Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a novel antimicrobial catheter that can kill most urinary bacteria, including Proteus bacteria, for up to twelve weeks. This innovation has significant advantages over existing solutions, offering a solution to recurrent infections in long-term catheter users.
Researchers used whole-genome sequencing to track TB outbreak, identifying origin and movement of pathogens, key persons and behaviors that contributed to spread. The study found location-based transmission is crucial for outbreak management and informs public health policy and practice.
Scientists have found that using waste cooking oil as a starting material can produce high-quality bioplastics, including Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), three times more efficiently than glucose. This reduces production costs and enables the use of PHA in medical implants and drug delivery.
Researchers found that enzyme-modified coconut oil strongly inhibited the growth of Streptococcus bacteria, a major cause of tooth decay. The study suggests that incorporating this natural compound into dental hygiene products could be a promising approach to combating microbial infection.
Researchers have identified Demodex mites as the primary carriers of bacteria that trigger rosacea. The bacteria produce molecules provoking an immune reaction in patients, leading to tissue degradation and inflammation.
A new disinfectant, Akwaton, has been shown to effectively destroy bacterial spores at extremely low concentrations. This is a significant improvement over existing chemical compounds that require higher concentrations and can be harmful to humans.
A novel diagnostic test has been developed to accurately detect Group B Streptococcal infection in babies, allowing for quicker treatment and potentially reducing mortality rates. The test detects the presence of a specific gene in the bacteria, which is an important disease-causing factor.
Researchers discovered a rare yeast species, Saccharomycopsis fodiens, in geographically distant locations, suggesting its spread may be linked to human migrations. The novel strain is parasitic and unusual in using alternative growth methods, providing clues about global micro-organism dispersal.
Researchers found thyme to be the most effective herbal preparation against Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria causing acne. Thyme tincture surpassed standard benzoyl peroxide concentrations in antibacterial action, offering a gentler alternative for skin sensitivity sufferers.
Researchers found that combining antibiotics with additional compounds made previously resistant bacteria more susceptible, increasing efficacy by up to six-fold. The study's lead author believes adjuvant therapy could revolutionize antibiotic use and reduce antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers found that rhinovirus infection causes an increase in cough receptors, making airways more sensitive to environmental stimuli. This may lead to new drugs that reduce virus-induced cough and wheeze in asthmatics and chronic lung disease patients.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have developed a biotechnological route to remove and recycle phosphate from wastewater. The team has discovered a physiological 'shock' treatment that significantly increases microbial uptake of phosphorus and its accumulation inside cells.
Researchers develop a new antimicrobial coating for urinary catheters, reducing bacterial attachment and infection risk. The coating could prolong catheter life, save NHS millions, and minimize patient complications.
Researchers have discovered that Streptococcus gordonii can mimic human proteins to activate platelets and form unwanted blood clots. This triggers endocarditis, which can lead to growths on heart valves or inflammation of blood vessels.
Researchers are revisiting bacteriophages as antibacterial agents to combat growing antibiotic resistance. Effective against high bacterial loads, these viruses can target specific bacterial strains without infecting human cells.
Scientists found that Salmonella bacteria attach differently to ripe and unripe tomatoes, with filaments forming on ripe ones. This could affect how pathogens are maintained on surfaces, according to researchers at Imperial College London.
A vaccine targeting Campylobacter in chickens could drastically reduce food-borne illness cases, saving the UK economy millions annually. The leading cause of food-borne illness, responsible for 30% of cases in the UK, is found in the gut of many animals, including chickens.
A novel oral bacterium, Streptococcus tigurinu, has been linked to serious diseases like heart disease and meningitis. Its identification allows scientists to understand the risk it poses and develop effective treatments.
Researchers discovered that CTLP acts as a key pass granting Treponema access to oral bacteria communities. Inhibiting CTLP could reduce bleeding gums and slow down periodontal disease progression. Regular tooth brushing is crucial in keeping harmful mouth bacteria at bay.
Researchers at Cardiff Metropolitan University found that manuka honey can destroy fully-formed S. pyogenes biofilms in vitro and prevent initial bacterial binding to wound tissue. The study suggests that manuka honey may be effective in controlling chronic wounds by inhibiting biofilm formation.
A new detection method for urinary tract infection (UTI) causing bacteria uses MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, reducing diagnostic time to under 30 minutes. This technique has the potential to improve treatment outcomes and reduce costs by accurately identifying bacteria and targeting specific antibiotics.
Regular moderate exercise reduces the risk of catching respiratory infections like colds by up to a third, thanks to long-term improvement in immunity. However, prolonged strenuous exercise increases the likelihood of illness, making athletes more susceptible to upper respiratory tract infections.
Research on Trichoderma highlights its use as biocontrol agents to reduce chemical pesticide use, improving food security. The fungus also forms symbiotic associations with plants, altering gene expression to increase plant growth and productivity.
Despite significant progress, polio eradication remains complex due to asymptomatic infections and vaccine limitations. Experts emphasize the need for further research on virus-host interactions and vaccine usage in the final stages of the program.
Fungi such as Candida albicans are resisting the latest antifungal drugs due to their ability to alter cell wall structure. The use of echinocandins, which target beta-glucan enzyme, is being re-evaluated in light of this resistance.
Researchers have developed a special type of biopolymer that protects probiotic bacteria from the acidic stomach environment and delivers them safely to the intestines. This innovation could lead to better quality probiotic food products and increase calcium absorption, benefiting gut health and bone structure.
Crowd-sourcing efforts identified key disease-causing genes in the E. coli O104:H4 strain, which carries a high number of genes involved in disease. The outbreak, affecting over 16 countries, has been linked to contaminated beansprouts and resulted in thousands of cases and multiple deaths.
Researchers have developed a gene for an improved bacterial enzyme that targets tumour cells while leaving healthy tissue unscathed. This therapy uses Clostridium sporogenes to deliver anti-cancer drugs directly to the site of solid tumours.
Researchers found that coriander oil damages bacterial cell membranes, inhibiting essential processes and ultimately killing bacteria. The study suggests using coriander oil as a natural alternative to common antibiotics for treating food-borne illnesses and multidrug-resistant infections.
Researchers found that injecting mice with killed baker's yeast protected them from fatal aspergillosis and reduced infection load. The study suggests a 'panfungal' vaccine could protect against multiple fungal infections in immunocompromised individuals.
Researchers have identified genetic similarities between Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus equi, two bacteria that cause potentially fatal infections in humans and horses. The study suggests a shared strategy for causing disease and offers hope for developing novel vaccines for both species.
Researchers found that manuka honey can inhibit bacterial attachment to tissues and make MRSA more sensitive to antibiotics, reversing antibiotic resistance. This discovery could lead to the development of cheaper and more effective treatments for wound infections.
Researchers from the University of Brighton are exploring a new approach to prevent catheter blockage by inhibiting the rise in urinary pH. The study found that biofilm-forming ability may not be the primary factor in catheter blockage, but rather the formation of crystals that can cause blockages.
Research suggests that combining standard vaccines with interleukin-12 (IL-12) can induce high levels of protection against respiratory pathogens, including influenza virus and pneumococcal bacteria. This method could provide a non-invasive alternative to injections, offering improved protection against flu and other diseases.
Scientists discover that bacteria in wasp antennae produce a cocktail of antibiotics to protect against fungal threats, a strategy similar to human combination therapy. This finding has potential clinical benefits and may yield novel antimicrobial compounds useful for human medicine.
Climate change increases plant vulnerability to infectious disease, threatening crop yield and food security. Exploiting crop diversity is crucial for improving resilience to pathogens and stresses.
Storing fruits and vegetables in ozone-enriched environments significantly reduces microbial spoilage, with up to 95% disease prevention after 8 days. Ozone treatment is a viable alternative to pesticides, leaving no residues on foods.
Researchers have found that flu virus infection is necessary for pneumococcal bacteria to efficiently spread between individuals. The study has implications for managing influenza pandemics and reducing pneumococcal infections in young children, who are highly susceptible.
Illicit drug users are more susceptible to serious infections due to exposure to microbial pathogens. Unsterile injection practices, contaminated needles, and the use of cutting agents can facilitate the spread of bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal infections.
Scientists have discovered that lavender oil has a potent antifungal effect against strains of fungi responsible for common skin and nail infections. The essential oil was found to be lethal to dermatophytes and various species of Candida, making it a promising alternative to existing treatments.
A sub-population of Listeria monocytogenes displays enhanced cardiac tissue infectability, increasing the risk of serious cardiac disease. Diagnostic tests based on bacterial genetic markers could protect vulnerable groups.
Researchers discovered interplay between genetic and persistence mechanisms in bacteria, leading to novel effective treatments for multi-drug resistant (MDR) infections. Persistence cells are temporarily hyper-resistant to antibiotics, causing treatment failure and contributing to chronic bacterial infections.
Specially designed probiotics can modulate host fat cells, potentially leading to specialized probiotics for obesity prevention or treatment. Ingesting live bacteria influences metabolism at remote sites in the body.
A study published in Journal of Medical Microbiology found that low-temperature plasma was effective in killing drug-resistant bacteria causing wound infections, and increased the rate of wound healing. Plasma therapy may offer a promising method to treat chronic wound infections where other approaches fail.
Researchers have identified a new bacterium that contributes to the deterioration of the RMS Titanic's exterior, accelerating metal corrosion. The novel Halomonas titanicae has been found to adhere to steel surfaces, creating corrosion products.
Scientists identified a key enzyme in Mycobacterium tuberculosis that can be targeted for new TB treatments. Three compounds were found to inhibit the enzyme effectively, killing bacterial cells.
A recent review reveals that antibiotics can alter normal gut bacteria composition and leave resistance genes present for extended periods. This increases the risk of pathogenic bacteria survival and multi-drug resistance.
Household dust contains up to 1000 microbial species, including both beneficial and harmful bacteria. Studying these microorganisms is crucial for maintaining indoor air quality and preventing health issues such as allergies and asthma.
Researchers are uncovering the molecular basis of Parkinson's disease by studying alpha-synuclein in yeast cells, which could lead to new therapeutic drugs. Small compounds found effective in preventing Parkinson's disease in worms and blocking toxic effects in rat neurons may form the basis of future treatments.
Fungal growth on film reels can lead to degradation of historic film and pose a risk to archivists. Common mold species Aspergillus and Penicillium are released into the air, exceeding safe exposure levels.