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Time in a bottle: Scientists watch evolution unfold

A Michigan State University experiment has watched the emergence of natural selection over 40,000 generations, providing insights into genome evolution and adaptation. The study's findings have implications for biotechnology and cancer research, revealing complex relationships between genetic mutations and environmental pressures.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature·DateOct 18, 2009

McMaster researchers discover a new antibacterial lead

Researchers at McMaster University have identified a novel chemical compound that targets drug-resistant bacteria, offering a promising solution to combat resistant infections. The discovery provides a new approach to tackle antibiotic resistance by blocking a specific step in the development of bacterial cell surfaces.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 27, 2009

Gut ecology in transplant patients

Researchers found that gut bacteria of transplant patients with an ileostomy opening were dominated by facultative anaerobes, while those without an ileostomy had strictly anaerobic populations. The study suggests the gut can have two stable bacterial ecosystems, one tolerant to oxygen and another not.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2009

Microbes and their hosts -- exploring the complexity of symbiosis in DNA and cell biology

This special issue of DNA and Cell Biology delves into the complexities of symbiosis, revealing how microorganisms adapt to changing environments and host responses. The issue highlights various studies on bacterial interactions with their hosts, exploring mechanisms of adaptation and functional plasticity in constrained mutualisms.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDNA and Cell Biology·DateJul 28, 2009

Genetically engineered bacteria compute the route

Researchers created 'bacterial computers' that can solve complex mathematical problems, such as the Hamiltonian Path Problem and Burnt Pancake Problem. The innovation uses synthetic biology techniques to enable living cells to perform calculations, opening up new applications for biology and mathematics.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Biological Engineering·DateJul 23, 2009

Reveal the enemy

Researchers have developed a novel biosensor using carbon nanotubes and aptamers to detect Salmonella typhi bacteria at concentrations as low as one bacterium in 5 mL. The technique enables fast, simple, and precise detection of micro-organisms.

SourceWiley·DateJul 20, 2009

The tiny difference in the genes of bacteria

Researchers developed a new diagnostic method using tandem repeats in bacterial genomes to distinguish between pathogens like Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. This technique can identify hundreds of bacteria strains quickly and accurately, helping track disease outbreaks and inform preventive measures.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJun 30, 2009

Scripps research scientists find key culprits in lupus

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified three proteins called Toll-like receptors as necessary for the autodestruction that occurs in autoimmune diseases like lupus. The study suggests that these TLRs may be good targets for therapy, potentially leading to new treatments for lupus and other autoimmune diseases.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2009

K-State engineers create DNA sensors that could identify cancer using material only one atom thick

Researchers at Kansas State University have created a graphene-based DNA sensor that can detect cancer cells in blood, leveraging the unique properties of this single-atom thick carbon material. This technology has the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and treatment, offering a new frontier in materials science and biology.

SourceKansas State University·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 13, 2009

MRSA study suggests strategy shift needed to develop effective therapeutics

Researchers found that USA300 and its forefather USA500 are nearly identical in virulence and have similar levels of virulence gene production. They also discovered that alpha toxin and alpha-type phenol-soluble modulins play a crucial role in determining the severity of community-associated MRSA infection.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2009

Discovery fleshes out metabolism of key environmental and energy bacteria

A team of researchers has discovered a new enzyme in Shewanella that works together to oxidize lactate, a food and energy source for many microbes. The discovery suggests that dozens of bacteria use this multi-protein enzyme instead of the single-protein version, which could help clean up toxic pollutants.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2009

Wonderful cheese is all in the culture

Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a new line of bacteria responsible for the ripening process and flavor of French cheese Reblochon. The reblochoni microbes, part of the Actinomycetes group, outcompete traditional starter cultures to provide flavor.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateJan 6, 2009

Uncultured bacteria found in amniotic fluids of women who experience preterm births

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology found that 60% of bacteria present in women with intra-amniotic inflammations were missed by traditional culture testing. The researchers identified a comprehensive list of microbial species using new DNA methods, including harmful bacteria not previously linked to preterm birth.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateJan 5, 2009

Just a little squeeze lets proteins assess DNA

A team of researchers from the University of Arizona has discovered a new method for protein-DNA interaction, where proteins can identify specific sequences on DNA using indirect readout. This breakthrough has implications for the development of designer drugs and could lead to a better understanding of diseases.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalStructure·DateDec 16, 2008

Properties of unusual virus revealed in research

A team of researchers has discovered how the N4 phage injects its own RNA polymerase into E. coli bacterial cells, enabling it to create new proteins without host help. The unique property allows for potential therapeutic applications in killing E. coli bacteria.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 8, 2008

Bacterial biofilms as fossil makers

A team of scientists found that bacterial biofilms can completely replace embryo cell structure, generating a faithful replica of the embryo. The bacteria consume and replace all cytoplasm in cells, creating a detailed model of the embryo.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 24, 2008

Scientists discover 21st century plague

Researchers found that brown rats in Europe carry several pathogenic species of Bartonella bacteria, including B. elizabethae, which can cause heart disease in humans. The study raises concerns about the existence of other reservoirs and vectors for this emerging infection.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·DateNov 24, 2008

Researchers discover how infectious bacteria can switch species

Scientists have developed a rapid new technique called Rapid Virulence Annotation (RVA) to identify toxins and virulence factors made by bacteria that allow it to infect different types of organisms. This discovery could lead to new vaccines and anti-bacterial drugs, as well as help prevent diseases caused by disease-causing bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2008