A new microarray chip can detect up to 300 different viruses infecting farm animals, birds, and insects. The chip has already been successfully used to identify a coronavirus and foot-and-mouth disease virus.
Nitrous oxide emissions from waste treatment plants and agriculture are increasing at alarming rates, posing a significant global warming threat. The release of this potent gas can be controlled with suitable management strategies, but recognition of its importance is crucial.
A standard sampling regime is being developed to identify superbug genes in intensive care unit environments. The technique uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to characterise micro-organism genes and spot antibiotic resistance, allowing for the detection of MRSA and other drug-resistant bacteria.
A recent poll in Edinburgh revealed that 87% of respondents were unaware of smallpox's extinction, a disease that killed 300-500 million victims in the 20th century. However, many people showed knowledge of microbes' role in medicine, volcanoes, and other areas.
A single injection of doxycycline hyclate has shown 100% effectiveness in preventing Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis in mice, offering a promising new treatment option. Researchers are planning to test different release kinetics and delivery methods to develop a slow-release patch for broader protection.
Scientists have identified a new species of bacteria called Microbacterium hatanonis that contaminates hairspray, similar to previously found bacteria in human infections.
Researchers have found that the YscJ lipoprotein component determines the location of a key injection device in plague bacteria. This discovery sheds light on how Yersinia pestis causes the bubonic plague and could lead to new treatments.
New community-associated MRSA strains have emerged, spreading amongst the public in the USA, and are now a concern for children's health. These strains produce a toxin called PVL, leading to severe infections with high mortality rates if left untreated.
A new molecular method can identify multidrug-resistant strains of Acinetobacter baumannii in four hours, allowing for prompt isolation and infection control measures. This rapid test has the potential to reduce transmission and improve patient management.
Scientists found that 61% of hospital samples tested positive for ESBL-producing bacteria, which can break down common antibiotics. The spread of these strains has significant economic and health consequences, including longer treatment times and increased costs.
Cases of lymphogranuloma venereum have surged in the UK, primarily affecting men who have sex with men, with many also infected with HIV. Experts are urging caution on new diagnostic tests that require careful validation before widespread use.
Researchers have found that the protective coat of superbug Clostridium difficile can self-assemble into regular shapes, opening up new avenues for fighting hospital superbugs and commercial applications in nanotechnology. This discovery could lead to identifying weaknesses in the coats or discovering new target molecules.
Researchers develop bacteria to deliver anti-cancer treatments by targeting oxygen-starved areas of tumors. The treatment shows effective results in experimental animals, offering a promising alternative to traditional cancer therapies.
Scientists discover probiotics can reduce Salmonella bacteria in pigs, potentially cutting food poisoning cases. The new technique uses 3D models to test probiotic effects without live animals.
Scientists developed a microchip that can identify 56 virulence genes in E. coli bacteria and 54 antimicrobial resistance genes in gram-negative bacteria, speeding up diagnosis and treatment of infections. The chip will enable large-scale monitoring of bacterial pathogens and search for important genes in other pathogens.
Researchers have found that bacteria living in red poultry mites could be targeted to prevent Salmonella and other pathogen spread in chickens. The discovery offers a potential new approach to combat the devastating impact of these blood-sucking pests on poultry and human health.
Bacteria and nematode worms work together to kill insects using insecticidal toxins. The toxins, found in Photorhabdus luminescens, are also found in human pathogens Yersinia pestis and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis.
Researchers at Nottingham University have identified antibodies that can prevent infection with various strains of Hepatitis C virus in laboratory models. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a vaccine, which would significantly improve healthcare benefits for those suffering from hepatitis.
Hepatitis E virus has been detected in European pigs and pork products, posing a risk to human health. The disease is often fatal for pregnant women and can be transmitted through direct contact with animals or contaminated food.
A 2-year survey in Ireland aims to determine how the bacteria enters the food chain. Scientists analyzed 1,800 pig tissue samples and found non-disease causing Yersinia enterocolitica in 12 samples and disease-causing genes in 15 samples.
Scientists have discovered thousands of new compounds in marine sponges, which are made by the bacteria living inside them. However, growing these bacteria in the laboratory is difficult due to the unique environment inside the sponge.
A new risk assessment tool has been developed to help reduce the transfer of disease-causing bacteria from farmed environments to watercourses. The expert-weighted risk tool identifies fields and farmyards with the greatest likelihood of contaminating waterways, allowing farmers and landowners to prioritize clean-up efforts.
A team of scientists has found a reliable and cost-effective method to extend the shelf life of cooked ham to 39 days by using a protective culture of Lactobacillus sakei. The treatment resulted in a more acceptably taste, texture, and overall quality compared to conventionally preserved ham.
Low-salt foods are as safe as high-salt ones in terms of bacterial spoilage, according to a study. The researchers found that different strains of bacteria showed no significant difference in growth rates regardless of the salt concentration tested.
Scientists discover new viruses that target specific types of bacteria, offering an alternative to conventional antibiotic therapy. The approach has potential to combat antibiotic resistance and superbug infections such as MRSA.
Year-round consumption of fresh leafy greens like lettuce poses challenges due to increased risk of E. coli contamination from field sources. New methods, including harvesting mowers and triple washing, are being used to address this issue.