Articles tagged with Bacteriophages
New research reveals that bacteria detect viruses when a viral enzyme cuts an important sensor molecule, triggering an immune response. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective phage therapies that can evade bacterial immune systems.
A new tool allows for genome-wide mutagenesis of bacteriophages, enabling researchers to identify essential and non-essential genes for phage survival. This method enables rapid engineering of phage genomes to improve therapeutic potential, particularly for tackling biofilms and bacterial infections.
The guideline establishes a framework for personalized phage therapy, including standardized procedures for selecting and testing phages, infrastructure development, and quality control. Clinical research indicates a favorable safety profile, but efficacy has yet to be fully demonstrated.
Scientists have engineered a nonpathogenic E. coli bacterium to carry a phage that specifically targets salmonella, resulting in a protective lining against infections. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for other diseases, particularly those with high global disease burdens.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that people who swim in rivers and lakes are more than twice as likely to develop skin problems. Higher levels of bacteria linked to faecal pollution are also associated with an increased risk of stomach bugs. The study, which analyzed data from 2,368 volunteers, found that swimmers ...
Phages orchestrate an explosion of protein modifications inside host cells to evade bacterial immune systems. The T7 kinase enzyme triggers massive phosphorylation, disabling bacterial defenses. This discovery could lead to novel bioengineering approaches for phage therapies.
Researchers at Michigan State University identified a counter defense used by phages that helps them stay ahead of bacterial hosts. The discovery could lead to more effective phage therapies in response to the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers discovered that bacteriophages play a critical role in distributing nutrients, promoting microbial diversity, and supporting gut health by releasing vitamin B12. The study found that phage infection is necessary for B12 release, and the nutrient specifically drives growth in dependent microbes.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed an AI-powered tool called Evo 2 that can design novel phages to kill bacteria, including E. coli. The tool has already synthesized nearly 300 new phages and identified 16 exceptionally effective ones.
A novel treatment approach combining phage therapy and fecal microbiota transplantation has shown promise in treating recurring urinary tract infections. The study, published in Nature Microbiology, found that the treatment reduced UTI episodes and improved quality of life for patients.
Researchers found that CRISPR-Cas systems regulate the expression of innate immunity genes to defend against bacteriophages. This layered regulatory hierarchy provides a layer of protection, making it challenging for phages to evade the defense mechanisms.
Scientists are conducting a European clinical trial aiming to reduce antibiotic use and lower recurrent urinary tract infection rates by targeting pathogenic E. coli strains with CRISPR-enhanced phage cocktails and microbiome restoration therapies.
A team of Rice University researchers has developed an RNA-based barcoding system to track gene transfer between bacteria and bacteriophages. The approach reveals previously unknown bacterial hosts for the bacteriophage P1 and shows how subtle changes in viral structure influence host range, offering a powerful tool for next-generation...
A study identified molecular anchors on gut phages that enable them to attach to human cells and remain intact. The findings suggest that these proteins are evolutionarily advantageous strategies driven by modular phage surface proteins.
The center will develop new phage-based treatments for antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, predicting which phage to use for which patient and designing more effective phages. The goal is to generate unprecedented data and train AI models to identify the right phage for any patient's infection.
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.
The Targeting Phage Therapy 2026 Congress will bring together experts to address clinical, regulatory, industrial, and hospital infrastructure requirements for phage therapy. The congress aims to move phage therapy from promising science to accessible, validated, and deployable medicine.
Monash University researchers have made a breakthrough in using phage therapy to treat life-threatening infectious diseases. The treatment involves injecting viruses called bacteriophages to kill bacterial infections that have not responded to other treatments.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed an artificial virus-like DNA needle that can deliver molecules directly into cells. The technique uses DNA origami to assemble the needle and deliver its payload, potentially solving a major issue with many therapies being trapped inside cells.
Research reveals that viruses can eavesdrop on each other using chemical signals, which may not always benefit the listener. This 'cross-talk' between species can lead to incorrect decision-making by the eavesdropper.
Researchers have identified phage W5 as a safe and effective natural virus capable of eliminating harmful Salmonella on various foods and packaging materials. The study establishes a solid foundation for developing novel phage-based disinfectants or preservatives to combat antibiotic resistance and enhance food safety.
Research reveals complex interactions between soil microbes, viruses, and microplastics, influencing soil health and ecosystem recovery. Innovations such as phage-assisted microbial augmentation aim to enhance plastic degradation in soils.
Scientists have discovered new ways to kill bacteria by targeting the MurJ transporter, a key component of peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Researchers found that phage-derived protein antibiotics inhibit MurJ's activity, providing potential targets for antibacterial drugs.
Researchers discovered a single protein, Rip1, that recognizes bacteriophages and causes infected bacteria to die prematurely. This protein works by forming a ring that inserts into the bacterial inner membrane, killing the cell before the infecting phage can replicate.
Researchers identify thousands of rapidly evolving receptor-binding proteins, revealing how bacteria can be engineered to deliver proteins into specific human cells. The study provides insights into the evolutionary creativity of bacterial machines and their potential biomedical applications.
Researchers from New England Biolabs and Yale University have developed a first fully synthetic bacteriophage engineering system using the High-Complexity Golden Gate Assembly platform. This method simplifies strain engineering techniques, allowing for rapid creation of tailored therapeutic strains to overcome antibiotic resistance.
In a new study, terrestrial bacteria-infecting viruses were able to infect their E. coli hosts in near-weightless conditions aboard the ISS, but with distinct mutations. The dynamics of virus-bacteria interactions differed from those observed on Earth, highlighting potential insights into microbial adaptation and human health.
Researchers found that some phage-resistant mutations enhance bacteria's ability to sink carbon, while others slow down growth rates. The study suggests that the selection of surface mutants may play a key role in marine biological pump and carbon export.
Researchers discovered a tiny RNA molecule called PreS that helps viruses copy their DNA more efficiently and boost replication in bacterial cells. This discovery provides important insights for designing smarter phage-based therapies against antibiotic-resistant infections.
The discovery of five new bacteriophages in Lund University's Botanical Gardens' ponds has significant implications for phage research and treatment of bacterial infections. The newly-discovered phages were isolated using a motile E. coli strain, which was specifically designed to attract the viruses.
Researchers have catalogued a new collection of bacteria-eating viruses to combat the growing threat of hospital superbug Klebsiella pneumoniae. The open-source phage library offers scientists a valuable resource to develop new treatments and improve understanding of phages and bacteria interactions.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a new method to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria using bacteriophages, which target the Klebsiella pneumoniae species. The evolved phages demonstrated improved effectiveness in killing multiple bacterial strains, including multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant K. pneumoniae.
Researchers have created a detailed map of a bacteriophage, a virus that targets and kills harmful bacteria. The study's findings hold promise for developing new therapies to combat antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have mapped the full structure of bacteriophage Bas63 using cryo-EM, revealing unique decoration proteins and a rare whisker and collar structure. The detailed structural information will enable rational phage design and engineering efforts for specificity and target regions.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh have created phages with synthetic genetic material, allowing them to add and subtract genes. This breakthrough enables researchers to engineer phages to target specific bacteria, offering new hope for combating antibacterial resistance.
A literature review of cheese fermentation and ripening identified five underused, evidence-based measures to improve efficiency and sustainability in cheese production. By exploiting whey and encapsulating lactic acid bacteria, dairies can reduce waste and optimize production processes.
A multidisciplinary team has successfully mapped the entire genome of Phage G, a massive bacterial virus that can be grown in labs and studied directly. This achievement uses cutting-edge AI analysis to unlock new insights into phages and their applications in fighting disease.
A new broad-spectrum antivenom developed by DTU researchers covers 17 African snake species and provides better protection against tissue damage, with a lower risk of immune reactions. The antivenom has shown impressive results in laboratory studies and could revolutionize the treatment of venomous snakebites in Africa.
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to global challenges through applied microbiology. The awards celebrate excellence across various domains, including drug discovery and sustainable agriculture.
Scientists develop novel experimental screening method to identify highly selective peptides with high therapeutic potential, enabling precise recognition of proteins involved in cancer and diabetes. The technique uses biologically- and chemically-modified bacteriophages to screen up to 1 billion peptides simultaneously.
The Gladstone Infectious Disease Institute is broadening its research scope to tackle pressing health challenges beyond viruses. Scientists are discovering new ways to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and explore the interconnectedness of viruses and bacteria in causing chronic diseases.
Researchers develop RNA-based molecular tool to interfere with phage replication, allowing for targeted therapy against bacterial pathogens. The approach has potential applications in treating infections caused by hospital germs like Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Researchers are exploring the therapeutic potential of phage-based treatments, focusing on RNA phages that can hijack bacterial cell machinery and produce new phages. This study aims to elucidate the unique lifestyle of RNA phages and develop novel biotechnological tools for treating multi-resistant bacteria.
Researchers are collecting faeces from exotic animals at Dudley Zoo and West Midlands Safari Park to search for phages that can fight bacterial infections. The goal is to create a bio-bank of these phages to develop alternative treatments for life-threatening infections.
Researchers have identified a key defense mechanism in bacteria that protects them from viruses called phages, known as Kiwa. Phages are promising alternatives to antibiotics, but understanding how bacteria defend themselves is crucial to developing effective treatments.
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 found that immunocompromised animals respond better to phage therapy due to depleted alveolar macrophages, which initially seemed to hinder its efficacy. The study highlights the importance of the immune system in phage therapy and may inform personalized treatment strategies.
Phage therapy is gaining recognition as a complementary tool to antibiotics, demonstrating potential in re-sensitizing resistant bacteria and extending antibiotic lifespan. Researchers are developing genetically customized phages for enhanced specificity and immune evasion mechanisms.
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.
Graham Hatfull, a renowned phage expert at Pitt, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society, recognizing his contributions to the field of mycobacteriology. His lab's work on mycobacteriophages that kill bacteria and halt deadly infections has shown significant promise.
The international conference will focus on translating phage research into clinical reality, exploring key sessions and major speakers. Companies from various sectors are attending the event, highlighting the growing interest in phage therapy.
Computer scientist An Wang receives a $1M NSF CAREER grant to leverage cloud computing resources for efficient machine learning model training. Environmental engineer Bridget Hegarty receives a grant to develop safe and effective biocontrol for water systems using bacteriophages.
Scientists at Rockefeller University have identified a novel CARF effector called Cat1 that prevents viral replication by depleting NAD+ metabolites. The discovery sheds new light on the complex molecular mechanisms behind CRISPR-Cas9 defense systems.
Scientists discovered that certain bacteria can trigger their own cell death as a defense mechanism against viruses, utilizing components of the bacterial immune system. This phenomenon could be exploited to develop novel antimicrobial treatments and fight drug-resistant infections.
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.
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 at Pitt have produced the most detailed image of a bacteriophage, revealing its structural makeup and enabling the design of phages to target specific bacterial strains. The high-definition images reveal intricate interactions between proteins in the tail tip, which binds to bacteria cells.
The 8th World Congress on Targeting Phage Therapy 2025 will bring together global phage community to address clinical, regulatory, and industrial challenges. The event will feature cutting-edge research, real-world clinical insights, and applications of bacteriophage therapy across medicine, oncology, agriculture, and industry.
A study by Umea University researchers identifies genes in Staphylococcus aureus that confer immunity against virus infection, a key mechanism to understand antibiotic resistance. Understanding this system could help develop new treatments for serious infections.
Researchers have discovered a protective cloaking mechanism in jumbo phages that shield their genetic material from the host's immune system. This innovation could lead to new therapies for antibiotic-resistant infections.