Research on antibiotics and the bacteria they target. Covers antibiotic resistance, gut pathogens, persistent strep throat, and water-source contamination.
Researchers have developed a practical strategy to recover biosynthetic information from fragmented metagenomic data, identifying promising natural-product candidates with potential antibacterial or anticancer activity. The study prioritizes candidates using known biosynthetic gene clusters as guides, enabling the reconstruction of can...
A new study found that consuming sweets while taking antibiotics amplifies the harm done to the gut microbiome, reducing its diversity and making it more vulnerable to disease. The research tracked 9,419 meals and found that every 100 grams of sugar consumed resulted in a 21% reduction in alpha diversity.
Researchers have developed biodegradable films from engineered honeybee silk, which can be programmed to respond to wound conditions. The material is safe, well-tolerated, and doesn't impede healing, making it a promising solution for preventing infections in chronic wounds.
A matched cohort study of over 30,000 patients found that appendectomy was associated with a 58% lower relative risk of colorectal cancer diagnosis. The exact mechanisms behind this association are unknown, but may be related to earlier detection of an underlying cancer and removal of a source of inflammation.
Researchers identify corramycin, a natural compound from soil bacteria, as a promising candidate against drug-resistant tuberculosis. The compound targets the DNA gyrase enzyme, preventing bacterial replication and ultimately leading to bacterial death.
A new review suggests that microplastics can act as mobile carriers for antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes, creating hotspots where resistance can persist and spread. The review calls for integrated treatment methods to control microplastics, antibiotics, and resistance genes.
The use of azithromycin for emergency c-sections significantly increased after trial results publication, with a corresponding decrease in postpartum infection rates. Postpartum infection rates declined from 9.2% to 8.0%, a 20% relative risk reduction.
Researchers discovered a unique system C. diff uses to sense and respond to host-mediated nutrient deprivation and a microbiota-produced antibiotic compound. Bacitracin, produced by the gut commensal bacterium Bacillus licheniformis, inhibits symptoms and eliminates the pathogen in a mouse model.
A study of 13 drinking water sources in China's Poyang Lake region reveals that river-type sources carry higher risks from antibiotics and resistant bacteria than reservoir-type sources. The findings highlight the importance of considering water source type when designing monitoring and pollution-control strategies.
A study by Binghamton University found that 8-10% of children can carry strep bacteria even after antibiotic treatment, despite no symptoms. Researchers hope to understand this phenomenon through genome analysis and throat microbiota studies.
A genetic marker already used to flag risk of vancomycin reaction also identifies patients at risk of lamotrigine reaction, but is missing from gene panels. HLA-A*32:01 is associated with a 16.4-fold higher odds of lamotrigine-induced DRESS, but a negative result does not rule out risk.
A tailored strategy shortened antibiotic duration by two weeks in patients with left-sided infective endocarditis, with no compromise on safety. The study found that rates of primary relapse were low, and most were easily managed with reinitiation of antibiotics.
Researchers examine bacterial persistence from multiple dimensions, highlighting its complex mechanisms and deep interactions with host-pathogen dynamics. Emerging strategies to eliminate persisters, such as phage-derived therapies and metabolic interventions, are also discussed.
A new study surveyed 1,475 people on their attitudes towards antibiotic course length, finding that shorter courses are as effective and safer for pneumonia, but many people prefer longer courses due to misinformation. The study suggests more nuanced communication between doctors and patients is needed.
UCF researcher Mollie Jewett aims to 'starve' Borrelia burgdorferi of nutrients to prevent Lyme disease spread. Her team is focused on targeting the bacteria's ability to consume riboflavin, a key nutrient for its survival.
New research at Aston University shows that mānuka honey's effectiveness against disease-causing bacteria cannot be attributed solely to its sugar content and methylglyoxal levels. The study identified additional bioactive compounds responsible for the antimicrobial activity, which may lead to the development of more effective honey-de...
A study found that combining omega-3 and low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was comparable to antibiotics in treating severe periodontitis, reducing the need for antibiotics. The treatment combination showed significant benefits, with patients experiencing a similar rate of deep pocket reduction as those receiving antibiotics.
Scientists at the University of Exeter have discovered two new mechanisms for how a well-established antibiotic works, which could lead to potential development of new antibiotic treatment. The study found that doxycycline targets the bacterial ribosome by blocking protein exit channels or reconfiguring it into an inactive state.
A major international study estimates that around 43 billion days of antibiotics were needed globally in 2019 to treat bacterial infections appropriately. Many countries are using too many Watch and Reserve antibiotics, contributing to antibiotic resistance concerns.
A landmark trial shows that children hospitalised with severe pneumonia can recover just as well from injectable to oral antibiotics, even with shorter treatment durations. This simple change could help millions of children worldwide get back to their families sooner and reduce pressure on busy hospitals.
A new study has developed a high-resolution inventory of veterinary antibiotic emissions across China, tracking emissions from livestock and aquaculture into soil, freshwater, and seawater. The inventory estimated that approximately 23,110 tonnes of veterinary antibiotics were released into China's environment in 2020.
Scientists have created a novel antibiotic that targets starved bacteria by blocking energy-coupling factor transporters. The breakthrough offers hope for tackling drug-resistant infections, with promising results in mouse models and no resistant bacterial variants emerging.
A global monitoring platform reveals that antimicrobial resistance in children is rising, driven largely by Gram-negative bacteria. The platform forecasts that last-line carbapenem antibiotics will be highly resistant to these pathogens by 2035, posing a significant threat to children's health.
Researchers have developed a biochar adsorbent that combines physical and chemical interactions to capture tetracycline molecules. The material showed high tetracycline adsorption capacity and good resistance to coexisting ions, suggesting potential for repeated operation.
Researchers developed microparticles that infiltrate stubborn bacterial matrices and release tiny oxygen bubbles to clean surfaces and wounds efficiently. The particles were shown to effectively clean surgical instruments and infected wounds, accelerating healing and reducing inflammation.
The DZIF-supported project PROTON aims to develop innovative agents against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterial pathogen responsible for severe lung infections. The active agent, a pathoblocker, targets the toxin that destroys lung tissue and immune cells, reducing antibiotic resistance.
A new study from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that long-term Salmonella infections severely damage blood stem cells. However, researchers discovered that giving an effective course of antibiotics fully restores the stem cells' health and rebuilds their power.
Researchers at Texas A&M University develop a laser technique called TRIP to directly measure quantum forces shaping proteins, enabling accurate prediction of how pharmaceutical drugs interact with them. This breakthrough could lead to the design of medicines tailored to specific diseases, revolutionizing precision medicine.
Researchers at McMaster University discovered a 'megacluster' of genes in Streptomyces bacteria that produces four antibiotics working together to target biotin. The study found that the anti-biotin antibiotic megacluster is widespread across different species, suggesting it evolved long ago and has been conserved over millions of years.
A comprehensive review examines global trends in antimicrobial resistance in animal eye infections, warning that multidrug-resistant bacteria are becoming more common. The authors call for earlier diagnostic testing, targeted antibiotic use, and stronger infection-control measures to preserve treatment options.
Researchers found that over-the-counter probiotics contain only 36 unique species of bacteria, with most common species being forms of Lactobacillus. The analysis suggests a lack of consistency in the combination of species used to support gut health and vaginal health claims.
A new study uses AI to identify promising chemical compounds that could develop into effective antibiotics against multi-drug resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The approach has the potential to address the growing crisis of antimicrobial resistance in this fast-evolving pathogen.
Scientists discovered a new antibiotic called manikomycin that binds to the ribosome, halting protein synthesis and blocking an important molecule from exiting. This action makes it harder for bacteria to develop resistance, as they need to jump through hoops to find resistance.
A recent study by University of Gothenburg researchers found that antibiotics for uncomplicated acute sore throats have minimal preventive effect against serious streptococcal infections. Early recognition of warning signs is crucial, and a vaccine is being awaited as a long-term solution.
Researchers have discovered a new antibiotic called manikomycin that targets the ribosome's exit site, making it effective against priority pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli. The discovery builds on work over 75 years ago, using an advanced laboratory technique to uncover a new compound.
Researchers discovered that a common rifampicin-resistance mutation in tuberculosis creates subtle metabolic weaknesses, which could be exploited with future combination therapies. The most common mutation slows bacterial RNA polymerase, creating vulnerabilities that other therapies may target.
Researchers at King's College London have developed a new approach called 'Efflux Resistance Breaker' (ERB), designed to overcome one way bacteria escape antibiotic treatment. This allows antibiotics to remain inside bacterial cells at higher concentrations, restoring their ability to kill bacteria even with resistance mechanisms present.
A study led by University of Arizona researchers found that azithromycin did not improve symptoms in preschool children with severe wheezing. The trial results challenge the idea that certain types of bacteria contribute to wheezing and asthma, suggesting that viral infections play a more significant role.
Researchers developed ApexGO, an AI-powered method to turn weak antibiotic candidates into more potent ones. The tool uses generative AI and Bayesian optimization to guide molecular tweaks, predicting which changes are likely to increase antimicrobial activity.
Researchers develop hemoglobin-based nanoparticles to deliver tigecycline directly to Klebsiella pneumoniae infection sites, improving survival rates and reducing bacterial burden. The novel strategy overcomes dose-limiting toxicity and enhances pharmacokinetics of the antibiotic.
Researchers engineer bacterial vesicles into multifunctional tools that can kill pathogens, boost vaccines, and deliver targeted therapies. Engineered BEVs address key limitations of existing therapies, including improving vaccine responses and antibiotic delivery.
Researchers identified how Mycobacterium abscessus evades treatment and proposed a strategy to overcome resistance, offering a pathway towards more effective treatments. A combination therapy targeting both smooth and rough variants proved more effective than single-phage treatment.
A naturally occurring fatty acid called geranylgeranoic acid (GGA) has been discovered to disrupt the ability of MRSA bacteria to stick to human molecules and detect their environment, making it harder for them to cause disease. Researchers tested GGA in mice and found it prevented skin lesions and reduced infection severity.
The study reveals critical gaps in Brazil's veterinary antimicrobial stewardship, compared to the UK and Netherlands' comprehensive monitoring systems. Brazil's fragmented approach makes it difficult to detect trends and respond to emerging resistance threats.
A nationwide Swedish study of 27,789 individuals with confirmed celiac disease found no link between antibiotic use and increased risk of developing the autoimmune disorder. The study also revealed a higher proportion of prior antibiotics used among those with normal mucosa, suggesting other factors may contribute to its development.
A new study found that children with three or more complex chronic conditions had the highest annual prescription rates and frequent use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. This highlights the need for targeted antibiotic stewardship efforts in this vulnerable population.
Researchers found distinct gut microbiome characteristics that predicted treatment response to the low FODMAP diet and rifaximin. Patients who responded to these treatments had different microbial signatures, with increases in diversity for those on the low FODMAP diet and resilience against antibiotics for those on rifaximin.
Researchers discovered highly antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wildlife samples, including foxes and birds, indicating potential early warning system for AMR spread. The study highlights the need for environmental interventions to prevent resistance from reaching clinical settings.
For eligible patients with community-acquired pneumonia, shorter treatment durations may be as safe and effective as traditional longer regimens. The study found no meaningful differences in mortality, readmissions, or C. difficile infections among patients who received three to four days of antibiotics.
A team of chemists has found a simple way to attach the highly sought-after dichloromethyl group onto complex compounds using proline. This method enables the precise assembly of molecules with unparalleled purity and selectivity, simplifying the synthesis of complex drug compounds.
A study published in BMC Public Health found an association between antibiotic use and maternal mental health during pregnancy. Researchers analyzed data from over 94,000 pregnant women and discovered a stepwise pattern of psychological distress linked to increasing antibiotic exposure. The findings suggest that avoiding unnecessary an...
Researchers developed a novel composite material that combines biochar, carbon nanotubes, and iron carbide, significantly accelerating the breakdown of antibiotics in water. The system achieved up to 15 times higher removal rates compared to conventional materials, while requiring substantially less energy.
A new study suggests that Neanderthals used birch tar not only as an adhesive but also to treat wounds, showing effective antimicrobial properties against S. aureus bacteria. The research findings are relevant in light of the global rise in bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
Researchers have developed a low-cost fake drug detector that uses an infrared sensor to track pill dissolution rates. The device can identify legitimate medications from counterfeit ones with high accuracy, making it a valuable tool in the fight against global health threats.
Using azithromycin within one day triggers antibiotic resistance in the respiratory tract, according to a study published in Nature Microbiology. The researchers followed hospitalized COVID-19 patients and found that azithromycin changed the mix of microbes in the upper airway, leading to persistent changes for more than a week.
A new study found that antibiotics can alter the gut microbiome for up to four to eight years after treatment, with certain types of antibiotics having a stronger impact. The study analyzed data from 14,979 adults and found links between antibiotic use and changes in gut microbiome composition, including diversity of bacterial species.
Research shows that bacteria harbor resistance genes may respond differently to antibiotics under non-standard conditions. This affects treatment efficacy and contributes to understanding antimicrobial resistance development and spread. Understanding these variations is crucial to combat global public health threats.
Researchers have discovered plant defense strategies against antibiotic stress, including chloroplast-centered adaptation and microbiome coordination. Plants accumulate antibiotics in roots, activate detoxification enzymes, and restructure endophytic bacterial communities to counter stress. These findings suggest plants as bioremediati...
Researchers design nanoagents to carry antibiotics deep into bacterial infections, releasing them upon gentle ultrasound activation. This approach reduces antibiotic resistance and improves treatment of biofilm-related infections.
Researchers introduce Fe₃O₄@mPEG-Ag nanoparticles as a non-antibiotic strategy to combat drug-resistant bacteria. The novel nanomaterial demonstrates strong antibacterial activity against clinically relevant multidrug-resistant strains.