Articles tagged with Microbial Infections
Researchers at U of T have identified two compounds, diindolylmethane and diindolylethane, produced by gut bacteria that can regulate the nuclear receptor CAR, potentially treating diseases like diabetes, fatty liver disease, and small intestine ulcerative colitis.
Researchers at George Mason University have developed a urine test for Lyme disease that detects the bacteria causing the infection, leading to earlier treatment and prevention of long-term debilitating effects. The test has shown high sensitivity and specificity, and will be made available through telehealth to increase accessibility.
Researchers found that altering a male mouse's gut microbiota increases the probability of low birth weight and premature death in their offspring. The study suggests a 'gut-germline axis' exists, connecting the gut microbiota to the germline and potentially influencing inherited traits.
Decreased gut bacterial diversity was found in patients with NAFLD, while Faecalibacterium and Ruminococcus 2 were associated with the disease. The study identified a combination of microbiomes and biochemical indexes that distinguished NAFLD from normal livers.
Grafting onto a disease-resistant rootstock reduces pathogenic Agrobacterium abundance and alters the microbiome composition, enriching beneficial bacteria. The decreased valine in root exudates from grafted plants contributes to decreasing Agrobacterium abundance and suppressing crown gall disease.
A new study reveals that gut microbiota significantly impacts host amino acid and glucose metabolism, leading to a second liver-like function. The research identifies specific bacterial metabolic genes responsible for depleting amino acids, which can be targeted to treat conditions such as type 2 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers used machine learning to analyze over 1.09 million potential metabolite-receptor pairs and predict the likelihood that each interaction contributed to Alzheimer's disease. The study found a protective metabolite called agmatine interacting with a receptor called CA3R in brain cells, reducing CA3R levels and lowering phospho...
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a new class of antibiotics targeting LpxH protein in Gram-negative bacteria, showing potent activity against multidrug-resistant strains. The discovery holds promise for treating bloodstream infections and has potential for future clinical trials.
Researchers have identified distinct molecular signatures associated with sepsis, enabling more accurate diagnosis and prognosis. The study's findings suggest a potential new tool to target specific therapies at patients most likely to develop severe symptoms.
Researchers analyzed well-preserved microbiomes from 4,000-year-old teeth in Ireland, providing a snapshot of oral health in the past. The study found evidence of dysbiosis and an unusual abundance of S. mutans bacteria, suggesting that our ancestors' mouths differed significantly from ours.
Researchers have recovered ancient microbiomes from 4,000-year-old teeth in Ireland, revealing major changes in oral microenvironments. The study identified bacteria linked to gum disease and provided the first high-quality ancient genome of Streptococcus mutans, a major culprit behind tooth decay.
Research reveals a significant connection between oral bacteria and accelerated pancreatic cancer development in mice. Viable Porphyromonas gingivalis was found in the pancreas of healthy mice after gum application, causing changes in the organ's microbial balance.
Researchers at Leibniz-HKI deciphered the function of Candidalysin's unusual protein structure, which reduces pathogenicity and opens up new treatment options. Nanobodies neutralize the toxin, blocking its activity and inhibiting tissue damage.
A new study finds that Latinx children with unreliable access to food at age 4 are nearly four times more likely to develop fatty liver disease later. The researchers recommend earlier screening for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and ensuring public meal programs offer nutritious meals.
Researchers decode underlying mechanisms of DCM, hippocampal neurotoxicity, and dysbiosis mediated AD progression using mass spectrometry imaging. The studies found metabolic changes in DCM rat hearts and regulation of CYPs in the hippocampus, providing new perspectives on treatment strategies.
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) as a safe and effective treatment for most patients with recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. FMT offers hope to patients suffering from debilitating C. diff, enabling them to lead happy and healthy lives.
Frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods in the US diet is associated with increased rates of colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal diseases. This may be attributed to additives such as emulsifiers that can disrupt the balance of gut microbiota, leading to disease promotion.
Research reveals that bleaching reefs release organic compounds that promote bacterial growth, leading to an increase in opportunistic bacteria and potential pathogens. This shift in microbial communities may harm corals through suffocation or disease.
Researchers analyzed DNA from birch tar samples, finding similarities with modern human mouth microbes and increased bacteria associated with gum disease. The study suggests that ancient humans' frequent use of teeth for tasks may have led to poor oral health.
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.
Plant scientists have discovered a sophisticated RNA defense system that plants use to attack gray mold cells, sending mRNA molecules that disrupt fungal cellular processes. This innovative approach could lead to the development of eco-friendly fungicides with minimal environmental impact and no harm to humans or animals.
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 found that probiotics can limit CRC-promoting bacteria, rebalance the microbial profile, and induce targeted cancer cell death. Postbiotics derived from probiotic bacteria have also been shown to prevent CRC by limiting tumor proliferation and modulating the balance of anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic factors.
Researchers at NUS-SCELSE have discovered a plant hormone, methyl jasmonate, that communicates with beneficial microorganisms in the soil, boosting crop growth by 30%. This finding holds great promise for sustainable agriculture and could lead to the development of nature-based agrochemicals.
Scientists at University of California San Diego develop a new approach to microbiome research, identifying hundreds of molecules never seen before in the human body. They found a strong association between these molecules and inflammatory bowel disease, potentially leading to new diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
A new vaccine patch has delivered an effective immune response to Zika virus in mice, providing rapid protection against the disease. The patch, which uses a high-density microarray platform, targets a specific protein crucial to the virus's survival and evokes T-cell responses up to 270% higher than traditional vaccines.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have discovered how Lactobacillus, a bacterium found in fermented foods and yogurt, influences mood disorders. The findings suggest that maintaining a healthy level of Lactobacillus may help prevent depression and anxiety by regulating immune response to stress.
Researchers discovered that women carrying Group B Streptococcus bacteria are up to three times more likely to have newborns admitted to neonatal units. The team developed an ultrasensitive PCR test to detect the bacteria, suggesting a 'cytokine storm' may be behind increased risk of disease.
Researchers found that 1,8-cineole inhibits inflammatory pathways in the gut, while ginsenoside Rk2 alleviates liver inflammation and restores intestinal barrier function. Another compound, specnuezhenide, modifies gut microbiota and has potential to inhibit colorectal tumor growth.
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 in Nature Communications has identified a gene cluster in wheat that produces triticein, an isoflavone compound with potential health benefits. This discovery offers opportunities for metabolic engineering efforts to improve wheat's nutritional quality and resistance to disease.
Researchers at UMass Lowell found that anti-inflammatory bacteria were less abundant in people with Parkinson's disease, suggesting a potential biomarker for early diagnosis. A new study on Latinos may also uncover novel biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease.
A study published in mSystems found that mice fed a broccoli sprout diet had milder disease symptoms and richer gut microbial communities compared to those not exposed. The researchers suggest that broccoli sprouts could be used as a treatment strategy for patients with IBD.
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.
Researchers analyze waste samples from 55 lined pit latrines in Malawi to understand the complex microbial communities. The findings reveal that aerobic microbes are more abundant near the surface and anaerobic microbes deeper in the pit, helping break down human waste and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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 new international clinical trial found that a drug candidate is highly effective in treating Acanthamoeba keratitis with medical cure rates of 87%, reducing the risk of poor visual outcomes and surgery. The treatment, low concentration polihexanide (PHMB 0.08%), follows a novel and evidence-based protocol.
Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria can form special cells that survive for long periods in a dormant state, making antibiotic treatment challenging. The discovery could lead to new treatment concepts by targeting proteins involved in the transition to this slumber state.
A study found that a water additive containing pomegranate extract can limit the formation of plaque and tartar in dogs after professional dental cleaning. The additive was shown to reduce plaque buildup by 47% and tartar by 24%, promoting healthy gums.
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic have developed a potential vaccine candidate against Dabie Bandavirus using nanoparticles, which can deliver antigens at a lower dose with fewer side effects. The vaccine has shown promise in pre-clinical studies and could provide protection to adults over 50, who are most vulnerable to the virus.
A study published in eBioMedicine identified 9 sets of biomarkers, both metagenomic and transcriptomic, associated with 30-day mortality in patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia. The biomarkers were validated with an accuracy of 85%, significantly higher than existing clinical prediction models.
A new intestinal microbe, Taurinivorans muris, has been discovered that feeds exclusively on taurine and produces hydrogen sulfide, a foul-smelling gas. This bacterium shows a protective function against important pathogens like Klebsiella and Salmonella.
Researchers developed a long-lasting skin coating agent that kills pathogens on the hands, boosting the natural hand barrier. The agent retained high antimicrobial activity even two hours after application, and reduced survival time of coronaviruses and influenza viruses.
Researchers applied innovative techniques to detect coral reef health, focusing on microbes and metabolites in Florida's Coral Reef. The methods successfully distinguished between reefs based on geography, benthos, disease, and environmental features, providing novel insights into ecosystem characteristics.
A new approach to treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been discovered, utilizing resistant starch to reduce fat accumulation and inflammation in the liver. The study found that consuming resistant starch daily led to an increase in beneficial gut bacteria, which positively impacted liver health.
Research on minimally processed vegetables reveals unsatisfactory microbiological safety, with Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. found at high prevalence rates. The study calls for best practice assurance to guarantee products with quality and safety for consumers.
A new study has revealed that the health of whale sharks depends on a balance of microbes in their skin, which is crucial for their well-being and survival. The research, published in Scientific Reports, used genomic sequencing technology to describe the types of microbes on the skin surface of 74 whale sharks from around the world.
A study reveals that racial differences in gut microbiome composition arise after 3 months of age and persist through childhood. Early social and environmental exposures play a significant role in shaping the gut microbiome, with research suggesting that environmental and social factors contribute to health disparities.
Researchers used phage PASA16 to treat tough Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, achieving an impressive 86.6% success rate. The study demonstrated the potential effectiveness of phage therapy as a valuable alternative to conventional antibiotics in combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new strategy for producing oxygen-tolerant probiotics, including Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, which can improve glucose control. The combination of bacteria increased biomass and butyrate production, making it safe for human consumption.
A study found COVID-19 vaccination coverage was high among healthcare workers and older adults, but low among non-priority recipients. The main reason for wanting to be vaccinated was to prevent self-infection and protect family members.
A survey of over 20,000 respondents in Japan found that 23% of male and 13% of female respondents were willing to receive the smallpox vaccine for Mpox prevention. Higher vaccination rates were observed among homosexual men compared to their heterosexual counterparts.
The latest Alzheimer's drug, donanemab, has shown encouraging results in slowing cognitive decline by 35% compared to placebo in patients with low-to-intermediate levels of tau. However, its effectiveness is limited for those with more advanced disease, and risks include serious side effects such as amyloid-related imaging abnormalities.
Researchers found that antimicrobial resistance emerges from selection for pre-existing resistant clones, not new mutations. Infections with multiple pathogen clones show increased resistance to antibiotics, but also potential for faster loss of resistance when no antibiotics are present.
A team from the University of Ottawa has developed a comprehensive screening platform and cellular interrogation tool to facilitate novel drug discovery targeting various human diseases. The 'Tango-Trio' platform can identify small molecule modulators for orphan GPCRs, which have significant untapped therapeutic potential.
Researchers found that a diet high in soybean oil decreases beneficial bacteria and increases harmful bacteria, leading to increased inflammation and susceptibility to colitis. Olive oil, with lower amounts of linoleic acid, is considered a healthier alternative.
A UCLA-led team is tracking mpox outbreaks across the US with a new surveillance project called CRASHED. The research aims to identify cases beyond high-risk groups and determine if mpox remains rare or resurges more broadly.
Researchers found 20 times more potentially pneumonia-causing bacteria on dentures in people with pneumonia than those without. Poorly cleaned dentures may provide a new surface for disease-causing microbes to colonize.
A new study by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that an orally administered probiotic bacterial strain improved dry eye disease in an animal model. The probiotic, Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM17938, enhanced corneal health and increased goblet cell production in the eyes, suggesting potential treatment benefits.
Researchers found commercially available antifungal tests perform inadequately in identifying Candida auris susceptibility to various treatments. The findings highlight the need for improved testing methods to aid clinical decisions and improve patient care.