Articles tagged with Bacterial Genetics
A molecular pathway in brain helps halt spread of intestinal bacteria into bloodstream, strengthening gut barrier to prevent immune system activation. Researchers discover genetic switch Crtc plays key role in maintaining this barrier.
Researchers have identified a specific gene mutation in Staphylococcus aureus that reduces the bacterium's ability to destroy human immune cells, making it more likely to cause life-threatening diseases. This discovery provides new insights into the complex relationships between bacteria and their hosts.
Antibiotics disrupt gut microbiome communication with the immune system, impairing immune function. New approaches aim to restore balance by targeting infectious bacteria or modifying the microbiota, such as using bacteriocins, CRISPR-CAS9 gene editing, or fecal material transplants
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center discovered that genetic variants can prevent 'good' gut bacteria from functioning properly, contributing to the development of Crohn's disease. This study provides new insight into the interaction between genes and microorganisms in promoting health and preventing inflammation.
Researchers found that Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes are less able to transmit Zika virus, with fewer viral particles in their bodies and saliva. The approach is a sustainable control agent, piloted to combat Dengue virus transmission and potentially helping tackle the Zika epidemic.
Researchers at Duke University discovered a genetic circuit in bacteria that creates spatial patterns with proportional scaling, similar to those seen in animals. This finding suggests that timing cues may play a key role in pattern formation and development in other organisms.
Researchers discovered that TB bacteria trick immune cells into building up fat to feed them, rather than destroying them. This finding provides new insights into the mechanisms of TB infection and potential treatment approaches using antisense oligonucleotides.
Researchers at TSRI isolated a unique Treg cell from a mouse model of type 1 diabetes and discovered it originates in the thymus, giving rise to two functional states: an nTreg with active FoxP3 and a pre-nTreg without. This discovery opens new avenues for developing novel therapies to prevent autoimmune diseases.
Cornell University has received a $4.8 million USAID grant to improve genetically engineered eggplant production in Bangladesh and the Philippines. The project aims to increase farmers' livelihoods by reducing yield losses and improving food security.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis created a quality-control tool called PopQC to ensure hard-working cells dominate in microbial fermentation processes, resulting in threefold enhanced production of free fatty acid and tyrosine. This innovation addresses the universal problem of biological noise, which affects the work ...
The gut microbiome remains healthy due to functional redundancy among microbe species, which ensure stability in the face of constant disturbance. This study highlights the importance of understanding the role of these bacteria in the human body and their contribution to clinical symptoms.
A new study reveals that a more primitive form of photosynthesis evolved in much older bacteria than previously thought, dating back to around 3.5 billion years ago. This type of photosynthesis does not produce oxygen and uses molecules such as hydrogen or iron as fuel.
Researchers from KU Leuven found that frequent antibiotic use leads to the development of persister cells, which are dormant and tolerant to antibiotics. This phenomenon can lead to the recurrence of infections despite successful treatment.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have created a vaccine that offers high-level protection against melioidosis, a bacterial infection that causes pneumonia and sepsis. The new vaccine, which has been tested on mice, holds promise for preventing a disease that affects thousands in tropical regions and is often misdiagnosed.
A new machine-learning technique, denoising autoencoder, uncovers previously unknown gene-expression patterns in P. aeruginosa, a notorious pathogen resistant to standard antibiotic therapies. The system identified characteristic patterns in response to antibiotics and low oxygen conditions.
Researchers have used genetic modification to create cattle with a gene resistant to the bacteria causing bovine tuberculosis. This advance supports the development of genetically modified animals as an effective tool against deadly bacterial infections in the livestock industry.
A machine learning algorithm identified 18 potential combinations of existing and previously unknown compounds that can work together as antifungal agents, confirming their potential for drug development. The study also found some compound combinations were harmless when applied to human cell lines.
Inorganic mercury exposure is linked to damaged cell processes, causing more damage at lower concentrations than organic mercury. The study found that inorganic mercury efficiently removes iron from proteins, disrupting key cellular functions.
Bioart uses genetic engineering, bacteria manipulation, and other scientific methods to create artistic works, sparking discussions about ethics and safety. The field has evolved from Fleming's 'germ paintings' to modern-day projects like genetically engineered silk worms and metagenomics analyses.
CRISPR-Cas systems recognize and cut genetic elements from invaders, protecting bacteria. They hold potential for treating bacterial infections, developing probiotics, and designing microbial factories.
Researchers have developed a novel protein from a bacterium that allows them to see early-developing cancer cells deeper in tissue using photoacoustic tomography. This technology provides a new tool for high-resolution imaging of cancer with genetic specificity, promising future studies and drug screening.
Researchers at the University of York have developed novel genetic engineering tools to manipulate genes required for antibiotic biosynthesis, enabling scientists to create new antibiotics. The technique has the potential to unlock the antibiotic potential of a significantly larger number of biosynthetic pathways than traditional methods.
Trees grown in contaminated soil exhibit enhanced defense mechanisms against pests, as genetic information from other organisms is expressed differently. This phenomenon enables trees to better fend off biotic stresses, potentially revolutionizing phytoremediation processes.
Research reveals that ancient aquatic algae were genetically pre-adapted to form symbiotic relationships with microorganisms, crucial for plant nutrient acquisition. This finding sheds light on the evolution of land plants from freshwater algae and could help unlock efficient nutrient acquisition in crops like cereals.
Researchers have found that artificially selected microbiomes can improve plant growth in genetically identical plants. This method of root microbiome engineering uses bacteria from the roots of large plants and transfers them to other plants, leading to improved growth over time.
A single gene mutation in a bacterial species triggered dramatic changes across its microbial community, altering biofilm production and affecting other species. This study suggests that fine-scale genetic differences within populations can have significant impacts on ecosystems.
Researchers have identified a protective mechanism used by beneficial bacteria to safeguard intestinal cells from stress and damage. By stimulating the Nrf2 pathway, these bacteria can help prevent weight loss and death after radiation exposure, as well as protect against toxic herbicides like paraquat.
Researchers define the core set of genes and functions that a bacterial cell needs to sustain life, providing a foundation for new cell engineering approaches. The study identifies 356 essential genes across various microorganisms, enabling the rapid construction of genome-scale cellular growth models.
Scientists have created a new suite of biosensors that enable two-way communication between humans and cells, allowing them to control and optimize the production of valuable chemicals. The biosensors can detect which microbial 'workers' are producing the most efficient amounts of desired chemicals.
A new study found that daily changes in mouse gut bacteria are linked to the internal clock and gender. The researchers analyzed circadian rhythms in abundance and type of microbiota in mice and found that female mice showed more significant oscillation than males.
A Virginia Tech scientist has developed a mathematical model that demonstrates bacteria can control the behavior of robots, opening up new possibilities in ecology, biology, and robotics. The model uses engineered gene circuits in E. coli to create a bacteria-robot system that exhibits unique decision-making behavior.
Researchers at MIT successfully engineered Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron to express genes on demand, allowing for precise control over its functions in the mouse gut microbiome. This breakthrough has significant implications for tackling health-related problems and may lead to the development of new therapeutic applications.
New UCLA research reveals that vitamin B12 can lead to pimple-prone skin by changing the activity of facial bacteria. This finding may help identify new treatments for acne by targeting specific mechanisms in the skin. The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, sheds light on one key role that B12 plays in acne development.
Research reveals that legume plants selectively regulate access to symbiotic and endophytic bacteria, maintaining competitive symbionts in the soil. The study provides insights into genetic mechanisms controlling compatibility and identifies layers of accommodation for these microbes.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed an easy way to contain bacteria using genetic mutations that require a specific molecule for viability. The method has promise as a practical method of biocontainment and could be applied to organisms engineered to treat diseases.
Researchers have successfully transplanted a circadian rhythm from cyanobacteria into bacteria, opening up new possibilities for precisely timed drug release and therapeutic applications. The genetically engineered bacteria can monitor gut microbiota and potentially influence metabolic functions.
A recent study found that less competitive strains of Myxococcus xanthus can retain their genetic diversity by occupying niches inaccessible to dominant strains. This phenomenon, known as positive frequency-dependent selection, allows weaker gene variants to survive and thrive when numerically superior.
Researchers at the Institute of Food Research have visualized the structural changes Clostridium spores undergo during germination, which could help control pathogenic bacteria. The study provides new insights into the genetic controls of spore germination and reveals that spores have polarity that aligns structures correctly.
Scientists have found that certain bacteria produce tiny particles called vesicles that can provoke an immune response in the gut, leading to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study highlights a potential target for IBD treatments, a bacterial enzyme that could help prevent symptoms.
A study reveals that an unfavorable bacterial network configuration in the gut can cause inflammation similar to Crohn's disease. Researchers found that transplanting 'healthy' bacteria into patients' intestines may provide a conventional treatment option.
Researchers found antibiotic resistance genes in Yanomami tribespeople who had never been exposed to antibiotics, suggesting that bacteria have resisted antibiotics since long before their use. The study reveals a link between decreased bacterial diversity and increased diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
Researchers found nearly double bacterial diversity among Yanomami Amerindians compared to industrialized countries, and higher than other remote populations exposed to modern practices. The study suggests a link between antibiotic usage, western diet, and reduced bacterial diversity.
Researchers at UC Davis are receiving $5 million in grants from the US Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The funding will be used to develop new technologies and methods to prevent cross-contamination in produce processing, identify genetic traits of lactic acid bacteria found on fruits and vegetab...
Seth Bordenstein's research aims to understand the regulation of bacterial infections passed from mother to offspring. The study will test three hypotheses to pinpoint animal genes that control microbe density.
Scientists discovered a unique set of enzymes in Staphylococcus hominis that break down sweat molecules into thioalcohols, a key component of body odor. The study identified genes responsible for producing these compounds and confirmed their role in malodour production.
Researchers have programmed bacteria to generate a hunger-suppressing lipid, leading to reduced body fat and staved-off diabetes in mice. The therapeutic bacteria could provide sustained drug delivery, potentially improving weight loss outcomes for humans.
Antibiotics are widely used in lab experiments for microbiology, molecular biology, and genetic research. However, this practice contributes to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, posing a catastrophic threat to modern medicine. Researchers must use antibiotics more responsibly and sparingly.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new method to test the most common cause of life-threatening infection in people with cystic fibrosis. The approach allows scientists to identify several genes necessary for Pseudomonas aeruginosa survival, improving efforts to study and combat the illness.
EPFL scientists have found that replacing glucose with starch from rice can reduce the toxicity of the cholera bacterium, Vibrio cholerae, and may lead to a 30% reduction in cholera cases. Oral rehydration therapy using rice starch could significantly improve treatment outcomes.
A Cornell-led study found that specific gut bacteria are heritable and more common in lean individuals. Transplanting a particular bacterium into mice protected against weight gain, highlighting the potential for tailored probiotics to reduce obesity-related diseases.
A twin study found that specific gut microbes are heritable and more common in lean individuals, protecting against weight gain. The findings suggest that genetic variation influences the composition of gut microbes, which can be used to develop personalized probiotic therapies to reduce obesity-related diseases.
Researchers identified a specific bacterial family that is highly heritable and more common in individuals with low body weight. Transplanting this microbe into mice prevented weight gain, suggesting its potential as a treatment for obesity.
A new rapid test developed by University of British Columbia researchers can predict severe sepsis within an hour, allowing timely treatment to begin. The genetic signature associated with the disease has been identified and can be tested as soon as a patient arrives in the emergency ward.
Researchers find genetically similar bioluminescent organs in two squid species, suggesting predictable evolution of complex traits. The study's novel bioinformatic approaches indicate that convergent phenotypes are associated with the convergent expression of thousands of genes.
A new genetic test developed by scientists can detect canine fecal contamination in water, providing insights into the scale of the problem. The test identified 11 genetic markers common to most dog samples but absent from human ones, revealing the significant role dogs play in contaminating US waterways.
Sick mice produce specialized sugars to feed their gut microbiota and resist infection. Healthy recovery requires both L-fucose production and intact gut microbiota. The study suggests a potential role for L-fucose in preventing or tolerating Crohn's disease.
A Harvard team has created a novel protein engineering system called BIND to engineer bacteria into living foundries for the production of biomaterials with specific functions. The researchers have demonstrated the ability to fuse multiple proteins to create multifunctional biofilms that can be programmed to perform various tasks.
Researchers have identified two groups of ancient bacteria as the source of a critical amino acid pathway used by plants to create essential compounds. This breakthrough sheds light on the complex evolution of plant chemical pathways and may lead to increased production of valuable nutrients and medicinal compounds.
Researchers have discovered new materials capable of repelling bacteria, which could lead to a significant reduction in hospital infections acquired through implanted medical devices. The polymers have been licensed to a UK SME for clinical trials, aiming to inform rational design of improved bacteria-resistant polymers.
A Vanderbilt study finds that bacteria produce a therapeutic compound that inhibits weight gain, insulin resistance, and other adverse effects of a high-fat diet in mice. The researchers genetically modified E. coli to produce NAPE, which reduces food intake and weight gain, suggesting a potential new treatment for obesity.