A team of Belgian researchers has discovered a yeast species that significantly improves chocolate fermentation, resulting in better and more consistent chocolate. The new method allows for the creation of specialty chocolates with unique flavors.
A study published in mBio reveals that multiple species of gut bacteria collaborate to protect against Clostridium difficile infections. The research used mathematical modeling and machine learning to identify key bacterial species that confer resistance or susceptibility.
Clostridium difficile, the most common cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea, tightly controls its intracellular iron levels to avoid DNA damage. The pathogen has multiple systems for importing ferrous iron compounds, which are more critical in anaerobic conditions.
Research shows that Wolbachia-infected male fruit flies fight less aggressively than their uninfected peers. The infected flies took three times longer to initiate fights and started fewer battles, but their bouts lasted as long as those of uninfected counterparts.
Researchers found that hantaviruses are highly dependent on cholesterol in cell membranes to gain access into cells. Disrupting the S1P pathway reduced their ability to infect cells, suggesting potential therapeutic targets. However, further studies are needed to fully understand the viruses' dependence on cholesterol.
Researchers found that human urine's unknown factors interfere with bacterial FimH protein's ability to adhere to cells and switch off pilus production assembly. This exposes a crucial weakness in pathogen's ability to infect, making potential non-antibiotic treatments more effective
A study found that ERs misdiagnosed UTIs and STIs in women nearly half the time, resulting in unnecessary antibiotic use. The misdiagnoses were often due to similar symptoms and abnormal urinalysis results.
Researchers have identified two compounds that target the synthesis of fungal glucosylceramide, leading to highly effective antifungal activity. These new agents may pave the way for a new class of antifungals to treat serious fungal infections, which cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Researchers report that statins and angiotensin receptor blockers, commonly used for heart disease, can stabilize endothelial cells lining blood vessels in Ebola patients. This approach may improve survival rates in infected individuals by bolstering the immune system.
A study found that at least 60% of toothbrushes were contaminated with fecal coliforms, even after decontamination methods. The researchers advise better hygiene practices for students who share bathrooms to prevent the transmission of potentially pathogenic organisms.
Research found that 90% of bacteria on human skin are either dead or inactive, with different areas harboring varying proportions of metabolically active, inactive, and dead microbes. Activity levels decreased with age, suggesting a possible relationship between the microbiome and immune system function.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown serotype of oral bacterium, Streptococcus mutans serotype k, in African-American schoolchildren in southwest Alabama. The study found the bacteria to be present in 84% of children, with no invasive genes linked to systemic diseases.
Researchers found that Agion silver zeolite technology significantly reduced bacterial populations on door handles, particularly gram-negative bacteria. The study suggests that the technology may be more effective than previously thought, but further research is needed to address concerns about standardization and potential side effects.
Researchers have identified Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1) as a critical protein for the Ebola virus to infect a host, providing a new target for drug development. Blocking NPC1 could lead to effective treatments for this deadly disease.
Giant pandas have a carnivore-like gut microbiota that can't efficiently digest bamboo due to the lack of genes for plant-digesting enzymes in their genome. Their gut diversity is also lower compared to other herbivores, leading to nutritional challenges and increased risk of extinction.
Researchers found that nearly half of chicken meat samples contained viruses capable of transferring antibiotic resistance genes. Phages were able to transfer resistance to multiple antibiotics, including extended spectrum betalactam antibiotics.
Researchers found that bacterial community structure can accurately predict the presence of contaminants such as uranium and oil. The approach uses DNA sequencing to monitor bacterial communities in environmental sites, providing a potential tool for detecting damage caused by human activity.
A fecal microbiota transplant successfully cured a patient's C. difficile infection, eliminating populations of multi-drug resistant organisms from the gut and other body sites. The treatment method replenishes normal gut flora, stopping the release of antibiotic-resistant microbes and potentially saving lives.
A team of French clinicians diagnosed a patient with rabies after an unusual clinical presentation despite no obvious exposure to animal bites. The strain was identified as circulating among dogs in West Africa, highlighting the risk of healthcare personnel via bodily fluids.
Researchers have genetically modified Salmonella to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors, offering a potential new therapy. The modified bacteria can target and destroy cancer cells while remaining safe for patients.
A study found that some dogs can mount an immune response to human norovirus, suggesting they may be infected. However, the risk of canine infection and transmission to humans is unclear.
Researchers discovered a compound produced by Pseudomonas protegens that prevents Bacillus subtilis from forming biofilms at low concentrations, blocking spore formation as well. This finding may lead to creating healthy microbial soil communities and boosting agricultural yields.
Researchers found that camel antibodies protected uninfected mice from MERS and helped infected mice expunge the disease. The study suggests these antibodies might be therapeutic for MERS patients and protect uninfected household members and healthcare workers.
Research finds that malaria-infected cells produce specific terpenes attractive to mosquitoes, which can be detected in breath or sweat. This discovery may lead to new diagnostic tests and improve malaria control by understanding mosquito attraction.
Researchers found that soil microbes are the primary source of bacteria colonizing grapevines, affecting disease resistance, stress tolerance, and productivity. The study's findings could lead to biotechnological advances in producing hardier crops and improving wine quality.
A new microarray-based tool called VaginArray has been developed to rapidly diagnose vaginal infections and assess vaginal microbiome health. The tool uses 17 probe sets specific for representative bacterial species, including those associated with healthy and unhealthy conditions.
A recent study found that MRSA can persist in households for years, spreading from person to person and evolving genetically. The bacteria can be transmitted through household members, especially those with skin infections, and can even acquire extraneous DNA over time.
Researchers have developed an antibody called FcDART that provides 100% protection against the H5N1 influenza virus in ferrets and mice. This breakthrough could lead to the development of vaccines to match each flu virus and protect vulnerable populations.
The American Society for Microbiology has received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to host joint sessions at ASM's Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC) in San Diego. The program aims to support developing world scientists attending ICAAC through the Gates Travel Award.
Researchers at Concordia University have grown mutant E. coli bacteria up to 3/4 millimeter long, 750 times their normal length, by blocking cell division. This breakthrough has potential applications in the nanoscale industry and may lead to a better understanding of pathogens.
The HPV vaccine was highly effective against common cancer-causing human papillomaviruses beyond types 16 and 18. Young women vaccinated before sexual debut showed substantial protection against cervical abnormalities and precancerous cell transformations.
Researchers found that targeting a single protein, VP24, was sufficient to protect monkeys from Ebola virus infection. The medication, AVI-7537, also reduced viral load and liver/kidney damage in infected animals.
Researchers found that vaginally delivered infants with longer gestations tended to develop more mature gut microbiota faster, while those born via Caesarean section took longer to acquire a healthy gut microbiota, leading to differences in body fat at 18 months.
Researchers tracked genetic mutations in Ebola virus during the West African outbreak, identifying changes that could interfere with experimental therapeutics. The study highlights the need for drug developers to assess mutation effects on efficacy.
A new study shows that cold atmospheric pressure plasma significantly reduced the number of virus particles in norovirus samples, making it a promising method for continuous disinfection of contaminated surfaces. The technology is environmentally friendly and effective against viruses with high tenacity, like noroviruses.
A study found that leafy greens can be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 up to 180m away from a cattle feedlot, highlighting the need for revised buffer zone guidelines. The research suggests that airborne transport of bacteria can contribute to contamination, particularly in dry and dusty conditions.
Researchers used mathematical modeling to show that commensal bacteria played a key role in stabilizing early human populations. The study found that these beneficial microbes helped keep the community healthy until reproductive age, but their impact became detrimental with increased longevity.
A study found that seasonal flu vaccines protect against multiple flu strains, including those not included in vaccine formulations. The researchers also discovered that exposure to birds can elicit immune responses to avian influenza viruses in humans.
A study found that seasonal flu vaccines can induce strong immune responses against multiple flu virus subtypes, including some not included in vaccine formulations. This could provide protection against emerging pandemic strains from avian populations.
Microbial succession in restrooms begins with gut and vaginal bacteria, followed by skin and outdoor microbes. Skin and outdoor taxa comprise most of the cultured communities, suggesting restrooms are not significantly unhealthy or healthy.
A study found that flu viruses expressing specific avian hemagglutinins led to fatal infections in mice and caused significant cell damage in human lung cells. These findings suggest that certain hemagglutinins may induce programmed cell death, leading to enhanced disease severity.
Research reveals that Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) strains infecting adults and children globally have similar toxins and virulence factors, indicating potential for a single, effective vaccine.
Researchers found that salivary mucin MUC5B limits biofilm formation by keeping S. mutans suspended in the liquid medium, preventing cavities. Boosting native defenses may be a better way to fight dental caries than relying on exogenous materials.
Researchers boosted bacteria's ability to produce isopentenol, a compound with desirable gasoline properties, by identifying and overexpressing genes that improve tolerance to solvent stress. The findings suggest a promising approach to developing a bacterial strain that can yield industrial quantities of renewable bio-gasoline.
Researchers discovered that Ebola and Marburg viruses edit their genetic material by adding extra nucleotides to their RNA. This process, known as RNA editing, was previously unknown in these viruses and could lead to a better understanding of their biology and the development of new treatments.
Researchers detected Giardia duodenalis in mussels near coastal areas where California Sea Lions lounge, suggesting a potential public health risk. The study highlights the importance of testing filter-feeding shellfish to detect waterborne pathogens.
Researchers found that Lactobacillus species in the guts of mouse models correlated with reduced lupus symptoms, while Clostridia increased. Probiotics containing Lactobacillus may help alleviate lupus flares, suggesting a potential new treatment approach.
Researchers found a potent antibiotic and a gene that confers immunity to it in Staphylococcus epidermidis Strain 115. The discovery could lead to large-scale production of the antibiotic, potentially solving the growing antibiotic crisis.
Researchers found that microbial activity increases with mineral deposits on sand particles in rapid sand filters, removing impurities like iron and ammonia. The study refutes the conventional assumption that minerals interfere with microbial colonization, suggesting potential improvements in drinking water production.
A recent study found that viruses normally infecting Asian elephants, not those from African elephants, cause severe cases of a mysterious illness. The research also identifies 12 new herpesviruses and sheds light on the evolution of these viruses.