Articles tagged with Bacterial Dna
A University of Texas at Austin chemist has received a $1.6 million grant to develop a simple, paper-based test for detecting drug-resistant tuberculosis. The goal is to create a real-time test that can be used in resource-poor communities without refrigeration.
Scientists have solved the structure of a key region in Ler, a protein linked to E.coli virulence. This breakthrough could lead to alternative treatments and minimize antibiotic resistance.
A comprehensive study of premature infants found that they harbor fewer diverse microbes than full-term infants, with harder-to-treat Candida fungus and harmful bacteria prevalent. The research highlights the importance of balance in the infant's gut microbiome and suggests that probiotic substances may be beneficial.
A new study reveals four distinct configurations of the SBP8a bacteriophage, showing its ability to penetrate anthrax cells and control DNA flow. The discovery provides an initial blueprint for modifying the phage into a detection tool for anthrax and other bioterror agents.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered a brand new tick-borne infection, Neoehrlichia mikurensis, which causes Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in people with impaired immune systems. The infection has been reported in eight cases worldwide, three in the Gothenburg area.
A research team has sequenced the genome of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato to understand how it evades plant defenses and develop methods to prevent further spread. The study found that the pathogen likely evolved on a recent time scale and continues to adapt by minimizing its recognition, posing a threat to biosecurity.
Researchers discovered a bacterium that targets and kills specific pathogens, making it a potential living antibiotic. This 'vampire' bacteria can survive only by drawing nutrients from prey bacteria, killing them in the process.
A new genomic approach developed by Cornell University scientists enables precise identification of food-borne bacteria, facilitating the detection of outbreaks and their sources. This breakthrough method has the potential to uncover smaller outbreaks that may have gone unnoticed previously.
Scientists have identified a specific genetic variation in Staph bacteria that increases its ability to form bonds with fibronectin, leading to infections in implanted cardiac devices. This discovery has implications for preventing biofilm-related infections and could lead to new protocols for assessing risk.
Researchers at Imperial College London have successfully created logic gates using harmless gut bacteria and DNA, paving the way for biological computing devices. The new biological logic gates can be connected to form more complex components, potentially leading to applications in sensors, cancer detection, and pollution monitoring.
Researchers used DNA to identify microbes consuming methane, ethane, and propane after the oil spill. Temperature played a crucial role in bacterial growth and response to the spill.
A new compound has been developed to treat C diff infections, showing promise in killing and preventing the bacterium. The compound, MGB BP-3, is more effective than vancomycin in treating C diff and offers a potential solution for life-threatening infections.
A breakthrough allows scientists to assemble virtually complete genomes from DNA extracted from a single bacterial cell. This opens the door to sequencing bacteria that cannot be cultured in the lab, including those living on the planet's surface and within human bodies.
Researchers at Uppsala University have identified a rare, previously unknown group of bacteria that could be the origin of mitochondria. The study suggests that these bacteria evolved from ocean- and earth-dwelling bacteria with larger genomes, explaining their success in global carbon cycles.
Researchers deciphered the sparse genome of segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB), a key player in regulating the immune system of mice. The study suggests SFB is genetically distinct from other bacterial genomes, with a unique role in promoting immune responses that protect against infection but also spur inflammation.
Researchers developed a genetically modified Mycobacterium smegmatis vaccine that induces strong immune response in mice, protecting them from TB infection. The vaccine effectively lowers TB bacteria levels by 1,000 times compared to the current BCG vaccine.
Researchers have developed a gene for an improved bacterial enzyme that targets tumour cells while leaving healthy tissue unscathed. This therapy uses Clostridium sporogenes to deliver anti-cancer drugs directly to the site of solid tumours.
Researchers found an association between long-term dietary patterns and the bacteria of the human gut, leading to two distinct enterotypes. These enterotypes were strongly associated with diets rich in meat and fat versus plant material.
A new CU-Boulder study has found that dog feces may be a significant source of airborne bacteria in urban areas, particularly during the winter months. The research suggests that the dominant source of airborne bacteria in Cleveland and Detroit's wintertime air is actually from dog fecal material.
Researchers found diverse bacterial communities in infant saliva associated with early childhood caries, supporting the need for proper oral hygiene practices and dietary habits from birth. The study identifies minimizing fermentable sugars and wiping gums without teeth as crucial preventive measures.
A new study found that marine microbes form communities based on shared genes, rather than species identity, leading to high diversity within each community despite similarities in core functions.
A new strain of bacteria infecting humans with ehrlichiosis has been found in Wisconsin and Minnesota, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The discovery highlights the importance of testing for tick-borne diseases in these states.
Researchers developed a portable nano detector that can identify anthrax in 15 minutes, detecting as few as 40 microscopic cells. The device uses PCR to amplify target DNA and integrates sample preparation, making it more convenient than existing systems.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed new technologies that combine a laser and electric fields to manipulate fluids and tiny particles, enabling innovative sensors and analytical devices. The method can be used for medical diagnostics, testing food and water, crime-scene forensics, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Scientists use a novel technique to analyze virus-bacterium associations in living organisms, revealing one-to-one correspondence and potential ancient infections. The study opens new avenues for understanding coevolution between viruses and their hosts.
Researchers discovered a bacterial species in Australian Tammar wallaby gut that keeps methane emissions low, suggesting a potential new strategy to reduce livestock methane. The bacteria produce succinate as a main end product of fermentation, unlike methane-producing microbes.
A new strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been discovered in both human and dairy cow populations. The genetic makeup of the new strain differs from previous strains, making current molecular tests ineffective in detecting it.
Bacteria can evade the immune system by mimicking human proteins, allowing them to resist antibiotics. This 'molecular mimicry' helps explain the resurgence of highly infectious pathogens.
The Ontario Genomics Institute has awarded fellowships to seven Ontario students to conduct original research projects in various fields of genomics. The fellows will gain a deeper understanding of the impact of genomics on human and animal health, agriculture, and sustainable energy.
Scientists at the University of Alberta discovered the first step in a bacterial immune response, where RNA is cut into pieces to target invading viruses. This finding has implications for controlling bacterial growth and fighting human infections.
Researchers found PCR testing for Borrelia burgdorferi DNA in joint fluid confirms diagnosis but is not a reliable indicator of active joint infection. Patients with persistent arthritis require more intensive antibiotic and DMARD therapy.
Researchers found that DNA from Helicobacter pylori significantly ameliorates colitis severity in mice, reducing inflammation and bleeding. The study suggests that carrying H. pylori may be beneficial for those with colitis.
Scientists deciphered a community of soil microbes that enables a patch of soil to suppress a plant-killing pathogen. The researchers found 17 unique types of bacteria working together to reduce the incidence of fungal infection.
Researchers have discovered a novel strategy by which antibiotic-resistant bacteria change their genetic make-up to evade multiple antibiotics. The study provides a clear chemical picture of a clever mechanism for antibiotic resistance that some bacteria have evolved, enabling the design of new compounds to combat superbugs.
A Swiss-US team found a new strain of leprosy bacteria in the Southern United States, transmitted through direct contact with armadillos. The study confirms inter-species contamination and highlights the importance of education and prudence to prevent further infection.
The study classifies gut microbiota into three distinct groups: Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Ruminococcus. This classification is associated with variations in nutrient uptake and medicine efficiency. The research also reveals connections between the gut type and BMI, obesity, and vitamin production.
A comprehensive study of British soil biodiversity has been conducted, mapping bacterial distributions for the first time. The research found that acidic soils are dominated by few taxa, while bacterial diversity is strongly related to soil pH.
A nationwide study found nearly half of US meat and poultry samples contaminated with drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria can cause serious illnesses like pneumonia, endocarditis, and sepsis, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive inspection program.
Biochemist Yingfu Li and his research team have developed a universal test that can quickly identify any bacteria, reducing the time for detection from days to hours. This breakthrough could help safeguard the health of Canadians and supply industry with a reliable means to bring safe food products to consumers.
A recent study reveals that antibiotic resistance genes can quickly spread between different types of bacteria using conjugative plasmids. The research found that these plasmids can adapt to various bacterial species and even combine with other plasmids, increasing the potential for gene transfer.
Scientists have successfully mutated specific genes of Chlamydia bacteria using a new approach called Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes (TILLING). This breakthrough could lead to better understanding of the infections and develop new strategies to prevent and control them.
The study found NDM-1-positive bacteria in drinking-water samples and seepage samples from urban New Delhi, highlighting the need for global action to limit the worldwide spread of NDM-1 producing bacteria. The gene was also detected in pathogenic species like Shigella boydii and Vibrio cholerae.
A Cardiff University-led team discovered antibiotic-resistant bacteria carrying the NDM-1 gene in New Delhi's drinking water supply, including strains that cause cholera and dysentery. The findings highlight the need for urgent action to tackle the spread of resistant bacteria worldwide.
A collaborative study between UH and Michigan State University reveals that bacteria evolving quickly can outcompete those that initially grow faster but then become extinct. Understanding these evolutionary dynamics may help design roadblocks to antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at WashU Medicine successfully grew and manipulated human intestinal microbes, identifying new probiotics and exploring microbe transplants as a treatment for obesity and diseases. The study provides a pipeline for manipulating diverse microbial communities from people of different ages and cultures.
A new study has identified the reason behind the variability in gene transfer among bacteria, revealing that genes involved in core cellular functions are less likely to be acquired. The study found that well-connected genes, which interact with many partners, are less likely to be transferred into a new host.
Swedish scientists reveal that pollutants from Indian factories are breeding resistance genes in river bacteria, posing a global risk for untreatable diseases. The study's novel DNA sequencing approach may also aid future hospital research.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool identified a particularly virulent strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, known as the 'superbug', that causes aggressive infections in cystic fibrosis patients. The team used new DNA sequencing technology to understand how the bacteria adapts to infect patients and develop targeted treatments.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered the first evidence of a human DNA fragment in a bacterial genome, specifically Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This finding offers insight into the bacterium's ability to adapt to its human host and could lead to new strains of the disease.
A new study has identified the precise steps in the molecular evolution of Streptococcus pneumoniae, a major threat to global health. The research reveals that the bacterium's genetic makeup has undergone significant changes, with a likely birthplace in Europe and widespread spread across the globe.
Researchers sequenced 240 samples to understand how S. pneumoniae bacteria evolves and adapts genetically in response to human interventions, revealing patterns of adaptation and spread of a drug-resistant lineage. The study suggests that knowing the enemy better could improve infection control measures.
Researchers sequenced and reconstructed most microbes in premature newborn's gut, documenting changes over time. They aim to understand the causes of necrotizing enterocolitis by studying the colonization process under normal circumstances.
A deficiency in Toll-like receptor 2 leads to changes in gut bacteria resembling those of lean animals, suggesting a new way to manage weight and intestinal problems. This discovery builds on previous research demonstrating the protective effect of TLR2 deficiency against obesity.
Bacteria, specifically Enterobacter hormaechei, found in excised atherosclerotic plaque tissue of patient who suffered a heart attack. The data suggest that chronic infection may underlie the process of atherosclerosis.
A study published in Journal of Medical Microbiology found that low-temperature plasma was effective in killing drug-resistant bacteria causing wound infections, and increased the rate of wound healing. Plasma therapy may offer a promising method to treat chronic wound infections where other approaches fail.
Scientists have analyzed the evolution of CRISPR bacterial immune systems in human saliva over time, revealing unique and traceable defenses against viruses. The study's findings suggest that the development of resistance to viruses occurs frequently, even daily, and could lead to more personalized oral health care.
Scientists discovered a network of repair proteins in bacteria that enables prioritized repair of heavily used DNA regions. The study found similarities between bacterial and human DNA repair systems, shedding light on how cells maintain their genetic instructions.
The study reveals that the bacteria causing the current Haitian cholera epidemic originated in South Asia, supporting the notion of transmission from an infected individual. The strain was found to be more virulent than average, with a higher potential for severe diarrhea and increased mortality rates.
A bacterium isolated from Mono Lake has been found to use arsenic as a building block for its growth and survival. The new finding has significant implications for the origins of life research and could redefine our understanding of what constitutes life.
Researchers found a strain of bacteria that can grow and produce life using arsenic in place of phosphorus. The discovery suggests that arsenic is being incorporated into the bacterial cells, replacing phosphorus in DNA, RNA, and proteins.