Articles tagged with Bacteria
Researchers have imaged the poles of bacteria at molecular resolution, revealing fold-like defects in active bacteria and differences between species. This breakthrough could lead to new approaches to target deadly drug-resistant strains.
Researchers at the University of Osaka have discovered how bacteria build the molecular bushing of the flagellar motor, a nanomachine that enables bacterial motility. The study reveals that the LP-ring assembles around the drive shaft, supporting high-speed rotation at low friction, and later detaches to become a functional bushing.
Researchers identified three genes essential for Salmonella biofilm formation, which can be targeted to reduce virulence and colonization. Disrupting these genes impaired biofilm structure and adhesion, decreasing the pathogen's ability to cause damage and resist treatment.
A newly identified Arctic Ocean bacterium, Porticoccus arcticus, uses acetone to convert carbon dioxide into compounds that can enter its central metabolic pathways. This unique metabolism allows the bacterium to thrive in waters with limited nutrients, and its genomic composition suggests a potential adaptation to the Arctic environment.
A McGill-led research team developed a bacteria-based biocomputer that can solve large, complex problems using a small fraction of the memory and resources required by standard computers. The biocomputer exploits the exponential division of bacteria to explore many possible solutions simultaneously.
Researchers at Aarhus University found that bacteria can continue producing DNA after death, using a complex machinery involving viruses and enzymes. They developed a method to control the production of specific DNA structures, which could lead to new biological materials and applications in environmental biotechnology.
The new AI tool, BBERT, recognizes bacterial DNA in tiny genetic fragments, making it faster and easier to study complex soil communities. It distinguishes bacterial DNA from other genetic material with 90% accuracy and joins short DNA fragments into longer stretches to reconstruct bacterial genomes.
E. coli bacteria exhibit fastest growth at 37°C due to physical genome reorganization. This temperature-dependent adaptation is mediated by the H-NS protein.
The Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2026 recognize outstanding achievements in applied microbiology, with three winners announced: Professor Chris Greening for global impact, Professor Marciane Magnani for food safety and security, and Professor James Ebdon for public health innovation.
Researchers discovered that Escherichia coli can detect specific molecules released by Bifidobacterium, allowing it to adjust its own metabolism accordingly. This phenomenon, termed metabolic eavesdropping, reveals a new mechanism for gut microbiome regulation and suggests non-dominant bacteria form spatial hubs for beneficial interact...
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method to use bacteria to bond grains of sand together into solid architectural elements, creating a sustainable alternative to traditional cement manufacturing. The process, called biocementation, uses bacteria to produce a mineral glue that bonds particles together into a solid structure.
A two-protein system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa detects iron both inside and outside the cell, rewiring the bacterium's metabolism and biofilm formation. The discovery suggests this system could be a target for new treatments for stubborn infections.
Researchers found that bacteria, such as E. coli, use CRISPR-Cas immunity to transfer and incorporate DNA, accelerating genetic reshuffling under starvation stress. This process may help bacterial populations adapt to changing conditions, resembling a primitive form of sexual reproduction.
Researchers have developed a method to enrich plant-based foods with essential amino acids using microorganisms, making them more nutritious for humans and animals. This method has the potential to alleviate malnutrition in low-income countries and reduce nitrogen emissions from agriculture.
Researchers have developed a new approach to fighting antibiotic-resistant bacteria using water, targeting their DNA with a special molecule called singlet oxygen. This method uses titanium dioxide crystals to transform normal oxygen molecules into singlet oxygen, which strips electrons away from bacterial DNA, destroying it.
A study from the University of Gothenburg found that one in four patients with invasive pneumococcal disease had a marker for blood cancer or precursor conditions. Seven patients were diagnosed with blood cancer, and twelve with a condition that can progress to blood cancer.
Mizzou researchers have developed an AI tool called MeLSI that can identify specific microbes driving key biological changes in the gut microbiome, which may indicate early warning signs of disease. The tool has shown promising results in detecting meaningful patterns in microbiome data that conventional methods miss.
A new study by Danish researchers proposes a paradigm shift in understanding antibiotic resistance, highlighting the importance of environmental factors such as temperature, oxygen levels, and pH. This new knowledge may lead to more targeted treatments and better monitoring of resistance in humans, animals, and the environment.
The Kreiswirth Lab has published three studies exploring bacterial resistance mechanisms, revealing how superbugs evade antibiotics and develop resistance. The research identifies new targets for treatment and offers insights into the underlying rules of bacterial survival.
A team of researchers from SMART and MIT discovered aminovaleramididine synthetase (AvaS), a PLP-dependent enzyme involved in tRNA modification, expanding our understanding of how RNA regulates protein production in bacteria. The discovery sheds light on how bacteria use RNA modification to control protein production and offers new ave...
A global study of over 700 bacterial genomes found that 87% of the bacteria from dogs and cats belonged to strains identified in humans. The study also revealed high levels of antibiotic resistance, with nearly half of animal-derived samples carrying genes resistant to clinically important antibiotics.
Research presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress found common bacteria in classroom dust, such as Streptomyces and Mycobacterium spp., are associated with reduced lung function in children. Children exposed to classrooms with higher levels of these bacteria had lower forced vital capacity, FEV₁, and PEF.
A team of researchers has shed light on the mechanism of outer membrane protein assembly in bacteria, revealing key conformational changes made by a chaperone protein. The study's findings may help identify new targets for antibacterial agents and improve our understanding of Gram-negative bacteria's resistance to antibiotics.
A new study by CHOP researchers reveals that C. difficile colonization in infants can lead to a remodeling of the developing epithelium and a reshaping of the mucosal immune system, potentially increasing the risk of some viral infections in adulthood. Early life exposure to C. difficile may have profound effects on healthy development...
ISTA researchers have secured 5 ERC Starting Grants to fund innovative projects in AI, astrophysics, and optics. The grants will support early-career researchers in understanding bacterial immune systems and developing new microscope techniques to study elusive quantum matter.
A research team at the Wyss Institute has engineered bacteria to produce higher amounts of siderophores, molecules that extract iron from silicate minerals, speeding up rock weathering and removing CO2 from the atmosphere. This process has the potential to be implemented at industrial scales, offering a new climate-regulating strategy.
Researchers at UTA are studying how harmful bacteria become resistant to antibiotics and interacting with the body during infection. Understanding these interactions could lead to improved treatments and better protection against dangerous infections.
Phages orchestrate an explosion of protein modifications inside host cells to evade bacterial immune systems. The T7 kinase enzyme triggers massive phosphorylation, disabling bacterial defenses. This discovery could lead to novel bioengineering approaches for phage therapies.
Researchers examine bacterial persistence from multiple dimensions, highlighting its complex mechanisms and deep interactions with host-pathogen dynamics. Emerging strategies to eliminate persisters, such as phage-derived therapies and metabolic interventions, are also discussed.
Researchers designed bacteria that function as transistors, allowing for the creation of living circuit boards that can perform complicated calculations. The transistors can be combined to create a variety of circuits, including those that add two or three inputs or send one input to a specific location.
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 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 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 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.
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...
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 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 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 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.