Articles tagged with Bacterial Genetics
Research reveals airborne transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARGs) across the globe, with high levels detected in urban areas. ARGs resistant to multiple antibiotics, including vancomycin, were found in air samples from cities worldwide.
Researchers discovered that host antibodies can alter bacterial gene expression, allowing beneficial bacteria to cooperate and form a community that protects against disease. This discovery has implications for the development of new therapies or prophylaxis for inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers found a close relationship between two species of blind cave shrimp in Israel and Italy, with genetic analysis revealing a common ancestor. The study suggests that the unique conditions in the caves led to a slowdown in evolutionary changes.
A gene study pinpoints how Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can jump between species, acquiring new genes that enable survival in a new host. The research highlights the importance of disease surveillance to spot strains that could cause major epidemics and informs strategies for managing infections.
A study published in eLife found that deleting a single gene from a particular strain of gut bacteria causes changes in metabolism and reduced weight gain in mice. The researchers discovered that this genetic change altered the levels of certain bile acids, leading to a preference for metabolizing fats rather than carbohydrates.
Scientists from Umeå University have discovered a new toxin, MakA, produced by Vibrio cholerae bacteria. The toxin affects both vertebrate and invertebrate hosts, causing damage to the intestinal system, and is transported through the flagellum filamentous structure.
A team of microbiologists and plant scientists has identified a genetic weakness in the cholera pandemic that could lead to future treatments. The discovery reveals a new signaling network for cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) in the human cholera pathogen, which is responsible for the seventh pandemic's ability to thrive.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have discovered genetically engineered bacteria that produce tryptamine, which helps food pass through the intestines with potentially less risk of side effects. This finding is significant as there are few approved constipation remedies on the market and traditional probiotics don't work for everyone.
Researchers have successfully used E.coli bacteria to oxidize C-H bonds in benzene to generate phenol by activating a genetically inserted cytochrome P450BM3 enzyme with a decoy molecule. This novel approach enables whole-cell biotransformation without harsh conditions or genetic modification.
A study found that 71.4% of residents in Nguyen Xa village, Vietnam harbored colistin-resistant E. coli bacteria, which showed multidrug resistance to at least one antibiotic drug in three or more classes. The prevalence of household members possessing colistin-resistant E. coli was also high (80.6%).
Researchers have created new antibiotics that target specific genes in C. difficile bacteria, allowing for precise killing of the infection while sparing other beneficial gut bacteria. The antisense therapy approach has great potential for treating hospital-acquired infections.
By replacing cysteine with selenocysteine, researchers have created biologically stable proteins that can survive longer in the human body. This breakthrough could lead to smaller, less frequent doses of medicine, lower healthcare costs, and fewer side effects for patients with cancer and other diseases.
Researchers discovered that bacteriophages can transfer genes to E. coli bacteria, enabling them to break down a crucial cell component and reset their metabolism for new survival functions. This study highlights the importance of investigating hidden potential in bacterial cells to understand antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity.
A gene regulation network in Acinetobacter baumannii boosts both virulence and antibiotic resistance when faced with antibiotics. The network, known as BfmRS, controls key processes involved in cell envelope construction and division, leading to increased drug resistance and disease severity.
The researchers aim to make breakthroughs in understanding bacterial cell growth, hematologic malignancies, brain perceptions and behaviors, and neuron-glia communication. Each will receive $8 million over a seven-year term to pursue their fundamental questions.
A virulent strain of TB has been linked to 60% of cases in younger people in Ho Chi Minh City. The Beijing lineage bacteria shows positive selection for a gene that enhances its survival and may be responsible for increased virulence.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that triclosan, a common antibacterial substance in toothpaste, can kill Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria by up to 99.9 percent when combined with tobramycin. This combination therapy offers a new potential treatment option for cystic fibrosis and other biofilm-related infections.
A new study reveals that a type of beneficial bacteria, Bacteroides fragilis, uses the host's immune protein IgA to colonize the gut. The research suggests that IgA fosters colonization of microbiota with beneficial properties during healthy circumstances, while disease states may disrupt this balance.
Scientists have discovered key steps in how bacteria eat antibiotics, transforming them into food. The findings could lead to new ways to eliminate antibiotics from land and water, slowing the spread of drug resistance. Researchers may engineer bacteria like E. coli to clean up contaminated soil and water.
Researchers have discovered a genetic switch in the bacteria that can be targeted by small molecules to prevent its virulent form from emerging. By disabling this switch, the bacteria become more vulnerable to host defense molecules and disinfectants, making it a potential key for new antibiotics.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital describe an innovative approach that boosts neutrophil strength and kills bacteria more effectively, while minimizing lung tissue damage. By inhibiting IP6K, a key enzyme, the immune system produces 'super' neutrophils that actively kill bacteria without causing excessive inflammation.
Researchers discovered that Vibrio cholerae causes a 200-percent increase in intestinal contractions, expelling native gut bacteria in zebrafish. This finding sheds new light on the bacterium's invasion mechanisms and potentially opens doors to therapies targeting its path.
Researchers found that chlorine bleach is a crucial ingredient in the toxic cocktail used by immune cells to destroy bacteria. The discovery sheds light on how some bacteria outsmart the immune system and how genetic defects can impair it.
A Johns Hopkins study of mice with metabolic syndrome found that the intestinal microbiome plays a substantial role in the development of obesity and insulin resistance. The research suggests that manipulating gut bacteria may prevent obesity and diabetes.
Researchers used a novel lab-on-a-chip to study gene regulation in single E. coli bacteria under changing environmental conditions. The chip allows for the precise growth and behavior of individual bacteria to be tracked over several days, revealing new insights into bacterial adaptation strategies.
A study reveals that two bacteria can induce cervical changes linked to spontaneous preterm birth, highlighting the potential role of vaginal and cervical bacteria in premature labor.
A new study by the University of Exeter found that regular surfers and bodyboarders are three times more likely to have antibiotic-resistant E. coli in their guts than non-surfers. The researchers discovered that surfers swallow ten times more seawater, increasing their risk of ingesting bacteria that can survive antibiotic treatment.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a novel method called SLAY to screen hundreds of thousands of potential antibiotics. The method involves genetically engineering bacteria to produce and test molecules that are potentially toxic to themselves, allowing for rapid screening and efficient testing.
Researchers at Caltech created bacterial cells that can reflect sound waves, allowing them to visualize and locate therapeutic bacteria in the body. This technology uses ultrasound machines to generate images of bacterial cells, enabling doctors to assess treatment efficacy.
Researchers found that antibiotic-resistant genes in honey bee guts spread to all strains of bacteria, highlighting the risk of transmission to humans. The study suggests reducing or eliminating antibiotic use can help prevent the spread of resistant genes.
Researchers have successfully infused watercress and other plants with luminescent properties using nanoparticles, creating a glowing effect similar to 'Avatar.' The glowing plants emit light without any external power source and can be turned off by adding a compound.
Researchers have successfully interfaced individual bacteria with a computer to build a hybrid bio-digital circuit. This setup allows for the simulation of complex biological systems, enabling the 'debugging' of such systems like complex computer codes.
Bacteria access oxygen for energy production in crowded, oxygen-deprived environments through a specific terminal oxidase and phenazine molecules. This discovery could inform the development of new therapies for cystic fibrosis infections.
A study by Rutgers University researchers suggests that gut bacteria at a young age contributes to the onset and progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The study found that genetically engineered mice exposed to normal environment developed MS-like disease, highlighting the role of gut bacteria in triggering immune system changes.
Researchers analyzed the structure and dynamics of riboswitches using optical single-molecule experiments. They found that the riboswitch fluctuates between different conformations, with SAM attachment accelerating structure changes to ensure quick gene expression shutdown.
Researchers at OIST have identified genetic manipulation tools for B. bacteriovorus, a type of predatory bacteria that can be used as a living antibiotic to treat various infections. The study also explores potential applications in organic food production and industry.
A large-scale Canadian study found that nearly one percent of the population has elevated antibodies indicating celiac disease. Despite a strong genetic link to Caucasians, South Asian individuals were surprisingly affected by a specific genetic variant, suggesting other factors may play a role in who develops the disease.
Researchers discovered a mechanism by which gut bacteria contribute to hypertension, involving the breakdown of cortisol into a molecule called GALF. This process can lead to an increase in blood pressure. The study aims to develop targeted therapies to combat hypertension.
Researchers genetically engineered a microbial host to produce fluorinated metabolites and bioplastics, leveraging the potential of living systems to create complex chemical compounds. The breakthrough enables controlled incorporation of fluorine into polyhydroxyalkanoates, resulting in more durable and targeted bioplastics.
Researchers discover bacteria in pancreatic tumors that metabolize a common chemotherapy drug, rendering it ineffective. The study suggests that targeting these bacteria may offer a new approach to treating pancreatic cancer.
Researchers used twin study to investigate role of genes and oral microbiome in cavity formation, finding that dietary and hygiene habits play a significant role. The study also revealed a link between specific bacteria and sugar consumption, with certain species associated with more cavities.
Research in mice shows that gut bacteria play a crucial role in modulating the effects of a powerful protective gene against type 1 diabetes. The findings highlight the importance of early environmental exposures to a variety of germs in proper immune system development.
A team of scientists has identified all the genes required for Methylobacterium extorquens to live on methanol. The bacterium can use either larger carbon molecules or methanol from plants as a nutrient, depending on availability.
Researchers report that indole reduces age-related infirmities and alters AHR-regulated gene expression. Indole exposure is linked to increased healthspan in animals with functional AHR.
Dr. Warren Ruder is developing microparticles carrying engineered bacteria known as 'smart biomaterials' to reprogram mammalian cell signaling and influence disease outcomes. His goal is to use these hybrid biomaterials to better understand how cell signaling works and affect many diseases.
Researchers developed a tool using genetic markers to distinguish between viral and bacterial infections, aiming to reduce antibiotic misuse. The test accurately classified patients with bacterial infections 80-90% of the time, helping physicians avoid unnecessary antibiotics.
Researchers discovered that the skin microbiome contains archaea, a type of extreme-loving microbe, which vary in abundance with age. The study found that archaea were most abundant in subjects younger than 12 and older than 60, and people with dry skin have more archaea.
Research at Weizmann Institute of Science finds dust storm microbiomes differ by region, with rising bacterial species during storms. The study identifies a 'signature' for each source of bacteria based on antibiotic resistance genes, revealing that local sources pose less threat than imported genes.
A recent study published in Frontiers found that improper iron supplementation can make people more susceptible to Salmonella infections. In contrast, genetically susceptible individuals may fare better due to a lack of iron in macrophages.
Researchers at Wayne State University are working on a novel therapy for corneal bacterial infections, including those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The team is testing the role of microRNAs in regulating the innate immune response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced keratitis.
Scientists identified bacterial genes and compounds that extend lifespan, slow tumor growth, and reduce amyloid-beta accumulation in laboratory worms. These findings suggest potential for designing supplements to slow down aging process.
Researchers have developed a new method to control fire blight by using a genetically modified bacteriophage (Y2) that can dissolve the slime layer protecting the Erwinia bacteria and kill it. Additionally, another variant of Y2 has been engineered to detect Salmonella by emitting light when bound to infected bacteria.
A study found that meerkat scent marks are made by bacteria, not the animals themselves. The types of bacteria and chemicals in the scent marks vary between individuals and groups, suggesting a role for microbes in animal communication.
Florida researchers have identified a small protein from the Wolbachia bacterium that can silence viral material in Asian citrus psyllids, potentially helping trees fight off bacterial invasion. The protein could serve as a target for spray treatments to protect trees against the disease.
Ready-to-eat foods such as dairy products and fresh produce contain antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can be directly consumed or contaminate kitchen surfaces. Organic produce had higher levels of resistance than dairy products.
Researchers found that capsaicin in red chili prevents microbial dysbiosis and gut barrier dysfunction, leading to reduced inflammation and obesity. The study suggests that the gut microbiome plays a critical role in the anti-obesity effects of capsaicin.
Researchers have discovered that naturally occurring fatty acids can switch off the specific genes that make listeria bacteria dangerous. Omega-3 fatty acids took about half an hour to neutralize the bacteria, according to the study published in Research in Microbiology.
The study found that low-intensity gamma radiation is only destructive and has a linear correlation in dose-effect coordinates. The duration of exposure is more significant than the absorbed dose in terms of toxic effect on organisms.
A study in mice and humans suggests that intestinal bacteria can influence the structure of brain blood vessels, leading to stroke or epilepsy. Researchers found that eliminating bacteria reduced lesion formation, while a drug blocking TLR4 also showed therapeutic potential.
The RESET and MedVet-Staph networks have investigated the development, spread, and mechanisms of resistance to antibiotics in humans and animals. Key findings include widespread occurrence of ESBL- or AmpC-producing E. coli in livestock and increasing hospital-acquired infections with these enterobacteria.