A study found that Lactobacillus parafarraginis isolated from commercial yogurt inhibited the growth of several multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. The bacteriocin-like peptide responsible for this inhibition is heat stable and may hold promise as a therapeutic agent.
Researchers found that capsaicin in red chili prevents microbial dysbiosis and gut barrier dysfunction, leading to reduced inflammation and obesity. The study suggests that the gut microbiome plays a critical role in the anti-obesity effects of capsaicin.
A Canadian research team found a new antibiotic resistance gene, fosA7, in Salmonella from broiler chickens, which confers high resistance to the antibiotic fosfomycin. The researchers tested the gene's strength and confirmed its ability to boost resistance levels by over 256-fold.
A UK research team found Campylobacter on nearly half of the boots worn by volunteer walkers in countryside areas, with prevalence varying by region and season. The study used a novel method to assess human/pathogen interactions, providing insights into potential routes of infection.
Researchers have developed a new method to generate diverse molecules that could serve as vaccine adjuvants, improving immunogenic response. The approach uses bacterial enzymatic combinatorial chemistry to create novel lipid A structures with potential adjuvant activity.
A novel compound called AV-C triggers a cell's innate antiviral system, inhibiting replication of Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue viruses. Researchers discovered the compound through high-throughput screening, which shows potential as an antiviral immunotherapy.
Research found that plague bacteria Yersinia pestis can survive within amoebae, using proteins to avoid being digested. This discovery has implications for predicting disease re-emergence and may lead to new strategies for controlling the spread of plague.
A team of international researchers has found that a 80-year-old 'viable' anthrax strain was, in reality, a much younger standard laboratory strain due to contamination. Advanced genomic sequencing technology enabled precise tracking of bacterial strains used in biological warfare and terrorist attacks.
Research published in Infection and Immunity found that Giardia infection changed the mouse microbiome, leading to more aerobic bacteria and less diversity of anaerobic species. The study suggests that Giardia may be an ecological disease that disrupts the gut's stable ecology.
Researchers identified a novel coronavirus in a Ugandan bat that is 87% identical to MERS-CoV and 91% identical to NeoCoV. However, the virus has significant differences in its spike gene, making it unlikely to spread to humans.
A new form of pegylated interferon, TRK-560, has been shown to reduce hepatitis B virus infections more effectively than conventional agents. The novel compound's attachment of PEG reduces neutralizing antibodies and prevents protein cutting enzymes from cleaving it.
A new study found that certain bacterial species and fungal families are present in both land-based sources and coral reefs, suggesting invasion. The researchers used high-throughput DNA sequencing to analyze water samples from coastal inlets, sewage treatment plants, and coral tissues.
Researchers have discovered a new variant of the mcr-1 gene in a healthy individual carrying Salmonella, highlighting the potential for spread of antimicrobial resistance. The finding raises concerns about food safety and the need for increased monitoring of this gene and its variants.
A recent study reveals that rare microbial species, making up only 1% of the community, contribute significantly to ecosystem functioning. These species hold a large reservoir of genes that can degrade organic pollutants, enabling the community to maintain stability in the face of changing conditions.
Research reveals bacterial spread from drainpipes to patients occurs via a staged mode of transmission, with colonies growing towards sink strainers before splattering onto surfaces.
Researchers have discovered how Listeria monocytogenes travels to fatally attack the placenta and fetus during early pregnancy in macaque monkeys, raising questions about current understanding of listeriosis risk. The study reveals clues that may lead to better screening and interventions during pregnancy.
A recent study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology reveals that lecithin synergistically increases the antimicrobial properties of eugenol, a natural essential oil. This finding has significant implications for food preservation and suggests potential biomedical applications.
Researchers studied the impact of antibiotic treatment on gut microbes and metabolites in mice, finding significant changes in bacterial populations and metabolic output. The study highlights the importance of considering both microbiota composition and metabolome in understanding human health.
Researchers have discovered a novel combination therapy that successfully treats infections caused by a pernicious form of antibiotic resistance. The treatment regimen, which includes ceftazidime/avibactam and aztreonam, overcomes the resistance caused by metallo-ß-lactamases, a growing global public health problem.
A new study finds that a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet in dogs significantly influences the balance of microbes in their gut. The research suggests that obesity and overweight dogs may be more susceptible to dietary interventions.
Researchers discovered that yeast breaks down amino acids to create a pool of nitrogen for use in protein synthesis, contrary to conventional wisdom. This finding could lead to better control of fermentation and improved wine quality.
A study published in mSystems found identical bacterial strains in infants and their mothers, indicating vertical transmission of microbes. The researchers used novel computational techniques to track the transmission of microbes, revealing that mothers are sources of important microorganisms for infant gut development.
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 new TB vaccine using biobeads to present antigens from the tuberculosis bacterium has shown promising results in mice. The vaccine is designed to induce cell-mediated immune responses and could potentially provide protective immunity against TB.
Researchers discovered flaviviruses like Dengue and Zika use an unexpected mechanism to hijack human cell machinery, suppressing translation initiation while promoting viral protein synthesis. This finding may reveal new targets for designing antiviral therapies.
A new study reveals how Roseobacter bacteria claim heme from algal cells, recycling iron into the marine food web. This process keeps iron near the surface, influencing plankton growth and ocean nutrient cycles.
Dutch clinicians have developed a personalized dosing strategy for treating multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, reducing hearing loss from 40% to 10%. By monitoring drug concentrations and effectiveness, they were able to decrease doses without compromising efficacy.
Researchers found that Legionella pneumophila grows well in warm tap water installations with ample dissolved organic matter, supporting biofilm formation. The study suggests that microgram-per-liter concentrations of biodegradable compounds can induce bacterial growth on surfaces, promoting proliferation of the bacteria.
Researchers found that the Inuit gut microbiome is remarkably similar to that of urbanized Westerners, with subtle differences in relative abundances of individual taxa. Dietary fiber is identified as a major factor driving the overall composition of the microbiome.
A study published in mBio found that fecal microbiota transplantation was effective in treating recurrent C. difficile infection, with cure rates over 90%. The researchers identified specific microorganisms, such as Clostridium Xia clade and Holdemania, which are key for a successful transplant.
An international team of researchers has spatially mapped molecules produced by an intact, complex microbial community for the first time. They used imaging mass spectrometry to track and plot metabolites made by both bacterial and fungal lichen members.
A new battery-powered detection system can identify 16 virulent pathogens with high sensitivity and provides positive identification from as few as 10 DNA sequences. The device is designed for use in remote locations where laboratory resources are lacking, addressing the lack of timely diagnosis and effective treatment.
mSphereDirect introduces rapid decisions, transparency, and speed in the peer review process, enabling authors to provide candid feedback. The new platform aims to accelerate scientific research by reducing publication timelines.
Bacteria carrying a transmissible carbapenem resistance gene have been detected in US farm animals, posing a risk to public health. The finding highlights the need for monitoring farms and re-examining agricultural practices that may be contributing to antibiotic resistance.
New research reveals the mechanism by which probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei DG promotes health. The probiotic releases a novel polysaccharide that stimulates the immune system to release anti-inflammatory chemicals.
A new study by the University of Leicester reveals that small amounts of damage to salad leaves in bagged salads encourage the presence of Salmonella enterica. Juices released from damaged leaves also boost the pathogen's ability to attach to the salad's plastic container, doubling its motility and allowing it to multiply rapidly.
A study found that New York City ATM keypads are inhabited by microorganisms primarily from human skin and household surfaces, as well as residual DNA from consumed food. The bacterial diversity was low, with clustering largely absent by geography.
Researchers found pesticide exposure associated with decreased bacterial diversity and specific taxon reductions in farmworkers' oral microbiomes. Azinphos-methyl detection correlated with lower Streptococcus and Halomonas populations.
Research reveals that isolates of Helicobacter pullorum from Indian poultry markets are resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics, posing a potential public health risk. The study suggests that the bacterium could be transmitted from poultry to humans, highlighting the need for increased awareness and regulation.
A study has found a link between chlorhexidine exposure and antibiotic resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria. The researchers discovered that certain strains of the bacteria could survive high concentrations of chlorhexidine and develop resistance to colistin, a last resort antibiotic.
A new study published in mSphere found that the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus behaves similarly in space as it does on Earth. The research, led by Benjamin Knox, compared fungal isolates from the International Space Station to reference isolates from earth and found no significant changes in growth or virulence.
Researchers found a significant association between migraines and nitrate-reducing microbes in the mouth and gut. These microbes can convert nitrates into nitrites, which can contribute to cardiovascular health but may also trigger migraines in some individuals.
A team of researchers has successfully isolated Zika virus from a semen sample, obtaining the first complete genome sequence of the virus in humans. The study provides valuable insights into potential sexual transmission of Zika virus, which was previously poorly understood.
Researchers used existing compounds to target the critical CHIKV protease enzyme, showing potent activity against the virus. Several compounds proved to be effective inhibitors of RNA synthesis and virus replication.
A new study reveals that increased temperatures from global warming can collapse symbiotic gut bacteria in insects, leading to severe fitness defects and death. The research highlights the impact of rising temperatures on organisms living in symbiosis, sparking deleterious chain reactions.
A team of food scientists and microbiologists analyzed microbial populations in kefir using metagenomics, finding correlations between specific bacteria and flavor compounds. The study suggests optimizing production, customizing flavor, and improving health benefits by tweaking the microbial mix.
Researchers found that Klebsiella pneumoniae siderophores play a crucial role in facilitating invasive infection by triggering inflammation and activating HIF-1 alpha, allowing bacteria to spread from the lungs to the spleen. The study suggests that therapies targeting siderophore production could provide a two-pronged attack against K...
A team of Chinese researchers characterized the 'mobile resistome,' a network of easily transferred antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria, including humans and animals. The study found that these genes are shared among multiple human pathogens and can be disabling for six major classes of antibiotics.
Researchers found that mixed bacterial-fungal biofilms in chronic wounds are associated with poor outcomes and longer healing times. The study identifies the most abundant fungi species, including Cladosporium herbarum and Candida albicans, which can hinder healing.
A Zika virus reference strain has been sequenced to aid in diagnosis and screening of the disease. The strain will be used as a World Health Organization reference strain to identify Zika virus infection in the blood, making it easier to diagnose the disease.