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Hidden small RNA determines if cholera bacterium can infect humans

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a small RNA embedded within the V. cholerae gene as the key factor controlling its ability to infect humans. Variations in this RNA controlled about 85% of genes related to human infection, enabling the bacteria to evade immune barriers and colonize the gut.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2026

How cholera bacteria swap defenses against viruses

Researchers found that Vibrio cholerae can efficiently acquire new sedentary chromosomal integron (SCI) gene cassettes from extracellular DNA. This process allows the bacteria to diversify its antiviral defenses and potentially expand its protection against viruses in different environments.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateApr 9, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

One of cholera’s great enemies is found in the human gut

A genomic study found that cholera bacteria rapidly gain and lose defensive systems against a viral nemesis, ICP1, resulting in lower disease severity and reduced ability to spread globally. The study challenges the long-held belief that the Ganges Delta is the global source of cholera.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateApr 1, 2026

Bacterial hitchhikers can give their hosts super strength

A Dartmouth study found that plasmids can form tight clusters within bacterial communities, making them resistant to antibiotics and clinical treatments. This phenomenon introduces a new avenue for bacterial infections to become more difficult to treat.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2026

A new study reveals how cholera virulence is activated

A new study provides a long-sought structural explanation for how Vibrio cholerae colonizes the human gut and produces the cholera toxin. The research reveals that ToxR and TcpP stabilize a specific part of the RNA polymerase directly onto DNA, achieving virulence gene activation without reshaping the transcription machinery.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 14, 2026

A high-protein diet can defeat cholera infection

A high-protein diet rich in casein and wheat gluten can significantly reduce the amount of cholera bacteria able to infect the gut. The study found that these dietary components can suppress a key structure on the surface of cholera bacteria, making it difficult for the pathogen to colonize and cause harm.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJan 8, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Mass General Brigham–developed cholera vaccine completes phase 1 trial

A single-dose oral cholera vaccine called PanChol has completed a phase 1 clinical trial with positive results, offering hope for combating the devastating disease globally. The vaccine was developed by Mass General Brigham and shows promise in preventing severe vomiting and diarrhea caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 7, 2026

NEJM Evidence and CIDRAP announce Public Health Alerts

Public Health Alerts provide concise, data-driven information on disease outbreaks and urgent health events. The new series, launched by NEJM Evidence and CIDRAP, offers expert-reviewed reports to support public health evidence-based care.

SourceNEJM Group·JournalNEJM Evidence·DateDec 17, 2025

Researchers identify genetic bottlenecks that explain the emergence of cholera

Researchers have identified genetic bottlenecks that explain the emergence of pandemic cholera strains. These specific combinations of genes and allelic variants grant an advantage in human intestinal colonization, allowing a small subset of Vibrio cholerae to become deadly pathogens.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2025

How cholera bacteria outsmart viruses

Researchers found that cholera bacteria acquired multiple distinct immune systems protecting them from diverse types of phages. These defense systems, including WonAB, GrwAB, and Vc SduA, contribute to the bacterial population's resistance spectrum.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 22, 2025

Broader antibiotic use could change the course of cholera outbreaks, research suggests

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.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalBulletin of Mathematical Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 29, 2025
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Focus on sanitation and clean water may improve control of endemic cholera

A new study models cholera transmission after interventions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, highlighting the importance of environmental reservoirs in maintaining endemic diseases. The research suggests that vaccination may have a smaller impact on preventing transmission compared to water, sanitation, and hygiene improvements.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 18, 2025

From Yemen to Mayotte, the spread of a highly drug-resistant cholera strain

A highly drug-resistant cholera strain has been identified in Yemen and later detected in Lebanon, Kenya, Tanzania, and the Comoros Islands, including Mayotte. The strain's spread highlights the need for strengthened global surveillance of the cholera agent to monitor its resistance to antibiotics.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 13, 2024

Improved epidemic monitoring via sewage

A new study from European universities has developed a method to analyze wastewater data from seven major cities, identifying thousands of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and antimicrobial resistance. This approach can detect potential health threats simultaneously, potentially preventing epidemics from escalating into outbreaks.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 17, 2024
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Newly discovered antimicrobial could prevent or treat cholera

Researchers have discovered a new class of natural antimicrobials called microcins that can target specific strains of bacteria causing cholera, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer. Microcins are highly selective and can potentially remove unwanted bacteria without disrupting the human gut microbiome.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2024

Climate anomalies may play a major role in driving cholera pandemics

Historical records suggest that anomalous climate conditions during El Niño events contributed to the establishment and spread of new cholera strains. Climate-facilitated emergence of novel strains is projected to increase through the end of the century due to climate change-driven increases in climate variability.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2024

UTSA researchers discover new method to inhibit cholera infection

Researchers at UTSA have discovered a novel strategy to inhibit the spread and infection of Vibrio cholerae, the bacteria responsible for cholera. They identified a peptide-binding domain that can disrupt the virulence of V. cholerae, preventing intestinal colonization and biofilm formation.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Genes fuelling antibiotic resistance in Yemen cholera outbreak uncovered

Researchers have discovered a new plasmid in epidemic Vibrio cholerae samples that introduces genes encoding resistance to multiple antibiotics. The finding underscores the importance of genomic surveillance and suggests that the strain's stability poses a concerning factor for future outbreaks.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 29, 2023

Bacteria like cholera may be crucial in the development of new antibiotics

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered how a bacterium called Vibrio alginolyticus moves using sodium ions, which could lead to new targets for antibiotics. The study provides insights into the flagellum's movement and may help develop novel antibiotics to combat antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 27, 2023

New cholera substrains in Bangladesh uncovered by genomic surveillance confirm the importance of vaccination

Researchers discovered two new cholera sublineages in a refugee population in southern Bangladesh, highlighting the importance of mass vaccination. The study used genomic surveillance to track the strains and showed that the vaccine intervention was crucial in preventing an epidemic.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2023

The structure of a protein bound to DNA reveals how the toxicity of the cholera bacterium is activated

The study of ToxR's protein structure bound to DNA has revealed how it triggers cholera toxin production. The research provides insights into the molecular mechanism behind Vibrio cholerae's virulence, shedding light on potential treatments for this disease.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2023

D-amino acids play a role in stress-induced response in cholera bacterium

Researchers at Umea University discover new role for D-amino acids in stress-driven bacterial chemotaxis, revealing complex ecological systems and potential strategies to manipulate bacterial populations. D-Arginine plays a multifaceted role in shaping microbial communities and influencing niche selection.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 27, 2023
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

IVI begins clinical development of DuoChol oral cholera vaccine

The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) has started clinical development of DuoChol, a new oral cholera vaccine in capsule form. This innovation offers improved thermostability, reducing storage challenges, while making vaccines more accessible to those who need them most.

SourceInternational Vaccine Institute·DateApr 28, 2023

Harmful bacteria can elude predators when in mixed colonies

A study by Dartmouth College researchers found that bacteria can form protective clusters with rival species, making it harder to kill harmful bacteria. This discovery highlights the importance of studying multispecies biofilm structures and may impact the development of bacteriophages and predatory bacteria as antimicrobial alternatives.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Molecules found in mucus could prevent cholera infection

MIT researchers have identified molecules found in mucus that can block cholera infection by interfering with the genes that cause the microbe to switch into a harmful state. The protective molecules, known as glycans, prevent Vibrio cholerae from producing the toxin that usually leads to severe diarrhea.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateDec 12, 2022
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Listen to the toilet — it could detect disease #ASA183

Researchers developed a noninvasive microphone sensor that uses machine learning to detect bowel diseases like cholera. The algorithm analyzes audio data from toilet sounds, identifying consistent tones for urination and singular tones for defecation.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 5, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Two DNA defense systems behind resilience of 7th cholera pandemic

The study found two DNA defense systems in Vibrio cholerae bacteria that work together to eliminate plasmids and prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance. These defense systems, called DdmDE and DdmABC, are encoded within distinct pathogenicity islands and help the bacteria survive pandemics.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateApr 7, 2022

A potentially longer-lasting cholera vaccine

Researchers have created a new type of cholera vaccine consisting of polysaccharides displayed on virus-like particles, generating long-lasting antibody responses in mice. The vaccine shows promise as a next-generation cholera vaccine, potentially replacing current vaccines that last only 2-5 years.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 16, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Tracking down the origin of cholera pandemics

Researchers have discovered a molecular mechanism that contributed to the emergence of the seventh cholera pandemic. The study found that modified Vibrio cholerae bacteria used their type 6 secretion system (T6SS) to outcompete and kill older strains, leading to their displacement.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022

Small molecules with a dual function

Researchers discovered a small RNA molecule that regulates both the production of the cholera toxin and the metabolism of the cholera bacterium. This finding provides a new target for developing treatments against cholera and has implications for biotechnological applications.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

War in the gut: How human microbiota resist the cholera bacterium

Research found that human gut bacteria resist Vibrio cholerae attacks using various strategies, including polysaccharide capsules and self-killing mechanisms. The study suggests a potential for designing T6SS-shielded probiotic strains to restore defective colonization barriers.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 1, 2021
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Edible Cholera vaccine made of powdered rice proves safe in phase 1 human trials

The MucoRice-CTB vaccine, a new edible cholera vaccine made from genetically modified rice, has shown no obvious side effects and a good immune response in its Phase 1 human trial. The vaccine stimulates the mucosal immune system through the gut to induce antigen-specific antibodies, producing IgG and IgA responses.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·DateJun 25, 2021

Potential cholera vaccine target discovered

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found a unique mechanism of protection against Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes cholera. Human antibodies block the bacteria's motility, preventing it from causing disease. This breakthrough could lead to more effective vaccines for cholera, particularly in young children.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalmBio·DateNov 17, 2020

Cause of 1990s Argentina cholera epidemic uncovered

Researchers mapped genomic evolution of Vibrio cholerae bacteria in Argentina during the 1991-1998 cholera outbreak. The study distinguished between pandemic and non-pandemic lineages, influencing health policy and national alert surveillance system.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 1, 2020

Microbiome confers resistance to cholera

A new study found that certain gut bacteria, such as Blautia obeum, can deactivate the disease-causing mechanisms of Vibrio cholerae, preventing it from colonizing the intestines. Increasing levels of this bacterium in the gut may provide a natural defense against cholera.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCell·DateJun 29, 2020
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Cholera studies reveal mechanisms of biofilm formation and hyperinfectivity

Researchers have made significant strides in understanding the mechanisms of cholera biofilm formation and hyperinfectivity. Biofilms are found to be highly infectious due to primed virulence factors, with bacteria already producing toxins before infection occurs.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2020

The cholera bacterium's 3-in-1 toolkit for life in the ocean

Researchers discovered a grappling hook-like appendage called type IV pili that enables Vibrio cholerae to take up DNA, bind to nutrient-rich surfaces and recognize 'family' members. The findings reveal a multifunctional toolkit for the bacterium's survival in ocean environments.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 10, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Genetic code of WWI soldier's cholera mapped

Researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute have sequenced the genome of a non-toxigenic strain of Vibrio cholerae from WWI, showing it is distantly related to strains causing modern pandemics. The strain lacked a flagellum and possessed genes for ampicillin resistance.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·DateApr 9, 2019

Vaccine study confirms sensitivity of cholera test

A recent study using a cholera vaccine cluster trial found that conventional fecal microbiological cultures identified only 66% of patients with cholera, suggesting widespread underestimation of global cases. The study supported the sensitivity of these culture methods, but no evidence of protection was found.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMar 14, 2019

Tracking cholera in a drop of blood

A new method has been developed to measure the size of cholera outbreaks and identify geographic hotspots for the disease. The method uses six serum markers to detect recent infection, achieving an accuracy rate of 93 percent.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2019

Mystery of Yemen cholera epidemic solved

The strain of cholera causing the current outbreak in Yemen was estimated to come from Eastern Africa and entered the country through human migration. Genomic data analysis has enabled researchers to estimate the risk of future outbreaks and inform targeted interventions.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·DateJan 2, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Lack of preparedness and insecurity hampered response to cholera epidemic in Yemen

A Johns Hopkins report highlights Yemen's inadequate cholera preparedness and response, citing gaps in surveillance, access to populations, and coordination. The authors recommend improving disease surveillance, integrating health and WASH sectors, and boosting laboratory capacity to better prepare for future epidemics.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateDec 4, 2018

Mark your calendar: All infectious diseases are seasonal

Research suggests that all infectious diseases follow a seasonal cycle, with outbreaks occurring at specific times of the year. Seasonality is driven by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and vector-borne diseases like Zika, which is influenced by mosquito proliferation in algae-filled waterbodies.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 8, 2018

Microbiologists and plant scientists find secret to tackling cholera

A team of microbiologists and plant scientists has identified a genetic weakness in the cholera pandemic that could lead to future treatments. The discovery reveals a new signaling network for cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) in the human cholera pathogen, which is responsible for the seventh pandemic's ability to thrive.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2018
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Cholera spread tracked at household level

A large-scale genomic study found that nearly 80% of cholera transmission in Dhaka occurred between people sharing a household. Preventing this spread could significantly reduce outbreaks and save lives. Local interventions such as sanitation and hygiene improvements can help break the chain of transmission.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 25, 2018

Transformative cholera vaccine designed to offer rapid protection

A preclinical study shows a new cholera vaccine can provide long-term immune response and immediate protection within 24 hours. Mathematical modeling predicts the vaccine could save up to 20,000 infections compared to traditional vaccines.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 13, 2018