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Deciphering potent DNA toxin's secrets

A team of Vanderbilt University researchers has worked out the molecular details of Yatakemycin (YTM), a potent bacterial toxin that prevents DNA replication. The study reveals how YTM stabilizes DNA, making it resistant to repair mechanisms, and could be used to fine-tune its antimicrobial properties.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 2, 2017

Identified the component that allows a lethal bacteria to spread resistance to antibiotics

Researchers at IRB Barcelona have identified histidine as a crucial component in the machinery that enables Staphylococcus aureus bacteria to acquire and spread antibiotic resistance. This discovery could lead to the development of molecules to prevent the spread of resistant strains, offering new hope in tackling hospital infections.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2017

Scientists seek to engineer chatter among cells

Researchers at Rice University and the University of Houston are developing mathematical models to understand how cells in large colonies of bacteria communicate with each other. Their goal is to design colonies that can perform computations and make sophisticated decisions, mimicking the ability of tissues to maintain homeostasis.

Bacteria found in Alzheimer's brains

Researchers have discovered increased bacterial populations and specific bacteria differences in Alzheimer's brains compared to healthy brains. The findings suggest that bacterial infection and inflammation could play a role in the disease.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateJul 17, 2017

Bringing bacteria's defense into focus

Researchers at Cornell University and Harvard Medical School have observed the bacterial defense mechanism against invaders, revealing how CRISPR sites store molecular memories of invaders. The study provides structural data to improve CRISPR operations' efficiency and accuracy.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell·DateJul 10, 2017

Solving a sweet problem for renewable biofuels and chemicals

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new approach to convert biomass into renewable biofuels and chemicals, using the trial-and-error power of evolution. By harnessing this power, they were able to coax bacteria to better ferment sugars derived from biomass, leading to a 50% increase in product yield.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2017

Bringing CRISPR into focus

Researchers describe for the first time the exact chain of events as the CRISPR complex loads target DNA and prepares it for cutting by the Cas3 enzyme. The study reveals a molecular redundancy that prevents unintended genomic damage, providing insights into ways to improve CRISPR-Cas systems for precision gene editing.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateJun 29, 2017

E. coli bacteria's defense secret revealed

E. coli bacteria defend themselves against toxins by forming dynamic tunnels through their cell wall, allowing them to expel intruders. This mechanism may also contribute to antibiotic resistance, prompting researchers to explore new strategies for combating resistant bacteria.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2017

Microbial fuel cell converts methane to electricity

Researchers have created a bacteria-powered fuel cell that can convert methane into small amounts of electricity near the wellheads, reducing long-distance transport and leakage. The process uses a consortium of bacteria that produces electricity by capturing methane and producing acetate, electrons, and an energy enzyme.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 17, 2017

'Unicorn' shipworm could reveal clues about human medicine and bacterial infections

Researchers have discovered a giant shipworm, Kuphus polythalamia, with a unique symbiotic relationship between bacteria and the animal, which converts sulfur gas into nutrients. This finding may provide insights into how humans can adapt to tolerate beneficial bacteria and how these bacteria cause infections.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 25, 2017

Gut bacteria give newborns infection protection, not just digestion, mouse study shows

A mouse study reveals that Clostridia bacteria provide key protection against infection, in addition to aiding digestion. Newborn mice lack these beneficial bacteria, making them more vulnerable to pathogens. The findings suggest that the introduction of protective bacteria may hold promise for preventing gut infections in human newborns.

Chaining up diarrhea pathogens

Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered that vaccine-induced IgA antibodies 'enchain' bacteria in the intestine, forming clumps that prevent disease and genetic exchange of resistant genes. This approach could lead to a new strategy for intestinal infections, including farm animal vaccination and potential human applications.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateApr 18, 2017

Microbes measure ecological restoration success

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a new method to monitor soil microbes, which could boost the success of ecological restoration projects. By analyzing the DNA of bacteria in soil samples, scientists found that native plant revegetation can restore a natural state to cleared land just eight years after implementa...

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMar 14, 2017

New paper published in Phytobiomes may lead to novel methods of Rhizoctonia solani control

Researchers identified a novel biological aspect of Rhizoctonia solani, where bacteria persistently associate with the fungus during growth on solid media. This association affects the biology of the fungal host and its interactions with plants, raising prospects for developing alternative disease management strategies.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateFeb 23, 2017

Rice U. study probes microbe, virus co-evolution

A Rice University study models the dynamic evolution of the microbial immune system, revealing a three-region phase diagram where phages thrive or are driven to extinction. The study explains confusing CRISPR experimental results by highlighting the importance of encounter rates and mutation parameters.

SourceRice University·JournalInterface·DateFeb 21, 2017

USU researchers develop genetic tool to improve arsenic studies

Researchers at Utah State University have developed a genetic tool that makes it easier to identify bacteria responsible for releasing toxic forms of arsenic in groundwater. The new primer allows for more accurate detection of arsenate-reducing microorganisms, which can help reduce the prevalence of arsenic contamination worldwide.

SourceUtah State University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateFeb 10, 2017

Antibiotics can boost bacterial reproduction

Researchers at the University of Exeter found that antibiotics can boost bacterial reproduction in E.coli, leading to increased resistance and faster mutation rates. The study discovered that mutated bacteria reproduced faster than before encountering antibiotics and formed populations three times larger due to mutations.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 30, 2017