Researchers discovered malaria parasites in 21% of white-tailed fawns in Florida, with infected deer more likely to die during the first year. The study's findings suggest that young animals are particularly vulnerable to these parasites.
Research found that chlorine can make foodborne pathogens undetectable by standard laboratory culture techniques. Chlorine-induced states enable some bacteria to survive and potentially cause disease. The study's findings have significant implications for food safety, biocidal products, and post-BREXIT trade agreements.
Researchers analyzed the genome of a deadly, drug-resistant bacterial strain to identify molecular drivers of resistance. The study found four genes responsible for resistance to beta-lactams and other antibiotics.
New research finds that fungi in healthy adults' gut samples correspond to species present in saliva, foods, or experimental diets. These fungi pass through the GI tract as part of digestion rather than colonizing.
Researchers report on GS-5734, a broad spectrum antiviral drug that inhibits strains of SARS and MERS coronaviruses, as well as murine hepatitis virus. The drug targets airway epithelial cells, suggesting its potential in treating respiratory infections caused by coronaviruses.
A team of investigators found the mcr-1 drug resistance gene in Shigella flexneri, a common cause of diarrhea globally. The gene was detected on a transferable plasmid and can jump to other bacteria, raising concerns about its potential spread.
Researchers discovered carbapenem-resistant plasmids in hospital pipes and sewers, suggesting a vast reservoir for antibiotic resistance. The findings imply that surveillance efforts can minimize patient infections, but the presence of resistant organisms in wastewater raises questions about their impact on public health.
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 use a new method called magic pools to study hundreds of transposon systems in parallel, speeding up the process of identifying functional transposons. This approach enables scientists to test multiple genetic variants simultaneously, reducing the trial and error process and accelerating the development of new genetic tools.
Research in mice and tissue cultures suggests that vitamin C enhances the killing power of first-line TB drugs, isoniazid and rifampicin. The combination reduces organ burdens faster than the drugs alone, with a potential to shorten TB chemotherapy duration.
A South Korean study reveals that the bacterium Chromobacterium piscinae produces cyanide when attacked by a microbial predator, inhibiting its growth without killing it. The researchers suspect that the bacteria use nutrient-rich environments to trigger the production of this protective compound.
A new study sheds light on the source and spread of the white-nose syndrome fungus, which has wiped out millions of bats in North America. Researchers found that the fungus was introduced to North America from Europe and has since spread rapidly due to the effective dispersal abilities of bats.
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.
A new study suggests that breast milk can help sustain beneficial probiotic colonies in infants' guts, leading to improved gut health. The research, published in mSphere, used a three-week course of probiotics and found that the beneficial microbes persisted for at least 30 days after treatment.
A study published in mBio reveals a strong connection between the onset and severity of acute infectious mononucleosis (mono or 'kissing disease') and the T-cell population, specifically those that react to both EBV and influenza A virus. Individuals with severe cases of mono have higher levels of cross-reactive T-cells, while those wi...
A team of Italian investigators found that commercial starter culture produced sausages with higher acidity, but inferior taste, as compared to spontaneous fermentation. The study used Next Generation Sequencing techniques and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry to analyze the microorganisms and metabolic pathways involved.
A new meningococcal vaccine, MenB-4C (Bexsero), has been shown to cover up to 91% of bacterial strains causing invasive serogroup B meningococcal disease in children and young adults. The vaccine contains four antigens that induce an immune response against the bacteria.
Researchers have developed nanosponges that can absorb and neutralize toxins secreted by bacteria causing intraocular infections. These engineered nanoparticles, consisting of a polymeric core surrounded by natural red blood cell membranes, demonstrated effectiveness in protecting the retina from damage in animal models.
Researchers have identified specific yeast genes responsible for producing phenylethyl acetate, a flavor compound imparting a hint of rose or honey to alcoholic beverages. The study uses CRISPR/Cas9 to precisely engineer desirable traits in yeasts, potentially leading to the creation of new flavors.
A new study found that most antibiotics decrease bacterial motility in multidrug-resistant Salmonella, but kanamycin increased swarming in one strain. Researchers hope to identify the accessory genes responsible for this effect to inform antibiotic choice.
A new study suggests that high-fat diets can change gut fungi and potentially contribute to the development of obesity. The research shows significant differences in fungal and bacterial communities between mice fed standard and high-fat diets.
A new study found a shared respiratory microbiome in healthy humpback whales, with 25 bacterial groups present across all samples. This discovery could serve as an important framework for monitoring whale health and detecting diseases.
Research suggests that perinatal BPA exposure can lead to reduced gut bacterial diversity and elevated gut permeability, resulting in chronic colon and liver inflammation. Early correction of gut dysbiosis induced by environmental toxins may reduce the risk for chronic diseases later in life.
A study on swine farm volunteers found that levels of MRSA in nasal passages became virtually undetectable after two hours of exposure. Airborne transmission was the primary route of infection, not direct physical contact with animals. The risk of transmission to non-farm dwellers is considered negligible due to this decline.
Scientists have discovered that the Ebola virus directly interacts with T-cells and specifically Tim-1, triggering a cytokine storm. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms of Ebola infection and offers potential targets for therapeutic strategies to reduce the severity of the disease.
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.
Research finds that antibiotic use on people or pets, and biocidal cleaning products like bleach, contribute to MRSA multidrug resistance in the home environment. The presence of domestic pets and unwanted pests is also associated with multidrug-resistant strains.
A study published in mBio finds that household environment plays a major role in shaping the salivary microbiome, with similar bacteria found in individuals living together. The research team sequenced DNA and saliva from an extended Ashkenazi Jewish family to determine how environmental influences affect the microbiome.
The Xpert Ultra assay overcomes limitations of the current test, providing more reliable detection of Rifampicin resistance and significantly improving tuberculosis detection in patients with pauci-bacillary disease. The new assay format includes gene target amplifications that enhance previously amplified targets.
Researchers have identified a rare genetic mutation in Ureaplasma parvum that renders it resistant to levofloxacin, a commonly used antibiotic for treating urinary tract infections. This mutation limits treatment options for women with UTIs caused by this pathogen.
EZH2/1 inhibitors, used in cancer clinical trials, have activity against a variety of viruses, including HSV. These compounds suppress viral gene expression and induce antiviral pathways.
The study found that specially designed plastic films with N-halamines can prevent bacterial contamination by killing bacteria on contact. The plastic films work by releasing chlorine to sanitize surfaces, making them ideal for use in food processing operations and hospital environments.
A study published in mSphere reveals that three Klebsiella species can cause severe infections in hospital patients, with all three sharing genes that confer resistance to commonly used antibiotics. This finding expands the understanding of Klebsiella infections and highlights the need for new treatments.
A team of scientists used whole genome sequencing to identify the cause of a respiratory disease that affected almost 77,000 native Icelandic horses in 2010. The researchers found that the gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus zooepidemicus was the culprit behind the outbreak.
A novel LpxC inhibitor, LPC-069, has been shown to be effective in treating multi-drug resistant bacterial infections, including those caused by Yersinia pestis. The compound was found to have no serious side effects at high doses.
Research found that cohabitating couples share similar skin microbiomes, especially on their feet, and that biological sex can be identified based on certain body regions
Researchers found that maternal antibodies against HSV-1 can travel to the nervous systems of unborn babies, preventing the development and spread of infection during birth. This protection may help prevent serious brain disease related to these conditions in fetuses and newborns.
Researchers found that sulfide-producing bacteria, particularly Halanaerobium, dominate fractured well ecosystems in hydraulically fractured oil and gas wells. These microbes convert thiosulfates to sulfide through a poorly understood pathway, causing problems for drilling operations.
Researchers have discovered a new mobile colistin resistance gene, mcr-3, in Escherichia coli of pig origin, which may already be widely disseminated. The prevalence of mcr-3 is likely underestimated due to potential transfer between bacterial species.
Three species of fungus can produce aerosolized toxins that can be inhaled, raising concerns about indoor air quality. Researchers found that mycotoxins are present on fungal spores and tiny particles, which could be easily inhaled.
Researchers have generated both novel and existing antibiotic resistance mechanisms in soil exposed to specific antibiotics. The study found 36 antibiotic resistance genes, including some multi-drug efflux pumps that pump antibiotics out of bacteria.
A team of researchers has identified novel structures on bacteria using high magnification imaging, revealing a wealth of unknown information about well-studied species. The discovery is expected to lead to improvements in medicine, environmental science, and multiple additional fields where bacteria play a critical role.
Research finds that soft shelled turtles in China are spreading cholera due to the presence of Vibrio cholerae pathogens. The study used bioluminescent proteins to observe the bacteria's colonization on the turtles' surfaces and intestines.
Florida researchers have identified a small protein from the Wolbachia bacterium that can silence viral material in Asian citrus psyllids, potentially helping trees fight off bacterial invasion. The protein could serve as a target for spray treatments to protect trees against the disease.
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.
A reliable clinical assay can detect the Zika virus from semen samples with a limit of detection of 5 viral copies per mL of semen. This assay has been validated through experiments with 100 semen samples spiked with recombinant Accuplex ZIKV and tested for other viruses.
A new Zika virus vaccine has shown 100% protection in mice, utilizing the NS1 protein. The vaccine's effectiveness was demonstrated through a single-dose immunization strategy.
Researchers found decreasing rates of resistance to oxacillin and other antibiotics in Staphylococcus aureus, while ceftaroline remained highly active against MRSA. The study's findings suggest a potential decrease in the prevalence of community-acquired MRSA, highlighting the importance of monitoring antimicrobial resistance.
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.
A new rapid molecular test for Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections allowed doctors and pharmacists to start targeted therapy sooner, leading to shorter hospital stays and lower readmission rates. This approach also resulted in a reduction of antibiotic usage.