A recent study by researchers from Ritsumeikan University found that athletes with a history of sprained ankle showed reduced gut bacteria diversity compared to those without such a history. This suggests that musculoskeletal injury may have a negative impact on the gut microbiota, potentially leading to long-term health consequences.
SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalResearch in Sports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2022
Biomedical engineers at Duke University have developed a gene therapy that helps heart muscle cells electrically activate in live mice. The approach features engineered bacterial genes that code for sodium ion channels, which could lead to therapies to treat electrical heart diseases and disorders.
SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2022
Researchers at San Diego State University have discovered a novel way bacteria infect cells by producing long threads, which grows up to 100 times the size of a bacterium in 30 hours. This mechanism allows the bacteria to rapidly infect multiple cells and access more nutrients for growth.
SourceSan Diego State University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2022
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Researchers developed a method called 6mASCOPE that measures DNA tagging system accuracy and distinguishes bacterial from human DNA. The study found high levels of methylation in plant, fly, mouse, and human cells, but mostly attributed to contamination.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022
Beneficial gut microbes transfer genes to acquire vitamin B12, increasing their ability to survive. This process, called bacterial sex, allows them to form a tube that DNA can pass through to another cell, demonstrating the horizontal gene exchange among microbes.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2022
Researchers found that the way a newborn is fed affects its oral bacteria makeup, with exclusively breastfed infants sharing fewer maternal bacteria than those fed formula or a combination of both. This suggests that breast milk may play a role in regulating the mother-derived oral bacterial colonization.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateJan 18, 2022
Gladstone Institutes researchers have pioneered a new method to edit genes in human cells using retrons, which can produce abundant copies of template DNA from inside cells. The optimized system has shown improved efficiency and precision compared to current approaches.
SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJan 5, 2022
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Phages weigh all options and make an informed decision whether to exit the dormant state and attack their bacterial host. The study found that some phage families have developed a complex decision-making strategy, receiving information from neighboring bacteria and controlling communication via arbitrium.
SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 5, 2022
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the human gut microbiome by focusing on bacterial strains rather than species. By using a new computational method, scientists can analyze the strains of bacteria present in a microbiome sample more quickly and affordably.
SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 23, 2021
Researchers developed a new metal-organic framework treatment that effectively eliminates H2O2-secreting bacteria, alleviating pulmonary injury and preventing systemic sepsis. The treatment, nFMs@Amp, uses Fe3+-doped metal organic frameworks loaded with antibiotic ampicillin to target and kill the bacteria.
SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalBiomaterials·DateDec 15, 2021
A recent study uses machine learning to rapidly discover bacterial isolates with antifungal properties, identifying promising new compounds for crop protection. The approach analyzes thousands of microbial genomes at once, allowing researchers to identify novel beneficial microbes and bypass traditional screening tactics.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2021
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Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin investigate the epidemiology and population biology of Enteroccocus faecium, a high-priority pathogen. They found that Irish isolates have evolved independently and are diverse, with a unique genetic transposon element encoding vancomycin resistance.
SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2021
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that certain bacteria from the digestive system can cause damage to pancreatic cells, increasing the risk of malignant tumours. The study suggests that antibiotics could prevent this damage, offering a potential prophylactic intervention.
SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalGut Microbes·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021
Researchers at Cornell University developed a novel method to track microbes and understand their role in processing soil carbon. The study found that different types of bacteria have varying strategies for assimilating carbon, categorized into guilds based on their access to food.
SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 22, 2021
A University of Utah team analyzed woodrat gut bacteria and found that evolutionary history plays the greatest role in shaping microbiome structure. Diet and geography also influenced microbiome composition, but host relatedness was the strongest predictor in both wild and captive populations.
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021
Researchers at USTC found Gp168 protein from bacteriophage Twort inhibits β-clamp function by occupying the DNA sliding channel, revealing a new class of proteins. This discovery provides inspiration for developing new antimicrobial reagents and offers an alternative mechanism for bacteriophages to inhibit bacterial replication.
SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateNov 13, 2021
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Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
Researchers found that bacterial communities in streams adjacent to young secondary forests recover to resemble those of mature forest streams within a decade after cattle is removed from the land. This study provides hope for restoring water quality through passive reforestation, which can be crucial for human health and the environment.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 5, 2021
Researchers at Cornell University used machine learning to predict the spread of antibiotic resistance genes among bacteria, identifying potential networks of exchange and driving factors. The approach could help control the spread of antibiotic resistance and develop new targets for novel antibiotics.
SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 22, 2021
Researchers found that DNA tangles create mutational hotspots in bacterial genomes, influencing evolution. By altering the sequence to prevent hairpin tangles, they can predict how microbes might mutate under selective pressure.
SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
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A new study suggests that a novel treatment involving the administration of an enzyme that degrades neutrophil nets may prevent brain swelling and improve waste clearance in rats with bacterial meningitis. The treatment could be combined with antibiotics if needed.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalAnnals of Neurology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021
Researchers discovered two defence systems in bacteria that work together to protect against modified DNA bacteriophages. BrxU has the potential to be a biotechnological tool for mapping the human epigenome, which alters in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
SourceDurham University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateOct 17, 2021
Researchers developed an integrated framework combining single-cell and metagenomics to characterize microbes. The approach showed higher accuracy and precise binning, revealing more bacterial genera and intra-species diversity.
SourceWaseda University·JournalMicrobiome·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2021
Researchers are sequencing genomes of 700 Bacilli bacteria to enhance CDC's capacity for detecting novel infectious disease agents. The goal is to create a large database of Bacilli to support rapid laboratory methods for detecting emerging biothreats.
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Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
A study examining ancient calculus samples from skeletal remains in South Tyrol and Trentino discovered previously unknown species of microorganisms. The researchers found that the diversity of oral microbiota decreased significantly over a short period of time, likely due to changes in diet and lifestyle.
Researchers found fecal contamination in Montana's Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area, primarily attributed to wildlife and pack animals. Human-associated bacteria were detected at lower levels, but not significantly related to landscape or elevation.
SourceElsevier·JournalWilderness and Environmental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021
Researchers have developed a sophisticated new tool to detect and identify rare and unknown viruses and potentially deadly bacterial pathogens. The algorithm helps isolate DNA sequences shared among related organisms, enabling faster detection and identification of pathogens in clinical or wildlife settings.
SourceMcMaster University·JournalCell Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2021
A study compared four common DNA extraction methods and found that each method produced slightly different results due to varying 'how' factors. Researchers can now make informed decisions about their methods to optimize results.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateSep 9, 2021
Researchers discovered a DNA modification system that coordinates bacterial replication in TB. The DarT/DarG system can be targeted by new antibiotics, offering hope for treating the deadly disease.
SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A study found that palm phytoplasmas in Florida were transmitted by the American palm cixiid bug, originating from Jamaica. The research revealed a network of movement across the Caribbean basin, with distinct groups of insects found in different countries.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytoFrontiers™·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2021
Scientists found that rain-borne microbes can successfully colonize plants' aboveground microbial communities, protecting them from stressors. The study suggests that rain is a potentially important reservoir for phyllosphere bacteria, which could be used to improve plant health.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021
Researchers have developed a new method to sequence and quantify plant endophytic bacterial communities using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The newly designed primer sets effectively avoid plant-DNA contamination and provide good bacterial coverage, making them suitable for various plants.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateAug 30, 2021
Researchers at TUM developed an enzyme-based method to selectively target and remove non-target DNA from skin samples, allowing for a more accurate analysis of the skin microbiome. This approach has shown promise in identifying microbial biomarkers for certain dermatological illnesses and may lead to new treatments.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalMicrobiome·DateAug 10, 2021
MIT researchers have created a new DNA writing technique called HiSCRIBE that can record interactions between cells and store spatial information. This approach offers a way to edit genes in the human microbiome, potentially revolutionizing the field of genome editing.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell Systems·DateAug 5, 2021
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Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers at Rice University are developing novel computational approaches to track environmental microbiome dynamics over time, across species and after perturbations. The team will use biofilm-based 'species abundance networks' on scaffolds to observe how they form their own genome-exchange networks.
The KAUST Metagenomic Analysis Platform (KMAP) enables researchers worldwide to analyze massive microbial data, eliminating the need for advanced bioinformatics skills. KMAP allows scientists to identify proteins and enzymes with potential applications in various industries, such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 29, 2021
Researchers have successfully used nose drops containing genetically modified friendly bacteria to protect against meningitis, showing strong and long-lasting immune responses. The new method, which exploits the natural presence of non-pathogenic Neisseria lactamica in the nose, has potential applications beyond meningitis prevention.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 12, 2021
Researchers from Institut Pasteur and CNRS discover the biosynthesis pathway of 2-aminoadenine, a new base in DNA, using crystallography platform. The discovery increases coding bases in DNA, enabling synthetic genetic biopolymers.
A new study finds that the microbiome of grasses plays a crucial role in their ability to withstand drought. Healthy bacteria in grasses can provide nutrients, protect against pathogens and UV radiation, and help manage drought. However, under severe drought conditions, the bacterial communities become less diverse and more harmful.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 6, 2021
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DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
Scientists at the University of Delaware have made progress on a biological containment strategy using synthetic auxotrophy, keeping a strain of E. coli stable for 100 days. The research also shows promise for treating diseases and cleaning up the environment safely.
SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 6, 2021
New research from the University of Georgia reveals that 60% of cattle fecal samples contain multiple antibiotic-resistant salmonella strains, which can cause severe illness in people. CRISPR-SeroSeq technology identifies molecular signatures in bacteria's DNA, allowing for more sensitive detection of resistant strains.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateJun 30, 2021
Specialized bacteria in the oceans' seafloor have been found to consume and recycle DNA from dead biomass, a process that plays a crucial role in global biogeochemical cycles. The study identified novel DNA-eating bacteria, including the species Izemoplasma acidinucleici, which have sophisticated tools for degrading DNA.
SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 14, 2021
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A study on the gastric bacterium Helicobacter pylori reveals that humans persisted in Siberia during the last ice age and recolonized northern regions. The findings also suggest a single migration of ancient Eurasians into the Americas via the Bering land bridge approximately 12,000 years ago.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2021
Researchers used Helicobacter pylori DNA sequences to reconstruct ancient human migration from Siberia to the Americas. The study found a single migration event approximately 12,000 years ago, with some populations traveling to Siberia and then to the Americas.
SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2021
Researchers have discovered a highly selective phage activation mechanism based on signal molecules in bacterial ecosystems. The study reveals that a specific bacterium produces a signal molecule that triggers the conversion of a latent phage into an active parasite, offering new possibilities for phage therapies and biotechnology.
SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 10, 2021
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Researchers found that just three to six bacterial groups are responsible for the majority of carbon cycling in soils. These dominant species were able to efficiently consume and utilize both existing and added soil carbon and nutrients.
SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2021
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered a mechanism through which 'good' viruses can target and destroy 'bad' bacteria, using a bacteriophage protein to exploit the bacterial DNA's need for repair. This finding may lead to new tools to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 2021
A global study has discovered over 10,000 previously unknown bacteria and viruses in public transit systems and hospitals worldwide. The researchers mapped urban antimicrobial resistance and identified potential city-specific signatures for some genes.
A diverse range of microorganisms were discovered in the Kuzbass coal seam, including bacteria that can convert poisonous carbon monoxide into CO2. These microbes have unique metabolic capabilities, allowing them to thrive in extreme environments.
SourceFederal Research Centre «Fundamentals of Biotechnology» of the Russian Academy of Science·JournalMicroorganisms·DateMay 25, 2021
Researchers have shown that CRISPR-Cas components are physically linked, enabling efficient updates of immune memory when infected by mutant viruses. This link allows bacteria to efficiently adapt and interfere with viral infections.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2021
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Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
A new study found that five major kefir brands fell short of their claims, delivering between 10 million to 1 billion bacteria per gram. The researchers also identified discrepancies between the labeled species and those present in the products.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJDS Communications·DateMay 12, 2021
Researchers discovered a previously unknown way that gut microbes interact with the immune system, raising questions about what goes awry in autoimmune disease. The thymus organ plays a crucial role in educating T cells about self and non-self markers, but surprisingly, it gives gut bacteria the green light.
SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature·DateMay 12, 2021
A study published in Nature reveals that early life is critical for setting up surveillance mechanisms to keep good bacteria in check. The immune system learns to recognize and distinguish between good and bad bacteria, which helps prevent chronic inflammation and inflammatory bowel disease.
SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNature·DateMay 12, 2021
Researchers have discovered the biosynthesis pathway of 2-aminoadenine, a new DNA nucleobase found in bacteriophage S-2L. The pathway was identified through a homolog of the known enzyme succinoadenylate synthase and indicates that new bases can be enzymatically incorporated into genetic material.
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A new study reveals that the oral microbiome of ancient humans and Neanderthals is surprisingly similar, with some bacterial strains shared between species. The analysis of fossilized dental plaque also suggests that early humans consumed starch-rich foods, potentially contributing to brain evolution.
SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021
Researchers at Penn State discovered a new mechanism for terminating transcription of DNA into RNA in bacteria, facilitated by proteins NusG and NusA. The study found that these proteins together facilitate termination at about 88% of intrinsic terminators, expanding our understanding of gene regulation and potential antibiotic targets.
A new protein analysis tool, called BGIS, can quickly assess protein function with no special equipment needed. This breakthrough could accelerate basic science and medical discoveries by identifying proteins' functions and regulating their activities.
SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalFEBS Letters·DateMay 6, 2021
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AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
A research team at HKUST has discovered the mechanism of DNA melting and how an antibiotic called Myxopyronin inhibits this process. The study found that Myxopyronin binds to a partially closed form of the flexible clamp domain, diminishing the gate's ability to close and eventually inhibiting DNA melting.
SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2021
Researchers are exploring the potential of individual immunomes to provide unprecedented insight into health. By analyzing antibodies and T-cell receptors, scientists can identify patterns and develop a near-universal blood test. This could lead to targeted therapies for various conditions, revolutionizing personalized medicine.
SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateMay 4, 2021
Researchers created Retron Library Recombineering (RLR) to generate up to millions of mutations simultaneously and screen mutant cells efficiently. RLR eliminates the toxicity observed with CRISPR and improves genome-level exploration of mutations.
SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2021
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Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
A new strain of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG has been successfully developed to thrive in milk, offering potential benefits for infant gut health. The modified probiotic can utilize lactose and casein, producing lactic acid that inhibits gram-negative pathogenic bacteria.
SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateApr 29, 2021