Articles tagged with Bacterial Dna
A new study led by Elizabeth Archie found that social interactions directly affect the gut microbiome of wild baboons. Baboons with stronger social bonds have more similar gut bacteria, suggesting physical contact is key to shaping the microbiome.
A new study in baboons reveals that social relationships play a role in shaping an individual's gut microbial makeup. The researchers found that baboons who groomed each other more frequently shared more similar sets of gut microbes, suggesting that physical contact may be a key factor in allowing people to swap gut germs.
Researchers at the University of Exeter discovered that bacteria can evolve a permanent immune response to phages, but also induce a temporary CRISPR response for low-risk conditions. This finding has implications for industrial bacterial cultures and could lead to more efficient and cost-effective methods.
A new method called TFUMseq enables researchers to study the functions of hard-to-grow bacteria that contribute to the gut microbiome. The tool allows for the identification of genes that enhance microbial fitness and provides insights into how bacteria colonize living organisms.
New research analyzed the gut bacteria of queen bees, finding a starkly different microbiome compared to worker bees. The study suggests that modern beekeeping practices may not harm colonies by disrupting the gut microfauna.
Research suggests that African American men with pre-diabetic blood sugar levels have fewer beneficial and more harmful intestinal bacteria. The study found that a specific microbiota is associated with stable, normal blood glucose levels, while a different profile is linked to pre-diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Alberta and University of Manitoba identified a link between infant gut bacteria and future food sensitization. The study found that infants with fewer diverse gut bacteria at three months old were more likely to develop food allergies by one year old.
Johns Hopkins researchers have identified a crucial molecular mechanism underlying the immune response to tuberculosis. By adjusting the levels of a specific molecule called c-di-AMP, they may be able to develop more effective human therapies for TB treatment.
Researchers have discovered that bacteria can acquire genetic information from viruses and other foreign invaders, which is then stored in their own genome as an immune system. The key proteins, Cas1 and Cas2, recognize repeating sequences in the CRISPR loci and target them for spacer insertion.
The study reveals a key role of Cas9 protein in recognizing viral sequences, leading to the destruction of viruses and potentially correcting mutations that cause human disease. The discovery sheds light on the complex process by which bacteria defend against viruses.
Scientists capture first detailed images of ultra-small bacteria, average volume of 0.009 cubic microns, with unique internal structure and metabolism. The discovery sheds light on the role of microbes in climate, food and water supply, and ecosystems.
Researchers have discovered a new role for the Cas9 enzyme in bacterial immune systems, revealing how bacteria form memories of past viral threats. By analyzing the interactions between Cas9 and other enzymes, scientists have gained insight into the mysterious process by which bacteria encode viral DNA in their genomes.
Researchers found that certain bacterial DNA can be passed from mother to child, affecting traits such as immunity and inflammation. This discovery suggests a new factor in understanding how genes influence illness and health.
Researchers are excavating an ancient graveyard in Italy to uncover the history of cholera, hoping to find DNA clues about its evolution. The site contains victims from the 1850s epidemic and provides a thousand-year window into the health of a village.
Researchers found no significant relationship between BMI and gut microbiome types, instead highlighting genetic variation in bacterial strains. Dr. Pollard's team developed a computational shortcut to improve accuracy of microbiome studies.
High school students Anya Dunaif and Nell Kirchberger collected bacteria from NYC subway stations that resisted two common antibiotics. The samples are part of a city-scale environmental DNA sampling effort to profile the microbiome and assess biological threats.
Researchers create first comprehensive map of NYC subway system microbes, finding mostly harmless bacteria, but also detecting disease-causing and treatment-resistant strains. The study provides baseline data for city-wide disease surveillance and bioterrorism threat mitigation.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University identified a novel protein capable of targeting and inhibiting the activity of a protein essential to bacterial cells. This discovery may strengthen efforts to combat antibiotic-resistant infections and presents a potential breakthrough in the fight against superbugs.
Researchers found patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis had greater viral diversity than healthy volunteers, suggesting viruses play a role in the diseases. The study suggests that studying the virome may reveal new insights into obesity and diabetes.
Yale researchers developed a new bio-containment method using genetically modified bacteria that require a synthetic amino acid to activate genes. This approach solves a major obstacle to widespread GMO use, ensuring safer confinement of organisms in the environment.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have found a new type of antibiotic resistance that doesn't rely on genetic mutations. Bacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics without DNA changes by altering their cell wall, making them harder to treat with standard tests.
Researchers analyzed soils from five continents to discover potential antibiotic and anticancer drugs. They identified unique gene clusters in these samples that could lead to new medicines, including ones used to combat tuberculosis and cancer.
Research by Professor Peter Young and his team reveals that bacterial strains are unique, with different genes and capabilities, similar to human individuals having unique genetic makeup. This study sheds light on the importance of understanding bacterial communities and their functioning through metagenomics.
Researchers at Ohio State University have designed DNA origami machines that can perform tasks repeatedly, using natural and synthetic DNA to mimic macroscopic machine design principles. The machines can detect signals, process information, and respond accordingly, opening the door for complex nano-robots in biomedical applications.
The cholera bacterium uses a tiny spear to stab and kill neighboring bacteria, then steals their DNA through horizontal gene transfer. This mechanism allows the bacterium to become more resistant to threats, including antibiotics.
Researchers at UC Davis aim to produce Zmapp, an Ebola cocktail of antibodies, using plant cells grown in bioreactors instead of whole plants. This could enable rapid production and increase capacity for biotech companies.
Researchers are developing new software to visualize molecular machines, revealing their inner workings and structures. The Phenix software uses X-ray diffraction spots to create 3-D images of protein molecules.
A new study found groups of genes linked to imbalanced gut microbes in patients with IBD, offering a step toward developing targeted treatments. The research also confirmed the impact of antibiotics on gut microbiome imbalance, highlighting the complex interplay between genetics and environment.
Researchers found that pubic hairs harbor distinct microbial communities, which can distinguish between males, females, and individual people. These findings suggest that microbial 'signatures' from pubic hairs could be used as a new way to link offenders to victims in sexual assault cases.
A new study reveals that oil-dwelling bacteria have exchanged genes for eons, challenging the 'burial and isolation' scenario. The research found extensive gene flow across environments, suggesting the bacteria have long migrated to and colonized oil reservoirs.
A new theory suggests that eukaryotic cells arose from external bacterial infections, where blebs trapped mitochondria-like bacteria, leading to the formation of complex cell structures. This alternative view challenges the current theory and offers a radical rethinking of how complex life came to be.
A study published in Science highlights the importance of nutritional immunity in fighting infectious diseases. The research reveals that humans have developed a defense mechanism to starve bacteria by hiding circulating iron, but pathogens have adapted to steal this resource.
Vultures have developed a tough digestive system to destroy most bacteria ingested, but also appear tolerant of deadly species that flourish in their lower intestine. This adaptation may confer dietary benefits, highlighting the importance of the avian microbiome in evolution.
Researchers at MIT have engineered E. coli bacteria to store long-term analog memory through a 'genomic tape recorder' system. This stable, erasable memory can be used in various applications such as environmental monitoring and biological computing.
New findings suggest that microbiome studies may have prematurely proposed links to disease due to laboratory contamination. The study found that DNA extraction kits, chemical reagents, and environmental contaminants can introduce bacteria into samples, affecting results.
Researchers mapped ETEC bacteria's genetic composition to reveal its spread and identify potential vaccine targets. The study suggests a single bacterium has divided worldwide, leading to the development of a globally beneficial vaccine.
Researchers found E. coli can survive repeated DNA breaks by using emergency repair mechanisms and overlapping DNA replication, enabling it to thrive indefinitely.
Researchers used test tube experiments to measure growth rates and DNA mutations of 8 different Pseudomonas bacteria species. They found that populations within the same strain evolved in parallel despite genetic differences.
Researchers develop a novel antibiotic technique that uses the CRISPR enzyme to target specific DNA sequences in drug-resistant microbes, while leaving harmless bacteria intact. This approach shows promise in reducing the risk of secondary infections and preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers discover six unique states of pneumococcus bacteria, which can help develop tailored vaccines. The study found that each state has distinct DNA methylation patterns and alters gene expression, virulence, and disease severity.
Researchers found that using sweat-eating bacteria to metabolize ammonia improved skin condition and appearance in human volunteers. The study showed significant improvements, especially when the levels of AOB on the skin were high, suggesting potential modulation of the skin microbiota.
Carnegie Mellon researchers show viral DNA transforms from solid to fluid-like state at infection temperature, facilitating infection. This phase transition could be a promising new target for antiviral therapies, which may avoid drug resistance.
Researchers identify how bacteria prioritize instructions and create a 'shredder' enzyme that destroys old messages. By targeting this enzyme with antibiotics, deadly bacterial infections may be killed, providing new hope for treating human illnesses.
A recent study found that healthy individuals carry an average of five types of viruses on their bodies, with some individuals harboring up to 15 viruses. The researchers discovered seven families of viruses, including strains of herpes viruses not associated with sexually transmitted infections.
Research reveals that 57 Panamanian tree species have distinct bacterial communities on their leaves, with some bacteria linked to nitrogen fixing and methane consumption. The study provides a comparable understanding of the host attributes that explain patterns of microbial diversity in the plant microbiome.
Researchers discovered bacteria can develop antibiotic resistance through hidden genetic changes, using complex environmental gradients to promote rapid evolution. The findings reveal a diverse arsenal of genetic 'weapons' bacteria can employ to fight antibiotics, making them more versatile and difficult to defeat.
Researchers found that phages can force cholera bacteria to give up their virulence in order to survive, making them less fit to cause infection. This discovery suggests a new strategy for treating or preventing cholera using phage therapy.
Scientists have discovered that the bacterial immune system can distinguish between harmful and helpful viruses by watching for a specific transcription cue. This adaptation allows bacteria to harness viral genes for their own benefit, offering new insights into the complex relationships between microbes and viruses.
Researchers discovered a biochemical communication system behind 'stuck fermentation,' enabling bacteria to switch yeast from sugar to other food sources without altering its DNA. Winemakers can now avoid stuck fermentations by altering sulfur dioxide levels or adding yeast strains that overpower bacteria.
Researchers analyzed samples from seven families over six weeks to understand how people influence the microbial communities in their homes. The study found that hands were the most likely to have similar microbes, while noses showed more individual variation.
Researchers have better understood how bacteria can protect itself from harm, using X-ray crystallography to visualize the molecular machinery known as Cascade. The unique ladder-like structure allows RNA to scan DNA more efficiently than a double-helix structure, enabling faster recognition and destruction of viral invaders.
A new study suggests that early antibiotic exposure disrupts the gut microbiome, permanently altering metabolism in mice. Researchers found that mice exposed to low-dose penicillin during pregnancy or nursing were more susceptible to obesity and metabolic abnormalities than those exposed later in life.
Researchers using supercomputers at TACC analyzed bacterial communities for gum disease, diabetes, and Crohn's disease. They found that these microbes adjust their metabolism in response to disease, suggesting new ways to prevent or reverse the conditions.
Researchers at UCL used mathematical modeling to find that life's Last Universal Common Ancestor (LUCA) had a 'leaky' membrane, enabling it to harness energy from its surroundings. This discovery answers two big questions in biology: how cells harvest energy and why bacteria and archaea have different cell membranes.
A study published in PNAS reveals that premature infants' gut microbiota assemble in a predetermined order, with the pace of assembly slowing down as gestational age increases. The research found that environmental factors influenced the pace but not the order of bacterial colonization.
Researchers at Duke University have successfully used CRISPR gene-editing to target and destroy two HPV genes responsible for cervical cancer cell growth. By hijacking the bacterial defense system, they were able to selectively kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells intact.
Researchers developed a powerful new tool to identify genetic changes in disease-causing bacteria that drive antibiotic resistance. The technique, called genome-wide association study (GWAS), has the potential to inform control and treatment strategies for diseases like pneumonia and meningitis.
Scientists at Montana State University have developed a detailed blueprint of a bacterial surveillance complex that detects and destroys viruses. The discovery could lead to new innovations in medicine, biotechnology, and agriculture, as CRISPR-associated machines are being repurposed for precision DNA editing.
A study found that HIV infection alters the relationship between semen bacteria and immune factors, affecting viral load. Semen bacterial diversity was reduced in infected men, but restored after treatment.
Biologists at SDSU have found a novel virus, crAssphage, that infects Bacteroidetes bacteria and is widespread in human populations. The discovery suggests a potential link between the virus and obesity-related diseases.