Articles tagged with Bacterial Genetics
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Scientists have devised a way to measure the impact of age on bacterial growth rates, allowing for new understanding and modeling of bacterial populations. This development could provide new insights into how genetic factors affect their life cycle and potentially lead to alternative methods to curb bacterial growth.
A potential vaccine against tuberculosis has been found to completely eliminate the disease-causing bacteria from infected tissues in mice. The vaccine uses a modified strain of bacteria that triggers a specific immune response, providing longer protection and bactericidal immunity.
A new TB vaccine candidate has shown promising results in animal studies, inducing a robust T-cell response that could protect against the disease. The vaccine, developed using a closely related species of bacteria, proved both potent and safe, with vaccinated mice living up to 135 days versus 54 days for control mice.
Researchers have engineered bacteria to withstand high levels of mercury and remove it from their surroundings, providing a potential technology for bioremediation. The bacteria were able to grow in extremely high concentrations of mercury and remove over 80% of it in five days.
Researchers are studying the health of West Highland White Terriers (Westies) for insights into inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Legg-Calve Perthes Disease (LCPD). They have identified biomarkers for diagnosing canine IBD and found similarities between dog intestinal populations and human IBD.
The study reveals a complex cascade of enhancer binding proteins (EBPs) that initiates the formation of biofilms. Bacterial cells require cooperative behavior similar to higher organisms, and understanding this process is crucial for developing new ways to prevent and treat infected surfaces.
A recent study published in Science argues against a widely publicized conclusion that bacteria consumed Deepwater Horizon methane, casting doubt on the attribution of low oxygen zones to methane oxidation. The researchers highlight uncertainties in methane discharge and oxygen depletion data, as well as limitations in the model used b...
Researchers found that gut bacteria can influence brain chemistry and behavior, with changes in bacteria disrupting behavior and increasing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Disrupting the normal bacterial content of the gut with antibiotics also produced changes in behavior.
Researchers at the University of Georgia identified the biochemical pathway that controls how bacteria release sulfur compounds into the ocean and atmosphere, a discovery that could help mitigate global warming. The study found that the pathway is widespread among bacterioplankton in the ocean and non-marine environments.
A study by MIT researchers calculated the likelihood of a particular evolutionary adaptation reversing itself. They found that only a small percentage of evolutionary adaptations in drug-resistance genes can be reversed, but only if they involve fewer than four discrete genetic mutations.
Researchers found three distinct gut types, each associated with unique microbial genetic markers. These markers may help diagnose diseases like colo-rectal cancer and predict treatment outcomes.
Scientists have developed bacteria that produce disease-fighting substances and deliver them to diseased areas of the body. The 'bacterial dirigibles' use biochemical delivery addresses to navigate to specific cells, producing substances to fight diseases.
Researchers found that natural variations in several genes affect how quickly worms leave a lawn of bacteria. The tyra-3 gene is involved, producing a receptor activated by adrenaline-like hormones derived from the amino acid tyrosine.
Researchers identified genes used by some bacterial strains to breach plant defences, revealing the essential role of isothiocyanates in protecting cruciferous plants from infection. This discovery has significant implications for improving crop plants' resistance to disease and increasing food security.
Researchers have engineered E. coli bacteria to produce n-butanol, a chemical that could be used as a substitute for diesel oil and gasoline. The new genetically altered E. coli produced nearly five grams of n-butanol per liter, about 10 times better than current industrial microbe systems.
Researchers at Inserm discovered that Neisseria meningitidis uses a strategy called 'scouting' to disperse from the throat into the bloodstream. This process involves the modification of pilin proteins with phosphoglycerol, which triggers dissemination and allows bacteria to colonize other areas of the throat and cross cell walls.
Researchers have uncovered the efficient survival mechanisms of Oxyrrhis marina, a microscopic dinoflagellate that can harness energy from light and digest prey with acquired genes. The study shows that this unique organism has picked up a gene for photosynthesis from its bacterial prey.
Arun Chatterjee, a professor emeritus at the University of Missouri, was elected to the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his groundbreaking research on Erwinia carotovora, a bacterium that causes disease in various plants. His work has shed light on the regulatory role of small RNAs in controlling protein ...
Researchers found that about a third of wild-collected Dictyamoeba are 'farmers' who store bacteria as food and thrive in environments where others struggle to find sustenance. The study's findings suggest potential insights into the development of new treatments for diseases like tuberculosis.
Researchers discovered interplay between genetic and persistence mechanisms in bacteria, leading to novel effective treatments for multi-drug resistant (MDR) infections. Persistence cells are temporarily hyper-resistant to antibiotics, causing treatment failure and contributing to chronic bacterial infections.
A team of UCSF researchers has engineered E. coli with the key molecular circuitry that enables genetic engineers to program cells to communicate and perform computations. This system can be harnessed to turn cells into miniature computers, enabling intricate functions for various purposes such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals.
Researchers discovered key differences in how E. coli bacteria behave in humans compared to mice, identifying potential targets for a vaccine. The study's findings could lead to the development of a vaccine that saves billions in healthcare costs and millions of doctor visits annually.
Researchers at MIT have genetically engineered periwinkle plants to produce unnatural variants of their usual alkaloid products, which could lead to more effective cancer treatments. The team successfully attached halogens to vinblastine precursors using bacterial genes, expanding the plant's pharmaceutical repertoire.
Researchers investigate White pox disease, a human strain of Serratia marcescens transmitted to elkhorn corals, which may indicate a new phenomenon of diseases jumping from humans to wildlife. The study aims to understand transmission mechanisms and develop control strategies.
A new study by University of Notre Dame ecologist Jennifer Tank and colleagues found that streams throughout the Midwest receive transgenic materials from corn crop byproducts six months after harvest. The research detected Cry1Ab insecticidal protein in 13% of stream sites and dissolved in 23% of water samples.
A new study by Queen's University reveals that soil bacteria in Arctic regions exhibit no similarity pattern based on distance, contradicting expectations. The research found thousands of unique bacterial types in each sample, regardless of location.
Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have identified two bacteria that instigate gut inflammation, leading to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in mice. The study suggests that the genetic background influences the intestinal microbiota, with Enterobacteriaceae playing a role in triggering IBD.
Nine Plant Feedstocks Genomics for Bioenergy awards have been given to ASPB members, who will explore ways to enhance productivity, yield and sustainability of plants as sources of biofuels. Researchers will investigate the role of microRNAs, small RNA molecules and genetic diversity in improving bioenergy crops.
Recent studies have uncovered surprising parallels between pheromone signaling in bacteria and fungi, suggesting a close link between microbial sex and virulence. The review highlights the role of telesensing in regulating genetic exchange and potential virulence factors in opportunistic pathogens.
Researchers successfully convert thymic epithelial cells into skin multipotent stem cells, exhibiting improved performance in skin regeneration. This discovery may have significant implications for organ transplantation and regeneration, offering new possibilities for treating severe burn victims.
Researchers at Loyola Medicine have discovered protein acetylation, a common molecular reaction in bacteria that affects protein function and gene regulation. This finding has significant implications for understanding bacterial physiology and developing new drugs to combat harmful bacteria.
Researchers document a novel form of adaptation through natural selection in bacteria-infected flies, which use co-opted genetic material to develop a defense against nematodes. The study reveals the rapid spread of beneficial bacteria across North America, increasing frequency from 10% to 80% in just two decades.
Researchers found that a single species of gut-residing bacteria can trigger a cascade of immune responses leading to the development of arthritis in genetically susceptible individuals. The bacteria cause the production of autoantibodies and T cells, which trigger an autoimmune response and inflammation in the joints.
A new microbial genetic system has been developed to dissect biomass to biofuel conversion, allowing for the efficient extraction of sugar molecules from biomass polymers. This breakthrough enables researchers to study the functional significance of specific enzymes and understand how microorganisms carry out the complex process of pla...
Researchers have identified a genetic link between the CISH gene and increased susceptibility to tuberculosis, malaria, and serious bacterial infections. The study found that a single genetic variant in the CISH gene increases disease risk by 18% compared to those without the variant.
Research finds common intestinal bacteria promote tumor growth in genetically susceptible mice, but an inhibiting protein enzyme suppresses growth, increasing survival time. The study's findings could lead to a new form of treatment for familial adenomatous polyposis, a genetic condition that increases the risk of colon cancer.
Aphids have evolved two unique traits: producing essential carotenoids and breaking genetic barriers between kingdoms. They acquired carotenoid-producing genes from fungi through a rare gene transfer process.
The study reveals that Mycobacterium tuberculosis uses small RNAs to subtly tweak bacterial production in response to environmental signals, enhancing its survival. This understanding can lead to the design of new drugs targeting persistent TB forms.
Research shows that intestinal bacteria can contribute to human obesity and metabolic disease by influencing appetite and metabolism. TLR5-deficient mice exhibit metabolic syndrome, a cluster of disorders increasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Researchers at EMBL discover a reference gene set for the human gut microbiome, cataloging 3.3 million microbial genes and shedding light on their role in maintaining health. This breakthrough enables non-invasive stool samples to be used as a measure of health, potentially leading to new treatments.
Researchers from Catholic University of Rome discover that a non-pathogenic bacterium can trigger an autoimmune disease similar to multiple sclerosis in mice. The study suggests that environmental factors may play a role in the development of the disease, and could potentially lead to the development of a vaccine.
Researchers have achieved a breakthrough in regulating genes by hijacking riboswitches, opening doors for targeted drug discovery and synthetic biology. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, uses synthetic molecules to activate genes previously controlled by small naturally occurring molecules.
Researchers at UC San Diego successfully synchronized bacterial genetic clocks to blink in unison and alter their blinking rates in response to environmental conditions. The achievement is a crucial step towards creating genetic sensors that can monitor temperature, poisons, and other hazards.
Researchers at UT Knoxville discovered that Azospirillum brasilense has 48 receptors, enabling it to detect changes in its environment and make complex decisions. This understanding could lead to tailored medicines and new agricultural applications.
Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center have discovered a new paradigm to understand the molecular principles of gene transcription in bacteria. The study reveals an allosteric mechanism by which Rho terminates transcription and shows that Rho binds tightly to RNA polymerase throughout the transcription cycle.
Scientists discovered that Myxococcus xanthus cells recognize subtle genetic differences in one another, inhibiting cooperation and promoting competition. This suggests that cooperation may be driven by a desire to maintain evolutionary dominance rather than a shared kinship bond.
Researchers at UCLA have genetically modified a cyanobacterium to consume carbon dioxide and produce isobutanol, a potential gasoline alternative. This method recycles carbon dioxide, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and uses solar energy, making it an efficient and less expensive approach than current biofuel production methods.
A team of researchers from Arizona State University has developed a process that removes a key obstacle to producing lower-cost, renewable biofuels. The team has programmed a photosynthetic microbe to self-destruct, making the recovery of high-energy fats and their biofuel byproducts easier and potentially less costly.
A new study found that female mandrills reproduce with males whose genes complement theirs, increasing the chances of their offspring resisting disease. The researchers believe this may be due to smell or selective fertilization, and the discovery supports the idea humans may also choose genetically compatible mates.
UT Southwestern researchers discovered that bacteria employ genetic circuits to generate diversity, increasing their chances of survival in unpredictable environments. This diversity allows individual bacteria to thrive under certain conditions, while others struggle, much like a diversified investment portfolio.
Researchers identified a genetic defect that selectively affects white blood cell production, potentially predisposing individuals to inflammatory bowel disease. The study's findings may provide insight into why IBD develops and help inform future treatment strategies.
Scientists have developed a therapy using genetically engineered Bacteroides ovatus that activates a human growth factor to treat bowel disorders like inflammatory bowel disease. The treatment reduces rectal bleeding, accelerates gut lining healing, and prevents disease onset.
Researchers from Imperial College London and Pfizer Research and Development found that urine samples can be used to predict how individuals will respond to certain drugs. The study looked at acetaminophen levels in urine before and after consumption and found that compounds like para-cresol sulphate were indicators of drug metabolism.
Researchers found a potent staph toxin responsible for disease severity and its connection to antibiotic resistance. The study identified the gene encoding the toxin, which is transmitted through horizontal gene transfer.
Case Western Reserve researcher Yiping Han aims to understand how to build roadblocks against harmful oral bacteria that can turn deadly in an unborn child. Her research has discovered an adhesin protein molecule that allows bacteria to connect with receptors on epithelial cells and endothelial cells of the placenta.
Researchers found that a key factor in quorum sensing is the ratio of bacteria to environment volume, regulating biological functions like bioluminescence and nutrient foraging. This discovery provides insights into fundamental design of quorum sensing systems and enables engineering of synthetic gene circuits.
Researchers found that Money spiders infected with Rickettsia bacteria have reduced long-distance dispersal, suggesting an adaptive modification by the bacteria to promote transmission. Treating the spiders with antibiotics increased their ballooning frequency.
Researchers found that certain microorganisms like E. coli and wine yeast have genetic networks that allow them to 'foresee' upcoming events and respond accordingly. This adaptation increases their chances of survival, similar to how Ivan Pavlov's dogs learned to salivate in response to a stimulus.
Researchers at NIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases have discovered a new autoinflammatory syndrome, DIRA, which affects children from birth to 2 weeks of age. The disorder is caused by mutations in the IL1RN gene and can be treated with anakinra, a synthetic form of human IL-1Ra.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a 'surprising link' between three processes in cell wall synthesis, which could lead to the development of a new antibiotic. This breakthrough provides a novel method for searching for small molecule drugs targeting these pathways.