Research on how bacteria evade antibiotics. Covers adaptive metabolism, water-source resistance, drug-efflux pumps, and microplastic pollutant shuttles.
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2024 have been named, including the One Health Microbiome Center at Penn State and researchers Dr. François Thomas and Dr. Helen Onyeaka.
Researchers at WVU are developing a hybrid of silver and carbon nanotubes to reduce antibiotic-resistant infections in open bone fractures. The study aims to create a safe and effective antimicrobial material that can be used on various medical products.
Researchers found that HNL Dimer levels decrease rapidly within a day of successful antibiotic treatment, offering a time-saving advantage over traditional biomarkers. This study confirms the previous promising results and provides valuable insights for early diagnosis and treatment of sepsis.
A new strain of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, ST164, has been spreading widely across Asia, posing significant challenges to global public health. Researchers discovered that 80.9% of A. baumannii bacteria found in patients were CRAB, with ST164 accounting for 40.2% of samples.
Research from an interdisciplinary team at Virginia Tech has shown that sewage surveillance is more efficient and comprehensive than testing individuals in detecting antimicrobial resistance. The study revealed significant correlations between antibiotic resistance genes and socio-economic factors, highlighting the need to address thes...
Researchers developed AI to predict bloodstream infections and antimicrobial resistance in ICU patients, providing same-day assessments. This technology is cost-effective and faster than current methods, enabling quicker decision-making on antibiotic use.
Researchers have found that MRSA has a double defence mechanism against antibiotics, involving an alternative division mechanism that allows it to replicate in the presence of antibiotics. This new insight offers hope in treating the life-threatening superbug and other infectious diseases. Understanding this process is crucial for deve...
The project aims to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing rates for children with acute respiratory tract infections, linked to adverse health events and antibiotic resistance. The program will provide tools and education to support providers in using narrow-spectrum antibiotics only when necessary.
A recent study revealed that nanoplastic particles impair antibiotic effects and promote bacterial resistance. The research team found that plastics like nylon bind strongly to antibiotics, increasing the risk of resistance.
Researchers at IOCB Prague have discovered the HelD protein's role in protecting bacterial RNA polymerase from antibiotic effects. The protein not only frees the enzyme but also ensures its recycling, allowing bacteria to multiply again.
Doctors at Mayo Clinic used a new catheter-based approach to draw out resistant pockets of infection in the heart without surgery. Over 90% of participants had their infection cleared, with lower in-hospital mortality compared to those whose infections remained.
A new study from Chalmers University of Technology presents a technology that can destroy bacteria on implants using gold nanorods and near-infrared light. The method heats up the gold rods, killing bacteria without damaging surrounding tissue.
Researchers found that human histones have antimicrobial activity against bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms, reducing bacterial mass by up to 70% and survival time in infected larvae by 50%. The study suggests using histones or parts of these proteins as a promising alternative to combat acute and chronic infections.
The study found that P. aeruginosa adapts to the lung's mucus by relying on sugars and lactate, but also needs to synthesize essential nutrients through metabolic independence. Biofilm formation imposes a metabolic burden, slowing down the bacteria's ability to spread, while disrupting biofilms makes them more vulnerable to antibiotics.
Researchers designed a skin patch that uses imperceptible electric currents to control microbes, stopping 99% of biofilm formation in bacteria. The device, called Bioelectronic Localized Antimicrobial Stimulation Therapy, could lead to a wearable patch with a wireless circuit to control infections without drugs.
Researchers at Aarhus University have decoded part of the bacterial defense mechanism against antibiotics, providing a crucial step towards treating resistant MRSA infections. Understanding the molecular composition of the biofilm-forming protein PSMα1 could lead to new strategies and treatments to prevent biofilm formation.
A new study reveals widespread resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to commonly used cleaning agents, including quaternary ammonium compounds. The researchers identify biocides that work well against the pathogen, highlighting the need for revised sanitation protocols in hospitals and homes.
Researchers developed a nanomedicine that attacks bacteria at the molecular level, reducing antibiotic resistance and side effects. The technology releases medication only when required, ensuring patients take exact amounts to fight infections.
A new study has found that rifaximin, an antibiotic commonly prescribed for liver disease patients, is driving the emergence of a deadly superbug. The antibiotic triggers specific changes in bacteria that make them resistant to last-resort antibiotics like daptomycin.
Researchers have identified a new group of bacterial toxins that can destroy cells of bacteria and fungi without harming other organisms. The study reveals how these toxins are used by bacteria to compete with other microbes, offering exciting possibilities for clinical and biotechnological applications.
Researchers at University of Zurich used AI to analyze antibiotic resistance using GPT-4 model, creating EUCAST-GPT-expert system for accurate interpretation of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. The AI system performed well in detecting certain types of resistance but had limitations, while human experts were more accurate but slower.
A team of researchers from the University of Florida Health has been awarded a significant grant to explore the use of combination antibiotics to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The study aims to understand the molecular mechanisms behind bacterial resistance and develop new treatment strategies to tackle deadly superbugs.
Scientists at Umeå University discovered how Listeria bacteria transport calcium differently from human cells, helping it survive in harsh conditions. The findings have led to the development of new strategies for combating bacterial infections and ensuring food safety.
Researchers from Duke University have discovered the mechanism behind the discrepancies in how resistant infections react to combination treatments. The study found that bacteria with a higher level of 'selfishness' are more likely to thrive after treatment, while less selfish strains benefit more.
The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) will tackle global health issues like antibiotic resistance and conflict zones through keynotes from Lord Ara Darzi and Christos Christou. More than 200 experts will present innovative practices in healthcare.
Researchers developed a novel single-cell genome approach to analyze microbial diversity and genetic features, recovering 300 missed bacterial species and providing insights into antibiotic resistance genes and gene exchange networks. The study has potential applications in public health, environmental monitoring, and agriculture.
Researchers have explored biomass-derived antibacterial agents as a sustainable alternative to conventional compounds. The study reveals the potential of these agents in various sectors, including cosmetics and healthcare, and discusses challenges and future perspectives for their application.
Scientists have found a way to pinpoint single bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, making it easier to choose the right treatment. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients with Staphylococcus aureus infections.
Researchers have developed a mixture of phages that can effectively treat antibiotic-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infections in mice. However, the effectiveness of these phages can vary depending on the bacteria's genetic factors and the presence of other phages and bacteria in the human body.
A team of University of Nebraska-Lincoln engineers and scientists are assessing the potential threat to human health from antimicrobial-resistant pathogens spread via wastewater and agricultural runoff. They will use field samples and modeling to determine the contributions from each source and develop a risk assessment tool.
Researchers found that zinc supplements can inhibit the transfer of AMR plasmids, reducing the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections. The study provides hope for developing an inexpensive and effective method to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
A new study has discovered a novel semi-synthetic compound derived from natural compounds that exhibits potent activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including multi-drug resistant strains. The compound, BPD-9, provides a promising chemical scaffold for developing new anti-tuberculosis drugs.
A study found that doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP) did not significantly alter the overall composition of gut bacteria in individuals who took it for six months. However, the researchers noted signs of resistance building against tetracycline, a class of antibiotics to which doxycycline belongs.
In this study, researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology found that hydrogen sulfide-dependent transcription factor YgaV regulates iron uptake dynamics in Escherichia coli. The team observed elevated intracellular H2S levels resulting in increased antibiotic resistance and upregulated genes involved in sulfur metabolism.
A team of researchers at UMC Utrecht has identified 29 novel antibodies against the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae, an important cause of drug-resistant infections. The antibodies were found to interact with antigens on the bacterial surface and some act synergistically to neutralize the pathogen.
The study highlights the role of proteins, polysaccharides, water channels, and metal ions in shaping biofilm morphology. Bacterial biofilms adapt to environmental stressors through complex interactions between cells and molecular processes in the extracellular space.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a graphene-based, ultra-thin antibacterial material that can kill 99.9% of bacteria on surfaces, including medical devices and implants. The new technology uses fridge magnet technology to control the orientation of graphene flakes, making it possible for practical applica...
The European capacity for antibiotic research and development requires sustained investment to combat growing resistance. Collaboration and risk-sharing can help keep companies in anti-infective drug development, as a temporary funding strategy may lead to lost efforts.
Researchers have identified 18 beneficial bacterial strains that suppress the growth of harmful bacteria and alleviate inflammation in mouse intestines. The strains compete with harmful bacteria for nutrients, promoting a healthier intestinal microbiome and potentially treating antibiotic-resistant gut infections.
Researchers from Osaka University used machine learning to assess the shapes, sizes, and other physical features of bacteria based on microscope images. The results showed that antibiotic-resistant strains were fatter or shorter than their parental strains, especially those resistant to quinolone and β-lactams.
A new study from European universities has developed a method to analyze wastewater data from seven major cities, identifying thousands of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and antimicrobial resistance. This approach can detect potential health threats simultaneously, potentially preventing epidemics from escalating into outbreaks.
A new monoclonal antibody drug has been developed to prevent infection with A. baumannii, a common cause of hospital-acquired infections. The treatment was shown to be effective in reducing bacterial load in mice, and could potentially become a powerful new weapon against antimicrobial resistance.
A new study estimates that more than 1 million people died each year due to antibiotic-resistant infections between 1990 and 2021. The study predicts that this number could increase to nearly 2 million by 2050, with a significant age-related shift in the impact of AMR on children under five years old.
The World Health Organisation accounts for around 3.8 million deaths annually from fungal pathogens that are either resistant or rapidly acquiring resistance to antifungal drugs. The narrow focus on bacteria will not combat antimicrobial resistance effectively, and the authors demand a broader discussion on fungal pathogens.
Four plants eaten by western lowland gorillas in Gabon, also used by local traditional healers, show antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Researchers identify four plant species with promising targets for treating multidrug-resistant infections.
Researchers have discovered a new class of natural antimicrobials called microcins that can target specific strains of bacteria causing cholera, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer. Microcins are highly selective and can potentially remove unwanted bacteria without disrupting the human gut microbiome.
Acinetobacter baumannii is a highly resistant bacterial species causing serious infections. Researchers have engineered mutant strains to study anti-Acinetobacter compounds and address AMR preparedness.
A study by Virginia Tech undergraduate Megan O'Hara found that surface properties significantly influence bacterial twitching motility, allowing for rapid colonization and infection. By manipulating surface properties with detergents like bile salts, researchers can alter the functionality of type IV pili, a critical virulence factor.
Researchers create silver nanoparticles infused with azithromycin that effectively break down biofilms and unveil a new sensing method to assess antimicrobial activity. The novel approach offers a promising solution against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, with potential applications in coating medical devices.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have developed a streamlined way to engineer bacteriophages, viruses that naturally kill bacteria. The new technique uses retrons to edit phage genomes, allowing for the creation of numerous variants and paving the way for alternative treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers have analyzed over 43,200 ocean microbial genomes, uncovering a wide range of diversity and new insights into immune system adaptations. The study provides new enzymes that can break down common plastics and antimicrobials to combat antibiotic resistance.
The new guideline updates treatment recommendations for Helicobacter pylori infection, shifting away from proton pump inhibitor-clarithromycin triple therapy. Bismuth quadruple therapy and other alternatives are now recommended for treatment-naïve patients.
The World Innovation Summit for Health will explore the need for innovation in healthcare to support vulnerable populations and build resilience. The summit aims to humanize health by addressing pressing global health challenges through evidence-based solutions.
A $2.35 million EPA grant will support a two-year OSU project studying 40 US wastewater treatment utilities to understand the impact of treatment processes on antimicrobial resistance markers.
A new study suggests treating all children under 5 with azithromycin in Africa can significantly reduce child mortality. Treating older kids protects younger children from respiratory and lethal infections.
Researchers warn that animals we eat could be the gateway for a pandemic in the form of antimicrobial resistance. The World Health Organization estimates up to 10 million deaths by 2050 from drug-resistant diseases.
Michigan State University researchers have found a new way to prevent antibiotic resistance by unleashing 'DNA scavengers' in wastewater treatment plants. The enzyme, developed by Syed Hashsham and James Tiedje, breaks up strands of antibiotic-resistant DNA before bacteria can pick them up and take on their properties.
Researchers developed a new 'pan-pathogen' deep sequencing approach to capture multiple bacterial strains simultaneously. This method enables faster and more comprehensive tracking of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, potentially preventing and managing common hospital infections quicker.
Researchers have identified dozens of potential new antibiotics in the human gut microbiome, with one candidate showing promise against multidrug-resistant infections. The discovery uses artificial intelligence to analyze vast amounts of biological data and mine the world's biological information as a source of antibiotics.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield found that C.diff can develop resistance to vancomycin in less than two months, tolerating concentrations up to 32 times the effective dose. This rapid evolution poses a significant threat to UK healthcare, as widespread resistance could remove critical treatment options.