Manuka honey kills MRSA by destroying key bacterial proteins, including FabI essential for fatty acid biosynthesis. The study suggests manuka honey could be used as a first-line treatment for resistant bacteria infections.
Research uses bacteria to produce biofilm layers containing biopolymers that act as strong adhesives, resulting in better mechanical strength and surface coverage. The biocoating method could lead to improved bone implant materials with enhanced properties.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a system that turns harmless bacterium Caulobacter crescentus into a protein production factory, making useful proteins for vaccines and therapeutic purposes. The technology could be used to manufacture HIV-blocking agents cheaply and with minimal expertise.
Researchers found A/H1N1 virus infectious to pigs and spreading rapidly in a trial pig population. The virus can pass from humans to pigs but not from pigs to other animals.
Researchers have found a novel bacterium, Herminiimonas glaciei, trapped under glacial ice in Greenland for over 120,000 years. The tiny microbe, 10-50 times smaller than E. coli, has survived in extreme conditions and may provide insights into extraterrestrial life.
A species of bacteria, Brachybacterium sp Mn32, has been found to effectively remove manganese and absorb zinc and nickel from solutions. The bacterium's manganese oxides have a greater surface area, enabling more metal ions to be absorbed, making it a promising candidate for bioremediation and cleaning up heavy metal pollution.
Researchers have isolated a new species of bacteria that can break down cholesterol, a contaminant found in urban sewage residues. The novel organism, Gordonia cholesterolivorans, has the potential to clean up cholesterol-related contamination and could be used for industrial applications.
A natural method of disinfecting mung bean seeds using hot water has been discovered, killing bacterial pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes without reducing germination rates. This method is suitable for organic production systems and could help prevent food poisoning outbreaks.
Researchers developed a targeted antibiotic to kill Porphyromonas gingivalis, a cause of gum disease, without harming other beneficial bacteria. This approach aims to provide new treatments for oral diseases and prevent drug resistance.
Researchers used probiotics to protect animals from diseases such as mastitis and salmonellosis, demonstrating their potential to prevent and treat human diseases. The study identified specific bacterial species and mechanisms of action that could lead to the development of new treatments.
A new test for invasive aspergillosis (IA) has been developed to detect the deadly fungal infection in patients with damaged or suppressed immune systems. The test uses a monoclonal antibody that binds to a glycoprotein antigen secreted by Aspergillus species, distinguishing it from similar molecules found in antibiotics and foodstuffs.
A new combination of antimicrobial drugs and peptides has been developed to target MRSA, resulting in a 99.97% kill rate and 1000x increased effectiveness compared to existing treatments. This approach also prevents bacteria from producing toxins and is unlikely to lead to resistance.
A study of 65 female commercial sex workers found that remote screening using tampon-based self-collection was easy and preferred over traditional methods. The method proved to be more accurate in detecting gonorrhoea and Chlamydia, with a higher number of cases identified compared to traditional tests.
Professor Geoffrey Gadd's research explores how microbes interact with metals and minerals, degrading ammunition and transforming pollutants. His work has significant implications for environmental biotechnology and nuclear decommissioning.
Researchers have developed a new generation of natural antibiotics using bioengineering, targeting harmful micro-organisms like MRSA and Listeria monocytogenes. These enhanced nisin variants possess greater activities against clinical pathogens and could become acceptable alternatives to current antimicrobials.
A healthy diet is linked to a reduced risk of colon cancer due to the growth of beneficial gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids. The composition of diet directly influences the diversity of microbes in the gut, with complex carbohydrates supporting good bacterial populations.
Researchers at UCL Eastman Dental Institute have developed a light-activated antibacterial coating that can kill 99.9% of E. coli bacteria when exposed to white light. The coating, made of titanium dioxide with added nitrogen, has shown promise in reducing hospital-acquired infections.
Rising temperatures and mild winters have led to increased outbreaks of bluetongue and other insect-transmitted viruses in European livestock, with devastating consequences for ruminants. The UK successfully suppressed a major outbreak in 2008, but new virus types pose ongoing threats to the region.
A study found 46 different species of bacteria in newborn babies' stomach contents, including two not typically found in the body. Improved dental hygiene may help reduce pregnancy complications and infections in newborns
A year-long study found that frequent handwashing by hospital staff and visitors significantly reduced MRSA transmission rates. The study's results suggest that isolating infected patients may not be the most effective strategy for controlling MRSA superbug infections.
Clostridium perfringens produces a potent toxin that promotes tissue damage, inflammation, and heart effects, posing significant risks to poultry and diabetic individuals.
Researchers found that microbes in coastal mudflats can rapidly degrade petrochemical residues in aerobic conditions, but slower in anaerobic conditions. The study suggests using these microbes as a natural way to clean up pollution in estuaries.
A study by Wan Li Low and colleagues found that combining low concentrations of tea tree oil and silver increases antimicrobial activity against pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. This method allows for controlled release and may lead to safer, over-the-counter antiseptic compounds.
Researchers at University College Dublin found that adding fish oil to the diet of cattle reduced methane emissions by affecting the gut bacteria. This discovery offers a targeted approach to mitigating methane's potent greenhouse gas effects.
The discovery of slow-growing Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria in TB patients' lungs may lead to the design of new anti-TB drugs. These slowly growing bacteria are non-responsive to treatment with isoniazid, contributing to prolonged treatment times and relapse rates.
Researchers found drug-resistant viruses can circulate between individuals who haven
Researchers have identified the DegU protein as crucial for bacterial decision-making in biofilms. This protein enables individual bacteria to switch between different physiological processes, such as movement and biofilm production, in response to environmental conditions.
A new environmentally friendly coating has been developed using spores from a bacterium to prevent microbial corrosion of metals in seawater. The coating was found to be substantially more effective than existing treatments and could be heat cured at temperatures up to 90°C.
Severe injuries on battlefields increase risk of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections in war-wounded soldiers. Effective personal protective equipment and medical care have improved survival rates but not mitigated the risk of wound infections.
Repeatedly, molecular microbiological techniques have found changes in soil bacterial communities after antibiotic use in intensive livestock production. Bacteria involved in the nitrogen cycle are particularly affected, with persistent changes even after antibiotics break down.
The Burkholderia cepacia complex's ability to produce exopolysaccharide slime complicates cystic fibrosis treatment, as it can form biofilms that protect bacteria against antibiotics and natural defenses. This superbug's potential for causing serious infections may have been underestimated due to its lab-grown behavior.
Researchers in Colorado discovered a way to disrupt Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation by targeting protein and DNA with specific enzymes. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment strategies for infections caused by this bacteria, which are prevalent in burns, wounds, and cystic fibrosis patients.
Research suggests that gut bacteria convert linoleic acid into conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has anti-cancer properties and may provide therapy for inflammatory bowel disease. The 'good' form of CLA is found in dairy products.
A team of scientists found distinct subspecies of rabies virus in African countries, indicating limited movement between localities. With a progressive strategy, neighboring countries can work together to eliminate rabies from sub-Saharan Africa.
A recent study discovered that Helicobacter pylori bacteria can be found in the mouths of people with halitosis without showing signs of stomach disease. The researchers found a significant association between the presence of H. pylori and periodontal disease, which is also a cause of bad breath.
Researchers found that brown rats in Europe carry several pathogenic species of Bartonella bacteria, including B. elizabethae, which can cause heart disease in humans. The study raises concerns about the existence of other reservoirs and vectors for this emerging infection.
A virus causing human-like symptoms may have emerged from a bird virus 200 years ago, according to scientists studying the common cold. Human metapneumovirus has high evolutionary rates and is closely related to Avian metapneumovirus C, suggesting a potential species barrier crossing event.
Scientists have identified new species of bacteria that can grow at low temperatures and spoil raw milk even when refrigerated. The discovery highlights the complex microbial population of raw milk and underscores the importance of developing tools to monitor cold-tolerant bacteria.
A unique fungus, Gliocladium roseum, has been discovered to produce diesel compounds from cellulose, offering a promising alternative to traditional biofuels. The fungus can make myco-diesel directly from cellulose, skipping a step in the production process.
A high percentage of contact lens cases in Tenerife are contaminated with pathogenic Acanthamoeba that cannot be killed by normal contact lens solution. The infection is very painful and can cause blindness. Researchers have found that commercial contact lens solutions do not protect against amoebic keratitis.
Researchers have discovered a single vaccine that can protect chickens, cats, and humans against deadly bird flu pandemics. The vaccine uses a 'backbone' from the H9N2 virus to offer universal protection across multiple species.
Scientists have identified a new species of bacteria that can cause bone infections, offering hope for improved diagnosis and treatment. The discovery relates to Mycobacterium species, which also cause tuberculosis and leprosy, and may lead to the development of new drugs to combat resistance.
Research found that low levels of disinfectants can make Staphylococcus aureus remove toxic chemicals from the cell more efficiently, potentially making it resistant to antibiotics. This increase in efflux pumps may lead to the emergence of resistant bacteria, threatening patients with infections.
Researchers have studied the spread of herpes virus among sumo wrestlers in Japan and discovered a new strain that could be even more pathogenic. The study found that the BgKL strain is reactivated, spreads more efficiently and causes more severe symptoms than other strains.
Researchers have discovered two new species of bacteria growing on the walls of Rome's ancient tombs, which may help preserve these sites. The bacteria, belonging to the Kribbella group, can produce enzymes and antibiotics with useful properties.
A team of scientists has discovered that a molecule produced by a common gut bacterium activates signaling pathways associated with cancer cells. The research, published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology, sheds light on the way gut bacteria can cause colon cancer.
Researchers have discovered a new bacterium responsible for dermatitis and septicaemia in desert-dwelling lizards. The discovery could help control the disease and protect endangered species, particularly those bred in captivity for release into the wild.
Scientists have identified a direct role for the missing protein CFTR in cystic fibrosis, allowing it to recognize and clear lung-damaging bacteria. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments and prolong the lives of patients, who currently face a high risk of death before their 35th birthday due to chronic lung infections.
Despite medical progress, infective endocarditis death rates are rising again, driven by antibiotic-resistant bacteria and degenerative heart valve disease. Early surgery can save lives but requires expert care and precise timing.
Scientists have developed a colour-coded bacteria system to quickly detect oil spills and pollution, providing a more environmentally friendly alternative to current methods. The technique uses harmless bacteria that can detect different chemicals and warn of spreading pollution.