Articles tagged with Antibiotics
A team of researchers has developed a 'bio-photovoltage soil-microbe battery' that uses sunlight energy to power the breakdown of antibiotic pollutants in the dark. The system, formed by common soil bacteria and iron minerals, captures and releases solar energy to trigger chemical reactions degrading antibiotics.
A study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific found that most newborn infections in Southeast Asia are caused by bacteria unlikely to respond to current treatments, highlighting the need for updated diagnostic and treatment guidelines. Locally relevant data is crucial for guiding routine medical decisions, and new a...
Researchers from UCL and Imperial College London have discovered how life-saving antibiotics called polymyxins target the outer layer of Gram-negative bacteria. By triggering the production and shedding of this armor, polymyxins create gaps in the cell's defenses, allowing the antibiotic to enter and kill the bacteria.
This comprehensive metagenomic survey reveals vast gut microbiome diversity, with 21,902 species-level genome bins identified. The study also uncovers a significant reservoir of previously uncharacterized microbes and identifies high-risk antibiotic resistance genes across 14 mammal species.
Researchers found that providers know antibiotics are wrong for most diarrhea cases but prescribe them anyway due to patient expectations. Targeted interventions empowering caregivers and public campaigns can slash misuse of antibiotics in India's private sector.
Researchers found that combining biochar with starch accelerates oxytetracycline degradation and reduces its transfer into lettuce, a widely consumed leafy vegetable. The study's results suggest a cost-effective and sustainable solution for reducing antibiotic residues in farmland.
A novel, low-cost catalyst made from peanut shell-derived biochar and BiFeO₃ achieves rapid inactivation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) within minutes. The system demonstrates high efficiency and durability, offering a potential solution to tackle antibiotic resistance pollution in aquaculture wastewater.
Researchers discover how heme bound proteins catalyze hydrogen sulfide signaling in bacteria, leading to stress tolerance and antibiotic resistance. Disrupting this mechanism could inspire new antibiotic strategies against drug-resistant infections.
Researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health found that a single injection of benzathine penicillin G successfully treated early syphilis just as well as the three-injection regimen used by many clinicians. Biological markers showed that 76% of participants in the single-dose group had a serologic response to treatment, comp...
Researchers at Penn Engineering introduced AMP-Diffusion, a generative AI tool that designed tens of thousands of new antimicrobial peptides with bacteria-killing potential. The most potent AMPs performed as well as FDA-approved drugs without detectable adverse effects.
Researchers developed a binder-free 'surface self-bounded photocatalytic membrane' that efficiently produces green H₂O₂ while annihilating antibiotics in water. The membrane achieved high activity, rapid pollutant removal, and low maintenance costs.
Research from the University of South Australia finds that ibuprofen and paracetamol drive antibiotic resistance when used individually, but amplifying it when combined. The study also reveals that common bacteria like E. coli become highly resistant to antibiotics and multiple other medications.
A large-scale study published in PLOS Medicine found no association between early life antibiotic exposure and the development of autoimmune diseases in children. Researchers analyzed data from over 4 million Korean children and discovered no increased risk of Type 1 diabetes, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or other autoimmune conditions.
Researchers designed over 36 million compounds using generative AI algorithms and computationally screened them for antimicrobial properties. The top candidates show promise against Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by novel mechanisms that disrupt bacterial cell membranes.
A National Institutes of Health (NIH)-supported clinical trial found that two intravenous doses of the antibiotic dalbavancin seven days apart are as good as daily IV doses of conventional antibiotics over four to six weeks for treating complicated Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections. The study results provide clear evidence f...
A team of researchers developed an AI tool called PepMLM that can design small molecules to stick to and break down harmful proteins in the body. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for diseases that have resisted traditional drug development, including certain cancers, brain disorders, and viral infections.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania used AI to identify previously unknown compounds in Archaea that could fuel the development of next-generation antibiotics. The study, published in Nature Microbiology, found that 93% of the identified archaeasins demonstrated antimicrobial activity against drug-resistant bacteria.
Researchers have successfully increased the susceptibility of Candida albicans to drug treatment through light-activated therapy. Combining photodynamic inactivation with antifungal amphotericin B reduced fungal growth by up to 87.5% and demonstrated potential as an alternative to combat antimicrobial resistance.
A nationwide observational study found significant regional differences in antibiotic use among newborns in Sweden, with the goal of treating no more than one percent of infants while maintaining low sepsis prevalence. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and improved practices to reduce overuse of antibiotics.
The book examines antibiotic-induced reproductive toxicity, microbiome alterations, and emerging concerns around antibiotic resistance. It provides critical insights for clinicians, pharmacists, researchers, and students in reproductive medicine and pharmacology.
A new platform identifies drug resistance genes in the environment, allowing for proactive optimization of antibiotics. By analyzing natural structural variants and resistance mechanisms, researchers can predict future threats and develop more resilient treatments.
A study of 22 million urgent care visits found 12.4% of patients received antibiotics, 9.1% glucocorticoids, and 1.3% opioids for generally inappropriate diagnoses. The trends highlight the need for improved clinician knowledge, patient demand, and decision support.
A study found that antibiotic resistance genes in gut bacteria predicted the risk of sepsis and death over 17 years. A high resistance burden was associated with a 40% higher risk of all-cause mortality, particularly for deaths related to respiratory infections.
Cyanobacteria's microalgae-based technologies effectively remove antibiotics from wastewater through mechanisms attributed to the identified nitroreductase enzyme. Engineered bacteria expressing this enzyme degrade chloramphenicol with high efficiency, offering a sustainable biocatalyst for antibiotic pollution control.
A recent study in the Netherlands found 15% of men who have sex with men and transgender individuals recently used doxycycline as post- or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), highlighting an increase in informal use. The high intention to use PrEP among the population raises concerns about potential antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and chan...
Researchers from Pusan National University have developed engineered bacterial vesicles that use a novel surface-displaying protein to selectively target and eliminate E. coli and S. aureus bacteria. These vesicles, derived from lactic acid bacteria, offer a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics.
Researchers at Lund University have identified a potential therapeutic breakthrough for melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. By targeting mitochondrial energy production and protein synthesis, existing antibiotics and inhibitors can effectively eliminate cancer cells while sparing healthy skin cells.
A new study has identified specific proteins in umbilical cord blood that signal acute systemic inflammation, providing a non-invasive means to diagnose early onset sepsis in preterm newborns. This discovery could lead to the development of a diagnostic test to avoid prolonged antibiotic exposure for infants at risk.
The article discusses how emerging contaminants like agricultural pesticides and medicines are impacting water quality in developing countries. The presence of these pollutants is linked to toxic effects on humans and ecosystems, with many being undetected or under-regulated.
A daily dose of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole reduced the proportion of preterm births by 40% in pregnant women with HIV. The antibiotic also increased birth weight by 177 grams, improving health outcomes for babies. Researchers hope to confirm these findings in future trials.
A recent study found that Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) can detect pathogens in 86% of cases, outperforming conventional microbiological tests which identified pathogens in only 67% of cases. mNGS guides treatment decisions and improves patient outcomes by detecting rare/atypical pathogens.
A large cohort study found that early antibiotic treatment did not significantly improve outcomes for patients with nonsevere COVID-19. The results argue against routine antibiotic use in this population due to associated risks.
Researchers have discovered that microalgae species can remove antibiotic residues from water, including sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. This process also produces biomass with potential commercial value, including biodiesel production.
Research suggests that antibiotics taken during infancy, especially in the first three months, may lead to earlier onset of puberty in girls. The study, which analyzed data on over 322,000 children in South Korea, found a significant association between early antibiotic exposure and increased risk of central precocious puberty.
Researchers have discovered that combining antibiotics with an enzyme called endolysin can protect against infection by resistant bacteria in all bodily organs, including the brain. This breakthrough could lead to a new treatment for meningitis, a life-threatening disease caused by resistant bacteria.
Researchers developed a topical antibiotic gel that cured middle ear infections in chinchillas within 24 hours. The gel, containing negatively charged liposomes, was more effective than previous formulations in delivering antibiotics across infected eardrums.
A global study led by Stockholm Resilience Centre reveals that countries have the power to reduce antibiotic resistance through effective domestic interventions. The study found strong associations between country-level action and changes in antibiotic use and resistance, with a handful of countries leading the way.
Scientists have discovered a novel immune signaling pathway in bacteria that turns viral infection machinery against the virus, potentially informing future biotech tools and phage therapy. This discovery reveals an ancient defense strategy that could help fight superbugs.
Mathematical modeling research from University of Utah Health suggests that treating moderate cases with antibiotics could limit the spread of cholera and reduce the likelihood of antibiotic resistance. In areas where cholera spreads slowly, aggressive antibiotic use may even stop outbreaks entirely.
A new study by Virginia Tech researchers suggests that bacteriophages, or virus-like particles, may increase the sensitivity of gut bacteria to antibiotics. The team created a mouse model that allows them to control phage populations and found evidence that phages can exacerbate antibiotic damage.
Researchers found that antibiotic exposure in the first two years of life was significantly associated with a higher body mass index (BMI) in childhood. The study followed 33,095 vaginally born children in Finland to see if antibiotics before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and after birth were linked to higher BMI at age two and age 12.
Researchers identified piperacillin as an effective treatment for Lyme disease, which causes devastating symptoms in half a million individuals annually. The antibiotic works by targeting the bacteria's unique cell wall synthesis pattern, leading to its death without harming beneficial gut microbes.
The ERA4TB project aims to develop new antibiotics against TB, while TAINT-TB focuses on contrast agents for precise diagnosis. The TCOLF-TC312 project uses humanized mice to study TB and its interactions with the immune system.
Human consumption of antibiotics has increased by 65% since 2000, resulting in estimated 8,500 tonnes reaching river systems globally. Chronic environmental exposure can reduce microbial diversity and increase antibiotic-resistant genes, impacting fish and algae health.
Researchers detected widespread contamination of retail chicken meat in Bangladesh with antibiotic-resistant E. albertii, a lesser-known but deadly pathogen. The study highlights the need for improved hygiene measures and stricter regulations to prevent foodborne infections.
Researchers found that repeated antibiotic use before age 2 is associated with a higher risk for asthma, food allergies, and hay fever later in life. The study suggests that judicious use of antibiotics in children under 2 may impact long-term health outcomes.
Chinese researchers create a fully green technological system for sustainable continuous production of beta-lactam antibiotics, leveraging Zr-MOFs for effective enzyme immobilization. The developed method preserves native enzymatic activity while enhancing operational stability and recyclability.
A landmark study found that over 3 million children worldwide lost their lives in 2022 due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR)-related infections. The study data also revealed a sharp rise in the use of Watch and Reserve antibiotics, posing serious long-term risks.
A new class of antibiotic has been shown to be effective in treating MRSA infections, with a daily dose of epidermicin NI01 demonstrating equal efficacy to the current standard of care. The findings justify further pre-clinical development and could lead to new gel-type therapies for skin infections.
A team of researchers found that a gene regulatory network in gut microbes plays an auxiliary role in bacterial fitness and adaptability. By maintaining basal levels of genetic activity, the network allows bacteria to adapt to their constantly changing environment.
A study analyzing over 3 million bacterial samples found that antibiotic resistance initially rises but stabilizes over time, reaching an equilibrium in most species. The study suggests that continued increase in antibiotic resistance is not inevitable and provides new insights to monitor drug resistance.
Scientists at University of Lausanne classify 35 commonly used drugs in Switzerland based on their ecotoxicity. The classification reveals that painkillers like diclofenac and antibiotics like ciprofloxacin have significant consequences for aquatic biodiversity.
A new class of agents has been developed to inhibit hospital germs, particularly targeting the toxin α-hemolysin produced by Staphylococcus aureus. The compound H052 showed high effectiveness in cell culture and animal models, increasing survival rates in infected mice.
Researchers identified a new way to fight infections like Lyme and syphilis by disrupting the bacteria's 'motor', preventing it from spreading through the body. The findings could have wide-ranging impacts on the treatment of infections in the future as concern about antibiotic-resistant strains grows.
A study reveals that most Acinetobacter baumannii infections in a Malaysian hospital belonged to the Global Clone 2 lineage, which is also dominant worldwide. The majority of bacterial samples were resistant to multiple antibiotics, including carbapenems.
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago developed a powerful new antibiotic, Lariocidin, which targets ribosomes to prevent bacterial protein production. Its unique structure allows it to evade common bacterial defenses and transporters, making it a promising candidate for treating deadly infections.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science have discovered a new class of antibiotics derived from frog secretions, which show promise in targeting harmful bacteria without affecting human cells or beneficial gut bacteria. The synthetic peptides were developed using structure-guided design a...
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced ambulatory antibiotic use in France, with most antibiotics showing a notable decrease. Antibiotic use remained lower than expected levels for at least 12 months following the first lockdown.
Researchers discovered that a drug-resistant type of bacteria has adapted to produce antimicrobial genetic tools, eliminating its cousins and replacing them as the dominant strain. The finding validates a system developed at Pitt and UPMC for detecting infectious disease outbreaks.
The Chinese Medical Association has released updated guidelines for pediatric mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, emphasizing a multi-faceted diagnostic approach and evidence-based treatment strategies. The guidelines highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and responsible antibiotic use to combat rising resistance.