Research on antibiotics and the bacteria they target. Covers antibiotic resistance, gut pathogens, persistent strep throat, and water-source contamination.
A study found that a common food preservative called nisin, which kills pathogens in food, also harms beneficial gut bacteria. The researchers identified six different lantibiotics produced by the gut microbiome and tested their effects on both pathogens and commensal bacteria.
Researchers from Columbia University found that bacteria in biofilms have a highly structured arrangement, allowing them to control physiological states and survive during antibiotic treatment. This discovery could lead to developing new drugs targeting antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
A machine learning technique called LASSO was used to analyze blood samples from six countries, identifying seven genes that can predict the risk of developing a secondary respiratory bacterial infection. The findings aim to guide clinicians in making more informed decisions about antibiotic use.
Researchers found that resistant bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli can remain in the body for up to nine years after initial infection. The study's key findings highlight the need for tailored treatment approaches to combat persistent infections.
A study of over 80,000 children found that high fish and vegetable intakes early in life are associated with a lower risk of inflammatory bowel disease. High sugar beverage intake, on the other hand, was linked to a higher risk.
Northwestern University researchers successfully engineered a virus to destroy itself from the inside out, killing a deadly bacterium. The study represents a critical step towards creating new therapies to treat antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers discovered that antibiotics can activate a molecular defense system in bacteria, called CBASS, which enhances the effect of specific antibiotics against Vibrio cholerae. This finding has significant implications for the effective use of antibiotics and preventing antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have identified a virus called Paride that can infect and destroy dormant bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The study found that the combination of Paride and an antibiotic called meropenem was effective in killing bacteria in both laboratory cultures and mice with chronic infections.
Researchers have gained decisive insights into treating bloodstream infections with Staphylococcus aureus, finding that early oral antibiotic therapy is as effective and safe as intravenous standard treatment. This approach enables easier treatment and faster discharge for patients at low risk of developing infectious complications.
Sezáry syndrome patients face a vicious circle where cancer and treatment weaken the immune system, allowing bacteria like S. aureus to thrive. Eliminating these bacteria may make cancer cells more susceptible to anti-cancer drugs.
Researchers found that E. coli can evolve to produce increased persister cells, leading to increased survival and antibiotic failure. Persister cells contribute to poor patient outcomes when classic antibiotic resistance does not explain such failure.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have designed a new version of the drug spectinomycin that overcomes efflux, a key mechanism driving antibiotic resistance in Mab infections. The modified compound, eAmSPCs, shows enhanced antimicrobial efficacy and works well with various classes of antibiotics.
Researchers discovered new antibiotic molecules targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis, reducing its pathogenicity. These substances also enhance the activity of conventional antibiotics like ethionamide, offering a renewed treatment approach.
A recent study reveals that two-thirds of babies born with sickle cell disease are born in areas scoring high or very high on the scale of social vulnerability. This highlights the need for targeted efforts to support families affected by this genetic blood disease.
A new synthetic antibiotic teixobactin has been shown to be highly effective against 'superbugs' such as MRSA and bacterial biofilms, which are associated with serious chronic infections. The study's findings provide promising hope for the development of new treatments against multidrug-resistant bacteria and biofilm-related infections.
Matabele ants can recognize infected wounds and effectively treat them with their own produced antibiotics, drastically reducing mortality. The ants' sophisticated healthcare system has medical implications for humans, as the primary pathogen in ant wounds is also a leading cause of infection in humans.
Researchers at UNIST developed a novel one-pot process for growing Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, a predatory bacterium with potential as 'living antibiotics'. This approach eliminated the need for multiple vessels and reduced growth time by over 50%, enabling large-scale cultivation without compromising efficacy.
Researchers from Osaka University have identified erythromycin as a potential treatment for myotonic dystrophy type 1, a genetic disease characterized by progressive muscular weakness. The antibiotic showed acceptable safety and tolerability profiles in a phase 2 clinical trial, with some patients experiencing significant improvements ...
Scientists unravel DnaA's role in DNA replication initiation, shedding light on bacterial cell growth and reproduction. The discovery reveals a previously unknown binding pocket within DnaA, enabling the capture of single DNA strands.
A recent study found that doxycycline prophylaxis did not prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among cisgender women, despite being prescribed to 18% of participants. The study also revealed high rates of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea, which may be due to low adherence and limited treatment options.
A recent study found that alterations in the human microbiome, including those in the gut, urinary, and salivary tracts, are linked to kidney stone formation. The research team discovered changes in these microbiomes were common among patients with kidney stones.
A team of researchers identified a new structural class of antibiotics using an AI-powered platform built around explainable deep learning. The discovery shows potential to address antibiotic resistance, with the newly discovered antibiotics showing potent activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens.
Researchers used deep learning models to identify compounds with strong antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The models were trained on expanded datasets and an algorithm that allows for explainable predictions, enabling the discovery of potent antibiotics with minimal human toxicity.
The AGA releases its first comprehensive evidence-based guideline for managing pouchitis, a complication of ulcerative colitis surgery. The guideline recommends treatment with antibiotics and multi-strain probiotics to prevent recurrent pouchitis.
Photodynamic action weakens resistance to antibiotics in bacteria that attack airways, reducing the persistence of both standard and clinical strains. The study found that five cycles of PDI were sufficient to break the resistance of resistant bacteria.
A team of researchers led by UMASS Amherst developed a test to identify new drugs that can disable pathogens and make real gains in public health. They discovered a way to target the Type 3 secretion system, a communication system used by pathogenic microbes to infect host cells.
Researchers at NTNU have developed a new method to study how bacterial signaling proteins react to treatment, paving the way for effective killing of MRSA. The method has shown a combination of two substances kills MRSA more effectively than when used separately.
Researchers have solved the molecular structure of a complete tailed virus with a flexible tail at unprecedented detail. This discovery has significant implications for phage therapies and the development of alternative treatments to antibiotics.
Scientists have created a vaccine candidate against antibiotic-resistant Enterococcus faecium using membrane vesicles, which stimulate the immune system and are stable and non-infectious. The new vaccine showed promising results in killing resistant bacteria, including those resistant to Vancomycin.
Researchers at the Center for Development of Functional Materials created a sensor to monitor metronidazole levels in organisms and the environment. The sensor, combining magnetic fluorescent nanoparticles, showed good sensitivity and practical advantages, enabling real-time analysis and ease of handling.
Researchers have developed a photoswitchable bactericide that can target either Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria using a light-driven 'switch'. The nanomaterial was shown to be effective in healing MRSA-infected wounds in mice models, offering a potential new solution to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
A team of researchers successfully synthesized a 1.5-million-year-old antibiotic called paleomycin, which displays potent properties against human pathogens. By tracing the evolutionary path of glycopeptide antibiotics, the team gained insights into the development of new drugs and uncovered a common precursor molecule.
Researchers at Norwegian University of Science and Technology have developed a simple tool to identify all genetic material in bacteria. This allows for quicker detection of pathogens, enabling informed decisions on antibiotic use.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen discovered that phages use small RNAs to disarm bacterial CRISPR-Cas immune systems, making them vulnerable to infection. This finding has significant implications for phage therapy and could lead to more specific and controlled CRISPR-Cas treatments.
The study analyzed 170 known bacterial languages, grouping them into clusters based on molecular structure. Bacteria can understand related languages, but not those with vastly different languages. This understanding will aid in refining treatment approaches and developing biotechnology applications.
Researchers found that treating C. elegans with mitochondrial inhibitors extended their lifespan, improved pharyngeal muscle contraction, reduced lipofuscin content, and decreased energy consumption. The study suggests that these drugs could abrogate aging and extend human lifespan, offering a potential therapeutic approach.
A new study by the University of Plymouth reveals that chlorine disinfectants used in hospitals are no more effective at killing off hospital superbugs than water. The research highlights the need for alternative strategies to tackle Clostridioides difficile, which causes diarrhoea, colitis and other bowel complications globally.
A recent study published in One Health found that feeding dogs raw meat significantly increases the risk of excreting antibiotic-resistant E. coli, a bacteria that can cause life-threatening infections. The researchers emphasized the importance of proper hygiene and sourcing high-quality meat to reduce this risk.
A novel electrical impedance-based microfluidic platform provides rapid and accurate antimicrobial susceptibility testing within an hour, eliminating the need for long-term bacterial culture. The platform reduces human error and increases reliability, making it a promising tool in combating antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers found that micronutrient deficiencies in early life can lead to significant shifts in the gut microbiome, promoting antibiotic-resistant bacteria and fungi. The study suggests that addressing undernutrition may be crucial in fighting antibiotic resistance.
Scientists at Texas Biomedical Research Institute found a promising cancer therapy also effectively reduces TB growth, even for drug-resistant bacteria. The therapy combines MCL-1 and BCL-2 inhibitors with antibiotics to control TB up to 98%.
Genomic surveillance proved vital in understanding COVID-19 evolution and spread. Researchers now seek its application in fighting antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a major global challenge. AMR causes substantial sickness and death worldwide, with estimates suggesting it could kill up to 10 million people annually by 2050.
A U-M study links increased physical independence, gut microbiome disrupting antibiotics, and hand contamination to vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) environmental contamination in nursing homes. The study suggests that reducing antibiotic use and improving hand hygiene could control VRE spread.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new antifungal molecule that targets fungal cells without harming human kidney cells or other tissues. The molecule, dubbed AM-2-19, has shown significant efficacy against various fungal infections in vitro and in vivo studies.
Better education for cat owners and veterinarians is key to reducing antimicrobial use, which contributes to rising resistance. The study's findings highlight the need for faster, cheaper diagnostic testing and better training of pet owners and vets.
A new report highlights the need for improved antibiotic stewardship in outpatient telemedicine settings, where up to 28% of antibiotics are prescribed unnecessarily. The study's findings suggest that incorporating CDC core elements can optimize antibiotic use and reduce adverse events.
Researchers have discovered highly effective antibodies against P. aeruginosa that can block its type III secretion system and are effective against highly resistant bacteria. These 'pathoblockers' offer a potential therapeutic approach for treating acute and chronic infections with multi-resistant pathogens.
A new antibiotic approach has been developed to target Lyme disease, leveraging a molecular warhead that annihilates the bacterium using light. The technique shows promise not only against bacteria but also fungi and viruses.
A study led by the University of Sydney found that many antibiotics for childhood infections have less than 50% effectiveness, leading to thousands of unnecessary deaths globally. The World Health Organization has declared antimicrobial resistance a top public health threat, emphasizing the urgent need for updated guidelines.
A national-level study found that the median UVC dwell time was 7 days, and CLABSI incidence did not differ significantly between 0-7 days and 7-15 days. The study also highlighted high rates of antibiotic exposure without reduction in CLABSI rates, emphasizing the need for nuanced approaches to antibiotic administration.
A study by Dr Eva Krockow found that existing terms for antimicrobial resistance, such as 'antimicrobial resistance' and 'AMR', are not taken seriously enough, failing to evoke risk perceptions. The researchers suggest renaming the term to a more memorable one that can effectively convey the severity of the issue.
Postoperative wound infections in the head and neck region are common complications, with risk factors including age, smoking, and comorbidities. Aseptic operating conditions and peri/postoperative antibiotics can help minimize infection rates.
A clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that adding a second antibiotic, vancomycin, did not protect against infection and may have led to more infections. The study showed no clear benefit from using two antibiotics instead of one.
EMBL researchers have systematically profiled over 10,000 drug combinations for their effectiveness against common multidrug-resistant bacteria. The team identified over a thousand interactions, including both synergies and antagonisms, with distinct effects on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
A new study reveals a multi-drug resistant strain of E.coli, MDR ST131, can outcompete and displace other strains in the human gut. The research provides evidence that certain types of E.coli are more prone to developing antibiotic resistance, posing significant health risks.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that cefepime did not significantly increase the risk of kidney failure compared to piperacillin/tazobactam in critically ill patients. However, cefepime was associated with more neurological dysfunction and shorter survival rates.
A randomized clinical trial found that cefepime increased neurological dysfunction in adults hospitalized with acute infection, while piperacillin-tazobactam did not. The study involved 2,511 participants and suggested that cefepime may be associated with adverse outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System are developing computer models to better understand the cellular processes and gene activity of multi-drug resistant bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The goal is to identify vulnerabilities in these bacteria and advance the development of new treatments.
A study by Professor Mark Webber and his team found that the NRCS-A strain of Staphylococcus capitis is commonly carried on the skin and in the gut of uninfected neonatal babies, making transmission between babies within NICUs likely. The bacteria's unique genes allow it to survive in the gut, making cleaning the skin ineffective.
A new study has identified commonly prescribed antibiotic, antipsychotic and prokinetic drugs as being associated with a higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Low fasting blood sugar levels are also linked to SCA, a leading cause of death.