy for treating bacterial diseases.
A team of scientists from Tufts University has developed a virus cocktail that prevents cholera infection in animal models. The treatment, which uses bacteriophages to target the cholera bacteria, was found to be effective in eliminating the bacteria and reducing symptoms in over half of treated animals.
Scientists have identified two bacteriophages, dubbed superspreaders, that promote the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes in bacterial communities. These phages, SUSP1 and SUSP2, can efficiently release plasmid DNA intact upon phage lysis, which may drive bacterial evolution in natural environments.
A study published in PNAS details a mathematical model of the timing of phage-induced cell death, revealing high precision and counterintuitive insights into regulatory mechanisms. The research has implications for medicine and broader applications in chemical kinetics, ecological modeling, and statistical physics.
Researchers discovered that phages can invade bacteria by transferring attachment molecules via membrane vesicles, facilitating horizontal gene transfer and expansion of the phage host range. This mechanism enables phages to deliver DNA into new species, promoting attachment to non-host species and potentially transmitting antibiotic r...
Scientists have isolated three families of proteins that can turn off CRISPR-Cas9 systems specifically used for gene editing. This discovery offers a new strategy to prevent unintended changes in the genome, making gene editing more precise and controlled.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are using cross-assembly phage (crAssphage) as an indicator of fecal contamination in water, which can help prevent disease outbreaks and improve public safety. The study aims to establish a correlation between crAssphage presence and pathogens in irrigation water.
Phage therapy, which uses viruses to kill bacteria, has shown no adverse effects in clinical trials and holds promise for treating antibiotic-resistant infections. Researchers plan to use phages against E. coli in the gut or MRSA on the skin, with a goal of establishing a central repository for phages.
Researchers have engineered a bacteriophage called NanoLuc that causes E. coli O157:H7 to emit light, allowing for faster and cheaper detection of contaminated food products. The new method can detect as few as four bacteria in eight hours.