Articles tagged with Bacterial Dna
Researchers model primordial ribosomes using modern structures, showing how new structures were added to the surface without altering the core. The study reveals the universal biology of translation, with distinct fingerprints in ribosomes across species.
A WUSTL scientist has developed a drug delivery system that exploits bacterial siderophores to target specific pathogens, potentially reviving abandoned antibiotics and making it harder for bacteria to develop resistance. The system uses tiny Trojan horses linked to siderophore molecules to smuggle antibiotics into bacterial cells.
A new study refines a test for tracing food-borne illnesses to their source, providing clearer guidance on interpreting DNA sequence changes. The findings suggest that isolates with certain variations in bacterial DNA can be linked together, helping investigators pinpoint outbreaks more accurately.
A new method using SlipChip technology allows researchers to target and grow specific, previously uncultured microbes from the human gut. By isolating individual bacterial species, scientists can better understand their roles in human health and potentially identify beneficial or harmful microbes.
A new computational method has uncovered closely related, previously indistinguishable bacteria living in different parts of the human mouth. The study provides high taxonomic resolution of bacterial communities, revealing distinct bacteria in saliva, tongue, gums, plaque, and tonsils with unique properties.
Scientists applied a new oligotyping technique to analyze the human oral microbiome, identifying over 300 oligotypes and discovering closely related species with distinct habitat distributions. This approach provides deep insight into the microbial communities in health and disease.
Despite vast genomic data, researchers from the University of Southern Denmark found that DNA sequencing alone cannot distinguish between pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria. The team suggests that proteins provide more valuable knowledge than DNA in understanding bacterial behavior and disease-causing properties. This raises questi...
A study published in mBio found that fecal transplants partially restored a diverse community of healthy gut bacteria to recipients, reducing the amount of infectious Proteobacteria and increasing Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes bacteria. The transplants also improved metabolic pathways, including those involved in stress response.
Researchers discovered that subseafloor microbes have adapted to live in harsh conditions by increasing expression of DNA repair genes and cellular stress response mechanisms. This adaptation allows them to survive in environments with high pressure and nutrient scarcity, enabling them to play an important role in global elemental cycles.
Research reveals distinct differences in gut microbiota between young children with and without type 1 diabetes. The study, published in Diabetologia, found that diabetic children have an imbalanced gut microbiome, while healthy controls exhibit a balanced balance of beneficial bacteria.
Researchers at Duke University have identified a key protein that drives DNA copying in plasmids responsible for antibiotic resistance in staphylococcus bacteria. By understanding how this protein works, scientists may develop new ways to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant plasmids.
Researchers at the University of Utah found that multiple silent mutations greatly impact protein translation, with some causing a five-fold decrease in speed. The study also reveals that codon context matters, altering translation efficiency by up to 30-fold.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have discovered a naturally occurring microbe that inhibits the devastating fungus known as rice blast, inducing a defense response in rice plants. The beneficial soil microbe, Pseudomonas chlororaphis EA105, reduces fungal growth by 76% and lesion size.
Researchers identified differences in pneumococcal genome that explain why vaccines don't protect children with sickle cell disease from infections. The study's findings will aid efforts to improve vaccine effectiveness and inform research into new protection methods.
A team of researchers found that a significant portion of life uses different vocabularies where the same word means different things in different organisms. This challenges the long-held assumption of a universal genetic code, with up to 10% of bacteria possessing codon reassignments.
Researchers found that most genes from soil bacteria are not poised to contribute to antibiotic resistance in infectious bacteria. The study suggests that sharing of these genes between species is rare, and gene sharing may be driven by exposure to new antibiotics.
Researchers have analyzed fossilized feces from 1,500-year-old coprolites to determine the bacterial and fungal populations present in two extinct cultures. The study found distinct differences between the fecal communities of these cultures, providing evidence that they may have had different origins.
A new study found that breastfeeding promotes the development of beneficial bacteria in babies' guts, which may help prevent obesity, allergies, and other diseases later in life. The study, led by Professor Kim F. Michaelsen, examined gut microbiota in 330 Danish children over three years.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute engineered a bacterium to replicate unnatural DNA bases, which could lead to breakthroughs in medicine, nanotechnology, and protein therapeutics. The unique organism can contain three pairs of DNA bases instead of the traditional two, providing new possibilities for genetic coding.
Researchers found viruses force bacteria to burn sulfur reserves, releasing energy for viral replication. The study reveals a new microbial interaction in deep-sea environments, hinting that viruses act as agents of evolution in chemosynthetic systems.
Scientists have found that bacteria can undergo two distinct types of recombination, which enables them to evade vaccines and become drug-resistant. The study, published in PLoS Genetics, used DNA sequencing data to reconstruct an evolutionary tree for pneumococcus bacteria.
Scientists found viruses that infect bacterial cells in deep-sea environments, forcing them to burn sulfur reserves and release energy. The viral genes are similar to those used by the infected bacteria, suggesting a genetic exchange that helps the viruses propagate.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens demonstrates that an antimicrobial peptide produced by human immune cells can promote mutations in bacteria that make them more lethal. Researchers found that a specific immune system cell called polymorphonucleocytes can trigger bacterial conversion to a more resistant form.
The study analyzed 224 strains of Yersinia family members, revealing parallel independent evolution of pathogenicity in species like Yersinia pestis and enterocolitica. The researchers found that acquisition of specific genes and loss of metabolic functions are key traits for pathogenic species.
Bacteria have been found to possess a surprisingly flexible immune system that can recognize and neutralize viruses and other foreign DNA invaders. This adaptive immunity, termed CRISPR-Cas, allows bacteria to store genetic memories of past infections and respond quickly to future exposures.
A study published at The Wistar Institute Cancer Center found that bacterial virulence proteins can suppress DNA repair proteins in epithelial cells, leading to genetic mutations that favor tumor development. This research opens the possibility of modifying colon cancer risk by altering gut bacteria populations.
A global study reveals that E. coli clone ST131 originated from a single ancestor prior to 2000 and has spread rapidly due to genetic exchange with other bacteria. The research provides insights into the development of effective screening and vaccination strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
Novel proteins in gonorrhea bacteria may offer a way to attack the survival and spread of the disease. These proteins are essential for growth and survival, making them a promising target for vaccine development or new drug treatments.
An international team of academics has identified a single bacteria as the cause of sepsis through genetic evidence. The study found that in most cases, a single pneumococcal cell was responsible for causing sepsis.
Researchers found that even with large doses of bacteria, sepsis often starts with just one bacterium. The immune system efficiently clears most bacteria, but sometimes a single founder bacterium survives and multiplies to cause disease. Macrophages play a key role in this process.
Researchers found that just a handful of genetic mutations give E. coli the capacity to withstand ionizing radiation, making them similar to Deinococcus radiodurans. The study demonstrates active DNA repair mechanisms that allow organisms to resist radiation damage.
The gut microbiota's complex relationships with different microorganisms contribute to both health and disease, according to recent advances in DNA sequencing technology. Non-bacterial microbes like viruses and meiofauna also play a crucial role in shaping the gut ecosystem.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University and MIT have identified a key enzyme necessary for a disease-causing bacterium to survive, which may lead to the development of new antibiotics. The study found that eliminating this enzyme or its manganese-attachment protein prevents the bacterium from causing heart valve disease.
A team of French investigators discovered viruses containing antibiotic resistance genes in a fossilized fecal sample from 14th century Belgium. The findings suggest that the viral community plays a fundamental role in maintaining human health, unchanged over centuries.
Researchers find new type of P. acnes bacterium adapting to grapevines, with evidence suggesting human origin and loss of DNA repair function. The emergence of P. Zappae around 7,000 years ago is linked to human intensive practices in grape domestication.
Researchers have sequenced the genome of Tannerella BU063, a bacterium found in healthy human mouths. The study reveals potential targets for treating gum disease periodontitis and sheds light on the genetic differences between this bacterium and its disease-causing relative.
Berkeley researchers provide detailed picture of Cas9's three-dimensional shape, showing radical change in structure upon binding to guide RNA. This breakthrough enables rational design of new and improved versions of Cas9 enzymes for basic research and genetic engineering.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have developed a non-invasive chemical probe that can detect Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in the body, potentially leading to quicker and more accurate diagnoses. The probe uses the bacteria's propensity to cleave DNA, allowing doctors to pinpoint its location and detect infections sooner.
The study reveals that the internal bacterial diversity of the red postman butterfly is halved during pupal stage and doubles after emergence as an adult. This discovery highlights the importance of the microbiome in insect health and behavior, with potential implications for pest control and understanding the evolution of unique traits.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a novel approach to eliminate specific strains of bacteria using the CRISPR-Cas system. This method has shown promise in lab tests, eliminating targeted bacteria without affecting good bacteria and demonstrating precision in targeting different species.
A team of biologists and architects found that building design influences microbial communities, with variations depending on architectural choices. The study analyzed DNA from over 30,000 types of bacteria, revealing distinct communities in different rooms, such as bathrooms and offices.
Researchers have determined how Cas9, a bacterial enzyme, identifies and degrades foreign DNA during viral infections and induces site-specific genetic changes. The presence of short DNA sequences known as PAM is critical to the ability of Cas9 to target and cleave DNA sequences.
Researchers at Florida State University have made groundbreaking findings on a bacteriophage that infects nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The study reveals novel details about the virus's DNA and physical structure, shedding light on how it invades and impacts bacteria.
Scientists at MIT discovered that marine cyanobacteria continually produce and release extracellular vesicles, which serve as food parcels for other organisms. The vesicles contain DNA, likely facilitating gene transfer among similar bacteria and potentially acting as decoys to deflect viruses.
Researchers found that HrpA is essential for Lyme disease transmission and tick survival, enabling the bacterium to regulate its RNA and survive in mammalian hosts. The discovery provides significant insights into the complex life cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi and potential targets for future treatments.
A new study reveals that deep sandstone formations, crucial for hydrocarbon extraction and carbon sequestration, host a low-diversity microbial community dominated by Halomonas sulfidaeris-like bacteria. These microbes have evolved strategies to cope with extreme conditions and can recycle scarce nutrients to meet their metabolic needs.
Scientists have discovered 'superbugs' carrying multidrug-resistant bacteria in treated wastewater from two plants in northern China. The study reveals the microbes breed and spread their dangerous cargo, highlighting a significant public health risk.
Researchers discovered a temporary tube-shaped structure in the phiX174 virus to deliver its DNA during infection. The tube attaches to host cell membranes and contains amino acids ideal for DNA transfer. This finding may be crucial for efficient genome translocation.
A University of Iowa researcher studied the evolution of dihydrofolate reductase enzyme from bacteria to humans. Key findings include the preservation of protein dynamics and catalysis across millions of years of evolution.
Researchers followed the evolution of E. coli bacteria in the presence of macrophages, observing the rapid emergence of pathogenic traits. The study reveals that the movement of small DNA fragments drives bacterial adaptation to evade immune defenses.
A new study found that decreased bacterial diversity in the gut is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The research, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, suggests that a reduced variety of gut microbiota may contribute to the development of CRC.
A large epidemiological study discovered a clear association between gut bacteria and colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer patients had fewer beneficial bacteria and more harmful bacteria than healthy individuals.
Researchers have developed a novel DNA engineering technique to discover potentially valuable functions hidden within bacterial genomes. By reprogramming gene expression, they were able to increase the production of previously unknown compounds with useful biomedical applications.
Tel Aviv University researchers have discovered a protein that kills bacteria, potentially offering a new antibiotic substitute. The protein, produced by a virus that attacks bacteria, impedes cell division in E. coli and causes cells to elongate and die.
Researchers from Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research have discovered a new dual-RNA guided enzyme Cas9 that enhances the potential of exploiting bacterial immune systems for genome engineering. The CRISPR-Cas system has been shown to be faster, more precise and cheaper than existing technologies.
Researchers discovered that S. aureus converts neutrophil extracellular traps into a toxic molecule, dAdo, which kills macrophages and allows the bacteria to avoid immune destruction. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms behind S. aureus infections and offers potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers discovered bacteria can take up small fragments of damaged DNA, including ancient DNA, and integrate it into their genome. This process, called Anachronistic Evolution, has significant implications for the spread of antibiotic resistance in hospitals.
Researchers have identified a novel toxin produced by bacteria that can inhibit bacterial growth by blocking DNA replication machinery, providing new therapeutic avenues for developing next-generation antibiotics.
Researchers found that Prevotella copri was more abundant in patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis than healthy individuals or those with chronic, treated rheumatoid arthritis. The study suggests a possible link between the growth of this intestinal bacteria and the onset of autoimmune attacks on the joints.
Researchers found that partial degradation of a DNA replication protein is necessary for the survival of Caulobacter crescentus. The energy-dependent protease ClpXP generates specific-sized fragments required for normal growth and DNA repair, challenging previous assumptions about protein digestion in bacteria.