Articles tagged with Bacteria
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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...
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 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.
Emerging microbially-powered technologies can convert up to 35% of wastewater's chemical energy into electricity and extract valuable nutrients. This approach could power agriculture, global sanitation and its own treatment, while reducing pollution and overcoming regulatory obstacles.
Researchers explore how METs convert organic waste into electricity, fuels, fertilizers, and usable water. Pilot deployments demonstrate its potential to reclaim energy from 359 billion cubic meters of wastewater annually.
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.
Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have identified a new virus in a common gut bacterium that appears more frequently in patients with colorectal cancer. The study demonstrates a statistical association between the virus and colorectal cancer, but its role is still unclear.
Researchers have identified three previously unknown genotypes of Helicobacter bacteria in pygmy sperm whales stranded along the southeastern US coast. The discovery raises new questions about microbial pathogens on ocean health and their impact on vulnerable species.
A novel vaccination approach cleared harmful gut bacterium Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) in an animal model of infection. The experimental vaccine protected against illness, death, tissue damage and infection recurrence through mucosal immunization.
Researchers discovered a 5,000-year-old bacterial strain in an underground ice cave that shows resistance to multiple modern antibiotics. The Psychrobacter SC65A.3 strain has over 100 resistance-related genes and can inhibit the growth of several major antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
Researchers identified 11 genetic regions influencing gut bacteria and roles they play, including connections to gluten intolerance, haemorrhoids, and cardiovascular diseases. The study analyzed genetic data from over 28,000 individuals, providing insights into the complex relationship between genes and gut microbiome.
Researchers have engineered Listeria bacteria to stimulate the body's innate immune system and eliminate cancer cells. The therapy, which boosts gamma delta T cells, shows promise in treating children with leukemia and preventing graft-versus-host disease.
Researchers at Kyoto University have directly captured intermediate structural states of the Na⁺-NQR enzyme using cryo-electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. The study reveals that redox reactions drive sodium ion transport by changing the enzyme's structure, allowing ions to pass through the bacterial cell membrane.
Researchers have identified optimal conditions for bacterial growth on hydrogels, finding that firmer, lower water content materials consistently slow bacterial expansion. The study's findings also reveal a selective mechanism at work, where negatively charged gels repel bacteria harbouring negatively charged groups.
A Dartmouth study found that plasmids can form tight clusters within bacterial communities, making them resistant to antibiotics and clinical treatments. This phenomenon introduces a new avenue for bacterial infections to become more difficult to treat.
University of California San Diego scientists have solved how the circadian clocks within microscopic bacteria precisely control gene expression during the 24-hour cycle. The researchers identified six proteins needed to rebuild this clock, generating a simplified cyanobacterial system with a clock that only needs.
New research reveals microalgae play a hidden role in spreading antibiotic resistance genes in natural water environments. The study highlights how microalgae create microenvironments that foster the growth and transmission of these genes, often found in bacteria.
Researchers developed a novel nanoparticle system to cross the BBB, target infection sites, and release antibacterial agents locally. This strategy effectively disrupts biofilms, eliminates drug-resistant bacteria, and reduces neuroinflammation.
The vaginal microbiota is influenced by competition for specific nutritional resources, affecting health outcomes. A resource-based model identified key ecological mechanisms underlying microbiota composition and potential bacterial vaginosis interventions.
Researchers identify thousands of rapidly evolving receptor-binding proteins, revealing how bacteria can be engineered to deliver proteins into specific human cells. The study provides insights into the evolutionary creativity of bacterial machines and their potential biomedical applications.
Researchers have engineered gut bacteria that dim their fluorescent glow in the presence of illness, allowing for early detection of gut conditions. The developed biosensor can provide continuous monitoring through stool samples and pick up subtle changes in gut health before symptoms develop.
Researchers at Kobe University have identified a specific bacterial strain, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Corynebacterium tuberculostearicum, as the primary causes of foot odor in Nagashima-type palmoplantar keratosis. Topical application of benzoyl peroxide reduces odor by decreasing C. tuberculostearicum levels.
A Texas A&M research team identified the Brucella abortus species causing illness in animals in Cameroon, with over 1 million cattle and goats potentially infected. The study highlights the importance of targeted disease control, improved diagnostics, and regional surveillance to safeguard animal and human health.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered a light-sensitive signaling cascade in Pseudomonas aeruginosa that suppresses biofilm formation and virulence. The study, published in Nature Communications, identifies a small protein called DimA as the key trigger for this process.
Researchers used a mathematical framework to analyze bacterial energy investment strategies in aquatic environments, shedding light on how antimicrobial resistance genes spread. The study found that bacteria allocate limited energy resources among multiple physiological functions under environmental stress.
Researchers found that bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli, use a 'run-and-tumble' movement pattern to move through different environments, despite the complexity of their surroundings. This behavior is similar to walking through mud, where the underlying movement pattern remains the same, but with changes in speed and efficiency.
A new study found that population bottlenecks can fundamentally reshape how cooperation evolves and persists in complex microbial societies. The researchers discovered that stringent bottlenecks favored fruiting body formation and growth, while relaxed bottlenecks led to an overall increase in competitive fitness.
Researchers discovered that GBS interacts with C. albicans, increasing the risk of severe and fatal infections in newborns and making standard treatments less effective. The co-infection can also reduce the effectiveness of existing GBS treatments.
A recent study published in Gut journal revealed that Streptococcus anginosus produces methionine metabolites, which significantly contribute to the development of gastric cancer. The research opens new paths for microbiota-targeted prevention strategies.
The study will select the exact phage that is appropriate for each patient's bacteria, and aims to reduce antibiotic use and healthcare costs. Bacteriophages have been shown to be effective against resistant bacteria causing urinary tract infections.
Scientists at Leibniz-HKI discovered an enzyme called BurK that cleaves the toxic molecule malleicyprol in human pathogenic bacteria. This mechanism regulates toxin levels and renders it harmless to humans, offering a potential therapeutic approach for antibiotic-resistant infections.
The ERC Consolidator Grant will support advanced microscopy and spectroscopic analysis to examine bacteria's interaction with light, potentially leading to new imaging technologies. This research may inspire Living Photonic Circuits where organelles control and guide light paths within living cells.
Researchers have created a novel synthetic enzyme that efficiently converts CO2 into formic acid, opening up new possibilities for biotechnological production of valuable chemicals and fuels. The enzyme, FAR, tolerates high concentrations of formate and is stable in both living cells and cell-free systems.
Researchers discovered that a bacterium isolated from Japanese tree frogs has complete tumor-eliminating properties. The study found that this bacterium attacks cancer through two mechanisms, selectively accumulating in tumors and evading the immune system.