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Bacteria acquire resistance from competitors

Researchers have discovered that bacteria can inject toxic proteins into their competitors, causing cell lysis and death, and then acquire antibiotic resistance by incorporating the released genetic material. This ability allows bacteria to rapidly develop resistance to antibiotics, posing a significant threat to patients in hospitals.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 27, 2017
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

New TB drugs possible with understanding of old antibiotic

Researchers at University of Warwick and Francis Crick Institute discovered a deeper understanding of how D-cycloserine works against bacteria, opening up possibility of developing new antibiotic drugs. The study highlights the need for more effective antibiotics to fight drug-resistant bacterial infections.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2017

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Rise of ampicillin resistance began years before human use -- likely triggered by overuse of penicillins in agriculture in the 1950s

Bacteria resistant to ampicillin emerged several years before its widespread use in humans, according to a new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Low doses of penicillin added to animal feed in the 1950s and 60s may have encouraged antibiotic-resistant bacteria to evolve and spread.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 29, 2017

Antibiotic resistance: An unexpected chronology

Researchers found that antibiotic-resistant bacteria evolved and spread decades before the widespread use of ampicillin. The study suggests that low doses of penicillin fed to livestock may have triggered this evolution.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 29, 2017
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.

Managing antibiotics not enough to reverse resistance

Researchers found that bacteria can quickly share genes to maintain resistance, making it unlikely that reducing antibiotic use will reverse the trend. However, conjugation rates can be disrupted and reversed using existing drugs, paving the way for future development of new treatments.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 22, 2017

Antibiotics resistance: Researchers succeed to block genes of resistance

A team of scientists at Université de Montréal developed a novel strategy to block the transfer of antibiotic-resistant genes by binding molecules that target the TraE protein. This approach has the potential to reduce the spread of resistance genes, preserving the potency of antibiotics and improving human health.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 22, 2017

Veni vidi vici: How natural killer cells conquer the superbug Klebsiella

Natural killer cells play a crucial role in controlling bacterial growth during lung infections, and their communication with immune response regulators helps orchestrate an antibacterial program. This study provides new insights into the development of novel therapeutics against multidrug-resistant pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 16, 2017

Queen's researchers make killer superbug breakthrough

Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have made a breakthrough in treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae. They discovered that the body's natural defences, specifically interferons, can fight back against the infection, offering new avenues for therapy.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 14, 2017
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

New model reveals possibility of pumping antibiotics into bacteria

Researchers have discovered that a cellular pump can move drugs like antibiotics into E. coli bacteria, contradicting the long-held assumption of strict proton and drug movement in opposite directions. This finding opens up new avenues for exploring antibiotic entry mechanisms to combat bacterial resistance.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2017

Study outlines 'perfect storm' that led to Colombia's antibiotic resistance epidemic

A study by UTHealth researchers found that a 'promiscuous' carbapenemase gene and a bacterial clone carrying an antibiotic-killing gene created the perfect storm for Colombia's antibiotic resistance epidemic. The gene spread horizontally across Gram-negative bacteria, while the clone was introduced via an infected patient from the US.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateNov 7, 2017
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

CSIC tightens the noose around superbugs

A team of CSIC scientists has designed new molecules capable of destroying resistance to conventional antibiotics in bacteria. By targeting the cellular mechanisms that lead to antibiotic resistance, these molecules can break down the proteins responsible for making bacteria resistant to multiple drugs.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalCell·DateNov 2, 2017

Investigating the collateral effects of antibiotics

A new study found that most antibiotics decrease bacterial motility in multidrug-resistant Salmonella, but kanamycin increased swarming in one strain. Researchers hope to identify the accessory genes responsible for this effect to inform antibiotic choice.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSphere·DateNov 1, 2017
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Novel therapies for multidrug-resistant bacteria

Researchers have developed novel antimicrobial compounds that can treat multidrug-resistant bacteria, enhancing the effectiveness of traditional antibiotics. The combination of colistin and a manganese tricarbonyl complex showed significant antibacterial activity in killing multidrug-resistant bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 23, 2017

Key discoveries offer significant hope of reversing antibiotic resistance

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding and combating antibiotic resistance, particularly through the development of β-lactamase inhibitors. These enzyme inhibitors have shown promise in reversing resistance to certain antibiotics, offering new hope in treating previously untreatable infections.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateOct 22, 2017

Yeast spotlights genetic variation's link to drug resistance

Researchers found that high genetic diversity can prime new mutations causing drug resistance in yeast cells, with varying degrees of impact. The study highlights the importance of understanding genetic diversity's role in evolving drug resistance, with potential implications for treating antimicrobial and anticancer diseases.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 17, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New antibiotic resistance genes found

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg have discovered 76 new types of antibiotic resistance genes. These genes can provide bacteria with the ability to degrade carbapenems, a powerful class of antibiotics.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalMicrobiome·DateOct 16, 2017

New UK-India scheme to tackle antimicrobial resistance announced

A new five-year program will support 25 visiting professorships and two major scientific meetings between the UK and India to address antimicrobial resistance. The initiative aims to share knowledge, foster research collaborations and increase awareness to develop robust interventions against AMR.

SourceAcademy of Medical Sciences (UK)·DateOct 12, 2017

Antibiotics before low-risk operations do not seem to breed postop antibiotic resistance

A large-scale study found that patients who receive antibiotics before certain types of low-risk operations have the same risk for developing antibiotic-resistant infections as those who don't. The study analyzed data from over 22,000 patients and found no association between prophylactic antibiotic use and postoperative antibiotic res...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateOct 10, 2017
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.

Antibiotics and biocidal cleaners may spread multidrug resistance in MRSA

Research finds that antibiotic use on people or pets, and biocidal cleaning products like bleach, contribute to MRSA multidrug resistance in the home environment. The presence of domestic pets and unwanted pests is also associated with multidrug-resistant strains.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateSep 22, 2017

Fish food for marine farms harbor antibiotic resistance genes

Researchers found 132 antibiotic-resistant genes in commercially available fishmeal, which can boost the growth of harmful bacteria in marine farm sediment. This discovery suggests that fishmeal could be a reservoir for these genes, promoting their distribution globally.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 13, 2017

PSA screening significantly reduces the risk for death from prostate cancer

Guidelines recommending against routine PSA-based screening may be revised due to compatible evidence showing screening reduces prostate cancer mortality. The benefits of screening outweigh potential harms of overdiagnosis and overtreatment, but how to implement screening is still a question.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 4, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

World Sexual Health Day: Study raises concerns about drug-resistant STI

A recent study published in the BMJ Journal of Sexually Transmitted Infections warns of the rapid increase in drug resistance of Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), a common sexually transmitted infection. The study suggests that reducing azithromycin use, currently used to treat MG, is necessary to mitigate this issue.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalSexually Transmitted Infections·DateSep 3, 2017

Fish food for marine farms harbor antibiotic resistance genes

Researchers found 132 antibiotic resistance genes in commercially available fishmeal, which can potentially confer resistance to common antibiotics. The application of fishmeal to marine farm sediment samples increased the abundance and diversity of antibiotic resistance genes, boosting potential human pathogenic bacteria.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 30, 2017

Blood test predicts prostate tumor resistance

A new blood test developed by TUM researchers can predict drug resistance in patients with advanced prostate cancer, analyzing AR-V7 RNA molecules for early detection. The test has shown high sensitivity and accuracy, identifying approximately one-fifth of patients with large amounts of resistant tumor cells.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalEuropean Urology·DateAug 22, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

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.

Experts win support to tackle rising threat of antibiotic resistance

A team of scientists is pooling their expertise to develop fast diagnostic tests and alternative treatments for infection, aiming to address the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance. The University of Edinburgh's new research facility will bring together dozens of researchers worldwide to tackle this major health challenge.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateJul 26, 2017

Identified the component that allows a lethal bacteria to spread resistance to antibiotics

Researchers at IRB Barcelona have identified histidine as a crucial component in the machinery that enables Staphylococcus aureus bacteria to acquire and spread antibiotic resistance. This discovery could lead to the development of molecules to prevent the spread of resistant strains, offering new hope in tackling hospital infections.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2017
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

High levels of antibiotic-resistance in Indian poultry farming raises concerns

A new study from India reveals high levels of antibiotic-resistant pathogens in chickens raised for both meat and eggs on farms in Punjab state. The study found that nearly 60% of E. coli isolates contained enzymes conferring drug resistance to key medications, raising concerns about the consequences to human health.

SourceBurness·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJul 20, 2017

MRSA emerged years before methicillin was even discovered

Researchers found MRSA's resistance gene in S. aureus isolates dating back to the mid-1940s, 14 years before methicillin's introduction. The study highlights the importance of surveillance and genome sequencing to combat antibiotic resistance.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateJul 19, 2017

'Superbugs' study reveals complex picture of E. coli bloodstream infections

A large-scale genetic study of E. coli bloodstream infections in England found that drug-resistant 'superbugs' are not dominant causes of infection. Instead, new types of E. coli emerge frequently, but are quickly balanced by other strains, suggesting a complex picture of disease dynamics.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalGenome Research·DateJul 18, 2017
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Research raises antibiotic questions

A recent study published in the British Journal of Surgery found that topical antibiotics are moderately effective but not justified due to limited information on adverse effects. The research highlights the need to fight antibiotic resistance and encourages a more cautious approach to their use.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalBJS·DateJul 12, 2017
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

New research into antibiotic treatment for killer sepsis

A £1.5 million study led by the University of Warwick is investigating two biomarkers to guide safe reduction in antibiotic treatment time for patients with suspected sepsis. The trial will compare survival rates, discharge times, and antibiotic usage across three groups.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateJun 27, 2017

The dust storm microbiome

Research at Weizmann Institute of Science finds dust storm microbiomes differ by region, with rising bacterial species during storms. The study identifies a 'signature' for each source of bacteria based on antibiotic resistance genes, revealing that local sources pose less threat than imported genes.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 27, 2017
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.

Simple method measures how long bacteria can wait out antibiotics

A new method, MDK99, measures bacterial tolerance to antibiotics, allowing clinicians to effectively treat antimicrobial-tolerant strains. This metric can also estimate the duration of antibiotic treatments and provide insights into the prevalence of tolerance, ultimately reducing treatment failure and resistance.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJun 20, 2017

Scientists solve 30-year old mystery on how resistance genes spread

Researchers at Technical University of Denmark discover that resistance genes originate from the same group as antibiotics, Actinobacteria. The study reveals a new mechanism called 'carry back', where pathogens acquire genes through a primitive form of bacterial sex.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 16, 2017

Antibiotics promote resistance on experimental croplands

Researchers have generated both novel and existing antibiotic resistance mechanisms in soil exposed to specific antibiotics. The study found 36 antibiotic resistance genes, including some multi-drug efflux pumps that pump antibiotics out of bacteria.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJun 16, 2017