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Bacteria survive on radioactive elements

Research reveals that certain bacteria can replace essential lanthanides with actinides to sustain their metabolism. The findings suggest a possible role for these bacteria in decontaminating areas contaminated with radioactive elements or separating lanthanides and actinides for analytical purposes.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2023

Bacterial signaling across biofilm affected by surface structure

The study found that antibiotics slow down biofilm growth and QS molecule production across both strains, with surface type having a significant effect on the non-mucoid strain. The patterned structure was associated with longer latencies before expression of QS molecules were at their peak.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

Purified curcumin instead of artificial additives can be used to preserve and enhance probiotic yogurt

Researchers successfully add purified curcumin to probiotic yogurt, preserving its dissolved form and enhancing its health properties. The study shows that the curcumin inhibits yeast, fungi, and bacteria growth while maintaining the recommended levels of beneficial lactic acid bacteria.

SourcePolskie Towarzystwo Lipidologiczne (Polish Lipid Association)·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2023

UMass Amherst researchers invent “electronic nose” built with sustainably sourced microbial nanowires that could revolutionize health monitoring

Scientists create wearable sensors using biodegradable nanowires that can detect various chemical tracers, including those associated with asthma and kidney disease. The breakthrough represents a new paradigm in electrical engineering, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional silicon-based nanowires.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateFeb 22, 2023

Uncovering bacteria survival strategies

Bacteria can survive antibiotics without acquiring new genes or mutating existing ones by maintaining high electrochemical energies. These high-energy cells exhibit a wide range of energy levels despite being in a state of arrested growth, enabling them to adapt and spread rapidly.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalmBio·DateFeb 8, 2023

Harmful bacteria can elude predators when in mixed colonies

A study by Dartmouth College researchers found that bacteria can form protective clusters with rival species, making it harder to kill harmful bacteria. This discovery highlights the importance of studying multispecies biofilm structures and may impact the development of bacteriophages and predatory bacteria as antimicrobial alternatives.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Beyond the average cell

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis and Purdue University used single-cell data to develop a new framework for understanding the relationship between cell growth, DNA replication, and division in bacteria. They found that individual cells can exquisitely coordinate these processes, despite the 'noisiness' of each process.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 9, 2023

Researchers analyze performance of bacterium in combating coffee rust

A study analyzed the potential of a bacterium to combat coffee rust, a major challenge for Brazilian coffee growers. The researchers found that the bacterium produces antibacterial and antifungal compounds, as well as proteins associated with protection against water stress, making it a promising candidate for biological control.

Mapping E. coli to overcome antibiotic resistance

A new study at the University of Tokyo has mapped the evolution and process of natural selection in Escherichia coli bacteria, creating fitness landscapes that help understand drug resistance and potential treatments. The researchers hope their results will be useful for predicting and controlling E. coli and other bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2022

Developing alginate hydrogels that can support cell growth

Scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have created alginate hydrogels that can endure the growth of bacteria, allowing them to synthesize essential enzymes. The modified hydrogels provided a stable platform for bacterial colonies to form and grow, producing important compounds like nisin.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

How gut bacteria influence the effects of cocaine in mice

Research reveals that common gut bacteria enhance cocaine effects in mice by consuming glycine, leading to behavior abnormalities. Supplementing glycine or using a genetically modified bacteria reduces response to cocaine, demonstrating its role as an addiction mediator.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

After more than 300 years of study, researchers developed a new way to understand bacteria

A Princeton team invented a way to observe bacteria in 3D environments, finding that colonies consistently form intricate, branching shapes resembling broccoli. They discovered two factors causing these shapes: nutrient and oxygen availability, and the colony's internal structure.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2022

How do mushrooms become magic?

Scientists are conducting a first-of-its-kind study to investigate the origin of psychedelic compounds in fungi, including psilocybin found in 'magic mushrooms'. The research aims to understand the evolution of these compounds and their potential applications in medicine and conservation.

Researchers discover new multicellular bacteria species

Researchers have isolated a novel bacterial species, HS-3, that displays complex multicellular behavior and a reversible two-phase life cycle. The discovery reveals a previously unknown mechanism for the emergence of multicellularity in bacteria, suggesting that environmental factors played a crucial role.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateOct 11, 2022

The new compound that destroys the MRSA superbug

Scientists at the University of Bath have discovered a novel polyamine that destroys MRSA superbug Staphylococcus aureus by disrupting its cell membrane, rendering it susceptible to antibiotics. The compound is also effective against biofilm and has shown promise as a potential new treatment option for antibiotic-resistant infections.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022

More than a gut feeling

Research reveals that gut flow velocity directly affects nutrient absorption and bacterial levels, with optimal conditions for each. The study suggests the gut adjusts its flow speed to regulate these processes in response to meal intake or fasting, potentially preventing diseases such as chronic fatigue and poor nutrient absorption.

New study explains link between diabetes and UTIs

Research at Karolinska Institutet shows that people with diabetes have lower levels of psoriasin, a key peptide that weakens the bladder's protective barrier function. This increases the risk of urinary tract infections. Oestrogen therapy may help regulate the immune response to UTIs in patients with diabetes.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022

Hidden in the seeds: Bacteria found to survive the harsh interior of passion fruit seeds

Scientists at Tokyo University of Science discovered endophytic bacteria that can survive extreme conditions within passion fruit seeds. The bacteria were isolated from seedlings grown from cut seeds and found to possess biocatalytic activities related to the metabolism of secondary metabolites, such as resveratrol and piceatannol.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalMicrobiologyOpen·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

'Oral' bacteria may disrupt the balance of the vaginal microbiome

A study suggests that oral bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum can promote the growth of harmful pathogens in the vagina, leading to bacterial vaginosis (BV). The research found that Fusobacterium may engage in mutually beneficial relationships with other vaginal bacteria, encouraging dysbiosis and BV features.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 25, 2020