Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Antibiotics based on a new principle may defeat MRSA

Scientists have discovered a new antibiotic principle that selectively blocks the thioredoxin system in bacterial cells, making certain bacteria vulnerable to inhibition. This mechanism could potentially treat conditions like stomach ulcers, TB, and MRSA, providing a new solution for combating antibiotic-resistant infections.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateDec 18, 2012

Kittens: Their microbiomes are what they eat

A study by University of Illinois researchers found that the gut microbiome composition of growing kittens differs depending on their diet, with high-protein diets linked to lower levels of health-promoting bacteria. Conversely, moderate-protein diets were associated with higher levels of beneficial bacteria, potentially promoting bett...

Rejecting arsentate

Researchers discovered that bacteria in arsenic-rich environments developed a protein, PBP, with extreme selectivity for phosphate over arsenate. The unique bond between the protein and arsenate molecule led to repulsion and prevented its entry into the cell.

Evolution is as complicated as 1-2-3

A team of researchers analyzed 29 genomes from different generations of E. coli bacteria to understand how they evolved to supplement their traditional diet with citrate. They discovered a three-step process: potentiation, actualization, and refinement, which led to the development of new biological functions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateSep 19, 2012

No more sneezing, allergen-free house plants

Researchers have genetically engineered a type of house plant to be long-lived and produce flowers without pollen. The modified plants also exhibit improved growth characteristics, such as increased branching and leaf density. This breakthrough is great news for gardeners who want to enjoy their plants for longer periods.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Plant Biology·DateAug 30, 2012

Microbes help hyenas communicate via scent

Hyenas' scent glands harbor diverse microbial communities that produce unique chemical signatures, enabling clan recognition and social behavior. This symbiotic relationship highlights the importance of microbes in animal behavior, with future studies planned to explore their role further.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 30, 2012

Writing the book in DNA

Researchers encoded George Church's book 'Regenesis' in DNA using novel strategy and next-generation sequencing technology. The team stored 54,898 unique DNA sequences, each with an address to guide reassembly, for a total of 70 billion copies.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateAug 17, 2012

Dietary fiber alters gut bacteria, supports gastrointestinal health

A University of Illinois study found that dietary fiber promotes beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to improved gastrointestinal health. The research suggests that increasing fiber intake can have a positive impact on health, particularly in reducing the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.

The physics of going viral

Researchers at Caltech have developed a method to measure the rate of DNA transfer from viruses to bacteria. They found that the amount of genetic material within the bacterial cells determines how quickly the bacteriophage's DNA is transferred, not the pressure in the virus itself.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 27, 2012

More accurate diagnostic test may reduce deaths

A novel diagnostic test has been developed to accurately detect Group B Streptococcal infection in babies, allowing for quicker treatment and potentially reducing mortality rates. The test detects the presence of a specific gene in the bacteria, which is an important disease-causing factor.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·DateJun 26, 2012

Study on inflammatory bowel disease in First Nations people adds to understanding of disease

A new study on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Canadian First Nations people reveals distinct genetic variations and immune response patterns compared to white populations. The research found lower numbers of genetic variants involved in recognizing bacteria, potentially impacting the disease's progression.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 10, 2012

Adapting personal glucose monitors to detect DNA

Scientists have developed a method to adapt personal glucose monitors for detecting DNA, allowing for rapid testing of viruses and bacteria in human body fluids and food substances. This technology has the potential to improve health and reduce costs, particularly in developing countries or rural areas with limited medical resources.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateFeb 29, 2012

Viruses con bacteria into working for them

Researchers discovered that certain ocean bacteria are tricked into using their own machinery to activate genes carried by viruses. The viruses inject DNA into stressed bacteria, which then support the virus' replication cycle. This co-evolutionary relationship reveals a sophisticated mechanism of gene regulation and exploitation.

UGA scientists 'hijack' bacterial immune system

Researchers have discovered how to harness the bacterial immune system to selectively target and silence genes. This finding has far-reaching implications for biotechnology and biomedical research, allowing for the modification of gene expression in bacteria used for biofuels and pharmaceuticals.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 5, 2012