Articles tagged with Bacteria
Researchers discovered that bacteriophages play a critical role in distributing nutrients, promoting microbial diversity, and supporting gut health by releasing vitamin B12. The study found that phage infection is necessary for B12 release, and the nutrient specifically drives growth in dependent microbes.
Researchers found that treating women with Lactobacillus gasseri supplements or postbiotics improved fertility among those over 35. The study showed higher endometrial abundance of Lactobacillus bacteria in pregnant women, suggesting a beneficial effect on uterine health.
Researchers developed a new approach to eliminate pathogenic bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis in periodontitis without harming healthy tissue. This therapy preserves beneficial oral microbes, reducing bone loss and improving oral microbiota in mouse models.
For the first time in Brazil, scientists have detected bacteria that cause columnaris disease, a serious disease in farmed fish. The study found that six out of eleven isolated strains were of the Flavobacterium oreochromis species, infecting native Brazilian species such as tambaqui, pacu, and Amazon spotted catfish.
A multidisciplinary study has identified a novel biofilm regulatory protein called Biofilm Architecture Regulator (BatR) and its role in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. The discovery may lead to new targets for anti-infective treatments, including those for people with cystic fibrosis.
A new liquid-based platform called 'floatony' can form and maintain complex three-dimensional microbial structures while preserving molecular diffusion, spatial structures, and cell mobility. This approach could offer new ways to study gut microbiota, biofilms, and other spatially organized microbial communities.
Researchers are studying foul-smelling substances to understand what attracts the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, to its favorite meal - open wounds. The goal is to develop better lures for trapping this serious threat to the livestock industry.
Researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine discovered that environmental bacteria can acquire and transfer antibiotic resistance genes to disease-causing bacteria in human lungs. This mechanism, previously unknown, could lead to rapid development of extreme antibiotic resistance. The study highlights the potential f...
Researchers develop novel extracellular vesicle platform that makes bacteria more susceptible to polymyxins, enabling lower and safer treatment doses. The platform was shown to enhance bacterial killing and cause minimal toxicity in murine models.
A study published in RMD Open found that specific oral microbiome imbalances may contribute to the development of hand osteoarthritis by influencing systemic inflammation and gut microbiome dysbiosis. The research suggests a potential role for the oral-gut microbiome axis in symptomatic hand arthritis pathogenesis.
Researchers analyzed 49 journal articles on bacterial cellulose-derived carbon electrodes for supercapacitors, finding that preservation of the nanofiber network and mechanical properties are crucial for performance. The study highlights BCC's potential to outperform commercial activated carbon under comparable conditions.
Researchers explored how AI and metabolic modeling can inform effective biocontrol strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance in built environments. Microbial biocontrol using 'good' microbes has shown promise, but inconsistent outcomes are due to various factors, including genetic differences and environmental stressors.
A new 3D computer model developed by the University of Surrey has shown how Pseudomonas aeruginosa grows and spreads its protective layer under constant fluid flow. The model's accuracy was validated through laboratory experiments, demonstrating potential for faster and smarter ways to understand bacterial behavior.
A research team has developed a bacterium that can predict the course of a disease by analyzing chemical signals in patient plasma. The bacterium responds to changes in nutrient levels and growth patterns to generate an answer, bypassing traditional machine learning algorithms.
Sofia Doello will investigate how microorganisms reactivate their metabolism after prolonged dormancy using the prestigious Emmy Noether grant. Her project aims to uncover fundamental principles of survival and cell regeneration in bacteria.
Researchers discovered Bacillus subtilis employs a slower growth strategy for better survival under antibiotic stress, decoupling ribosome production from amino acid supply. This trade-off makes B. subtilis more tolerant of stress and challenges the assumption that bacteria are wired to grow as fast as possible.
Researchers uncovered the genetic history of Acinetobacter baumannii, tracing its evolution over decades to identify key resistance traits and global spread. The study provides valuable insights for guiding policies on antibiotic use and combating this serious healthcare threat.
Researchers propose a voluntary labelling scheme using 'STABILISED' to indicate products with minimal risk of Listeria infection. The scheme aims to help consumers choose safe products and reduce the number of people falling ill with Listeria infections.
Researchers use cryo-electron microscopy to reveal the 3D structure of Mfa pili in P. gingivalis, understanding its role in attaching to host tissues and other microbes. This information can aid in developing therapeutic strategies to block attachment and infection.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio found a link between the bacterium Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and systemic lupus erythematosus. Supplementation with this bacteria reduced markers of the disease in animal models, showing promise for treatment.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown mechanism by which microbes boost plants' ability to survive in salty conditions. Pseudomonad bacteria stimulate the production of lignin, a tough substance found in plant cell walls, helping plants withstand environmental stress.
A nationwide study reveals a rapidly-evolving epidemic of community-associated multidrug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae across the US, with over 2,000 samples screened from 42 states. The bacteria's genetic blueprint provides critical updates for public health and potential treatment options.
Researchers identified five immunomodulatory proteins in Borrelia recurrentis that prevent activation of the human complement system, allowing the pathogen to survive in the human body. These Chi proteins also convert plasminogen into active plasmin, giving Borrelia recurrentis a significant advantage in spreading after infection.
Researchers found that biogas slurry enhances soil fertility and increases active carbon levels by up to 13.4% compared to conventional chemical fertilizer topdressing. The treatment also promotes cooperative microbial interactions, supporting nutrient cycling and climate change mitigation.
A new study reveals that IS110 elements use two RNA-guided pathways to insert donor DNA into target sites, challenging the classical 'cut-out-paste-in' model. The researchers identified a figure-eight DNA intermediate in one pathway and a direct-transfer pathway without forming a conventional intermediate.
A European research team is developing bacteria that can produce important chemical base materials from sustainable methanol, aiming to replace fossil resources in the chemical industry. The goal is to make chemical production more sustainable without jeopardizing food security.
A study published in PLOS One analyzed microbial communities in well-preserved and degraded bones from medieval cemeteries in Norway. The researchers found distinct microbial communities associated with different levels of degradation, suggesting that microbes play a role in bone preservation and decay.
Researchers have discovered how wall teichoic acids control bacterial growth, providing insights into the nature of Earth's earliest life forms. The study reveals that eliminating these acids rapidly arrests cell wall synthesis and activates enzymes that promote rod-shaped growth.
Scientists have identified three British cheeses with beneficial bacteria that could aid human health. The cheeses contain probiotics, anti-inflammatory compounds, and dietary fibers, making them a potential vehicle for delivery of beneficial gut bacteria.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a small RNA embedded within the V. cholerae gene as the key factor controlling its ability to infect humans. Variations in this RNA controlled about 85% of genes related to human infection, enabling the bacteria to evade immune barriers and colonize the gut.
Scientists discovered an anti-CRISPR protein that sabotages CRISPR systems in bacteria by jamming the protein assembly line. This discovery reveals a new mechanism of defense against CRISPR-based gene editing.
A PolyU research team discovered that low concentrations of bacterial toxins in urban air can trigger nearly 20% of inflammatory responses, while drug-resistant fungi may spread through everyday breathing or skin contact. The study highlights the need to identify and control these highly toxic trace components to effectively reduce hea...
A new strategy has created 'living plastics' that self-destruct on command, using activatable microbes to break down material within a week. The breakthrough could lead to the development of triggerable spores in water to tackle plastic pollution.
A new portable device can deliver accurate test results for tuberculosis (TB) in less than half an hour, matching lab accuracy. The MiniDock MTB uses similar technology to COVID-19 tests and detects DNA of mycobacterium tuberculosis, enabling rapid diagnosis and treatment
Researchers at UIC developed an anti-cancer therapy using a bacterial protein called aurB, which prevents energy production in tumor cells' mitochondria. The treatment was tested in combination with radiation and showed highly effective results in animal models of prostate cancer, effectively shutting down tumor growth.
Researchers have developed a universal toolkit for editing bacterial DNA in 15 diverse species, including human pathogens and fast-growing biotechnology organisms. The technology uses retrons, an immune system that produces DNA, to efficiently modify genes, with varying success rates across different species.
Scientists have mapped the structure of Vibrio bacteria with unprecedented detail, revealing a new target for treatment. The findings could provide a solution to life-threatening infections linked to antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at DTU discover three types of lactic acid bacteria that can effectively produce plant-based yoghurt alternatives, inhibiting harmful bacteria and breaking down sugars. The bacteria also improve the product's texture and extend shelf life.
A team of scientists at the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI) has made a significant breakthrough in treating deadly non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections. They have developed new compounds, including rifamycin candidates, which show promise in treating M. abscessus and other rapidly growing NTMs.
Researchers identify specific chemicals that trigger neural activity in nematodes when they detect certain bacteria, leading to changes in feeding behavior and avoiding harmful pathogens. The study sheds light on fundamental mechanisms of how neurons interact with bacteria, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.
Researchers have developed a new tool called Microbial Interaction and Niche Determination (MIND) that accurately predicts how microbes compete within complex communities. By analyzing nutrient preferences and energy allocation, MIND helps beneficial organisms outcompete dangerous pathogens. This approach has the potential to accelerat...
A multidisciplinary research team has discovered a novel antimicrobial material with impressive potency against various fungal and bacterial pathogens. The sulfur-rich polymer material overcomes previous limitations and shows promise as a low-cost, effective medicine and agrichemical solution.
Researchers at ISTA report that Anabaena develops a cytoskeleton to control cell shape, transforming an ancient DNA segregation system. This evolutionary shift enables the bacteria to sculpt their cells without relying on traditional spindle-like structures.
Researchers found two strategies used by bacteria to colonize new habitats: acquiring new traits and reducing genome size. This study sheds light on the evolutionary biology of soil microbes, revealing unexpected results about their adaptation to freshwater environments.
Researchers identify previously unknown microbe living in close partnership with another organism inside stromatolites, providing insights into how complex life began. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of eukaryotes and the emergence of mitochondria.
Researchers have discovered that native soil bacteria can degrade persistent pollutants like dioxins without genetic engineering. Using decoy molecules, the bacteria's natural enzymes are tricked into breaking down these toxic compounds.
Researchers at ISTA's Materiali Molli Lab used E. coli bacteria to create an active bath that propelled sticky colloids into gel-like aggregates, rotating clockwise due to the bacteria's twisting motion. The study revealed that hydrodynamic interaction plays a key role in driving motion through the counter-rotation of body and flagella.
Researchers have designed a system that releases algaecide steadily over weeks or months, making it less expensive and more efficient than existing options. The buoys removed nearly all cyanobacteria without the need for frequent reapplication.
Researchers have discovered how a disease-causing bacterium uses a single protein to interfere with the body's defenses in multiple ways, offering a clearer picture of how infections take hold at the cellular level. This discovery highlights the importance of targeting specific interactions between bacterial proteins and human cells in...
Researchers at Adelaide University have discovered a new gut–brain signalling pathway that governs how parasitic infections lead to nausea, appetite loss and other sickness symptoms. The study shows two specialised gut cell types work together to sense parasites and activate protective responses through the vagus nerve.
Researchers have identified and resolved molecular bottlenecks to produce doxorubicin, a vital chemotherapy agent, resulting in a 180% increase in production. This breakthrough enables cost-effective manufacturing of essential antibiotics and anti-cancer agents, promising a cleaner and more reliable supply of life-saving medicines.
Researchers at Rice University developed a safe bioelectronic sensor using naturally occurring polymer chitosan to effectively communicate with bacteria. The system uses a hydrogel to trap bacteria near an electrode, generating a stable electronic current when exposed to target substances.
A large E. coli outbreak in Calgary daycare centers resulted in 285 children becoming infected, with daily laboratory monitoring and treating dehydration preventing complications and potentially saving lives. The study found that this approach reduced the number of children who developed life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Research shows that bacteria harbor resistance genes may respond differently to antibiotics under non-standard conditions. This affects treatment efficacy and contributes to understanding antimicrobial resistance development and spread. Understanding these variations is crucial to combat global public health threats.
A new study discovered that a multifaceted infection prevention and control intervention successfully disrupted a large and long-running bacterial outbreak of Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Zambian neonatal intensive care unit. The study found that low-cost measures, including IPC training, enhanced cleaning, and hand hygiene, reduced neon...
A new study finds hitchhiking bacteria dissolve essential ballast in ubiquitous
A study by MIT researchers found that nitrous oxide can hamper the growth of certain soil bacteria dependent on vitamin B12 for methionine biosynthesis. The findings suggest that N2O production in agricultural settings could influence microbial communities, potentially impacting crop health.
A new monoclonal antibody neutralizes the toxin pyocyanin produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, reducing cellular damage and increasing survival of immune cells. This approach has the potential to reduce antibiotic use and minimize infection progression without promoting antibiotic resistance.
Researchers discovered a mechanism that enables bacterial pathogens to assemble antibiotic-resistant 3D biofilms, which protect them from antibiotics and the immune system. The team found that adhesive pili form flat sheets linking bacteria together and shield them from hostile environments.
A novel, self-regenerating 'bacteria-mineral' biohybrid system was developed to utilize light like a solar cell for uranium pollution purification. The system enhances the purification efficiency of uranium pollution through the use of metabolic activity of bacteria to grow ferrous sulfide nanoparticles.