Articles tagged with Bacterial Dna
Bacteria have been found to rely on ancient forms of RNA to trigger major changes, resolving a question about the origin of life. This discovery supports the RNA World theory, which suggests that RNA was the first form of life on Earth.
A study of two naturally mummified corpses found remnants of Helicobacter pylori bacteria in gastric tissue from North American mummies. The research suggests that H. pylori infection occurred in native populations around 1350AD in the area now known as Mexico.
Monash University scientists have initiated a clinical trials program for a footrot vaccine using reverse vaccinology to identify potential antigens. The goal is to develop a cross-protective vaccine that could significantly reduce the financial impact of footrot on the Australian wool and livestock industry.
Researchers discovered that chickens are born with healthy intestinal bacteria, challenging conventional wisdom on how birds acquire these microorganisms. The study suggests that administering probiotics in ovo could improve growth and reduce the risk of food-borne illness.
Researchers discovered a diverse community of beneficial bacteria within chicken embryos, suggesting that birds acquire these microbes from their egg environment. This finding could lead to improved poultry production and reduced risk of foodborne illness by administering probiotics in ovo.
Scientists at Harvard University have discovered that bdelloid rotifers can capture and incorporate genetic material from plants, fungi, bacteria, and animals into their genomes. This finding challenges traditional notions of sexual reproduction and may provide insight into the animals' ability to adapt to new environments.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new, cheaper DNA-sequence method that can map disease genes in large patient groups, leading to quicker breakthroughs for new treatments.
Researchers documented the arms race within viral and host genes, showing viruses shuffling DNA to evade RNA silencers. This study sheds light on constant warfare between viruses and microbes, with economic impacts on industries using microbe cultures.
US researchers have created living computers by genetically altering bacteria, solving the burnt pancake problem in a matter of flips. The breakthrough showcases computing in living cells, offering potential advantages over conventional computers, including parallel processing and self-repair mechanisms.
A new study reveals that the ancient protein Rho serves a regulatory function in E. coli, maintaining boundaries between genes and silencing toxic foreign DNA acquired through gene swapping. This finding provides insights into bacterial genome organization and suggests potential applications in antibiotic development.
A team of scientists has solved the mystery of how proteins control bacterial cell division, a crucial process that can be targeted by new antibiotics. By understanding the role of protein MinC, they have identified a potential target for drug development.
Researchers discovered that house dust is home to hundreds of bacterial species, with those from the human gut being prevalent. The study found that indoor environments harbor diverse microbial populations, and seasonal dynamics play a role in their distribution.
Researchers found that antibiotic treatment doesn't eradicate all Lyme disease-causing bacteria, which may contribute to lingering symptoms. The discovery sets the stage for controlled laboratory research investigating potential therapies for persistent Lyme disease infections.
Scientists at Michigan State University have developed a new genetic technique that allows for rapid analysis of E. coli bacteria using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This breakthrough enables the identification of specific bacterial groups and their associated toxins, which can help predict disease outbreaks.
Researchers developed a new test to detect bacterial infections in prosthetic joints, which can help spare patients from unnecessary surgery. The test uses mRNA detection and has shown promising results in clinical trials.
A team of MIT researchers has devised a new method to analyze gene expression in complex microbial populations, providing insights into the role of oceanic bacteria in regulating Earth's natural cycles. The technique has yielded surprising discoveries, including the identification of previously unknown bacterial genes and their functions.
Research found that airborne bacteria are globally distributed and may cause freezing at warmer temperatures, leading to the formation of rain. The bacteria can multiply and form groups on plants, creating a cycle of precipitation that could help reduce drought.
A new study by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago has identified a crucial enzyme for bacterial growth in blood, offering a potential target for antibiotics. The study found that most E. coli bacteria strains cannot grow in human blood if they lack a specific gene involved in nucleotide biosynthesis.
Timothy Lu has engineered bacteriophage to boost antibiotic effectiveness, destroying bacterial defenses and enabling antibiotics to perform better. His platform also thwarts the development of stronger antibiotic resistance, extending the lifetime of existing and future antibiotic drugs.
Scientists at MIT have discovered a new type of antibiotic produced by Rhodococcus bacteria in response to a competing strain. The antibiotic, rhodostreptomycin, shows promise in treating Helicobacter pylori-caused stomach ulcers.
Novel molecular techniques have shed light on the nature of freshwater environments as a bacterial habitat. Researchers can now analyze specific functional capabilities of bacteria, such as their ability to metabolize particular molecules, and understand how microbial populations shift in response to environmental change.
Researchers created a mathematical model of bacterial cell division in Caulobacter crescentus, confirming existing hypotheses and identifying gaps in understanding. The model demonstrates the role of computation in biology and provides a framework for testing predictions and simulating mutant bacteria.
The team led by Maria Schumacher, Ph.D., produced clear 3-D images of the structure resulting from two proteins connecting with a DNA site to 'segregate' DNA during cell division. The solved structure provides fundamental insight into how cells divide with intact DNA.
Scientists have developed a DNA-based therapy that can switch off antibiotic resistance in bacteria by delivering a short stretch of DNA as a decoy. This technology has the potential to slash the development time of new drugs and could give fresh patent life to existing antibiotics.
A recent study by University at Buffalo biologists provides the most complete picture to date of the complex biological mechanisms of bacterial viruses infected with Shiga toxin. The research reveals that toxins like Shiga are used by bacteria to become mobile and can lead to more effective treatments for humans infected with it.
Researchers found that bacteria carrying Shiga toxin have an evolutionary advantage against bacterial predators when co-cultured with Tetrahymena. The Shiga toxin kills Tetrahymena by binding to its surface receptor, and removing this receptor can prevent killing.
A new laser technique uses femtosecond pulses to selectively destroy viruses and bacteria, including those causing AIDS and hospital infections. The treatment is non-toxic to human cells, offering a promising solution for disinfection and disease treatment.
A new DNA method developed at the University of Copenhagen uses hair samples to answer questions about human history, such as why mammoths died out. The technique also holds promise for forensic analysis in crime solving, providing faster results than traditional methods.
Researchers detected BlaKPC gene in Midwestern patients, indicating spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The gene's presence can impact treatment options and contain its spread through isolation.
Researchers have filmed the nanoscale interaction of an enzyme and a DNA strand from an attacking virus in real time. This breakthrough study provides a direct view of the molecular interactions between proteins and DNA, shedding light on fundamental biological processes.
JILA scientists discovered a flaw in the most common DNA elasticity model, leading to errors in measuring short DNA molecules. The finite worm-like chain (FWLC) model improves accuracy by incorporating length effects.
Researchers have found that three major classes of antibiotics work by ramping up harmful free radicals in bacteria, making existing antibiotics less effective. This discovery could lead to new classes of antibiotics and improved methods for treating resistant infections.
Researchers at Boston University have found a previously unknown chain of events in bacteria that opens the door to new avenues of research. The team discovered a common process triggered by all three types of antibiotics, resulting in excessive free radical production that can be amplified or weakened to enhance lethality.
Scientists discover new viruses that target specific types of bacteria, offering an alternative to conventional antibiotic therapy. The approach has potential to combat antibiotic resistance and superbug infections such as MRSA.
A research team has found ancient bacteria with active and living DNA, marking the oldest finding of organisms containing life on Earth. The discovery sheds light on cell aging and regeneration processes.
Researchers discovered that bacteria can sense light using a protein structure called an LOV domain, which is also present in plants. This finding suggests that light may play a crucial role in bacterial life, allowing them to regulate their virulence and potentially leading to new therapeutic targets.
The study provides a complete picture of how anthrax-causing bacteria survive and grow inside immune cells, identifying key genes and enzymes that play crucial roles. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more effective and easily tolerated treatments for anthrax infections.
VIB researchers have discovered that oral intake of allergens via the lactic acid bacterium Lactococcus lactis can treat various autoimmune and allergic disorders. This innovative strategy, patented by VIB, is being developed into biopharmaceutical medicines by ActoGeniX.
A team of researchers has discovered a new bacterium, Candidatus chloracidobacterium thermophilum, in the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park that can transform light into chemical energy. The discovery was made possible by metagenomics, a technique for studying organisms without culturing them.
A new microfluidics device has enabled researchers to analyze a rare bacteria found in the human mouth and sequence over 1,000 genes from an unstudied group of bacteria, known as TM7. This breakthrough technology holds promise for advancing microbial ecology and discovering new species.
Scientists have found a key weakness in the enzyme that helps bacteria swap genes for drug resistance, allowing them to block the spread of antibiotic-resistant microbes. Bisphosphonates, widely prescribed for bone loss, can annihilate antibiotic-resistant bacteria in laboratory cultures.
Recent studies from ACS Chemical Biology reveal new insights into how cells die when chemicals bind to DNA, fast ways to create novel molecules, thyroid hormone regulation, and the regulation of attaching proteins to membranes. The journal provides a platform for exploring cellular function from both chemical and biological perspectives.
A team of researchers from Oregon State University has discovered a unique genetic material acquired through evolution that allows Mycobacterium avium to infect human tissue cells. This 'island' of genetic material enables the bacterium to evade the body's immune response, compromising immunity in patients with lung infections and AIDS.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a method to deliver nanoparticles into cells using bacteria, enabling precise positioning of sensors, drugs, or DNA. This approach overcomes hurdles in delivering cargo to cell interiors, offering potential for gene therapy and disease detection.
A new bacterium, Bartonella rochalimae, has been discovered and isolated from a patient who suffered symptoms similar to malaria or typhoid fever. The bacterium is genetically similar to one spread by body lice in World War I trenches, causing trench fever.
Leonard Nunney's research team will develop a nationwide map of different subspecies of Xylella and an effective monitoring system to catch foreign forms. They aim to understand the genetic basis of host specificity, crucial for preventing further damage to California's grape, peach, and almond industries.
Researchers have developed a computer program called Insignia to identify viruses and bacteria based on their unique DNA signatures. The program uses efficient algorithms to compare known genomes against background genomes, resulting in high accuracy detection of pathogens.
Researchers found hundreds of new species of bacteria that can break down petroleum products, including those surviving without water or oxygen. The bacteria have potential applications for cleaning oil spills, medical treatments, alternative energy, and industrial uses.
Researchers developed a rapid technique to detect Alicyclobacillus in juices, reducing testing time from 5-7 days to hours. The new method combines DNA sequencing and mid-infrared spectroscopy for accurate identification.
A research team from the University of Illinois and the University of Wisconsin aims to discover, engineer and produce promising phosphonate-based antibiotics. The project seeks alternatives to standard antibiotics due to growing concerns about antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers found that a single gene in symbiotic bacteria determines aphid thermal tolerance. The gene's mutation affects heat-shock protein production, leading to reduced reproduction and survival in hot conditions. This discovery highlights the critical role of symbiotic bacteria in insect ecology.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that bacteria can turn genes on or off to control their infectiousness. The proteins NusG and RfaH play a crucial role in this process, with NusG regulating nearly all gene expression in bacteria and RfaH controlling specific sequences of the genome during transcription.
Researchers discovered that a single adenine deletion in a bacterial promoter can lead to reduced heat-shock gene expression in aphids, affecting their tolerance to high temperatures. This mutation appears to confer a selective advantage under cooler conditions, allowing it to be maintained in populations.
Research at University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine found that bacteria from dental plaque can cause ventilator-associated pneumonia. The study identified a strong relationship between oral and respiratory pathogens, suggesting that proper dental care may prevent lung disease.
A NYUCD research team found that Streptoccocus mutans, a bacterium associated with dental caries, has evolved along with its human hosts in Africa between 100,000 and 200,000 years ago. This oral bacterial evidence supports the dispersal of modern Homo sapiens out of Africa to Asia.
Researchers at the Uniformed Services University have discovered that Deinococcus radiodurans protects itself from high doses of ionizing radiation through protein oxidation. This finding points to new avenues for radioprotection, potentially influencing cancer treatment and radioactive waste containment.
Researchers have found the same plasmids responsible for antibiotic resistance in common bacteria also present in the plague bacillus Yersinia pestis, raising concerns about its potential spread. This discovery highlights a significant public health risk as MDR Y. pestis could rapidly evolve and affect human health.
Researchers found that radiation-resistant bacteria like Deinococcus radiodurans are protected from protein damage by a chemical mechanism involving manganese ions. This new model of radiation toxicity highlights the importance of protein protection in bacterial survival, contradicting traditional views that prioritize DNA damage.
Scientists have discovered that anti-fungal drugs can kill the TB bacteria, potentially effective against emerging drug-resistant strains. The study found that chemicals called azoles target a specific enzyme in the TB bacterium, leading to its death.
Researchers at Yale University have identified key virulence genes in A. baumannii bacteria, which cause highly resistant infections in combat troops. The study's findings suggest new targets for antimicrobial drugs and provide insight into the evolution of bacterial virulence.