Research on how bacteria evade antibiotics. Covers adaptive metabolism, water-source resistance, drug-efflux pumps, and microplastic pollutant shuttles.
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.
A new clinical trial found that a shorter treatment with fewer drugs may be beneficial for some patients with highly drug-resistant tuberculosis, but not all. The trial showed an 87% effective rate for the shorter regimen compared to 89% for the longer therapy.
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 UK clinical trial found that almost nine in ten patients with a penicillin allergy label were not truly allergic after testing, and had their allergy label safely removed. This could help patients access more effective antibiotics and combat antibiotic resistance.
Scientists discover natural compounds from turmeric and rhubarb can combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wastewater, which could pose risks to public health if not treated. The study found emodin and curcumin to be effective at inhibiting bacterial growth and biofilm formation.
A recent study in the Netherlands found 15% of men who have sex with men and transgender individuals recently used doxycycline as post- or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), highlighting an increase in informal use. The high intention to use PrEP among the population raises concerns about potential antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and chan...
Researchers propose using chemical sensors to diagnose bacterial infections by detecting volatile organic compounds in bodily fluids, providing a rapid and affordable diagnostic test. The technology has the potential to improve treatment plans and combat antibiotic resistance.
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 at King's College London used cryo-electron microscopy to study the flagellum in unprecedented detail, revealing its architecture and identifying potential drug targets. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for bacterial infections without driving resistance.
A new study finds that Salmonella Dublin causes increased calf mortality, lower milk yield, and higher medication costs in dairy farms. The disease leads to hidden financial losses due to gradual infection without visible symptoms.
A global study by Michigan State University found that livestock manure contains high levels of antibiotic resistance genes, posing a significant threat to human health. The research team developed a map highlighting regions with the most common dangerous genes and ranked them based on their risk to human health.
Researchers identified colistin-resistance genes in imported shrimp and scallops, highlighting the risk of antimicrobial resistance spread through food imports. The study's findings emphasize the need for global monitoring systems to combat this growing public health threat.
Researchers have discovered that Australian native bee honey exhibits remarkable antimicrobial properties, effective even after heat treatment and long-term storage. This unique feature makes it a promising alternative to synthetic antibiotics, with the potential to complement or replace them in therapeutic frameworks.
A Rutgers Health study reveals that ciprofloxacin accelerates antibiotic resistance by triggering energy crisis in E. coli cells, allowing them to survive and mutate faster. The discovery highlights the need for new strategies in antibiotic development and use.
Researchers at Politecnico di Milano have developed a system that allows bacteria to sense light and convert it into electrical signals without genetic modification. This method has the potential to develop next-generation antimicrobial platforms and biocompatible 'bacterial robots' for targeted drug delivery.
A protein from insect resilin has been used to create antibacterial coatings that can block bacteria from attaching to surfaces. The coatings were tested on E.coli bacteria and human skin cells, demonstrating 100% effectiveness in repelling bacteria while integrating well with healthy cells.
Researchers have discovered a synthetic compound called infuzide that effectively targets and kills antimicrobial resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus in laboratory and mouse tests. The findings suggest that infuzide works differently from other antimicrobials, which may help prevent resistance.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have created mirror-image molecules that both directly attack bacterial membranes and stimulate the immune system. The dual-action peptides have shown promise in treating infections by reducing bacterial counts and speeding healing, while also promoting sustained immune response.
Researchers developed an in vitro assay to evaluate the anti-pathogen efficacy of mixed algal microbiomes from live-feed microalgae Tetraselmis suecica and Isochrysis galbana. The study found that mixtures of bacteria could inhibit Vibrio anguillarum, a fish pathogen, and isolated pure cultures of bacteria.
Researchers have discovered that hydrogen boride nanosheets can inactivate a wide range of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, without the need for light activation. The nanosheets' ability to denature microbial proteins through strong physicochemical interactions confirms their effectiveness in combating various microbi...
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.
Researchers from Uppsala University describe a fundamental mechanism of antibiotic resistance, revealing how FusB works like a crowbar to rescue ribosomes from fusidic acid. The study provides new insights into the most prevalent type of fusidic acid resistance in Staphylococcus aureus.
Researchers explore emerging technologies like Kerecis and NovoSorb BTM, which integrate antimicrobial properties into dermal substitutes. The review highlights the need for integrated antimicrobial agents to reduce antibiotic reliance and promote scarless healing.
A study by McGill University researchers estimates that about 8,500 tonnes of antibiotics end up in river systems around the world each year, posing a risk to human health and aquatic ecosystems. Amoxicillin is the most likely to be present at risky levels, especially in Southeast Asia.
Researchers have discovered that combining antibiotics with an enzyme called endolysin can protect against infection by resistant bacteria in all bodily organs, including the brain. This breakthrough could lead to a new treatment for meningitis, a life-threatening disease caused by resistant bacteria.
Researchers at UiT The Arctic University of Norway discovered Staphylococcus borealis, a previously unknown bacterium resistant to several antibiotic classes. The study found that S. borealis can cause urinary tract infections and inflammation around implants in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have identified a genetic code that enables the displacement of antibiotic resistance genes from bacteria. This discovery could lead to the development of new probiotics to combat antibiotic resistance in both animals and humans, making them reservoirs of this issue.
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.
A global study led by Stockholm Resilience Centre reveals that countries have the power to reduce antibiotic resistance through effective domestic interventions. The study found strong associations between country-level action and changes in antibiotic use and resistance, with a handful of countries leading the way.
A study of 73 countries found that national action plans have improved indicators of antibiotic resistance over time. Despite criticism, ambitious efforts by high and low-middle income countries are crucial to tackle antibiotic resistance.
A new study found that many home washing machines are insufficient for decontaminating healthcare worker uniforms, allowing antibiotic-resistant bacteria to survive. The researchers propose revising laundering guidelines or using on-site industrial machines to improve patient safety.
Mathematical modeling research from University of Utah Health suggests that treating moderate cases with antibiotics could limit the spread of cholera and reduce the likelihood of antibiotic resistance. In areas where cholera spreads slowly, aggressive antibiotic use may even stop outbreaks entirely.
Researchers have discovered a protein, Mfd, that promotes bacterial resistance and spontaneous mutations. A new compound, NM102, has been developed to block this protein, reducing the bacteria's ability to develop resistance and effectively combat antibiotic-resistant strains.
A new paint with a built-in bacteria-killing agent has been found to effectively kill MRSA, flu and COVID-19 on various surfaces. The paint, developed by scientists at the University of Nottingham, uses chlorhexidine to create an antimicrobial coating that can be applied to plastic and hard non-porous surfaces.
University of Oklahoma researchers create bioactive sugars to develop novel antibiotics against multi-drug-resistant infections in cancer patients. By using abundant, inexpensive, iron or metal-free, non-toxic blue light, the team can more easily and rapidly synthesize these important carbohydrates.
Researchers detected widespread contamination of retail chicken meat in Bangladesh with antibiotic-resistant E. albertii, a lesser-known but deadly pathogen. The study highlights the need for improved hygiene measures and stricter regulations to prevent foodborne infections.
A research team at HKU has developed a computational tool called Argo to track antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in environmental samples, providing insights into their transmission and associated risks. The tool uses long-read sequencing and can accurately identify and quantify ARGs, enhancing host identification accuracy.
The Microbiology Society has released new guides to communicating complex microbiology topics. The guides aim to support readers in writing about microbiology and promote safe communication of divisive topics.
A landmark study found that over 3 million children worldwide lost their lives in 2022 due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR)-related infections. The study data also revealed a sharp rise in the use of Watch and Reserve antibiotics, posing serious long-term risks.
A novel approach combines large language models and quantum computing to predict Salmonella antimicrobial resistance. The SARPLLM algorithm outperforms other models in prediction accuracy.
Recent cases of multi-drug resistant cholera in the UK and Germany are linked to exposure to contaminated holy water from Ethiopia. The study found a connection between pilgrims consuming or bathing in the holy well and the spread of the disease.
A Chinese Academy of Sciences research team has identified the first mechanism of citrus resistance to citrus greening disease and developed an AI-assisted therapeutic approach. The discovery addresses the challenge of naturally occurring resistant genes in citrus, offering hope for global agricultural sustainability.
A new class of antibiotic has been shown to be effective in treating MRSA infections, with a daily dose of epidermicin NI01 demonstrating equal efficacy to the current standard of care. The findings justify further pre-clinical development and could lead to new gel-type therapies for skin infections.
A new artificial intelligence-based method detects genetic markers of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, potentially leading to faster and more effective treatments. The method, called Group Association Model, uses machine learning to identify key mutations linked to drug resistance, reducing false positives and misdiagnoses.
A team of researchers found that a gene regulatory network in gut microbes plays an auxiliary role in bacterial fitness and adaptability. By maintaining basal levels of genetic activity, the network allows bacteria to adapt to their constantly changing environment.
Researchers found that bacterial movement and flagellar rotation activate conjugation genes, enabling DNA transfer in liquid environments. This discovery provides insight into the spread of antibiotic resistance across species.
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 created a bacterial evolutionary map that tracks plasmid gene exchange and identifies barriers to treatment. The study reveals new insights into the co-evolution of plasmids and E. coli strains, paving the way for targeted therapies against antibiotic-resistant infections.
A study analyzing over 3 million bacterial samples found that antibiotic resistance initially rises but stabilizes over time, reaching an equilibrium in most species. The study suggests that continued increase in antibiotic resistance is not inevitable and provides new insights to monitor drug resistance.
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.
A new study developed an AI model that can predict whether bacteria will become antibiotic-resistant by analyzing their genetic data. The model shows that antibiotic resistance is more easily transmitted between genetically similar bacteria and mainly occurs in wastewater treatment plants and inside the human body.
A study reveals that most Acinetobacter baumannii infections in a Malaysian hospital belonged to the Global Clone 2 lineage, which is also dominant worldwide. The majority of bacterial samples were resistant to multiple antibiotics, including carbapenems.
A team led by Gerry Wright has identified a strong candidate to challenge even some of the most drug-resistant bacteria: a new molecule called lariocidin. The molecule holds great promise as an early drug lead because it attacks bacteria in a way that's different from other antibiotics.
A multicenter study found targeted next-generation sequencing to significantly outperform traditional culture methods in detecting urinary tract infections, including polymicrobial cases. The method's detection time was notably shorter, with high concordance rates for both culture-positive and negative samples.
Researchers have made progress in understanding how Streptococcus pneumoniae constructs its capsule, a critical target for vaccine development. The study identified three categories of transporters that facilitate sugar building block transport, with relaxed specificity transporters posing potential risks to bacterial growth.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in wastewater poses a significant threat to human health due to the spread of drug-resistant pathogens. The Microbiology Society's new policy briefing outlines key interventions to tackle AMR in wastewater, including monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and treatment technologies.
A new study found regional and age-related trends in exposure to drug-resistant Campylobacter jejuni infections. Drug-resistant C. jejuni infections were highest among people aged 20-39, while certain states had significantly higher rates of resistance than others.
The Chinese Medical Association has released updated guidelines for pediatric mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, emphasizing a multi-faceted diagnostic approach and evidence-based treatment strategies. The guidelines highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and responsible antibiotic use to combat rising resistance.
A new study using a microfluidic device found that certain infections may not be as resistant to antibiotics as previously thought. The researchers tested three different antibiotic agents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and found a gradient of antibiotic activity dependent on the flow rate.