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Innovative 'invisible ink' detects TB

Scientists have developed an innovative process to detect TB bacteria using a fluorogenic trehalose analog, called DMN-trehalose. This new stain only illuminates inside living TB bacteria, making diagnosis more accurate and quick. The innovation aims to simplify the traditional smear microscopy process.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 1, 2018

DNA scissors can cut RNA, too

Scientists have discovered that the CRISPR-Cas9 protein can also cut RNA, expanding its potential uses in gene editing and virus detection. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for genetic diseases and improved food and energy crops.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 1, 2018

Dyes for 'live' extremophile labeling will help discover life on Mars

Researchers have discovered a fluorescent dye that allows them to observe the life cycle of bacteria in real time, enabling the study of microorganisms in their natural environment. This method will help locate halophiles, ancient salt-loving organisms that thrive in extreme conditions and may hold clues to the origin of life on Earth.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 28, 2018

Gut reactions to improve probiotics

Research explores how gut bacteria respond to common changes in their habitat, revealing that bacterial species can go extinct when environments are altered even slightly. This understanding could lead to the design of targeted probiotics and therapies to make gut microbes more resilient.

Evolutionary origin of termite gut microbiome revealed

Researchers have uncovered the evolutionary origin of termite gut microbiomes, finding a mix of both vertical and horizontal transmission. The study, which analyzed 211 bacterial lineages from 94 termite species across four continents, reveals that termites acquire their gut bacteria from both parents and other termite colonies.

A pair of RNA scissors with many functions

Scientists at the University of Freiburg discovered RNase E as a crucial enzyme in CRISPR/Cas systems, enabling correct gene expression and immune defense. The findings suggest stronger interaction between CRISPR/Cas systems and host organisms, increasing potential for its applications.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 7, 2018

Workbench for virus design

Researchers have developed a novel technology platform to genetically modify phage genomes systematically, providing additional functionality. The new phage workbench allows for the creation of custom bacteriophages with various functions, overcoming constraints associated with naturally occurring phages.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2018

Interactions between simple molecular mechanisms give rise to complex infection dynamics

A team of scientists discovered that beneficial viruses can integrate into bacteria carrying restriction-modification systems, which protect them from lethal infections. The study showed that these systems offer a temporary respite, allowing bacterial populations to grow and increasing the chances of acquiring beneficial viruses.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 8, 2018

How bacteria turbocharged their motors

Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered how bacteria evolved molecular motors to optimize their swimming. By building a 'family tree' of bacterial motors using 3D imaging and DNA analysis, the team found that sophisticated species had more stators than primitive species, with some having as many as 17 stators.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 8, 2018

Researchers at Mount Sinai and Sema4 develop powerful new method for microbiome analysis

A new method developed by Mount Sinai and Sema4 researchers accurately identifies individual microbial species and strains in communities, providing a more comprehensive approach to microbiome analysis. The technique uses DNA methylation patterns as natural barcodes to discriminate between closely related species.

Boosting the antibiotic arsenal

MIT researchers discovered a way to make bacteria more vulnerable to quinolones, enabling existing drugs to kill bacteria that cause chronic infections. Delivering quinolones along with glucose and fumarate can eliminate several types of bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 8, 2017

Genetic engineering mechanism visualized

A team of scientists has visualized the dynamics of the CRISPR-Cas9 complex using high-speed atomic force microscopy. The study provides unprecedented insights into the CRISPR-Cas9-mediated DNA cleavage mechanism, highlighting its potential for gene editing.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 2017

Bacteria self-organize to build working sensors

Bacteria self-organize to form a golden shell around their colony using gold nanoparticles, creating a functional pressure sensor. The researchers controlled the size and shape of the device by altering the growth environment, demonstrating a proof-of-principle for fabricating structured materials.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 9, 2017