Articles tagged with Pathogens
A new study suggests that ultra-sensitive food safety tests may drive food waste and unavailability without significant public health benefits. The researchers propose using more flexible risk-based approaches to align food safety policies with sustainability goals.
A study by Frontiers in Science argues that ultra-sensitive food safety tests may drive food waste and unavailability, but not always translate to health risk. The researchers propose a more balanced approach that considers trade-offs between food safety, sustainability, and nutritional health.
Scientists have added millions of protein complex structures to the AlphaFold Database, shedding light on how proteins interact. The dataset prioritizes human health and disease research, enabling researchers to test, refine, and build upon it.
Researchers discovered Marburg virus enters human cells up to 300 times more efficiently than Ebola, thanks to its unique entry protein. A nanobody has been identified to block its attachment to the receptor, providing a potential therapeutic strategy.
Researchers discover that resistant soybean varieties actively recruit beneficial soil microorganisms to suppress the devastating soybean cyst nematode. These microbes can be transferred to soil to help defend susceptible soybeans, providing a promising new approach for sustainable crop protection.
Researchers found that silencing bacteria can worsen heart infections by promoting aggressive biofilm growth and reducing antibiotic effectiveness. The study highlights the need for targeted therapeutic strategies against infectious endocarditis.
Research found that oak tree microbiomes are resilient to environmental stressors like drought and disease, with subtle changes in root microbiota after prolonged drought. The study suggests a potential role for beneficial bacteria in supporting tree resilience and stability.
A sweeping new study has identified tuberculosis as the predominant cause of deadly sepsis among people with HIV in Africa. Immediate treatment for TB significantly increased survival rates, especially when treatment was started before diagnosis.
The new platform developed by UVA Health scientists can produce vaccines much faster, cheaper, and more easily than traditional approaches. The platform's proof-of-concept demonstrates its ability to produce highly immunogenic vaccines that can be manufactured at extremely low cost.
The study provides direct evidence of large-scale human mortality during the Plague of Justinian and offers insight into how people moved, lived, and became vulnerable within ancient cities. The mass grave at Jerash, Jordan, helps resolve a long-standing puzzle about ancient community dynamics.
Research reveals that understanding marine mammal social networks is critical for predicting and managing disease outbreaks in oceans. Highly connected individuals, or 'super spreaders,' play a significant role in disease transmission.
Scientists at Leibniz-HKI discovered an enzyme called BurK that cleaves the toxic molecule malleicyprol in human pathogenic bacteria. This mechanism regulates toxin levels and renders it harmless to humans, offering a potential therapeutic approach for antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers discovered complex viral communities in wastewater treatment plants, interacting with bacteria to influence treatment efficiency and health risks. The study found that viruses can act as reliable biological indicators of treatment performance, while also potentially promoting the spread of antibiotic resistance genes.
A secondary analysis of the WISDOM trial found a substantial number of women with clinically actionable genetic variants, many not qualifying for current guidelines. This study supports broader access to genetic testing for personalized breast cancer risk assessment.
Researchers found that plant phenolic acids can dramatically boost the activity of existing antibiotics against multidrug resistant E. coli, reducing the chance of new resistance emerging. The compounds also make it easier for antibiotics to enter and stay inside bacterial cells.
A Northwestern University study found that airplane and hospital air mostly contain harmless microbes from human skin, with some potentially pathogenic species in extremely low abundance. The study used worn face masks as a passive tool to monitor indoor air, revealing the invisible world of microbes floating in our shared air.
PathGen is an AI-powered platform that integrates diverse data sources to provide enhanced situational awareness and decision-making support. It enables countries to respond faster to outbreaks while strengthening trust and sovereignty, reducing lives lost and livelihoods disrupted.
Scientists have developed a fast-acting and long-lasting vaccine against Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), which is one of the world's most dangerous infectious diseases. The vaccine, made from a virus-like replicon particle, provides durable humoral immunity for up to 18 months.
The partnership aims to co-develop and evaluate next-generation self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccines targeting seasonal and pandemic influenza. Apriori's Octavia platform will be combined with A*STAR IDL's saRNA delivery technology to develop improved H5 influenza vaccines that anticipate infection in humans.
Researchers are investigating co-evolution between viruses and the immune system to predict future variants and develop effective vaccines and preventive measures. The ERC Synergy Grant will fund a six-year project, CoEvolve, led by physicists Michael Lässig and virologist Florian Klein.
Researchers found that foxtail barley can harbor several fungal pathogens, including those causing net blotch, spot blotch, stem rust, stripe rust, and crown rust. The fungus infected up to 100% of the evaluated accessions, with varying degrees of compatibility
The USF Health Institute for Translational Virology and Innovation advances research on viral diseases, virus-associated cancers, and pandemic pathogens. The institute focuses on understanding the mechanisms of viruses causing tumors and developing comorbidities in HIV patients.
Researchers found that certain individuals can carry large amounts of antibiotic-resistant E. coli ST131 without symptoms and unknowingly pass it on to household members. The study suggests that these
Researchers extracted DNA from Napoleon soldiers' teeth and identified Salmonella enterica and Borrelia recurrentis as causes of enteric fever and relapsing fever. The discovery sheds new light on the factors contributing to the army's downfall.
A rare Seoul virus infection was reported in a German woman after visiting a private pet rat breeding facility. Laboratory tests revealed the presence of the virus in several rats from the facility, highlighting the need for better screening and hygiene practices.
Scientists have discovered a family of enzymes produced by Phytophthora infestans that disable plants' early warning system, weakening their defenses before they can respond. Disabling the genes for these enzymes rendered the pathogen incapable of infecting the host.
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.
Researchers identified 5.05% of individuals carrying pathogenic variants in key cancer susceptibility genes, highlighting a significant association between these genetic variations and increased cancer risk. The study suggests that more extensive genetic screening for these genes may be warranted to identify high-risk individuals.
Researchers found that certain strains of Avian Pathogenic E. coli (APEC) are more effective at invading chicken cells, while others are more lethal in insect models. The study suggests a one-size-fits-all approach to controlling APEC infections is not effective and calls for the development of new vaccines targeting diverse strains.
According to the BfR Consumer Monitor, only 10% of respondents expressed concern about raw milk's health risk. Raw milk can transmit pathogens, posing a risk to vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Healthy adults also face an increased risk of mild to severe food poisoning from unboiled raw milk.
A new study reveals rising rates of invasive SDSE infections across Australia, particularly among older Australians and those from remote regions. The research highlights disparities in health outcomes between regions and populations, emphasizing the need for improved surveillance and prevention strategies.
Lauren Stadler, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Rice University, has been awarded a $100,000 research prize to develop real-time biosensors that can detect pathogens, health biomarkers, and chemicals in wastewater. Her goal is to create a decentralized, continuous monitoring system that enables near-instan...
INRAE's work prioritizes agroecological practices to ensure animal health and sustainability in livestock farming. The PREZODE initiative aims to prevent future pandemics by bringing together over 170 partners, while research focuses on developing new tools for early disease diagnosis and prevention strategies.
Researchers argue that AI can strengthen pandemic preparedness by detecting emerging diseases earlier. By combining data from humans, animals, and the environment, AI can reveal patterns and provide insights into potential pathogens.
A team of international researchers, led by UC Riverside's Scott Pegan, are developing protective antibodies against CCHFV using monoclonal antibody treatments and exploring non-traditional viral targets. The study aims to identify life-saving therapeutics for future nairovirus outbreaks.
A rat discovered on a flight from Miami to Berlin revealed hidden global health risks, including the presence of a methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus strain nearly identical to human variants. The study highlights the importance of standardized pathogen screening for animal stowaways and rats as indicators of ecosystem health.
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science identified ancient protein SCORE to help plants defend against various pathogens. By engineering synthetic SCORE variants, plants can be made resistant to multiple pathogen types.
Researchers at USF and FAU have uncovered direct genomic evidence of the bacterium behind the Plague of Justinian, providing long-sought definitive proof that Yersinia pestis was present within the Byzantine Empire. The discovery offers new insight into one of the most consequential episodes in human history.
Researchers discovered that single bacterial cells carry a 'memory' of their past environments, passing it down through generations. This finding could explain why antibiotics and vaccines sometimes fail and may point to more precise treatments.
Scientists have developed a monoclonal antibody to combat life-threatening inflammatory diseases like sepsis and ARDS. The antibody shows promise in blocking the immune system's hyperactive response and restoring healthy function without unwanted side effects.
The H5N1 virus has defied control, spreading to other species and disrupting every stage of the dairy sector. A One Health approach is necessary to mitigate the outbreak, taking into account animal and human health with environmental factors.
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 new study uncovers a 4,000-year-old domesticated sheep infected with the ancient LNBA plague lineage of Yersinia pestis, suggesting a link between livestock and human infections. The discovery sheds light on how this deadly disease spread across thousands of years in Eurasia.
Researchers revived historical fungal strains to understand the evolution of fungicide resistance and environmental adaptation in modern agriculture. The study provides critical insights into plant disease dynamics, paving the way for more sustainable agricultural strategies.
A new UNLV-led study uses AI to detect emerging virus variants in wastewater samples, outperforming existing methods. The algorithm can identify unique signatures for different virus variants with as few as two to five samples, significantly earlier than current methods.
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking method called PathoPlex that can analyze over 100 different proteins in the same small piece of tissue, revealing complex disease processes. This technology combines advanced image processing with machine learning to map human disease in detail.
Researchers mapped the frequencies used by Staphylococcus bacteria to communicate, identifying a signal from another species as potent against MRSA. This alternative technique weakens bacterial ability to coordinate attacks on hosts without killing them.
A new study has mapped the history of infectious diseases across millennia, offering insights into how human-animal interactions transformed our health landscape. The research analyzed ancient DNA from over 1,300 prehistoric individuals, revealing that zoonotic diseases became more widespread around 5,000 years ago.
Researchers create map of T cell responses to Chikungunya virus, shedding light on chronic disease triggers. They found that people with chronic disease have T cells targeting the same viral epitopes as those who cleared the virus.
Researchers developed a compact diagnostic platform that can evaluate antibody protection against COVID-19 using only a single microliter of fingertip blood. The Tip Optofluidic Immunoassay (TOI) system delivers comprehensive immune profiles in just 40 minutes, enabling rapid and accurate assessment of individual immune protection.
Researchers have discovered that a bacterial probiotic helps slow the spread of stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) in already infected wild corals in Florida. Applying the probiotic treatment across entire coral colonies helped prevent tissue loss, providing a more lasting protection than traditional antibiotics.
Researchers found that Common Lime tree infections reduced water use and stem growth but still maintained cooling benefits. The study highlights the complexity of balancing disease control with ecosystem services.
A new study found that heatwaves can increase disease burden by up to 13 times, driven by complex interactions between temperature attributes and baseline temperatures. This knowledge is crucial for predicting the impact of heatwaves on disease spread and highlights the need for more detailed models.
Researchers have identified a novel inhibitor that can target and turn off a specific efflux pump in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a key mechanism of antibiotic resistance. This breakthrough has the potential to improve the effectiveness of antibiotics and prevent resistance from emerging.
A new study finds that bats are a reservoir for morbilliviruses, including the human measles virus, and can transmit them to other mammalian species, such as monkeys. The research suggests that these viruses have crossed species boundaries multiple times, posing a significant threat to human health and livestock.
Researchers found cotton leafroll dwarf virus (CLRDV) infecting plants in southern US states as early as 2006, contradicting the assumption that it emerged more recently. The study used modern data-mining tools to uncover hidden threats and highlights the importance of maintaining accessible databases for disease surveillance.
The Zika virus employs its host cells' autophagy mechanism to suppress proteins that would trigger an antiviral response, allowing for sustained infection. This unique strategy involves the manipulation of three proteins on the viral membrane, which are also involved in viral entry and replication.
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.
Researchers discovered that a specific gene duplication in the fungus Madurella fahalii enables it to neutralize medication, leading to effective treatment challenges. This study highlights the potential of molecular techniques to uncover drug resistance mechanisms and pave the way for targeted therapies.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study finds that SARS-CoV-2 corrupts white blood cells, specifically neutrophils, to impair the production of immune cells critical for fighting COVID-19. This reprogramming may lead to severe COVID cases by weakening the immune response against the virus.