Articles tagged with Bacterial Genetics
Scientists at Lund University have found a genetic basis for severe urinary tract infections, suggesting a gene that regulates the immune system may be used as a risk marker. This discovery could enable early detection of susceptible individuals, potentially reducing unnecessary examinations and treatment.
A new grant will enable researchers to test a diagnostic technique that determines the environmental source of Buruli ulcer. The disease, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, can lead to severe infections and is difficult to cure without removing infected tissue.
A viral infection in 1990 reprogrammed the genetic machinery of a strep bacteria strain, creating a deadly form of
A tropical butterfly species, Hypolimnas bolina, has made a remarkable comeback in just 10 generations, with the proportion of males increasing from 1% to 39%. The rise is attributed to a suppressor gene that controls the spread of Wolbachia bacteria, which previously killed most male offspring.
Cornell researchers partner with Gene Network Sciences to create computer models of Dehalococcoides ethenogenes, a key player in cleaning toxic waste. The team aims to improve conditions for the bacteria, which sometimes struggle at cleanup sites.
Researchers found S. aureus bacteria can remain dormant for up to two weeks within human lung cells, evading detection and antibiotics. The bacteria's gene expression profile changes to limit cellular damage and resume metabolic functions.
A new study reveals the alterations in spore coat and germ cell wall that accompany transformation from a spore to a vegetative cell. Researchers used AFM to show the breakdown of spore coat structures, allowing a bacterium to emerge and reenter the replicating mode.
Research suggests that food can be an important avenue for antibiotic-resistant bacterial evolution and dissemination through horizontal gene transfer with commensal bacteria. Many food samples tested contained antibiotic-resistance gene-carrying bacteria, highlighting the prevalence of these microbes in the retail food supply.
Researchers used a combination of methods to pinpoint contamination sources in the Plum Creek watershed, identifying cattle and wildlife as dominant sources of fecal bacteria. The study highlights the importance of using multiple tools to track fecal contamination and inform pollution-control strategies.
Researchers found that an asexual nematode adapted rapidly to soil contamination, living longer and laying more eggs in polluted conditions. The study highlights the importance of considering various research disciplines for understanding stress responses and developing protection strategies.
Researchers discovered that prolonged exposure to antibiotics triggers a genetic response in E. coli, resulting in increased efflux pump activity and altered outer membrane porin protein levels. This study highlights the critical role of genetic adaptation in antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at MIT developed a new biopolymer suture made from material produced naturally by the human body, which is 30% stronger and more flexible than current sutures. The sutures have been cleared by the FDA for use in abdominal closures and tendon stitching, offering a potential solution to re-opening wounds.
Researchers at OHSU discovered a gene cluster in a marine bacterium that produces a bioactive molecule with anti-cancer properties, including activity against pancreatic and renal cancer. The team aims to engineer the production of bryostatins, promising compounds for cancer treatment.
Researchers isolated bacteria from Stiffkey saltmarsh to identify dimethyl sulphide (DMS) production, a key gas in ocean formation and climate change. DMS also serves as a food marker for certain birds, aiding their navigation.
A new study of over 7,000 Japanese-American men found that those from large families were more than twice as likely to develop stomach cancer due to the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Younger siblings in these families appeared especially vulnerable to the most common type of stomach cancer.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have created genetically modified skin cells that produce higher levels of human beta defensin 4 (HBD4), which killed more bacteria than normal skin cells. These cells may help combat infections in burn patients and reduce dependence on topical antibiotics.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that pregnant women who developed an infection of the placenta or nearby membranes have twice the risk of getting it in their second pregnancy. The study analyzed 28,410 women and found a genetic component that predisposes women to intrauterine infection.
Researchers discovered that magnetotaxis, a phenomenon where bacteria align like tiny swimming compass needles, helps them detect lower oxygen concentrations more efficiently. This subtle advantage allows the bacteria to thrive in environments with limited oxygen, making their magnetic properties beneficial in nature.
Researchers found an isolated bacterial community thriving in rock fracture water two miles beneath the surface. The unique microbes depend solely on geologically produced sulfur and hydrogen for energy, challenging the notion of life's reliance on sunlight.
A three-year study funded by the CDC found a link between consuming poultry, handling raw poultry, and increased risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The investigation focused on the use of virginiamycin in poultry, which is linked to an increased risk of developing Synercid-resistant E. faecium.
Researchers at Montana State University's Center for Biofilm Engineering have received a $2.9 million grant to study the role of biofilms in chronic wounds. Biofilms, which are bacteria that form protective slime, can interfere with the healing process and contribute to amputations in diabetics.
A team of German scientists has uncovered a genetic basis for the human familial advanced sleep phase syndrome (FASPS), which causes people to go to sleep and wake up early. The study identified a mutated gene, PER2, and its phosphorylation sites that lead to the disorder's symptoms.
Key findings highlight the need for rapid screening programs and strict contact precautions in hospitals to prevent MRSA transmission. Community-acquired MRSA poses a critical public health priority, requiring immediate action to control outbreaks and prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
A team of researchers identified a unique genetic fingerprint in the pathogen responsible for potato blight, showing that genome plasticity plays a crucial role in its virulence. The study provides insight into how plant pathogens adapt to their environments by tailoring their genomes.
Researchers at Ohio State University have genetically modified cassava plants to produce larger, starch-rich roots, which could help alleviate hunger in Africa. The modified plants were found to produce up to 2.6 times larger roots and a third more leaves than regular cassava plants.
Researchers have identified four key genes in Porphyromas gingivalis that allow it to infect and survive inside artery cells. The study found that mutating these genes impaired the bacterium's ability to invade cells, providing a potential target for therapeutic interventions.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified a gene that promotes both disease resistance and pollen development in rice. The xa13 allele, found to be resistant to bacterial leaf blight, has a surprising positive effect on plant fertility.
Researchers have developed a new hybrid virus that can target tumors systemically to deliver an imaging or therapeutic gene, allowing for the monitoring of drug effectiveness at the molecular level. This breakthrough could lead to improved diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of human cancers.
Researchers identified a novel disease-causing bacterium in patients with Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD), a rare immune disorder. The bacterium, Granulobacter bethesdensis, is part of the Acetobacteraceae family and was found in inflamed lymph nodes.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new, eco-friendly method for producing Taxol, a top-selling cancer-fighting drug. By harnessing enzymes from the Pacific yew tree and using water-based chemicals, they aim to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact.
A study by Washington University researchers reveals that heat-loving microbes create energy through various reactions, including the use of sulfur and hydrogen. The findings hold clues to the origin of life on Earth, suggesting a high-temperature environment as the likely last common ancestor.
Researchers have identified two genes, Factor H and Factor B, that explain nearly three out of four AMD cases. The study suggests a specific immune response pathway plays a central role in the disease's development.
Researchers discovered variability in E. coli cell growth could lead to distinct survival advantages for bacteria, relevant to chronic infections and antibiotic resistance.
A team of researchers at UCSD has quantified more noise in gene expression, discovering significant fluctuations within individual cells and variations between identical cells. This study provides a mathematical description of 'extrinsic noise,' a larger component of variation in gene expression.
Students created living bacterial photographs by projecting light onto genetically engineered E. coli bacteria, which produced pigments based on light exposure. This innovative technology has potential applications in fields such as medical treatments and tissue engineering.
Researchers analyzed the history of metabolic genes acquired by E.coli bacteria over 100 million years, finding that approximately 25 genes were added through horizontal gene transfer. This mechanism allows bacteria to evolve new functions and adapt to changing environments, rather than improving existing performance.
Researchers discovered four mutations that increase the efficiency of a bacterial enzyme rendering penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics useless. The mutations influenced the enzyme's active site, allowing it to survive on a drug dose 64 times higher than the original enzyme.
A gene called iagA anchors LTA on the bacterial cell surface, allowing bacteria to cross into the central nervous system. Removing the iagA gene from Streptococcus inhibited bacterial interactions with the blood-brain barrier, reducing mortality rates up to 90% in mice.
Researchers identified a novel GBS gene, iagA, that facilitates the bacteria's interaction with host cells by synthesizing a glycolipid anchor. This discovery contributes to understanding the molecular pathogenesis of invasive GBS infection, highlighting the importance of proper cell surface anchoring for bacterial invasion and virulence.
Researchers analyzed gene activity in volunteers exposed to a bacterial product, identifying previously unknown relationships among genes involved in blood cell responses to infection. The study provides valuable insights into the human genomic response to inflammation, which can be fatal in severely burned or injured patients.
Aphids vary in their resistance to wasp parasitism, but new research suggests that the difference lies in the symbiotic bacteria carried inside them. Carrying these bacteria reduces parasitism by up to 40% and demonstrates a heritable form of acquired resistance.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a bacteria that produces succinate, a key chemical precursor for 'green' plastics and drugs. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of sustainable products using renewable resources like grain sorghum.
Researchers discovered that Escherichia coli bacteria contain genes that inhibit the growth of other E. coli cells upon contact. This 'stop on contact' phenomenon may contribute to chronic urinary tract infections and has potential implications for new antibiotics.
Researchers found DDT-resistant fruit flies confer a two-fold advantage when inheriting the resistance gene, allowing them to thrive even without pesticide use. This discovery has implications for antibiotic resistance in bacteria, suggesting measures may not halt its spread.
Researchers discovered a virus-like bacteriophage inserted into genetic material of hyperinvasive N. meningitidis strains, making them more likely to cause disease. The stowaway may help bacteria enter bloodstream, disrupting immune response.
A research team has used genetic techniques to determine the geographic origin of leprosy, a disease that has been stigmatized for centuries. The study found four distinct types of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, which are linked to specific regions and continents.
Researchers have developed a new map of life on Earth, which could be used to identify the potential for life on Mars. The map was created by tracing the evolutionary history of microorganisms using genetic sequencing data and shows that ancient microbes inhabited specific habitats, including hydrothermal systems.
The Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has received nearly $3 million in funding from the NIH to study P. aeruginosa bacteria and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family, which are involved in cellular growth and differentiation.
The Stanford study used molecular techniques to survey the inhabitants of the lower digestive tract, finding a diverse range of bacterial species. The researchers discovered nearly two-thirds of identified bacteria were novel, highlighting the complexity of the intestinal ecosystem.
Researchers identified a gene variant that increases the risk of rheumatism, MS, and myocardial infarction by 20-40%. The discovery may lead to more reliable diagnostics and better treatments for patients.
Researchers discovered that bacteria's pili induce changes in host gene expression, keeping host cells alive longer. The study found that artificial mechanical pull on the host cell membrane triggers a signaling cascade to affect host gene expression.
The American Chemical Society's national meeting showcased groundbreaking research on various topics, including an antioxidant mixture that may prevent skin cancer, genetically engineered bacteria for mass-producing antibiotics, and novel gene therapy vectors to combat chronic pain and brain cancer. Researchers also discovered a potent...
A recent study by Washington University researchers used a molecular survey to detect Mycobacterium avium in the lungs of nine lifeguards who developed hypersensitivity pneumonitis after exposure to pool water. The bacterium, known for its resistance to disinfection, was found at high levels in air samples taken near the pool.
A new lab technique has identified high levels of pathogens in a hospital therapy pool, with
Researchers found that UTI-causing E.coli strains matched genetically with bacteria from cows and are resistant to antibiotics. The discovery has major public health implications due to the practice of administering subtherapeutic antibiotic doses in animals.
A study published in Nature confirmed that gene flow across a heterogeneous landscape can alter coevolutionary dynamics. The experiment showed that adaptation can vary in both space and time across a fragmented natural habitat, providing hard evidence for the importance of links between populations in evolutionary theory.
A genetically engineered listeria bacteria-based vaccine has shown promising results in targeting metastatic cancer cells, inducing a strong innate and acquired immune response. The vaccine, aiming to target pancreatic and ovarian cancers, could potentially be used to prevent recurrence after surgery and chemotherapy.
Researchers will study 120 patients with chronic and aggressive periodontitis to identify molecular basis of disease and develop targeted therapies. The goal is to reduce risk of periodontitis and improve treatment outcomes for the leading cause of adult tooth loss.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have discovered that S. mutans, the primary bacterium responsible for tooth decay, has a vulnerable gene called fabM that enables it to withstand acidic environments. By targeting this gene, scientists may be able to develop new compounds to kill S. mutans and reduce cavities.
A new strain of Salmonella enterica serotype choleraesuis has been isolated that is resistant to all commonly used antimicrobials, including ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin. Constant surveillance is needed to prevent further spread of this multidrug-resistant bacterium.