Researchers have developed a novel influenza vaccine that could represent the next step towards a universal influenza vaccine eliminating seasonal immunizations. The vaccine uses headless hemaglutinin (HA) protein, inducing a broader and more robust immune response in mice.
Researchers found nearly 20% of cryptococcosis patients had mixed infections with multiple strains of C. neoformans, evolving during infection. This challenges the traditional concept of a single pathogen causing disease.
A five-year study in Bangladesh found that women's use of sari cloth to filter household water reduced cholera incidence by 48% in their own households. Neighboring households not filtering water also saw a lower incidence of disease, highlighting the indirect benefit of the practice.
The American Society for Microbiology has launched a new open access online journal, mBio, to publish cutting-edge research in microbiology and related fields. The journal features a wide range of topics, including influenza vaccine strategies, universal vaccines, and fungal diseases.
Recent studies found that diverse microbial communities persist on spacecraft despite sterilization efforts. Escherichia coli was discovered to survive on Martian surfaces under shielded conditions or with thin dust layers.
Rachel J. Dutton received the Raymond W. Sarber Award for her research on disulfide bond formation pathways across bacterial genomes. Her discovery of an alternative VKOR homologue in Mycobacterium tuberculosis has implications for understanding bacterial protein stability and anticoagulant resistance.
Maynard V. Olson receives the Promega Biotechnology Research Award for his development of orthogonal-field-alternation gel electrophoresis, yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) system, and sequence-tagged site (STS) mapping techniques. His work significantly contributed to the completion of the human genome map.
Harwood's discovery of the genes and enzymes involved in lignin degradation has major implications for environmental pollution and carbon cycling. Her work on light-driven nitrogenase processes also holds promise for sustainable energy production.
Wolf-Watz recognized for seminal work on Yersinia host-pathogen interaction and international collaborations that advanced microbiological sciences. His proposal of type III protein secretion systems as unique injectors of proteins into host cells has been critical to understanding host-pathogen interactions.
The American Society for Microbiology honors Samuel L. Katz with the Maurice Hilleman/Merck Award for his decades-long work on vaccine development. Katz, a renowned expert in vaccine research, has made significant contributions to pathogenesis, vaccine discovery, and disease prevention.
Renato J. Aguilera has been recognized by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) with the William A. Hinton Research Training Award for his efforts to train underrepresented minorities in microbiology. This award highlights his commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in scientific research.
Thomas M. Schmidt, a renowned microbiologist, has been honored with the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Graduate Microbiology Teaching Award. He is recognized for fostering an intellectually stimulating environment and inspiring rigorous thinkers through his clear explanations.
Research found that light and photosynthesis aid in bacterial internalization within lettuce leaves. This makes the bacteria impervious to washing and food sanitizers. The study suggests that the increased internalization is due to open stomata allowing nutrient uptake during photosynthesis.
The American Society for Microbiology has awarded Dr. Angelika Gründling the ICAAC Young Investigator Award for her groundbreaking work on lipoteichoic acids and holins in bacterial membranes. Her research revealed that holins accumulate in the membrane during infection, leading to a collapse of the potential and formation of holes.
Dr. Lin's work reveals a modified sexual cycle of C. neoformans with only one mating type, suggesting increased genetic diversity and pathogenic characteristics
Dr. Tobias M. Hohl receives the 2009 ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his groundbreaking work on Aspergillus fumigatus and its interaction with the pulmonary innate immune system. His research has improved understanding of echinocandid mechanisms of action.
Dr. Nicholas J. White receives the sanofi-aventis ICAAC Award for his work on artemisinin-based combination treatments and reduction of malaria transmissibility, leading to a significant decrease in global malaria morbidity.
Anton Y. Peleg receives the American Society for Microbiology's ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his groundbreaking work on carbapenemase genes, tigecycline resistance, and prokaryote-eukaryote interactions in multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Dr. Masopust's work on immunological memory of bacterial and viral pathogens has transformed the field of memory T cell biology. His research demonstrated functional differences between lymphoid and non-lymphoid CD8 memory T cells.
An experimental vaccine delivered through the skin appears to protect against certain types of ear infections. The study, conducted by researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital, found that transcutaneous immunization effectively prevents experimental ear infections caused by NTHi bacteria.
Researchers have developed new processes using microorganisms to convert organic waste into biodegradable plastics. These bioplastics can be produced at rates up to three times faster than existing processes and have potential applications in various industries.
A novel vaccine strategy using VLPs could provide a more robust immune response and shorter development time compared to traditional vaccines. Researchers have already made VLP vaccines that show complete protection against H5N1 and 1918 influenza viruses.
Researchers are exploring alternative biomasses for microorganisms to ferment into ethanol and other fuels. The goal is to unlock the sugars trapped in cellulosic biomass, making it possible to produce sustainable biofuels.
The Seattle Times reporters Michael Berens and Ken Armstrong won the American Society for Microbiology Public Communication Award for their three-part investigation into methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Washington State hospitals. The series, known as "Culture of Resistance," highlighted microbiology's role in cont...
Researchers have developed new techniques to quickly identify bacterial infections and determine the best antibiotic treatment. A nanoparticle-based method can detect bacterial strains in hours, while scientists also uncovered genetic basis of morphological differences in anthrax letter material.
Research by JMU researchers suggests that adding probiotic bacteria to the skin of mountain yellow-legged frogs can lessen the effects of a lethal skin pathogen. Field studies have also shown that populations with higher proportions of individuals with anti-pathogen bacteria are more likely to survive.
Researchers are discovering microbes that can efficiently produce inexpensive, environmentally friendly biofuels as alternatives to oil. These microorganisms can ferment biomass into ethanol and biodiesel, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.
A new study by Cardiff University researchers found that antimicrobial-containing wipes used in hospitals can spread pathogens after first use. The study highlights concerns over the suitability of these wipes and the importance of regular surveillance programs to reduce infection risks.
Researchers are exploring the human microbiome to understand its role in health and disease, with findings suggesting that changes in microbial populations may contribute to digestive disorders, skin diseases, and obesity. The study of bacterial communities inside humans has the potential to revolutionize disease diagnosis and treatment.
Rising temperatures may reduce microbial carbon dioxide production due to increased nitrogen levels in the soil, but human-induced CO2 changes could shift microbial populations with significant impacts on food chains. Microbial communities under glaciers and snowpacks are also threatened by warming temperatures.
A new vaccine targeting more common pneumococcal strains is on the horizon to replace PCV7, which has seen a rise in non-vaccine strain IPD rates by 40%. The vaccine's effectiveness against resistant bacteria is currently being tested.
A study by California Polytechnic State University researchers has linked Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite typically associated with cats, to marine mammal deaths worldwide. The team discovered that northern anchovies may be spreading the parasite through the ocean's filter-feeding mechanism, posing a potential transmission risk to mammals.
The US is importing more food from developing nations, putting consumers at risk of foodborne diseases due to varying sanitary standards. Contaminants like Salmonella are commonly found in imported seafood and produce.
Researchers discovered a diverse community of beneficial bacteria within chicken embryos, suggesting that birds acquire these microbes from their egg environment. This finding could lead to improved poultry production and reduced risk of foodborne illness by administering probiotics in ovo.
Researchers found a higher incidence of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by Staphylococcus aureus, including antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA. The study revealed a lower case-fatality rate than previously estimated, at around 13%.
Research shows that men are more likely to eat meat and poultry products, including duck and veal, whereas women favor vegetables like carrots and tomatoes. Women also have a preference for dry foods and certain fruits, such as strawberries and blueberries.
Researchers found evidence of canine influenza virus circulation in the greyhound population dating back to 1999. The discovery sheds light on a potential earlier introduction of the virus, which may have caused respiratory outbreaks at racing tracks.
Researchers report a significant decline in invasive pneumococcal disease rates in all age groups post-PCV7 introduction. Disease caused by non-PCV7 serotypes, especially 19A, is emerging and accounts for nearly all IPD cases.
The proportion of foodborne outbreaks linked to leafy green consumption has substantially increased over the past 35 years, despite a rise in leafy green consumption. Per capita availability of leafy greens was found to be a significant factor in this correlation.
A study found that about 60% of people with severe West Nile infection continue to experience symptoms years after infection. Most recovery takes place within two years following infection.
A combination vaccine using virus-like particles (VLPs) provides complete protection against Ebola and Marburg viruses in monkeys. This innovative approach has the potential to offer broad-based immunity and is considered a leading candidate for use as a filovirus vaccine in humans.
Dr. Michael Bruce Zwick is honored by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) for his groundbreaking work in developing an HIV vaccine. He has published numerous papers and received several prestigious awards, including the ICAAC Young Investigator Awards.
Lucas R. Hoffman receives the ICAAC Young Investigator Award from the American Society for Microbiology for his groundbreaking research on biofilm formation and antibiotic interactions. His work has led to significant advancements in the care of patients with cystic fibrosis.
Dr. Thomas E. Wellems is being honored by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) for his groundbreaking research on malaria treatment and resistance to chloroquine. His work has significantly impacted malaria treatment, leading to a decrease in death rates in Africa and Asia.
Joanna Kubler-Kielb is honored with the American Society for Microbiology ICAAC Young Investigator Award for her research excellence in microbiology and infectious diseases, including work on anthrax and Lyme disease. Her research has led to significant contributions toward developing new vaccines against these diseases.
Dr. Hung Ton-That has been recognized for his research excellence in microbiology and infectious disease, with a focus on cell wall sorting structure and gram-positive bacteria surface structures. He is being honored for his contributions to the study of bacterial pathogenesis.
American Society for Microbiology honors Jason T. Blackard for his groundbreaking research on HIV and hepatitis C co-infections, including extrahepatic replication of HCV in HIV-infected women.
The American Society for Microbiology's MicrobeWorld Radio podcast and Small Things Considered blog have received a Communication Gold Circle Award for their innovative communication campaigns. The award recognizes the programs' ability to increase public understanding of microbiology and scientific careers.
The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) received three honors at the 2007 Hermes Creative Awards, including a Platinum Award for its MicrobeWorld Radio audio and video podcasts. Its blog, Small Things Considered, won a Gold Award, while its website earned an Honorable Mention.
Researchers found that C. difficile expresses its pathogenicity during periods of nutrient deprivation, potentially leading to a new treatment approach. A five-gene region, known as the tcd locus, plays a crucial role in toxin production and cell membrane disruption.