Research on disease-causing bacteria and how they spread. Covers waterborne bacteria, Lyme disease ecology, pathogenic genetics, and biofilm treatments.
A new study published in PLOS Pathogens found that mice fed a Western-style diet high in processed foods and low in fiber developed persistent infections that led to inflammation and insulin resistance. The researchers suggest that altering gut microbiota through diet may be a means of promoting health.
New Army-funded synthetic biology research has enabled the manipulation of micro-compartments in cells, potentially leading to breakthroughs in bio-manufacturing. The study could inform new ways to design medicine, synthetic cells and nano-reactors for nanotechnology applications.
Researchers developed a system treating pig farm wastewater, removing odors and excess nitrates. The new process relies on bacteria to convert nitrates to nitrogen gas, offering a scalable and low-maintenance solution for the agricultural industry.
A new AI platform has identified specific proteins that allow bacteria to infect the intestines, paving the way for smart drugs to prevent disease. The study used machine-learning tools and genomic information of multiple bacteria to make accurate predictions.
New research from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology analyzes the impact of a bird eye disease on house finch populations, revealing an escalating arms race between the birds' immune systems and bacterial strains. The study suggests that imperfect immunity is driving this battle, with bacteria evolving to overcome strengthened finch defenses.
Researchers found that trehalose and glycogen pathways are crucial for stress tolerance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a significant pathogen causing pneumonia and hospital-acquired infections. Disrupting these pathways significantly reduced the bacteria's ability to survive on man-made surfaces.
Researchers develop nanoparticles that penetrate human cells and destroy bacteria, offering new hope against antibiotic resistance. The particles use cerium oxide to create reactive oxygen species that kill germs, reducing the likelihood of resistance development.
Scientists at the University of Reading found that handwashing shapes communities of bacteria in sink drains, with dominant families differing by location and plumbing system type. The study suggests that even thorough cleaning may not eliminate all bacteria, highlighting the need for thorough disinfection of sinks.
Researchers created a platform that can develop effective peptide nucleic acid therapies against bacteria in just one week. The Facile Accelerated Specific Therapeutic (FAST) platform enables speedy identification and testing of molecules targeting new mechanisms in pathogens.
Scientists have developed active liquid crystal systems that can exhibit autonomous behavior, self-regulate, and detect pathogens. These systems show high sensitivity to environmental stimuli, making them potentially programmable for various applications.
Scientists developed an imaging agent that enables safe and rapid detection of Enterobacterales infections in patients, distinguishing between drug-susceptible and resistant strains. The agent revealed sites of infection, monitored response to antibiotics, and identified secondary bacterial infections.
The project aims to determine the mechanism of Neisseria pathogenesis to find innovative treatments. The researchers will use high-throughput sequencing, bioinformatics, and infection models to study the genetic modifications and their roles in adaptation.
Researchers have developed a new superbug-destroying coating that could be used on wound dressings and implants to prevent and treat potentially deadly bacterial and fungal infections. The material is effective against a broad range of drug-resistant bacteria and fungal cells, while leaving human cells unharmed.
A UBCO research team found that maternal fat intake affects infant gut microbial communities, immune development, and disease risk. The study suggests that milk fat may improve protection against intestinal infections when combined with n-3 PUFAs.
A study by researchers at the University of Campinas found that adults with periodontitis transmit bacteria to their children, leading to subgingival bacterial colonization at an early age. This highlights the importance of preventive care in infancy to avoid developing this inflammatory disease of the gums.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have identified new drug candidates based on molecules isolated from probiotic Kefir yogurt. The molecules were found to disrupt cell-cell communication in pathogenic bacteria, offering a promising approach against antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have discovered a novel protein transport system in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, allowing the release of its toxin, tuberculosis necrotizing toxin (TNT), into human macrophages. The study reveals that two small Esx proteins form pores in membranes to facilitate TNT secretion.
Researchers developed a new method to detect multiple types of DNA methylation in individual bacteria and the gut microbiome using nanopore sequencing. This breakthrough enables reliable methylation discovery and high-resolution microbiome analysis.
Researchers discovered that transfer RNAs (tRNAs) play a crucial role in controlling the activation of the stringent response pathway. The MurM enzyme, involved in cell wall synthesis, acts as a quality control manager to ensure accurate translation and prevent toxic tRNA buildup.
A study led by McMaster University identified adherent-invasive E-coli (AIEC) as a strong potential trigger for Crohn's disease. AIEC bacteria are often found in the intestines of people with Crohn's, and research suggests that they can cause the condition by allowing them to freely colonize the gut lining.
Researchers at Washington State University have discovered a protein that could block Campylobacter, a leading cause of food poisoning. The secreted protein, CiaD, facilitates cell entry and takes control of important cell processes. This breakthrough could lead to real-world solutions for preventing Campylobacter-related diseases.
A new study found that apes, including humans and chimpanzees, mount a stronger early response to viral and bacterial stimulation compared to African and Asian monkeys. This robust response may be due to differences in life history, with apes living longer and being larger, increasing their lifetime risk of pathogen exposure.
The first complete genome for the bacteria that causes bacterial spot disease in pumpkins has been assembled, providing valuable resources to understand its spread, host specificity, and potential resistance to chemical controls. The study identified key genes involved in infection and compared them with other Xanthomonas species.
Researchers at Skoltech have discovered new gene clusters that employ a 'Trojan horse' strategy to kill bacterial cells by preventing protein synthesis. These findings suggest the possibility of developing novel antimicrobial agents, which could be used to combat pathogenic bacteria.
Two approved medications, ticagrelor and oseltamivir, protect platelets and improve survival in mice with S. aureus blood infections. These compounds could be repurposed to treat badly needed therapies for blood infections.
Researchers at the University of Seville are studying the Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) in bacteria like Pseudomonas putida to develop biocontrol agents for sustainable agriculture. The T6SS is a molecular weapon that allows bacteria to quickly eliminate competitors and protect plants from diseases.
A new study found that microplastics in wastewater treatment plants can host antibiotic-resistant bacteria and pathogens, leading to a significant increase in resistance by up to 30 times. The microplastics form a biofilm that allows the bacteria to attach and exchange genes, posing risks to human health.
The gut's immune system plays a critical role in regulating nutrient absorption and warding off toxic chemicals and life-threatening bacteria. Researchers found that gamma delta T cells suppress interleukin-22 expression, allowing for the activation of digestive enzymes and nutrient transporters.
Researchers developed a diagnostic test to identify virulent Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (Strep zoo) bacteria in pigs. The probe-based PCR assay reliably detected virulent strains while producing negative results for other pathogens.
Researchers at MSU used transposons to tag individual strains of Brucellosis bacteria, allowing them to track the spread of the disease in cattle. The study provided critical insight into the cow's mucosal barrier and identified genes involved in severe outcomes.
Pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella can rapidly adapt their injection apparatus to varying digestive tract conditions. This dynamic behavior allows them to quickly respond to environmental changes, preventing misfiring and potentially activating the host's immune response.
Scientists have identified three novel bacterial strains on the International Space Station (ISS) that could aid in growing crops in space. The strains, including a previously undiscovered species, possess genetic determinants for promoting plant growth under stressful conditions.
Researchers developed a mouse Intestine-on-Chip platform to study host-microbiome interactions, confirming that Enterococcus faecium promotes tolerance to S. typhimurium infection in mice. The technology mimics human Intestine Chips, enabling real-time analysis of normal and pathological processes.
The NIH has awarded grants to support research on bacteriophage therapy, an emerging field that could yield new ways to fight antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Researchers will study the interaction between phages and bacteria to create lasting, re-usable therapeutics.
Bacterial mutants struggling to survive due to nutrient scarcity often form clusters to cooperate and share nutrients, rather than competing with wild-type bacteria. This cooperative behavior masks the true frequency of mutations, making it seem like a lower rate of mutant emergence is occurring.
Researchers found that treating apple flowers with specific bacteria strains reduced fire blight symptoms, altering floral microbiomes and disease rates. The study suggests that flowers may be a key site for biocontrol interventions, offering a new approach to managing this damaging disease.
Researchers detect molecular changes in infected human cells and bacterial pathogen, revealing new insights into infectious disease mechanisms. The findings may lead to novel methods for combatting invasive pathogens during spaceflight and on Earth.
Scientists have pinpointed a critical mechanism allowing deadly bacteria to resist antibiotics, and discovered a potential new target for effective treatment. The study identified quinolone antibiotic resistance mechanisms, including the production of pentapeptide repeat proteins, and revealed how they inhibit bacterial enzymes.
A new model links bacterial metabolism and growth to mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, enabling predictions of mutation types and levels. The study suggests a previously unobserved connection between nutrient uptake and resistance development, which can inform strategies for slowing resistance emergence.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers reveals that a specific bacterium in mom's milk can educate an infant's antibody response, potentially strengthening their immune system. The findings suggest that probiotics could be used to protect infants from enteric infections and autoimmune diseases.
A team of researchers has developed a new method to combat periodontitis by targeting only the bacteria that cause the disease. The approach uses a test substance that attacks glutaminyl cyclase, an enzyme in the bacteria that plays a special role in metabolism.
A rapid microbiological point-of-care test for respiratory infections has proved popular with GPs and may reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing. The study found that clinicians changed the diagnosis in one in five patients following testing and were more certain of the diagnosis after detecting a virus or bacterium.
A long-term study found that bottlenose dolphins in Louisiana's Barataria Bay, exposed to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, show abnormal immune responses and are more susceptible to pathogens. The researchers observed dysfunctional T-reg cells, which may be irreversible, raising concerns for the long-term recovery of these dolphins.
Scientists at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have identified a promising target for new antibacterial agents in the formation of ribosomal components. The study, published in Molecular Cell, reveals that a helper protein called ObgE plays a key role in guiding the process, which could be inhibited to stop bacterial growth.
Climate change has a stronger influence on soil microbial communities than land-use change, leading to increased bacterial richness but reduced community complexity. This shift may reduce specialization and adaptation capacity of ecosystems.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals that bacterial toxin colibactin is produced in patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs), a potential link to bladder cancer. The researchers detected colibactin in 55 of 223 patient samples and found it to induce DNA damage in bladder cells.
Researchers at Purdue University developed a method to detect pathogens in cells using Doppler technology, allowing for quick diagnoses and effective treatments. This innovation enables scientists to identify harmless microbes and determine the correct antibiotic to use against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
A new study found that kittens with aEPEC bacteria can help understand the disease, and the researchers identified behavioral differences between healthy and sick kittens. The findings point to kittens as a potentially invaluable model for further exploration of aEPEC.
A team of scientists is exploring the use of beneficial bacteria to help corals cope with climate change and bleaching events. By improving the health of coral symbionts, researchers hope to provide a 'medicine' to help corals adapt to changing environmental pressures.
A new study has identified a universal strain of bacteria derived from healthy human skin that can treat the most common type of eczema. In a Phase I clinical trial, two-thirds of participants showed significant improvements in symptoms, including reduced itchiness and inflammation.
A study by MIT researchers has identified a class of metabolic mutations in bacteria that helps them develop resistance to antibiotics. The findings suggest that forcing bacteria to burn more energy could make them more susceptible to antibiotics, and may lead to the development of new drugs to enhance existing antibiotic effectiveness.
Researchers aim to combat antibiotic-resistant infections by developing new therapeutics, utilizing antibodies and artificial intelligence. The team targets bacteria such as Burkholderia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, causing severe respiratory and other infections.
Research reveals that hospital wastewater selectively kills antibiotic-sensitive bacteria, while multi-resistant bacteria thrive in its presence. This finding highlights the potential for hospital wastewaters to drive the evolution of new forms of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that Campylobacter strains C. coli and C. jejuni exchange genetic material, leading to increased virulence and antibiotic resistance. The study discovered 21 new Campylobacter strains in 2019, indicating a significant increase in the bacteria's drug resistance profile.
Scientists identified how harmless E. coli gut bacteria in chickens can acquire genes to become life-threatening infections, highlighting the potential for horizontal gene transfer and increasing antibiotic resistance. The study warns of the risk of such infections crossing over to infect humans.
A new approach to extend probiotic survival in vivo is developed using Smectite, a drug commonly used for gastrointestinal diseases. The study found that Smectite promotes lactic acid bacteria (LAB) biofilm formation, leading to increased anti-tumour immune responses and improved immunotherapy efficacy.
Researchers found gulls carrying resistant strains of Campylobacter and Salmonella, causing gastroenteritis in humans. The study highlights the importance of wildlife fauna as a reservoir for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, emphasizing the need for a one health approach.
Researchers at Osaka City University demonstrated the mechanism behind FMT, showing how FMT can restore human intestinal flora by replacing damaged microflora with a healthy one. The study reveals the crucial role of bacteriophages and their host bacteria in the pathogenesis of rCDI and its recovery.
Research ties oral health issues to systemic diseases like type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and heart disease, highlighting the importance of a healthy mouth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings can prevent oral diseases and promote overall well-being.
A new study by UC Riverside researchers found that a high-fat and sugar diet in childhood can alter the gut microbiome of mice for life. The study suggests that early-life diet has more long-lasting effects on the microbiome than exercise, highlighting the importance of nutrition during critical developmental periods.