Articles tagged with Bacterial Genetics
A team of scientists is developing genetically engineered switchgrass types that can grow anywhere and maximize crop yield, stress tolerance, and carbon sequestration. The research aims to create a sustainable biofuel solution to meet domestic energy demands.
Researchers have discovered a unique binding mode that allows bacteria to stick to cellulose fibers in the human gut, enabling them to withstand shear forces. This breakthrough sheds light on the microbiome and its relationship to human health, with potential applications in bio-based medical superglues.
A recent study revealed that the human gut microbiome is linked to multiple diseases and traits, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atopy, and BMI. The research used genetic data to estimate microbiome composition in a large cohort of unrelated individuals, finding associations between eleven bacteria and 28 health outcomes.
A University of Georgia study found a strong correlation between antibiotic resistance and heavy metal contamination in the environment. Soils contaminated with heavy metals had higher levels of specific bacterial hosts carrying antibiotic-resistant genes.
Researchers at Goethe University have isolated an ancient enzyme that enables early bacteria to produce energy without oxygen. The Rnf enzyme functions like a pumped-storage power plant, generating electricity and producing ATP.
A research team discovered that certain sections of bacterial genetic material are doubled or multiplied, giving bacteria new capabilities to influence the immune system and adapt to changing environments. This process is crucial for pathogens to develop and evolve in their battle against the human immune system.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new strategy, 'wrap, trap and zap,' to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wastewater treatment plants. The graphene-wrapped nanospheres kill bacteria by producing reactive oxygen species, degrading antibiotic-resistant genes and minimizing their release into the environment.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered bacterial organelles involved in gene expression, suggesting that bacteria may not be as simple as once thought. These findings could pave the way for a new generation of antibiotics to combat drug resistance.
The BIO Integration Journal bridges the gap between laboratory, clinic, and biotechnology industries, offering a cross-disciplinary platform for biomedical research advances. Featured papers emphasize interdisciplinary integration in COVID-19 research and immunotherapy strategies.
Scientists have discovered that the Anaplasmosis bacterium interferes with tick gene expression to survive and spread to new hosts. The study found that the bacterium reduces a regulatory molecule's production, leading to increased levels of Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptide (OATP), which enables its spread to vertebrate hosts.
A new study from UC Davis found that raw milk can harbor antimicrobial-resistant genes, potentially spreading resistance if consumed. The researchers analyzed over 2,000 retail milk samples and found that raw milk had the highest prevalence of antibiotic-resistant microbes when left at room temperature.
Bacteria-based nanobiohybrids have the potential to provide a targeted and effective approach for cancer treatment. Nanobiohybrid systems combine bacteria with nanomaterials in cancer therapy, offering advantages such as tumor targeting ability, genetic modifiability, and multimodal therapy.
A new study found that antibiotic-destroying genes are widespread in bacteria in soil and on people, threatening public health. A chemical compound has been developed to shield tetracyclines from destruction, restoring their effectiveness against resistant bacteria.
Research by Dirk Tischler's group has identified potential applications for bacterial siderophores, including treating iron overload disease and creating biosensors. The team has also developed semi-artificial compounds using genetic information from these microorganisms.
Researchers have identified specific compounds from the Brazilian peppertree that reduce the virulence of antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria. The triterpenoid acids block the ability of bacteria to produce toxins, allowing the immune system to heal wounds more effectively.
Despite challenging genetic tradeoffs, bacteria can still evolve antibiotic resistance when exposed to varying antibiotic concentrations. Researchers developed a model that showed bacteria may reverse course and regain susceptibility to antibiotics at lower drug concentrations.
Researchers uncover the lives of three 16th-century African slaves found in a mass burial site in Mexico City, tracing their African origins and physical hardships. They also identify novel pathogens carried by the individuals, shedding light on the early introduction of diseases like hepatitis B virus and yaws to Latin America.
A Rutgers co-authored study found that algae, responsible for producing 70% of oxygen and 45% of global primary production, acquire beneficial genes from bacteria. The study analyzed genomic data from 23 species of brown and golden-brown algae and discovered that gene stealing or acquisition varies substantially among different species.
A study published in eLife found that rapamycin, an immune-suppressing drug, reduces bone loss, inflammation, and changes to oral bacteria in older mice with gum disease. The treatment also reversed clinical features of periodontal disease, suggesting a potential approach for age-related dental problems.
A global group of scientists proposes splitting the existing genus Lactobacillus into two genera, with 25 new genera having distinct names. This change aims to improve scientific accuracy and reflect closely related bacterial genes.
A new study by Michigan State University scientists reveals that plants have genetic systems to host and nurture the right microbiome, promoting healthy growth. Increased microbiome diversity correlates with plant health, while abnormal compositions lead to tissue damage and symptoms similar to human inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers found that incineration and landfilling of municipal solid waste releases bacteria and antibiotic-resistance genes into the air, posing a risk to human health. The study suggests that these systems could be a reservoir of resistant genes, which can spread to nearby residents through airborne transmission.
A study by Université Laval researchers suggests that bacteria may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes in individuals with severe obesity. The researchers found distinct bacterial signatures in diabetics' blood, liver, and fat deposits compared to non-diabetics.
Lactococcus lactis bacteria use two amino acid transport systems to acquire methionine under low-methionine conditions. The choice of system is maintained over multiple generations, suggesting a strategy of bet-hedging or division of labor to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Researchers at UC San Diego create an inducible quorum sensing system that allows for precise control of single and multiple bacterial populations, regulated by p-coumaric acid. This new genetic circuit enables better control over tasks such as drug delivery and bioproduction.
A new ion channel in bacteria has been identified, filling a missing link in the evolutionary history of mammalian calcium channels. The discovery provides insight into the universal mechanism of calcium selectivity in both mammals and bacteria.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified distinct genetic profiles for endothelial cells in various organs, including heart, brain, and lungs. These findings suggest that targeting specific blood vessels could lead to more effective treatments for vascular diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.
The new metadata-database helps researchers incorporate data on terrestrial microbiological communities into their work, making it easier to compare findings and avoid repeating experiments. With 15,022 metagenome datasets from forests or grasslands, the database enables global-scale analyses of microbiological communities.
Researchers have found that deleting the BMAL1 clock gene makes immune cells more effective at fighting off pneumonia-causing bacteria. The study reveals that strengthening the actin skeleton of these cells is key to their increased effectiveness.
A new group of bacteria, Thiobarba, has been discovered in deep-sea mussels that fix carbon using the Calvin cycle. This is a surprise as most Epsilonproteobacteria use the reverse TCA-cycle instead.
Researchers discovered that bats have fewer bacterial species living in their guts than in their mouths and skin. The kinds of bacteria living in the bats' guts varied from species to species without following any apparent evolutionary pattern, a stark contrast to other mammals.
A new study reveals that genetic variations in a single species of bacteria can amplify infection, making it more dangerous than either strain alone. The researchers discovered that when the two strains work together, one produces a toxin that breaks down muscle tissue and enables the other to infect organs.
Researchers at Procarta Biosystems are developing a new type of antimicrobial that kills bacteria by blocking gene expression, potentially revolutionizing treatment of serious and life-threatening infections. The £7.4m funding from CARB-X aims to combat antibiotic resistance, a major global threat.
Fuzhong Zhang receives nearly $2 million NIH grant to investigate metabolic diversity and its relation to antibiotic persistence in bacteria. He aims to understand what causes cells with different metabolic activity and develop strategies to control these differences.
Researchers developed a new gene activation method that targets previously difficult-to-activate genes in bacteria, including those involved in infections and industrial applications. This technique has the potential to revolutionize the production of useful products with high efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that children with high genetic risk of developing type 1 diabetes have distinct gut microbiomes compared to those with low risk. The research suggests a link between genetic predisposition and environmental factors, highlighting the importance of the gut flora in autoimmune disea...
Bacteria do not die randomly in hunger phases; their neighbors play a crucial role. The team identified two key factors: basic energy consumption and biomass recycling efficiency. Changes to these factors affect the mortality rate, which can arise from genetic or ecological perturbations.
Scientists have discovered a natural defense against the deadly neurotoxin saxitoxin in bullfrogs, which could lead to the first-ever antidote for this compound. Additionally, researchers have captured atomic motion in 4D and identified a molecular switch that promotes IIL tolerance in bacteria, paving the way for better biofuels.
A global study found that high iron levels are associated with a reduced risk of high cholesterol and anaemia, while also increasing the risk of bacterial skin infections. Researchers used genetic and clinical data from approximately 500,000 people in the UK Biobank to make their findings.
Researchers from CRCHUM identified the genetic signature of an ineffective immune response to cancer, including 28 genes that are also found in patients with other diseases. This signature could help predict which patients will fare worse.
Researchers at Caltech have unveiled the 3D molecular architecture of Legionella pneumophila's Type IV secretion system, a sophisticated machinery used by dangerous pathogens to infect human cells. The discovery could enable the development of precisely targeted antibiotics to combat diseases like Legionnaires' disease and whooping cough.
Scientists at Indiana University found that bacteria can evolve new genes from phages, a discovery that could help advance research on bacterial resistance. The study shows bacteria's ability to transform an implement of war into a tool to create life.
A recent study by Cornell University has discovered a strong correlation between the AMY1 gene, which breaks down starch, and specific gut bacteria. This finding suggests that people with more copies of this gene may have benefited from increased starch digestion during times of scarcity.
Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a system called BSCC, which enables rapid screening of engineered bacterial therapies in vitro. They successfully tested a potent therapy for colon cancer using a novel bacterial toxin combined with an optimal drug delivery genetic circuit.
Scientists at the University of Groningen have created a light-controlled switch that can be used to inhibit or stimulate bacterial communication. The molecule was tested on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and showed a strong response to light, inducing quorum sensing signals.
Researchers found a new, more powerful variant of an antimicrobial resistance gene in Staphylococcus epidermidis, making it harder for the bacteria to be killed by chlorhexidine bathing. The discovery was an unexpected result of a study on central venous catheter infections.
A study led by Case Western Reserve University aims to identify genetic biomarkers for corneal ulcer infections, which can lead to blindness. The research focuses on contact lens wearers and will explore the genetic profile of those who contract infections versus those who don't.
A recent study published in Phytobiomes Journal found that corn's bacterial communities play a significant role in its health and performance. The research, led by Dr. Jason Wallace, monitored the active bacteria on the leaves of 300 diverse lines of corn and discovered little relationship between the bacteria and corn genes.
A study on Myxococcus xanthus reveals diverse social behaviors among cooperative bacteria, contradicting the assumption that groups are genetically homogeneous. The researchers attribute this diversity to evolutionary selection favoring specific 'social genes' that control behavior.
Researchers at Joint BioEnergy Institute demonstrate that sustainable plant-based bio-jet fuels could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and be economically viable. The study found that optimizing the production process can lower the cost of biofuels to $2.50 per gallon, making them a viable alternative to conventional jet fuels.
A research team at Osaka University has identified a genetic factor essential for the virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae, a major threat to public health globally. The study reveals that the cbpJ gene is under strict negative selective pressure, making it an attractive target for drugs to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Research reveals that symbiotic bacteria in Hawaiian bobtail squid alter gene expression in the eye and gill organs, with effects varying by time of day. Bioluminescence may drive system-wide changes in gene expression.
Researchers found that luminescent bacteria in the squid's light organ change gene expression in other organs, highlighting the importance of bacterial bioluminescence. The study also shows that coordination between the eye and light organ is crucial for the animal's behavior.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba identified a gene controlling how legume roots form symbioses with rhizobia bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi. The study reveals the role of this gene in establishing complex plant-microbe interactions, essential for plant nutrition.
A billion different ways for C-diff to become resistant to metronidazole have been identified. Genetic changes linked to heme levels are thought to be a key factor contributing to this resistance. Researchers are now working to identify new drug targets to combat the growing threat of C-diff, a bacterium that causes diarrhea and colitis.
Scientists at DTU have discovered that a combination of mecillinam and cefotaxime can eliminate multi-drug resistant E. coli causing urinary tract infections. This novel approach could become an effective measure against antibiotic resistance, offering new hope in treating this common infection.
Researchers at Uppsala University and Emory University found that over a quarter of bacteria exhibit heteroresistance, making antibiotic treatment ineffective. The underlying genetic mechanism is often the spontaneous occurrence of gene amplifications, which can make it difficult to detect and study.
Researchers use a novel database on the neutrophil proteome to make genetic diagnoses for two children with severe congenital neutropenia whom typical sequencing had failed. The technique combines proteomic and genomic screening, which shows huge potential for personalized medicine at low cost.
The Vilcek Foundation awards $250,000 Prizes to immigrant scientists Angelika Amon, Amit Choudhary, Jeanne T. Paz, and Mikhail G. Shapiro for their pioneering work in human biology and disease research. Their discoveries have significant implications for understanding cell growth, cancer, and neurological disorders.
Scientists used a genetic tool to identify 72 key genes in group A strep that contribute to necrotizing myositis, a devastating human infection with high mortality rates. The study provides a genetic roadmap for developing new vaccines and treatments.