Defense at almost any price
In an evolutionary competition, bacteria and ciliates develop attack and defense mechanisms, with defense coming at a high cost for reproduction, reducing intraspecific diversity.
Search results for “Bacteria”
1,000+ results for "Bacteria"
Bacteria activate their own killer
Researchers have developed a novel photothermal treatment that leverages the self-activation of certain bacteria to target and kill antibiotic-resistant pathogens. The innovative approach uses a supramolecular radical anion complex that absorbs near-infrared light, generating heat and denaturing proteins in targeted bacteria.
3-D-printed minifactories
A team of ETH researchers created a novel 3D printing platform that utilizes living matter to produce mini biochemical factories with various properties. The platform uses bacteria-containing ink to create objects with specific characteristics, such as biodegradable materials and sensors for toxic substances.
Researchers ID bacteria tied to esophageal cancer
A study of over 120,000 patients found that certain bacteria in the mouth are associated with an increased or decreased risk of developing esophageal cancer. The presence of Tannerella forsythia was linked to a 21% increased cancer risk, while Streptococcus and Neisseria were associated with a 24% decrease in risk.
Garlic can fight chronic infections
A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that a garlic compound can destroy important components in bacteria's communication systems, which involve regulatory RNA molecules. This discovery has led to further development of a potential treatment for patients with cystic fibrosis and other chronic infections.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 27, 2017
Sclerosis medicine can fight multi-resistant bacteria
Researchers have discovered that glatiramer acetate, a widely used multiple sclerosis treatment, can also effectively kill certain multi-resistant bacteria. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for treating cystic fibrosis patients and may even provide insight into the underlying causes of multiple sclerosis.
Age and gut bacteria contribute to MS disease progression, according to Rutgers
A study by Rutgers University researchers suggests that gut bacteria at a young age contributes to the onset and progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The study found that genetically engineered mice exposed to normal environment developed MS-like disease, highlighting the role of gut bacteria in triggering immune system changes.
Engineering the gut microbiome with 'good' bacteria may help treat Crohn's disease
Researchers at Penn Medicine found that wiping out bad bacteria and re-introducing 'good' bacteria can reconfigure the gut microbiota, potentially treating Crohn's disease. The study used human and mouse studies to show that a single enzyme can regulate bacterial nitrogen metabolism and lead to dysbiosis.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 15, 2017
New mechanisms discovered that bacteria use to protect themselves from antibiotics
Researchers at the University of Birmingham identified two previously unknown mechanisms that bacteria use to protect themselves from antibiotics. The discovery provides new insights into how bacteria develop resistance and could lead to the development of new drugs to combat bacterial infections.
Microbial murder mystery solved
Killer cells use a methodical approach to destroy bacterial invaders, inflicting oxidative damage and targeting critical proteins with the deadly enzyme granzyme B. The discovery offers new insights into how immune systems combat bacteria, potentially leading to the development of new antimicrobial drugs.
How caries-causing bacteria can survive in dental plaque
Caries-causing bacteria survive in dental plaque thanks to EPS' calcium integration, which neutralizes toxins and strengthens the biofilm. This process inhibits enamel remineralization, contributing to caries development.
New study identifies mechanism bacteria use to attach to surfaces
Researchers discovered that bacteria use pili as their sense of touch when interacting with surfaces, leading to a new understanding of bacterial surface sensing. This mechanism may help scientists develop strategies to control bacterial growth, either beneficially in bioreactors or pathogenically on medical devices.
Bacteria have a sense of touch
Researchers discovered bacteria possess a 'sense of touch' enabling them to recognize surfaces and induce adhesive production in response to mechanical stimulation. This mechanism helps pathogens colonize host cells, making it crucial for understanding infectious diseases.
New antibiotic resistance genes found
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg have discovered 76 new types of antibiotic resistance genes. These genes can provide bacteria with the ability to degrade carbapenems, a powerful class of antibiotics.
Hibernating ribosomes help bacteria survive
Researchers have uncovered secrets of how bacteria turn off protein biosynthesis to conserve energy and survive under stressful conditions. Hibernating ribosomes, found in Gram-positive bacteria like Staph, help them survive by suppressing translation, making them a potential target for new antibiotics.
Predatory bacteria found in study of cystic fibrosis patients' lung microbiome
Researchers discovered two predator bacteria, Vampirovibrio and Bdellovibrio, in cystic fibrosis patients' lungs, which may prevent colonization of disease-associated bacteria. The findings indicate a more complex lung microbiota than previously thought.
Lipid vesicles replace blood in new bacteria test
Researchers have developed a new test that can provide results in just hours for diagnosing bacterial infections like Strep throat. The test uses lipid vesicles to detect beta-hemolytic bacteria with 100% accuracy on plates and 99% accuracy in liquid broth.
How bacteria hinder chemotherapy
Researchers discover bacteria in pancreatic tumors that metabolize a common chemotherapy drug, rendering it ineffective. The study suggests that targeting these bacteria may offer a new approach to treating pancreatic cancer.
Your stools reveal whether you can lose weight
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that a specific ratio of gut bacteria can predict weight loss success on a high-fruit diet. Approximately 50% of the population has this beneficial bacterial balance, which can help tailor nutritional advice for individual weight loss needs.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateSep 12, 2017
Slowing dangerous bacteria may be more effective than killing them, researchers report
A new study reveals that manipulating bacterial communication can help the body defeat an infection without causing drug-resistant strains. By targeting the dormancy-signal molecule, researchers hope to develop molecules that can disrupt specific bacteria's language, reducing resistance development.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2017
Bacteria stab amoebae with micro-daggers
Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered a mechanism used by bacteria Amoebophilus to shoot micro-daggers that pierce the digestive compartment of an amoeba, allowing it to escape digestion and thrive. The study reveals new insights into bacterial evolution and opens up possibilities for other structural biology investigations.
Bacteria can feel their surroundings
A new study by CU Boulder researchers found that individual bacteria cells can feel their external environment through electrical signals, similar to vertebrates. This discovery could advance fundamental bacteria research and aid in developing drugs for infectious diseases.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017
Even bacteria have baggage -- and understanding that is key to fighting superbugs
A study found that bacteria's past adaptation to antibiotics influences their evolutionary dynamics of multi-drug resistance. The researchers used Pseudomonas aeruginosa and sequenced the bacteria's genomes to understand the genetic basis for resistance.
LSUHealthNO research finds walnuts may promote health by changing gut bacteria
Research led by Dr. Lauri Byerley found that walnuts increase beneficial bacteria in the gut, promoting a diverse microbiota. This shift in gut bacteria has been associated with better health outcomes, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and inflammatory bowel disease.
SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateJul 28, 2017
How bacteria maintain and recover their shape
Researchers have found that bacteria can use mechanical cues to maintain their shape and recover from deformation. The study, published in Nature Microbiology, shows that Escherichia coli uses mechanical strain to grow its cell wall and recover its shape after being twisted out of shape.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 26, 2017
Aggressive UTI bacteria hijack copper, feed off it
E. coli bacteria hijack trace amounts of copper in the body to fuel growth and reproduce, a finding that could lead to new treatments for hard-to-treat UTIs. The 'nutritional passivation' strategy involves binding to metals like nickel, cobalt, and chromium to bring in controlled amounts of essential nutrients.
Bac-for good: Bacteria passed between generations benefits you more than others
Researchers tracked 106 bacterial symbioses in animal, plant, and fungi species, finding that vertically transmitted bacteria are better for hosts. Removing these bacteria can have a significant negative impact on the host, while horizontally transmitted bacteria have less impact.
Undersea life holds promise for killing tuberculosis
A team of researchers has identified 26 compounds from sponges and other marine organisms that are active against replicating tuberculosis bacteria, with 19 killing dormant bacteria. This is a novelty as existing drugs are better at killing replicating bacteria.
Discovery could influence methods to control bacteria on medical and other surfaces
Researchers at Penn State discovered that flexible flagella allow bacteria to overcome local forces between molecules, reducing viscosity and effectively thinning the liquid. This understanding could inform ways to control or prevent biofilm formation on surfaces, leading to better medical device designs and filtration methods.
Swimming microbots can remove pathogenic bacteria from water (video)
Researchers have developed tiny microbots that can remove up to 80% of pathogenic bacteria from contaminated water. The microbots use hydrogen bubbles propelled by magnesium and silver nanoparticles to kill bacteria, offering a potential solution to the global clean water crisis.
The dust storm microbiome
Research at Weizmann Institute of Science finds dust storm microbiomes differ by region, with rising bacterial species during storms. The study identifies a 'signature' for each source of bacteria based on antibiotic resistance genes, revealing that local sources pose less threat than imported genes.
Conducting shell for bacteria
Scientists have successfully coated live bacteria with a conducting polymer to improve their conductivity, resulting in a 23 times smaller resistance and a fivefold increase in electricity generation. This coating scheme has the potential to revolutionize microbial fuel cell technology and wastewater treatment.
Discovery of a new mechanism for bacterial division
Researchers have found that some pathogenic bacteria use an undulating 'wave-pattern' to mark future sites of division, instead of conventional biological systems. This discovery provides new insights into how these bacteria divide and could lead to new ways to fight them.
E. coli bacteria's defense secret revealed
E. coli bacteria defend themselves against toxins by forming dynamic tunnels through their cell wall, allowing them to expel intruders. This mechanism may also contribute to antibiotic resistance, prompting researchers to explore new strategies for combating resistant bacteria.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria in ready-to-eat foods
Ready-to-eat foods such as dairy products and fresh produce contain antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can be directly consumed or contaminate kitchen surfaces. Organic produce had higher levels of resistance than dairy products.
Vaginal bacteria alter sexual transmission of Zika and herpes simplex virus-2
A new study found that vaginal bacteria can alter the sexual transmission of Zika and herpes simplex virus-2. The presence of Lactobacillus bacteria was associated with reduced replication of herpes simplex virus-2, while some microbiomes lacking Lactobacillus allowed for increased replication of Zika virus.
Vegetables rotting? Check bacteria conversation
Researchers found that certain bacteria can trigger the virulence of plant pathogens by eavesdropping on signals from other species. This discovery could lead to new strategies for preventing crop diseases.
Fat can neutralize listeria
Researchers have discovered that naturally occurring fatty acids can switch off the specific genes that make listeria bacteria dangerous. Omega-3 fatty acids took about half an hour to neutralize the bacteria, according to the study published in Research in Microbiology.
Global warming kills gut bacteria in lizards
Climate change is shown to impact gut bacteria diversity in common lizards, with a 34% loss of microorganism diversity found at warmed temperatures. This finding highlights the importance of research into how climate change affects bacteria associated with plants and animals.
Bugs for thought: Gut bacteria tell the brain what animals should eat
A new study found that gut bacteria in fruit flies can reprogram the body's nutritional needs to safeguard against nutrient deficiencies. The bacteria induce a metabolic change that mimics protein satiety, altering appetite and fertility.
New test can identify dangerous bacteria with resistance to last-resort antibiotic
Researchers have developed a quick and accurate diagnostic test for bacteria resistant to colistin, a last-resort antibiotic. The test can distinguish between bacteria with plasmid-encoded resistance, which is considered more dangerous, and those that are not.
Drug-resistant bacteria in patients' urine or stools raise risk of drug-resistant sepsis
A recent study found that patients with drug-resistant bacteria in their urine or stool samples have a significantly increased risk of developing drug-resistant sepsis. Researchers discovered that the risk is highest soon after detection and can persist for up to three years.
New weapon in fight against antibiotic resistance discovered
Scientists have developed a new drug, PEG-2S, that combats two priority pathogens with limited treatment options. The drug specifically targets the NQR pump, preventing proliferation of harmful bacteria like Chlamydia trachomatis, and is highly targeted without toxic effects on normal cells.
SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalCanadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology·DateApr 20, 2017
Gut bacteria give newborns infection protection, not just digestion, mouse study shows
A mouse study reveals that Clostridia bacteria provide key protection against infection, in addition to aiding digestion. Newborn mice lack these beneficial bacteria, making them more vulnerable to pathogens. The findings suggest that the introduction of protective bacteria may hold promise for preventing gut infections in human newborns.
Chaining up diarrhea pathogens
Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered that vaccine-induced IgA antibodies 'enchain' bacteria in the intestine, forming clumps that prevent disease and genetic exchange of resistant genes. This approach could lead to a new strategy for intestinal infections, including farm animal vaccination and potential human applications.
Study finds amoeba 'grazing,' killing bacteria usually protected by fi
A University of Wisconsin-Madison study reveals that certain amoebas called dictyostelids can penetrate biofilms and devour bacteria, including multi-drug resistant species. This finding has potential applications in combating antibiotic-resistant infections, such as bacterial keratitis and fire blight.
New mechanism to fight multi-resistant bacteria revealed
Researchers identified a compensatory mechanism in bacteria that can be used as a new therapeutic target against multi-drug resistant bacteria. The study found that the pace of adaptation in multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli strains is faster than for strains with single resistance mutations.
Lice and bacteria, partners in parasitism
Scientists sequenced the genomes of symbiotic bacteria from human lice and their closely related monkey lice counterparts. The data revealed a single-trunked tree suggesting the bacteria have been associated with lice for millions of years.
SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 14, 2017
NSU researchers studying how to disrupt bacteria to better treat infections
Researchers at NSU discovered that shaking bacteria can create confusion, preventing them from coordinating an attack. This strategy has promise in reducing the need for antibiotics and combating antibiotic resistance. The team plans to test their theory in more species of bacteria and eventually in mice.
Synthetic biologists engineer inflammation-sensing gut bacteria
Researchers at Rice University engineered bacteria capable of sensing colitis in mice, detecting elevated thiosulfate levels and finding a potential biomarker for human colitis. The breakthrough could lead to orally ingestible bacteria for monitoring gut health and disease.
Researchers profile symbiotic relationship between bacteria and filarial nematodes
A collaborative study reveals the molecular details of the relationship between Brugia malayi and its endosymbiotic bacteria, Wolbachia. The researchers found that Wolbachia plays a critical role in worm reproduction and survival, making it an essential target for novel drug development.
Social bees have kept their gut microbes for 80 million years
Researchers discovered five species of bacteria that have been passed down from generation to generation in social bees for 80 million years. These symbiotic bacteria are a key part of the biology of social bees and can cause health problems if disrupted.
Discovery may help patients beat deadly pneumonia
Researchers have found that a hormone called hepcidin helps fight off bacterial pneumonia by limiting the spread of bacteria in the blood. Stimulating hepcidin production could be lifesaving for vulnerable patients, including those with iron overload or liver disease.
Genetics reveal mysteries of hard-to-treat bacterial infection in cystic fibrosis
New UBC research reveals how Burkholderia cenocepacia bacteria interact and evolve in cystic fibrosis patients. The study identifies common genes among strains, paving the way for targeted treatments.
Researchers create self-sustaining bacteria-fueled power cell
Binghamton University researchers developed a micro-scale self-sustaining bacterial fuel cell that generated power for 13 straight days through symbiotic interactions of two types of bacteria. The cell produced an electrical current about 70 times greater than phototrophic bacteria alone.
A light rain can spread soil bacteria far and wide, study finds
Researchers found that light rain can disperse up to several thousand bacteria from the soil into the air, where they can travel long distances before settling back on the ground. Global precipitation may be responsible for releasing 1.6 to 25 percent of total bacteria emissions from land.
Transplanting good bacteria to kill Staph
Researchers isolated and grew good bacteria with antimicrobial properties to treat atopic dermatitis. The treatment successfully reduced Staphylococcus aureus on the skin, offering a new approach to managing the condition.
Personalized skin lotions keep disease-causing bacteria at bay
Researchers discovered two new antibiotics in harmless skin bacteria that effectively fought off Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of skin infections. Personalized lotions with these friendly bacteria prevented colonization in patients with Atopic Dermatitis, offering a potential solution to frequent skin infections.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2017
Rice U. study probes microbe, virus co-evolution
A Rice University study models the dynamic evolution of the microbial immune system, revealing a three-region phase diagram where phages thrive or are driven to extinction. The study explains confusing CRISPR experimental results by highlighting the importance of encounter rates and mutation parameters.
New metalloid oxide reducing bacteria found in Manitoba's Nopiming gold mine tailings
A new study has identified bacteria that can convert toxic components into less toxic forms, which could contribute to bioremediation technologies. The bacteria are highly resistant to toxic waste and thrive in extreme environments.