How life first got moving: nature’s motor from billions of years ago
Scientists have created a comprehensive picture of bacterial stator evolution, revealing how these ancient proteins propelled bacteria 3.5-4 billion years ago.
Bacteria
Articles tagged with Bacteria
Evolving antibiotic resistance under pressure
Researchers used an experimental evolution approach to map genetic mutations in A. baumannii treated with tigecycline and colistin, confirming and extending existing knowledge on major mechanisms of resistance. The study's findings aim to develop genomics-based predictions of drug resistance and susceptibility.
SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2025
OU biochemists lead global hunt for new antibiotics
Researchers are searching for cellular vulnerabilities in 'superbugs' like E. coli and P. aeruginosa to find new, effective therapeutics. The $5.3 million project aims to develop new ways to deliver lifesaving drugs directly into resistant pathogens.
Two small changes, that may transform agriculture
A breakthrough study from Aarhus University identified two amino acid changes that allow plants to switch off their immune system and form symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This discovery could lead to breeding crops like wheat, barley, and maize that can fix nitrogen themselves, reducing the need for artificial fertilizer.
Smart hydrogel mimics skin repair to accelerate diabetic wound healing
Researchers developed a composite hydrogel that integrates antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and regenerative functions to promote faster wound closure. The hydrogel demonstrated over 98% antibacterial efficacy and improved fibroblast and endothelial cell growth.
SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2025
A high-performance biocatalytic platform for green hydrocarbon production
Researchers developed a highly efficient cell-free enzyme system that achieves remarkable increases in catalytic performance, reduces cofactor consumption, and produces high yields of 1-alkenes. The system overcomes challenges of whole-cell biocatalysts by mimicking the biological reaction environment.
Five science-backed ways to make cheese production greener
A literature review of cheese fermentation and ripening identified five underused, evidence-based measures to improve efficiency and sustainability in cheese production. By exploiting whey and encapsulating lactic acid bacteria, dairies can reduce waste and optimize production processes.
New research uncovers how bad bacteria know where to cluster and cause infection
Researchers at California NanoSystems Institute discover how Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses mechanical sensing to detect and bind to sugar trails, forming deadly biofilms that are resistant to antibiotics. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for cystic fibrosis patients and other biofilm-related infections.
New antibiotic for drug-resistant bacteria found hiding in plain sight
Researchers have discovered a promising new antibiotic, pre-methylenomycin C lactone, which is over 100 times more active than the current antibiotic methylenomycin A. This finding provides hope in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which affects millions of people worldwide.
SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2025
Lighting up life: Rice scientists develop glowing sensors to track cellular changes as they happen
Researchers at Rice University have engineered living cells to use a 21st amino acid that illuminates protein changes in real time, providing a new perspective on the inner workings of life. This breakthrough addresses a long-standing challenge in biology by allowing scientists to track subtle protein changes within living systems.
Study: Dangerous E. coli strain blocks gut’s defense mechanism to spread infection
A new study reveals that a specific E. coli strain can block the gut's defense mechanism by injecting a protein called NleL, allowing it to spread more easily. This discovery could lead to new treatments that target how bacteria cause disease.
Does floral scent affect insect visitors and bacterial strains on flowers?
Researchers found high floral scent chemodiversity attracts a wider variety of pollinators but reduces bacterial richness on flowers. The discovery supports the 'Filthy Pollinator Hypothesis', which proposes that diverse scents prevent detrimental microbial colonization.
Surprising bacteria discovery links Hawaiʻi’s groundwater to the ocean
Researchers at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa identified Caulobacter inopinatus, a previously unknown species found in seawater collected near Oʻahu's south shore. The discovery highlights the connection between land and sea ecosystems through microbial exchanges.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2025
Conversion of IgG antibodies to IgM broadens antibacterial activity
Researchers at UMC Utrecht discovered that converting monoclonal antibodies from IgG to IgM isotype can significantly broaden their ability to recognize and bind multiple human-relevant bacterial pathogens. This finding could guide the future design of antibody therapies against bacterial infections.
SourceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2025
University of Houston scientists learn that rare bacterium ‘plays dead’ to survive
Researchers at the University of Houston discovered that T. phoenicis can enter dormancy to evade detection, highlighting the resilience of spacecraft-associated microbes and raising concerns about planetary protection. The findings may lead to better detection methods and more effective sterilization strategies in various industries.
Little-known strep bacteria behind growing number of severe infections
A new study reveals rising rates of invasive SDSE infections across Australia, particularly among older Australians and those from remote regions. The research highlights disparities in health outcomes between regions and populations, emphasizing the need for improved surveillance and prevention strategies.
SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2025
Two-drug combination shows promise in helping heal chronic wounds
Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered a new treatment approach using a two-drug combination that is 10,000 times more effective than single-drug antibiotics in killing bacterial cells in lab tests. This promising method could help shorten treatment time and reduce toxicity in patients with chronic wound infections.
SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2025
Capturing 100 years of antibiotic resistance evolution
Researchers have identified a minority of plasmids as the primary cause of multidrug resistance in bacteria, evolving to gain resistance through selective pressure from antibiotics. The study developed a model for plasmid evolution, highlighting pathways and predicting future outbreaks.
Successful development of multifunctional liquid metal nanocomposites for cancer photoimmunotherapy
The research team developed multifunctional nanocomposites that demonstrate excellent tumor-targeting capability through the EPR effect. Irradiation with near-infrared laser light achieved multidimensional therapeutic effects, including complete elimination of transplanted mouse cancers within 5 days.
SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalAdvanced Composites and Hybrid Materials·DateSep 25, 2025
Yeast in gut microbiome can worsen salmonella infection
A yeast commonly found in the gut, Candida albicans, can make salmonella infections worse by binding to bacteria and triggering a chain reaction that allows it to invade cells. Removing Candida's ability to create arginine, an amino acid involved in protein synthesis, also reduces salmonella's ability to infect.
Research breakthrough offers hope for new colorectal cancer treatments
Researchers have discovered how Fusobacterium nucleatum binds to human cell receptors CEACAM1 and CEACAM5, which are frequently overexpressed on many types of cancer cells. This binding mechanism is crucial for developing novel antitumor therapies.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2025
Oral microbes linked to increased risk of pancreatic cancer
Researchers identified 27 species of bacteria and fungi that collectively increase the risk of pancreatic cancer by 3.5 times. The study analyzed saliva samples from 122,000 healthy individuals and found that boosting the mouth's microbiome may protect against cancer.
SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2025
Ocean warming puts vital marine microbe Prochlorococcus at risk
Prochlorococcus, a cyanobacteria and photosynthesizing organism, is threatened by ocean warming. The microbe's optimal temperature range is between 66 and 86 degrees, but rising temperatures may lead to reduced productivity and impact the marine food web.
Researchers quantify rate of essential evolutionary process in the ocean
A team of scientists has estimated that an average cell line acquires and retains roughly 13 percent of its genes every million years through lateral gene transfer. This process enables microbes to adapt to new environments and access essential nutrients. The study provides the first quantitative analysis of gene transfer rates across ...
SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalThe ISME Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 5, 2025
Game-changing biotech for engineering pathogen-resistant crops
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science identified ancient protein SCORE to help plants defend against various pathogens. By engineering synthetic SCORE variants, plants can be made resistant to multiple pathogen types.
Heme-based sulfide sensing in bacteria: a new target for antibiotics
Researchers discover how heme bound proteins catalyze hydrogen sulfide signaling in bacteria, leading to stress tolerance and antibiotic resistance. Disrupting this mechanism could inspire new antibiotic strategies against drug-resistant infections.
Nature Microbiology | Unlocking how bacteria bounce back after antibiotics
Researchers have discovered that prolonged stress in Escherichia coli bacteria leads to the formation of aggresomes, which store mRNA and enhance survival and recovery from stress. This breakthrough highlights a new target for disrupting the protective mechanism, potentially reducing the risk of infection relapse.
Tiny ocean partnership between algae and bacteria reveals secrets of evolution
Researchers studied a microscopic alliance between algae and cyanobacteria to understand how bacteria lose genes and adapt to increasing host dependence. The study found that the level of integration between the symbionts affects genome size, gene content, and metabolic pathways.
New Reichman University study: bacteria survive dust storms and introduce new genetic traits into our air
A new study reveals bacteria can survive inside dust particles transported through desert storms, carrying new genes that may affect human health. The research team identified a beneficial bacterium from the Bacillus subtilis family, which could enhance applications in agriculture, construction, and medicine.
SourceReichman University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2025
New bacterium discovered in the Amazon is closely related to Andean species that causes human bartonellosis
A new species of bacteria of the genus Bartonella has been found in the Amazon National Park, Brazil. The DNA is similar to that of two other Andean species, B. bacilliformis and B. ancashensis, which cause Carrión's disease. No evidence suggests this new species can cause disease, but further studies are needed.
Bacterial memory could be the missing key to beating life threatening pathogens
Researchers discovered that single bacterial cells carry a 'memory' of their past environments, passing it down through generations. This finding could explain why antibiotics and vaccines sometimes fail and may point to more precise treatments.
Probiotics for preterm babies lowered antibiotic resistant bacteria in gut, new study shows
A new study found that probiotics significantly reduced the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and multidrug-resistant bacteria in the infant gut, while also promoting a more typical gut microbiome. This breakthrough has major implications for the global AMR crisis, particularly for preterm infants.
Archaea can kill bacteria with new antibacterials
Researchers identified peptidoglycan hydrolases in archaea that kill bacteria, highlighting the importance of surveying diverse microbes to discover new antimicrobials. These proteins were found in 5% of surveyed archaeal species and show promise as novel antibacterial compounds.
Two-dose therapy for S. aureus bloodstream infections on par with standard treatment
A National Institutes of Health (NIH)-supported clinical trial found that two intravenous doses of the antibiotic dalbavancin seven days apart are as good as daily IV doses of conventional antibiotics over four to six weeks for treating complicated Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections. The study results provide clear evidence f...
Bee and frog proteins: nature’s double defense against farm superbugs
Researchers have discovered that combining antimicrobial peptides from bees and frogs can prevent bacteria from mutating quickly, making them a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics. This finding could lead to safer disease control in livestock and agricultural settings.
Portable spectroscopy enables detection of vaginal microbes
Researchers use surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to analyze vaginal fluid biochemical fingerprints, detecting specific bacterial species like Lactobacillus iners. The portable device produces comparable results to high-end lab equipment, suggesting its potential for point-of-care monitoring.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalBiophotonics Discovery·DateAug 12, 2025
Seventy-year-old Parkinson’s drug shows promise against tuberculosis
A new study reveals benztropine, a Parkinson's treatment, can boost the body's natural immune response to combat tuberculosis (TB) bacteria. The research found that benztropine can dramatically reduce TB bacterial counts in experiments with human and mouse immune cells.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·Journalnpj Antimicrobials and Resistance·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2025
Rice bioscientist wins NSF CAREER Award to investigate bacterial toxins, expand inclusion in STEM
Marcos de Moraes will study the molecular mechanisms and evolutionary roles of bacterial deaminase toxins, which can alter genetic material. He aims to develop tools for genome engineering and biotechnology while creating a lab environment accessible to students with disabilities.
Challenging over 150 years of cancer immunotherapy: AUN bacteria herald an immune-independent breakthrough
Researchers have discovered a novel microbial consortium called AUN that produces exceptional tumor eradication in both murine and human cancer models. The therapy exhibits high biocompatibility and minimal side effects, offering a long-awaited solution for immunocompromised patients.
SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateAug 5, 2025
Small protein, big impact: Insights into how bacteria stabilize a key outer membrane complex
Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology reveal the essential role of LptM in maturing and stabilizing the LptDE complex, a key component of Gram-negative bacteria's outer membrane. This finding provides fundamental insights that may support antibiotic design and advances understanding of bacterial virulence.
SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2025
Researchers develop bacterial cellulose-based dressing for advanced burn wound care
A new bacterial cellulose-based hemostatic dressing enables rapid and sustained bleeding control, accelerating wound healing through a triple synergistic mechanism. The material demonstrates excellent biocompatibility and overall safety in comprehensive biosafety evaluations.
SourceShenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2025
Immune ‘bouncers’ protect the brain from infection
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered that mast cells stand guard at tiny gates through which fluid waste leaves the brain, mounting a response when a pathogen is detected to close the gates and prevent invaders from entering. Enhanced mast cell activity before an infection reduced bacterial load.
Gut microbes: How many molecules influence our body?
Researchers at ETH Zurich and Stanford University quantified the number of molecules produced by gut bacteria that reach the human body daily. This knowledge helps understand how the gut microbiome influences health and behavior.
Why some strep infections turn deadly: A genetic clue
Japanese scientists have identified a novel genetic mutation in Streptococcus pyogenes associated with severe invasive infections. The mutation weakens bacterial growth in human blood and has been found unique to Japanese isolates, indicating a new pathogenic mechanism.
How bacteria use a protein associated with Alzheimer’s to fight off threats
A recent study found that bacteria employ amyloids, a key driver of Alzheimer's disease, as a molecular suit of armor against predatory bacteria. By understanding this mechanism, scientists may develop new strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant microbes and potentially even neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
New insights could help phages defeat antibiotic resistant bacteria
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.
Can a compound produced by deep-sea bacteria treat cancer?
Researchers discovered a compound, EPS3.9, produced by deep-sea bacteria that triggers pyroptosis to inhibit tumor growth and exhibit potent anti-cancer effects. The study highlights the importance of exploring marine microbial resources for developing new drugs.
Newly discovered ‘sixth sense’ links gut microbes to the brain in real time
Researchers at Duke University School of Medicine have identified a new system linking the microbiome to the brain, which influences behavior and appetite. The discovery was made by detecting flagellin in gut bacteria, triggering an appetite-suppressing signal to the brain.
Exploring the dynamic partnership between FtsZ and ZapA protein
The study reveals that four units of ZapA protein form an asymmetric ladder-like structure with FtsZ protofilaments, impacting the alignment of the Z-ring. The interaction between ZapA and FtsZ is dynamic, with cooperative binding and structural alterations, enabling the maintenance of FtsZ mobility.
Bacteriostatic activity and mechanism of minerals containing rubidium
Research finds MCR has bacteriostatic activity against bacteria, primarily through adhesion, disrupting cell walls and membranes, and altering permeability.
SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalScience of Traditional Chinese Medicine·DateJul 21, 2025
How tumor microbes shape cancer: New insights into microbial diversity in the tumor microenvironment
The study reveals diverse microbial profiles within different tumor types, with notable diversity in species composition and spatial localization. Functional effects of intratumoral microbiota on the tumor microenvironment range from immunostimulatory to protumor.
Korea University study proposes first toxicity-based exposure limits proposed for indoor airborne fungi
A new Korea University study provides the first species-specific health risk estimates for indoor airborne microbes based on animal toxicity data. The research determines that exposure to fungi may be unsafe even at levels below current guidelines, while bacteria are within existing regulatory limits.
SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2025
Researchers explore ways to better safeguard romaine supply
A new study by Cornell University researchers suggests that a combination of efforts, including postharvest techniques and proper cold storage temperatures, can minimize the risk of human health from E. coli outbreaks in romaine lettuce. The study found that contaminated irrigation water is a significant contributor to contamination.
Gut microbes key to understanding how exercise boosts cancer immunity
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh shows exercise improves cancer outcomes and enhances response to immunotherapy in mice by reshaping the gut microbiome. The research found that a specific compound called formate, produced by gut bacteria in exercised mice, was associated with better outcomes in patients with melanoma.
Scientists uncover ‘superfamily’ of bacterial predator proteins
Scientists identified a unique protein in bacteria that can trap parts of the membrane, causing damage to other bacteria. This discovery reveals a new 'superfamily' of lipid-trapping proteins, which could have implications for antibacterial development and synthetic biology.
Study advances understanding of immune system’s crucial role in phage therapy
Researchers found that immunocompromised animals respond better to phage therapy due to depleted alveolar macrophages, which initially seemed to hinder its efficacy. The study highlights the importance of the immune system in phage therapy and may inform personalized treatment strategies.
A building material that lives and stores carbon
Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a living material that can absorb CO2 from the air through photosynthesis and store it in a stable mineral form. The material, made with cyanobacteria, can be shaped using 3D printing and requires sunlight, water, and nutrients to grow.
SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 20, 2025
Tracking microbial rhythms reveals new target for treating metabolic diseases
Researchers used time-restricted feeding to restore microbial rhythms in mice fed a high-fat diet, identifying bile salt hydrolase as a key enzyme protecting metabolic health. Engineered gut bacteria showed improved glucose control and reduced body fat in mice, suggesting potential targeted therapies for obesity and diabetes.
Scientists solve 30-year micronutrient mystery, opening door to new medical research
Researchers have discovered the gene SLC35F2, which allows queuosine to enter cells, a micronutrient vital for health but previously unknown. This breakthrough opens doors to potential therapies for various diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders.
SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2025
Possible anti-aging compounds found in blood bacteria
Researchers found three molecules produced by a bacterium in blood that reduced damage and inflammation in human skin cells. The findings, published in the Journal of Natural Products, suggest these compounds are promising candidates for future treatments to counteract skin aging.