Articles tagged with Bacterial Dna
Researchers couple bacterial life with theophylline production, which breaks down caffeine slowly in plants. The goal is to create coffee plants low in caffeine using these engineered bacteria.
A genetically modified bacterium, Lactococcus, has been engineered to produce a therapeutic protein that protects the epithelium and heals intestinal tissues. The bacteria shows great promise in treating both acute and chronic intestinal inflammation, including Crohn's disease.
Researchers analyzed and compared the genomes of 30 microorganisms, finding that two ancient prokaryotes combined their genomes to form the first eukaryote. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary pathways of life, suggesting a 'ring of life' where eukaryotes originated from bacterial and extreme-microbe ancestors.
Researchers discovered that streptokinase, an enzyme produced by Streptococcus, enables its infection in humans while showing minimal activity against other mammals. The study creates a transgenic mouse model for studying human-specific microbes.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have developed a method to generate potentially hundreds of aminocoumarin variants, which are inhibitors of bacterial type II topoisomerases. The approach uses bacterial enzymes to add different chemical moieties to the coumermycin A1 backbone, resulting in compounds with tailored properties.
A computer simulation by Rice University scientists suggests that the ability to evolve can itself be favored through natural selection. This idea challenges traditional views and provides insights into the evolution of drug resistance in bacteria, immune system cells, and higher-order organisms.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown microbial community in Mayan ruins that breaks down limestone from the inside out. The dominant Actinobacteria population on the interior surfaces degrades the stone as it grows, challenging conventional disinfection methods.
The cytolethal distending toxin, a bacterial toxin that causes diseases such as typhoid fever and diarrhea, damages human DNA by creating lesions and breaks that prevent cells from dividing. This discovery provides a visual blueprint for understanding the toxin's mechanism and could lead to new drug targets to prevent cancer.
A new study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has identified a strain of E. coli as the cause of diarrhea in young children. The research, which used genetic technology, found that nearly 10% of children treated for gastroenteritis tested positive for enteroaggregative E. coli.
A recent study has revealed that bacteria do indeed inhabit the esophagus, with researchers discovering over 95 species of microbes in healthy tissue. The findings have significant implications for treating diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and may one day lead to new treatments using antibiotics.
Neutrophils can produce NETs, a net-like structure that binds, disarms, and kills bacteria. This novel defense mechanism was discovered by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology.
A research team at the University of Michigan and the University of Texas describes how a resourceful bacterium developed an entirely new way to make disulfide bonds. This breakthrough could have significant implications for disease states like Alzheimer's and cystic fibrosis, as well as biotech applications.
A UCSD study found that inactivated probiotics can effectively alleviate colitis in mice, suggesting a new approach to IBD treatment. The study also identified the innate immune system as a key player in the beneficial effects of probiotics.
Researchers have found that bacterial DNA from probiotics can reduce inflammation in mice with experimental colitis. The study discovered that purified probiotic DNA activates a specific element within the innate immune system, which helps to slow down inflammation.
Researchers identified 31 novel polypeptide families that inhibit Staphylococcus aureus growth when expressed in bacteria. They used phage genomics to screen for small molecule inhibitors and found several compounds that inhibited bacterial growth and DNA synthesis.
Scientists discovered bacteria in deep drill holes on Earth, suggesting similar conditions exist on Mars. The findings imply that microorganisms can thrive in extreme environments, increasing the chances of life existing beyond our planet.
A newly discovered bacterium, Polaromonas naphthalenivorans strain CJ2, has been found to break down naphthalene and other toxins in coal tar contamination. The discovery was made using a new technique called stable isotopic probing (SIP), which allowed researchers to identify the microbe's DNA signature.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison uncover a potent toxin reveals new antibiotic resistance mechanism, where bacteria deploy a protein to intercept and inactivate the toxin. This mechanism points to the fact that bacteria continue to find new routes to evade antibiotics, threatening the fight against deadly bacteria.
The US Army has awarded a $1 million grant to Virginia Tech researcher Thomas J. Inzana to develop a vaccine and diagnostic test for tularemia, also known as 'rabbit fever'. The goal is to create an effective vaccine that can stimulate the production of proteins that stimulate T-cells of the cellular immune system.
Researchers have discovered an organelle in a prokaryotic bacterium that is identical to the acidocalcisome found in eukaryotes. The finding suggests a targeted approach to killing disease-causing organisms and challenges the origin of eukaryotic organelles.
Researchers at UC Berkeley created a microbial factory that can produce artemisinin, an effective antimalarial drug, using yeast, wormwood, and bacterial genes. The process reduces the production of artemisinin to just a few chemical alterations, making it cost-effective for global use.
Research finds that mutant bacteria respond differently to stress than previously thought, with stresses alleviating deleterious mutation effects. The study challenges the long-held assumption that stress always harms an organism's ability to tolerate mutations.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that listeriosis cases are more likely to occur in clusters, which can help identify the source of contamination. This new understanding has the potential to prevent outbreaks and save lives.
Researchers have discovered a complex system of communication in bacteria, known as quorum sensing, which allows them to sense the size of their colony and produce toxins. This system has significant potential for rapid pathogen sensing and novel antibiotic strategies.
Researchers discovered TB bacteria use an error-prone DNA polymerase, DnaE2, to introduce mutations and increase drug resistance. The enzyme plays a key role in the emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.
Researchers developed a method using bacteriophages to deliver vaccine components, offering advantages over traditional naked DNA vaccines. The technique has significant production and storage benefits, making it an attractive solution for addressing sudden vaccine demands.
Researchers have identified 48 genes involved in tuberculosis latency, revealing a genetic program that contributes to the bacteria's persistence. The study also highlights the delicate balance between latency and virulence, with reactivation triggered by changes in oxygen levels and nitric oxide levels.
Scientists have created a completely autonomous organism that uses 21 amino acids, enabling site-specific incorporation of novel amino acids into proteins. This breakthrough expands the genetic code's capabilities and paves the way for innovative medical research and protein modification technologies.
Researchers found that Deinococcus radiodurans' DNA is packed tightly into a ring, preventing breakage and allowing it to withstand extreme stresses. The microbe's unique ring-like DNA structure enables it to repair damaged DNA and survive in harsh environments.
Researchers from UCSB and OSU have identified SAR 11 bacterioplankton, comprising up to 50% of the surface microbial community, using fluorescence in situ hybridization. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding the role of microbes in natural systems and their impact on the ocean's ecosystem.
Researchers create first binary enzyme using only two nucleotides, A and U, to demonstrate Darwinian evolution in a genetic system. This breakthrough supports the theory that early life on earth may have been restricted to two bases.
Winning students in Texas created groundbreaking projects that address pressing issues like HIV destruction, urinalysis technology, and eco-friendly transportation. Their innovative solutions have the potential to save lives and improve healthcare outcomes.
Researchers develop technology to characterize unknown bacteria, helping astronauts stay healthy in space. The system predicts bacteria's source and identifies potential infection risks.
A new study published in PNAS found that the stomach-dwelling H. pylori bacterium has been present in humans for at least 11,000 years, with genetic variations consistent with Asian migration to the New World. The research provides strong evidence supporting the theory that migrating Asians introduced the bacteria to South America.
Researchers tested clay to treat harmful algal blooms (HABs), removing 80-90% of toxins in laboratory experiments. The study also found Pfiestera piscicida, a bacterium affecting fish, may be widespread in oceans and sea bass.
A novel gene therapy technique developed by Stanford researchers allows for the integration of large genes into human chromosomes, enabling continuous production of proteins. This technique has the potential to treat a variety of diseases, including Duchenne's muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis.
Scientists have found tiny bugs living inside mealybugs, which could aid in pest control efforts. The discovery also reveals a complex relationship between the insects and their bacteria, potentially leading to new methods of species identification.
Researchers have found that COPD patients' immune systems are unable to prevent recurrent bacterial infections due to constantly changing bacterial populations in their lungs. The study's findings may lead to the development of vaccines that can keep pace with these changes, providing new treatment options for patients.
The DuPont team developed the BAX system, which detects harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella in just five hours, reducing reporting time by one to two days.
The consortium aims to reveal secrets of the Archaea domain, a grouping thought to include organisms with ancient evolutionary lineages. Researchers will study the structure and function of genes and proteins in this domain.
A new device produced high-energy electron beams to break down harmful organic molecules and kill bacteria such as anthrax, providing a more affordable alternative to existing technology. The Coupled Multiplier Accelerator (CMA) has been licensed for commercial use to treat contaminated water and food.
Researchers at Cornell University and Argonne National Laboratory have solved the structure of a key bacterial quorum-sensing protein, which could lead to new treatments for biofilm-related diseases. The discovery may also enable the design of targeted therapies to prevent harmful bacteria from forming biofilms.
A new counting method allows for the detection of semi-viable bacteria in cheese, which are active but no longer divide. This method is useful for following the ripening of cheese and yoghurt, as well as developing probiotic dairy products.
Researchers found that treating latent tuberculosis infections in non-U.S.-born residents may help decrease active disease cases. A new treatment regimen with shorter duration and fewer doses could improve compliance, but targeting only US-born populations is insufficient to solve the problem.
Rockefeller University scientists have discovered how transcription begins in bacteria, a crucial step for developing new antibiotics. The structure of the RNA polymerase holoenzyme reveals a novel protein-protein interaction that regulates transcription initiation.
A new DNA-based technology detects bacteria in water and food in just one to three hours, outperforming current methods. The system uses unique 'fingerprints' from bacterial DNA sequences to identify strains, enabling accurate comparison and protection against terrorist contamination.
A synthetic form of bacterial DNA has been shown to reduce the harmful effects of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in mice while enhancing the immune system. The study's findings suggest that IBD patients may be able to take an oral form of this compound once a week to prevent flare-up periods typical of the disease.
Researchers are working on developing new treatments for bioterrorism and drug resistance, including the use of bacteriophages to target specific bacteria. Understanding how microbes create biofilms is also crucial in preventing chronic infections.
A team of microbiologists has found that the bacterium Geobacter metallireducens can locate and home in on its metal food source using a built-in sensor. The bacteria can also grow flagella to swim towards the metal, allowing it to thrive in environments where other microorganisms cannot.
Researchers have identified genes unique to group A Streptococcus bacteria that cause acute rheumatic fever, a leading cause of childhood heart disease. The study also reveals that genetic material from different strains can be swapped, enabling the spread of the disease.
A study of German subjects found periodontal disease bacteria in carotid artery samples, supporting the 'infectious burden' hypothesis that oral infection plays a role in atherogenesis. The study also identified multiple types of bacteria, suggesting a complex relationship between gum disease and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have learned how bacteriophage T4 uses a needle-like device to infect its host E. coli, potentially leading to new antibiotic tools. The baseplate portion of the virus tail is essential in this process and could help create 'designer viruses' with improved infectivity.
The study reveals how the T4 virus binds to host cells, punctures the cell wall, and injects its genetic blueprint into the cell. The research provides detailed information on the virus structure and mechanisms used by one virus often resemble those of other viruses, including those that infect humans.
Researchers used DNA arrays to understand macrophage responses, revealing that specific bacterial components can activate the immune system. This knowledge will help design therapeutics with fewer side effects and improve disease treatment.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed nanocircles that can shut down specific genes in living bacteria, paving the way for potential use in genetic therapy. The study demonstrates that nanocircles can act as a Trojan horse to target and inhibit disease-causing genes.
Cornell students developed a web-based software and database to track bacterial strain characteristics and visualize molecular subtypes, allowing researchers to quickly analyze outbreaks and epidemics. The new tool reduces manual comparisons from days to minutes, aiding scientists in tracking virulent bacteria.
Researchers studied coral outbreaks off the island of Curacao, finding high concentrations of metals and human pathogens near major oil refineries. The team suggests that environmental stresses caused by pollution may be weakening corals' resistance to bacterial infection.
Researchers discovered gene silencing can interrupt tumor formation in crown gall disease, producing over a 90% reduction in gall formation among genetically engineered plants. The technique has potential applications for disease-resistant rootstocks and non-transgenic crops.
A powerful molecular motor enables the virus to pack its DNA under high pressure, compacting it nearly 6,000 times its normal volume. The motor generates an enormous force of 57-60 picoNewtons, enough to lift six aircraft carriers.
Researchers have found that certain types of iron are naturally good at fixing nitrogen from the air, a process essential for life on Earth. This discovery could lead to more efficient and eco-friendly fertilizers, reducing the industry's environmental impact.