Articles tagged with Pathogens
A recent study warns that moving endangered species to new locations can accidentally spread diseases and parasites, putting populations at risk of collapse. The researchers recommend stricter quarantine periods and relocation strategies to mitigate this risk.
A study found that infected dogs emit an odor attractive to female sand flies, which transmit Leishmania infantum, the parasite causing visceral leishmaniasis. The researchers suggest parasites manipulate their host's scent to improve transmission opportunities.
Researchers found that wolf social groups affect disease transmission within and between groups. The models account for individual death rates, group split or combination, and Allee effects, showing pathogens reduce population size mainly through reduced group numbers.
A novel, inexpensive chlorine dispensing device has been developed to improve tap water safety in regions with limited financial resources and infrastructure. The device, which requires no electricity or moving parts, releases measured quantities of chlorine into the water before it exits the tap.
The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus has been shown to transmit the Zika virus and trigger large outbreaks in a simulated environment. However, experimental studies suggest that the mosquito's infection rate is low, making it unlikely to cause major Zika virus epidemics.
The study developed statistical models using socioeconomic data to predict antimicrobial resistance prevalence. The models showed high predictive accuracy for six priority pathogens and expanded the global map to include 99% of the worldwide population in low- and middle-income countries.
A study published in Frontiers in Marine Science reveals that fan mussel larvae can disperse from unaffected populations, potentially aiding the recovery of an endangered species. The larvae can travel hundreds of kilometers thanks to ocean currents and play a crucial role in the species' survival.
Scientists found that even a short dry period of 30 minutes reduced spore germination to almost zero, preventing disease on spinach. The study also revealed that standing water on leaves is essential for the spores to cause disease, enabling growers to design better management strategies.
A study analyzing genomic sequences from historical plague victims suggests that a wildlife reservoir in Eurasia, near Europe's edge, may have seeded epidemics. The research also reveals a common strain responsible for the 1722 Great Plague of Marseille and separate introductions to Scandinavia and the Caucasus region.
A new interactive tool, ClubrootTracker, has been developed to help farmers locate and manage clubroot-infected areas. The tool groups the distribution of clubroot disease in one place, making it easier for farmers, researchers, and industry representatives to share information and plan a clubroot-free farm.
A unique strain of Shiga-toxin E. coli (STEC) has been identified through genomic analysis, revealing its genetic makeup and potential for severe disease. The study's findings may contribute to the development of vaccines against emerging STEC pathogens.
A study published in PNAS examines how travel duration affects disease transmission in Namibia from 2010 to 2014. The researchers found that longer trips were associated with increased disease transmission in low-density areas.
Scientists from CNRS and University of Nantes have developed a mathematical model to predict the risk of epidemic emergence based on seasonal factors. The 'winter is coming' effect suggests that pathogens introduced before unfavorable winter periods are less likely to cause large epidemics.
A new portable DNA detection method can identify tree pests and pathogens like the Asian gypsy moth and sudden oak death pathogen in under two hours. The device uses PCR testing to analyze tiny amounts of DNA and has been tested on multiple destructive invasive species.
A study by the University of Guam found that cycad stem cuttings require wound sealants to survive and propagate. The researchers discovered that petroleum jelly, lanolin paste, honeycomb wax, and even modelling clay can effectively cover wounds and retain hydration.
Researchers discovered a protein called Pdap1 that supports B cells in producing effective antibodies while protecting them from cell death. The protein helps B cells cope with stress and promotes antibody gene diversification, ensuring a strong humoral immune response.
The study identifies inadequate funding, limited guidance, and institutional capacity issues as significant barriers to improved tick monitoring and control. Many existing programs rely on county or state funding, which can lead to program instability over time.
A new analysis approach helps identify when and where to conduct food safety inspections, reducing waste and lost sales. The researchers found that food recalls are delayed by 1-2 months, peaking from mid-August through mid-September.
New study reveals deep connection between Upper Paleolithic Siberians and First Americans, dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period. The discovery sheds light on future studies about Native American population history and suggests that the ancestry of Native Americans was more widely distributed than previously assumed.
A new Cornell University study found that 65% of bee species and 75% of flower species carried pathogens, with diseases transmitted between bees and flowers. In simplified landscapes with more farmland, the dominant bumblebee species spread pathogens across many more flowers, reducing individual bee exposure to new pathogens.
A new study by UMass Amherst and NC State biologists found that flower strips benefit common Eastern bumblebees despite some plants increasing pathogen infection rates. The researchers created three conditions with canola plants and different types of flower strips, showing that bees reproduce more with flower strips than without.
Genomic analysis uncovers lineages specializing in cattle colonization; intensification of agriculture led to adaptation of generalist lineages, potentially creating zoonotic pathogens.
An interdisciplinary study of three African skeletons found in Mexico City sheds light on the lives of first-generation enslaved Africans. The analysis reveals evidence of forced migration, physical trauma, and the introduction of infectious diseases from Sub-Saharan Africa.
Researchers found a parasite from opossums infecting sea otters along the West Coast, with infected otters in British Columbia's northern Vancouver Island. The study suggests pathogens can travel long distances via water runoff and prey species like clams.
Researchers discovered that pre-immunization with common childhood vaccines can boost anti-tumor efficacy when combined with a hybrid viral platform called PeptiCRAd.
A rapid DNA extraction and diagnostic method has been developed, allowing for same-day management decisions in insect-transmitted plant diseases. This technique reduced the identification time from two weeks to less than one hour.
Researchers found that the nervous system controls a worm's skin-like barrier against bacterial infections, challenging traditional views on innate defense. The discovery may have implications for human health and longevity by regulating collagen production, a key protein in maintaining tissue structure.
Researchers at the University of Illinois are developing a smartphone-based diagnostic system that can detect pathogens in less than 30 minutes using a single drop of blood. The system, which will be handheld and cost less than $10, has the potential to provide fast and affordable results for patients in developing countries.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that Arctic sea ice reduction facilitates the spread of disease among marine mammals, particularly through open water routes. Widespread exposure to Phocine distemper virus (PDV) was observed in sea mammals across the North Pacific Ocean, peaking in 2003-2004 and again in 2009.
Agri-Neo's Neo-Temper technology eliminates harmful pathogens in flour through an organic, non-thermal process, preserving nutritional qualities while integrating seamlessly into existing tempering processes. The solution has been validated in four commercial mills in the US and Canada, with a waiting list for additional millers.
Scientists used X-ray microscopy to study the digestive process of malaria parasites, revealing that they store hemoglobin in their digestive vacuole. The parasites then crystallize toxic hemozoin molecules, which active compounds may prevent from forming by disrupting their detoxification process.
Infections acquired by patients in Canadian hospitals are declining, with a 30% reduction between 2009 and 2017, reveals new research published in CMAJ. Urinary tract infections were the most common type of infection, followed by pneumonia and surgical site infections.
A survey of 16,475 households found that raw pet food was a contaminant in only three households, with most common pathogens being Campylobacteria and Salmonella. Most households did not report any infections, with 99.6% reporting no pathogen transmission from raw food.
Research found that parasitic helminths like Schistosoma mansoni can block HIV-1 interactions with dendritic cells and induce CD4 lymphocytes that down-modulate infection. This could influence disease course in co-infected individuals.
ApoE promotes hepatitis B virus infection and production, but targeting it with inhibitors may serve as an antiviral strategy for chronic HBV infection. Research found that apoE is enriched on the virus envelope and its expression impairs HBV production.
Research found associations between serum antibodies against P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans with altered metabolite levels, including lipoprotein particles and fatty acids. These findings suggest exposure to periodontal pathogens may contribute to a proatherogenic state.
Recent research suggests that pathogens may have driven the evolution of warm-blooded animals by providing a selective advantage. By maintaining stable body temperatures, mammals and birds can prime their immune systems to withstand virulent pathogens, making endothermy a more favorable strategy than ectothermy.
A new ventilation system has been shown to reduce the risk of airborne infections in hospital rooms, which can cause serious complications for immunosuppressed patients. The study found that displacement ventilation systems can reduce the risk of exposure to airborne pathogens compared to traditional mixing ventilation systems.
Research reveals that vaccines may be less effective at higher pathogen doses and when individuals have similar susceptibility, such as younger or malnourished populations. Mathematical modeling simulations validated these findings with real-world data from nearly 6,000 articles.
A recent study has identified Corynebacterium ulcerans, a close relative of the diphtheria-causing bacterium, in diseased hedgehogs. The discovery raises concerns about animal-to-human transmission and emphasizes the importance of proper hygiene measures and vaccination for protection against diphtheria.
A handheld biosensor has been developed to quickly and accurately detect cryptosporidium contamination in water samples, providing immediate results. The technology has real potential for use in medical and environmental applications.
A global alliance of researchers has pioneered a new method to rapidly recruit disease-resistance genes from wild plants for transfer into domestic crops. The technique, called AgRenSeq, promises to transform the development of disease-resistant varieties for the global food supply.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia have confirmed cases of RHDV2 in UK hares, contributing to a decline of over 80% in brown hare populations due to agricultural changes. The expanding dataset will help map reported mortalities over time and identify primary causes of the die-off.
Research reveals that trypanosomes use gluconeogenesis and glycerol metabolism to produce ATP and synthesize glucose, challenging the long-held assumption of exclusive reliance on glycolysis. This metabolic flexibility is essential for adaptation to environmental conditions and survival in mammalian host tissues.
Maintaining high negative pressures (-10 Pa in hospital rooms, -5 Pa in renovation sites) effectively limits airborne contaminant dispersion. Local airflow patterns are more important than air change rates for efficient removal of infectious agents.
A recent study of amber-preserved blood-sucking insects and ticks reveals that malaria-causing microorganisms date back at least 100 million years, with evidence of pathogens carried by ancient vectors found in fossilized amber from around the world.
Researchers analyzed over 57,000 publications on swine pathogens from 1966 to 2016, revealing emerging infectious diseases with increased research funding priority. Global networks of swine pathogen research were also mapped, showing regional collaboration patterns and colonial relationships.
Researchers at UC Davis will use genomics to combat downy mildew in lettuce, a pathogen causing $3 billion industry losses annually. The project aims to reduce crop losses and improve profitability for farmers, while providing consumers with produce using fewer chemicals.
A study by North Carolina State University found that sunflower pollen reduces infection rates in bees and improves colony health. However, it also had a deleterious effect on honey bees, leading to higher mortality rates compared to other diets.
Researchers analyzed ancient DNA from a human skeleton in Scandinavia to determine the genomic blueprint of the louse-borne relapsing fever pathogen Borrelia recurrentis. The study found that the ancient strain had fewer genes for antigenic variation and retained a regulatory gene, suggesting reductive evolution.
A 10-year US study found the highest Salmonella enterica serotype Newport infection incidence in the South and among children under 5. Antimicrobial resistance rates were also highest, with 88% of isolates susceptible to all tested antimicrobials.
Researchers found that mice infected with hookworms produce super-killer macrophages that are efficient at killing the worms but also cause tissue damage and inflammation. The study reveals that RELMalpha, an immune protein, helps balance immunity and inflammation by downregulating inflammatory responses.
African trypanosomes confuse immune defense with sugar chains on surface proteins, increasing pathogenic properties. Scientists discover binding sites for sugars in multiple VSGs, hindering antibody binding and immune response.
Researchers isolated ancient viral sequences from human remains and found a common pathogen associated with humans for over 6,900 years. The study reveals the pathogen evolved significantly slower than previously thought, showcasing the utility of ancient viral sequences in studying virus evolution.
In water-limited landscapes, sick animals may have more contact with others due to lethargy, leading to faster pathogen transmission. The study suggests that understanding sickness behavior can help predict and control disease transmission in wildlife and domestic animals.
Scientists at DKFZ and SickKids found that certain antibodies can cooperate with each other to bind stronger to malaria parasites, improving the immune response. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective vaccines against malaria.
At 43% vaccine coverage, a low-efficacy vaccine (20% effective) could avert over 20 million infections, 61,000 deaths, and 2.2 million lost DALYs in the US. The optimal strategy involves targeting elderly populations as efficacy decreases.
A single foodborne outbreak could cost a restaurant millions of dollars in lost revenue, fines, lawsuits, legal fees, insurance premium increases, inspection costs and staff retraining. Foodborne illness outbreaks can have large, reverberating consequences regardless of the size of the restaurant.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed a transparent test patch that can signal contamination as it happens, using harmless molecules. The patch can be incorporated into food packaging and monitor contents for harmful pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella, providing a definitive indication of safety before consumption.
Researchers discovered a key step in blood digestion that can be targeted to disrupt hookworm development. Testing quinolones disrupted hemozoin formation, interrupting development and reproduction, offering promise for new treatments against human-infecting hookworms.