Articles tagged with Bacterial Genetics
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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.
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.
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 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 new lab technique has identified high levels of pathogens in a hospital therapy pool, with
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.
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.
A Stanford study found that Listeria bacteria can survive for long periods outside of its hosts and thrive in the gall bladder, posing a risk of food poisoning. The research suggests that the organ's unique environment makes it an ideal place for the bacteria to grow, highlighting the need for improved hygiene practices.
Researchers identified a genetic master switch that controls bacterial consumption of chitin, a key component of ocean debris. The discovery sheds light on the process by which bacteria break down tough material and turn it into food, preserving ecological balance in the ocean.
Bacteria use iron oxide to breathe in anaerobic environments, allowing them to degrade toxic waste. Genetic manipulation enables tailored targeting of specific contaminants.
A study published in Nature reveals a genetic approach that may help combat antibiotic-resistant biofilms, which are involved in 65% of human bacterial infections. The researchers identified a mutant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa that is more sensitive to antibiotics, providing a potential solution for diseases like cystic fibrosis.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a genetic pattern in the CFTR gene that can predict disease severity in individuals with the 5T mutation. The study found that combinations of thymine and guanine repeats in the CFTR gene affect disease status, with certain patterns being more common in people with lung disease.
Researchers at the NIH/NIAID have discovered that streptococcal infections trigger altered gene expression in neutrophil white blood cells, exposing potential targets for new treatments. The findings provide insight into how these common bacteria evade immune defenses.
Treatment with salicylic acid (SAL) induces activation of the S. aureus stress response gene sigB, downregulating virulence factors and reducing ability to adhere to host cells. This finding represents a new prospect for using aspirin as an adjunct therapy to combat Staphylococcus aureus infections.
Researchers discovered that friendly bacteria and human hormones send cellular signals alerting E. coli to its location, leading to colonization and toxin release. Beta blockers may be developed to block this signaling system, preventing the bacteria from reaching the intestine.
Researchers engineered bacteria to produce bixin, a plant product used in foods and cosmetics, by replicating the plant's biosynthetic pathway. The genetically modified E. coli can produce the same compound as the natural source, providing an alternative for expanding supply and addressing challenges in non-biological synthesis.
Duke University biochemists create sensor proteins that can specifically detect TNT and other chemicals, opening doors for medical and environmental applications. The researchers' computational design method narrows down possible structures to reasonable numbers with days' worth of calculations.
Cecropin A alters bacterial gene regulation, challenging conventional thinking on its mechanism of action. The insect antibiotic's ability to evade resistance raises hope for new therapeutic agents.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding the biological clocks that govern daily rhythms in living organisms. By analyzing the genetic makeup of a simple bacterium called Synechococcus elongatus, the team has created the first structural model of part of the clock's timing device.
A UCI study reveals a new method to identify and track specific sources of water pollution at beaches by combining bacteria sampling with genetic testing. The approach has already led to significant reductions in bacteria levels and beach closures in Catalina Island.
Researchers at UW-Madison have identified genetic elements in soil-dwelling bacteria that produce potent anticancer agents. The discovery enables mass production and manipulation of these chemicals, offering a promising alternative to existing treatments.
A recent study has found that exposure to bacteria significantly increases the expression of genes involved in immune response, reducing the risk of developing allergies in children who grow up on farms. This discovery highlights the potential benefits of living on a farm for children's immune system development.
Victor Nizet's award-winning research focuses on understanding the production of toxins by group A and B streptococcus in children, shedding light on potential treatments and disease prevention strategies. His work also explores anti-microbial peptides and the mechanism behind group B strep's ability to cause meningitis.