Articles tagged with Bacterial Genetics
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.
Researchers have discovered that certain bacteria use quorum sensing to regulate their virulence levels, allowing them to coexist with insects without causing harm. By studying the genetic differences between mutualistic and pathogenic strains of bacteria, scientists have gained insights into the mechanisms behind these relationships.
A UMass Medical School study found that the bacteria in the gut microbiome can affect how sensitive worms are to chemotherapy drugs. The researchers used Caenorhabditis elegans, a roundworm, and fed them different types of bacteria to see which ones made them more or less sensitive to the drug floxuridine, used to treat colorectal cancer.
Scientists have identified a molecular mechanism by which E. coli bacteria regulate lipid storage in C. elegans, leading to increased fat accumulation and mitochondrial fragmentation. This discovery reveals unsuspected connections between bacteria and mitochondria, suggesting a new language for communication between the two.
Researchers have developed tools to visualize and control bacterial activity in the gut, opening up new possibilities for therapeutic delivery. These tools enable precise control of bacterial gene activity in specific locations within the gastrointestinal tract.
Researchers from Hebrew University of Jerusalem develop novel system combining lasers and bacteria to remotely map location of buried landmines. The system detects explosive vapors emitted by mines, which are then recorded and quantified from a remote location.
A UMD study found fruit flies taking naps had strongest resistance to fungal infection and bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is a major human disease-causing agent. The research identified genes that contribute to overall immune system resistance, providing new insights into human health.
Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology developed a method to predict protein structures using statistical analyses. This approach allows for the prediction of even complex protein structures without experimental determination, potentially leading to new treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's.
A team of scientists has identified a new way that gut bacteria can break down complex sugars, revealing novel enzymes with potential applications in developing pre- and probiotic products to improve human health.
Researchers identified biological substrates of bacterial enzyme Ohr, which enables bacteria to neutralize oxidizing substances released by the defense system of host organisms. The study's findings suggest that Ohr plays a central role in bacterial anti-oxidant defense and offer potential for novel therapeutic approaches.
Researchers at Hiroshima University developed a smart genetic reference library to determine disease-causing mutations in populations. The technique and database estimated naturally occurring rare-variants in the STAT1 gene and determined associated diseases. This will assist doctors in diagnosing primary-immunodeficiency in patients, ...
Scientists have discovered a sulfide-responsive protein, SqrR, in purple bacteria that regulates photosynthetic electron transfer to survive sulfide stress. This finding sheds light on the early evolution of photosynthesis and has potential applications in synthetic biology.
Researchers designed a novel genetic switch that shuts down competing metabolic pathways in bacteria, allowing for increased production of glucaric acid and other chemicals. The switch uses quorum sensing to autonomously control the cells' growth, enabling efficient production without adding new chemicals or changing process conditions.
Scientists have discovered that marine bacteria can synthesise dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), an important nutrient for microorganisms and precursor to the climate-cooling gas dimethyl sulfide (DMS). The production of DMSP by many marine bacteria has significant implications for the global sulfur cycle.
Scientists at Emory University discovered that Brazilian peppertree extract can disarm antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria by disrupting their communication, preventing skin lesions and promoting healing. The finding holds potential for new treatments against antibiotic-resistant infections.
A large-scale study detected high levels of antibiotic resistance genes in estuaries along China's coastline, with some samples containing up to 100 million genes per gram of sediment. The study suggests that human activity, particularly inadequate wastewater treatment, is the primary cause of this environmental pollution.
Researchers have discovered that genetic changes in African Salmonella strains allow them to hijack immune cells and spread throughout the body. This enables the bacteria to cause systemic diseases like bloodstream infections and meningitis, which are often fatal.
Researchers found that enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) differentiates into two sub-populations, one virulent and one non-virulent, with the virulent state maintaining long-term memory. This discovery sheds light on bacterial virulence strategies and may lead to new approaches for fighting infections.
Research reveals that bacteria eliminating competitors creates conditions for thriving populations, leading to cooperative family structures. The study suggests that similar patterns can be seen in natural objects, providing insights into bacterial behavior.
Belgian scientists discovered protein Taok3 plays a key role in B cell development, leading to new molecular therapies for genetic conditions, asthma and diabetes. Mice genetically lacking Taok3 developed fewer type B immune cells, making them more susceptible to bacterial infections.
Biomedical engineers at Duke University developed a new treatment approach using Salmonella bacteria to target glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer. The modified bacteria produce anti-tumor compounds that kill cancer cells only in low-oxygen environments, showing promising results in rat models.
A UK-based international team of researchers has made a breakthrough in understanding the mechanism of mcr-1 gene-mediated resistance to colistin. They identified key features necessary for the protein that modifies bacterial surface to reduce colistin binding, and constructed computer models to block MCR-1 function.
Researchers found that susceptible bacteria can survive longer when resistant bacteria are present and even outcompete them. This new understanding can inform doctors on how to use antibiotics more effectively, but also highlights the need for a personalized-medicine approach.
Researchers show that fungal hyphae provide an infrastructure for bacterial horizontal gene transfer, allowing bacteria to adapt better to different environmental conditions and access new food sources. Soils with high fungal content are likely better equipped to break down pollutants.
A Michigan State University research team discovered that Campylobacter jejuni in undercooked chicken triggers Guillain-Barre Syndrome, an autoimmune disease causing paralysis. The study offers new information for a cure and suggests that treatment with some antibiotics could worsen the disease.
University of North Carolina researchers sequenced the genes of a harmful algae bloom, revealing new interactions between algae and bacteria that can help predict their growth. The technique opens up the possibility of forecasting blooms and taking measures to prevent them, saving millions in economic losses.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have found that dietary composition affects DNA sequences in parasites, revealing a previously hidden relationship between cellular metabolism and evolution. The study also shows that it is possible to predict diets based on genetic analysis.
Researchers have identified a new receptor in Drosophila flies that detects bacterial infections and triggers an immune response. The discovery adds to our understanding of the insect's innate immunity and provides insights into the human immune system.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee have identified 32 bacterial genes and 38 mouse genes that may help reduce malaria severity. This discovery could lead to more effective treatments, as it provides a limited number of genes to work with.
Researchers found that African Americans have a stronger immune response to bacterial infections compared to Europeans, partly due to genetic differences. This response is linked to reduced susceptibility to autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease and tuberculosis.
Research finds that people of African ancestry generally show stronger immune responses than Europeans, who display reduced immune responses due to selective pressure. The discovery suggests that European populations were partly shaped by the introduction of new genetic variants through interbreeding with Neanderthals.
Researchers at Duke University have successfully delivered bacterial genes to human cells, enhancing electrical signaling and making cells more excitable. The technique could one day be used to treat cardiac arrhythmia, restore electrical functions to scarred tissues, or improve conductivity in genetic diseases.
Researchers at UCLA have identified the structure of a molecule toxic to disease-carrying mosquitoes, including those that transmit dengue fever and Zika virus. The toxin, BinAB, is lethal to Culex and Anopheles species but not Aedes, which carries Zika virus and dengue fever.
Cedars-Sinai has awarded nearly $700,000 to scientists developing new treatments and technologies for precision health. The goal is to tailor therapies and medications for specific patients based on their molecular makeups.
Researchers found that certain gut bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, metabolize gluten differently than beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus. This variation can either stimulate inflammation in individuals with genetic risk or detoxify gluten, potentially influencing celiac disease development.
Scientists have engineered Geobacter bacteria to produce extremely thin nanowires that are thousands of times thinner than a human hair, and are made from non-toxic natural proteins. The resulting wires can be used in medical sensors, military applications, and other electronic devices.
A new study reveals that certain bacteria in the human gut have been passed down over millions of years, guiding early intestine development and influencing immune systems. The researchers found genetic evidence that these bacteria split into distinct strains at around the same time as their hosts diverged from a common ancestor.
A new study suggests that gut bacteria in modern humans and apes coevolved for millions of years to help shape their immune systems. Researchers found that bacterial species distinct to one host were rarely transferred to other hosts, indicating unique patterns of evolution along with their hosts.
USF researchers found vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) bacteria in untreated wastewater after a 2014 sewer line break, posing a public health threat. The bacteria can transfer resistance to other strains, fueling the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
A study published in the Journal of Bacteriology found that two genes, ArsS and ArsR, play a crucial role in regulating biofilm formation in H. pylori. The researchers created strains with mutations in these genes and observed that they formed thicker and more rapid biofilms.
Researchers studied ocean bacteria to understand how they find food and developed a mathematical model of their behavior. They found that fast-swimming bugs change direction frequently to target food, which could inspire the development of friendly bacteria engineered to diagnose and treat diseases like cancer.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine investigated the genetic control of immune cell responses to pathogens. Researchers found that cytokine production varied significantly between individuals and was influenced by six genomic regions. The study's findings suggest that genetic markers may predict infection risk, leading to new t...
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a genetic link between an immune system gene and an increased risk of kidney disease, specifically IgA nephropathy. The study found that variations in the number of copies of the alpha-defensin genes were strongly correlated with the condition.