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Boron nitride nanofilms for protection from bacterial and fungal infections

Researchers at NUST MISIS have developed antibacterial nano-coatings based on boron nitride that are highly effective against microbial pathogens, including up to 99.99% efficacy against E. coli bacteria. The coatings work by releasing the antibiotic gentamicin locally, reducing the need for high doses and minimizing side effects.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 20, 2020

Fats fighting back against bacteria

Scientists found that lipid droplets are not only used as an energy source but also act as a weapon against bacterial invaders. These fatty droplets can be used to target and kill bacteria, providing a new way to fight infection.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Inexpensive and rapid testing of drugs for resistant infections possible

A rapid and simple method for testing the efficacy of antibacterial drugs has been developed by Penn State researchers. The technique uses dynamic laser speckle imaging coupled with machine learning to predict whether bacteria are alive or dead, allowing for accurate determination of minimum inhibitory concentration values. This could ...

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Sensors·DateOct 15, 2020

Small RNA as a central player in infections

Researchers found that small RNA molecule NikS regulates critical virulence factors in H. pylori, allowing it to colonize the stomach and develop disease. NikS influences bacterial internalization and helps overcome epithelial barriers.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 15, 2020
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Protein that keeps immune system from freaking out could form basis for new therapeutics

Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine discovered a molecule called Girdin (GIV) that acts as a brake on macrophages. The GIV-mimic peptide can shut down immune cells' overreaction, supporting a mechanism critical for survival in mouse models of sepsis and colitis.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 14, 2020

Bacterial toxin with healing effect

A study by the University of Jena found that a toxic substance from Staphylococcus aureus stimulates immune cells to produce anti-inflammatory messenger substances, reducing inflammation and promoting tissue healing. The researchers also demonstrated that these substances promote tissue regeneration in an animal model.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 13, 2020

UOG monitors Guam for two of USDA's Priority Pests of 2021

The University of Guam is surveying and monitoring invasive pests of solanaceous crops, including Tuta absoluta, a moth that can destroy entire crops, and Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2, a bacterial wilt that infects through the roots. The work aims to prepare the island for management if these pests arrive.

SourceUniversity of Guam·DateOct 8, 2020
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Fighting intestinal infections with the body's own endocannabinoids

Research led by UTSW scientists finds that endocannabinoids can shut down genes needed for pathogenic intestinal bacteria to colonize and cause disease. The study suggests that these native chemicals similar to those found in cannabis may eventually lead to new ways to fight gastrointestinal infections.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCell·DateOct 7, 2020

Fly larvae extract will replace antibiotics in fighting plant pathogens

Researchers from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have developed a method to extract active compounds from black soldier fly larvae, which possess unique antimicrobial properties. The extract, called AWME, has been shown to be more effective than antibiotics in combating phytopathogenic bacteria.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalMicroorganisms·DateOct 5, 2020
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Pathogens in the mouth induce oral cancer

Research finds that oral cancer is promoted by periodontal pathogens and can be inhibited by a bacteriocin, a naturally occurring antimicrobial peptide. The study offers new insights into the development of oral cancer and suggests potential therapeutic applications for nisin, a commonly used food preservative.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 1, 2020

Born to be wild: Fungal highways let bacteria travel in exchange for thiamine

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have discovered a mutualistic relationship between fungi and bacteria that allows bacteria to travel on fungal highways in exchange for thiamine. The study reveals a new mechanism by which bacteria can disperse and multiply, using the fungus as a 'highway' to colonize new areas.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalLife Science Alliance·DateSep 24, 2020

Secondary variant of Photorhabdus luminescens interacts with plant roots

A research team at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz identified a new variant of Photorhabdus luminescens that interacts with plant roots, releasing substances to combat plant-damaging fungi. This discovery offers new prospects for sustainable crop protection and biological pest control in agriculture.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateSep 24, 2020

Researchers discover a novel family of toxins used in bacterial competition

Researchers at University of São Paulo characterized a novel family of anti-bacterial toxins present in bacteria like Salmonella enterica. The toxins inhibit cell wall synthesis in rival bacteria, facilitating colonization and causing imbalances in established microbial communities.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 18, 2020
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Velcro-like food sensor detects spoilage and contamination

Researchers at MIT have developed a Velcro-like food sensor that uses an array of silk microneedles to detect spoilage and bacterial contamination. The sensor, made from edible proteins and bioinks, changes color when it senses contaminants like E. coli or pH levels associated with spoilage.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 9, 2020

Allergic immune responses help fight bacterial infections

Researchers found that mice with mild skin infections develop adaptive immunity against bacteria, granting increased resistance to severe secondary infections. This discovery suggests that the 'allergy module' has an important biological function in defending against toxin-producing pathogens.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalImmunity·DateSep 9, 2020

A new method may make tomatoes safer to eat

A new study shows promise in reducing foodborne pathogens on tomatoes by applying sanitizers in the field. The method uses FDA-approved additives, significantly reducing bacterial populations and saving labor costs for producers. This approach could become a practical solution for controlling foodborne pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalFood Control·DateSep 8, 2020

Microbial genetics: A protean pathogen

Researchers at LMU find that H. pylori's genetic diversity enables it to exploit different cellular niches in the stomach lining, contributing to chronic infections and cancer risk.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalmBio·DateSep 2, 2020

MSK study links inflammation to Alzheimer's disease development

A recent MSK study discovered a direct link between inflammation and Alzheimer's disease development, highlighting the role of protein IFITM3 in plaque formation. Researchers found that removing IFITM3 reduced amyloid plaques in a mouse model, suggesting a potential biomarker for early detection.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature·DateSep 2, 2020
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

How helper bacteria protect white button mushrooms

Helper bacteria, such as Mycetocola tolaasinivorans, protect white button mushrooms from the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas tolaasii by enzymatically disabling its toxin and motility. This mechanism involves a lactonase enzyme that linearizes the tolaasin toxin into a non-toxic structure.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

How plants close their gates when microbes attack

Plant researchers have identified the calcium channel responsible for stomatal closing, a crucial defense mechanism against pathogens. This discovery has the potential to engineer pathogen-resistant crops by allowing plants to 'close their gates' when threatened.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateAug 26, 2020

'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

Each human gut has a viral 'fingerprint'

A comprehensive database of 33,242 unique viral populations in the human digestive system has been assembled by Ohio State University scientists. This discovery reveals a complex relationship between viruses and bacteria in the gut, with higher diversity associated with healthier individuals.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateAug 24, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Are antivitamins the new antibiotics?

Researchers from the University of Göttingen have developed a promising new approach involving antivitamins to combat bacterial infections. The study found that antivitamins can inhibit bacterial proteins, preventing their function and leading to potential antibiotic effects.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 24, 2020

Escape artists: How vibrio bacteria break out of cells

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that Vibrio parahaemolyticus uses a novel pathway to escape human intestinal cells. The bacteria modify cholesterol molecules in the cell membrane, weakening it enough for the bacteria to break through and infect new cells.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·DateAug 18, 2020

Evolution in real-time: How bacteria adapt to their hosts

Research finds that bacteria in unicellular organisms become more infectious when they must switch host cells, thanks to changes in gene expression. This adaptation allows them to survive outside the host cell and maintain infectivity.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2020

Bacteria's secret weapon revealed

Researchers at Monash University have discovered a previously unknown way bacteria evade immune responses, targeting mitochondria for disarming. The study suggests potential new ways to combat resistant bacterial infections and could lead to new therapeutic possibilities.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateAug 17, 2020

'Critical' questions over disease risks from ocean plastics

A new study by the University of Exeter and Cefas highlights the potential risks of microplastics carrying pathogens, which could threaten food production and safety. The research found high levels of bacteria on microplastic particles, including those that can cause disease in humans and animals.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalTrends in Microbiology·DateAug 13, 2020
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Syphilis may have spread through Europe before Columbus

Researchers found treponematoses in ancient human remains from Finland, Estonia, and the Netherlands, dating back to the 15th-18th century. This suggests that syphilis may have originated or developed in Europe before Columbus' voyages to America.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 13, 2020

SMART researchers find new way to make bacteria more sensitive to antibiotics

A team at SMART has found that exposing bacteria to hydrogen sulfide can increase antimicrobial sensitivity in bacteria that do not produce H2S, potentially providing a breakthrough in treating drug-resistant infections. The study suggests that the results may be applicable to all bacteria that do not naturally produce H2S.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateAug 12, 2020

New tools in the fight against lethal citrus disease

Scientists created metabolic models of the bacterium associated with Huanglongbing, identifying 94 essential enzymes and metabolites required for its survival. These findings can lead to new antibacterial treatments and insights into long-lasting disease management strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·Journalnpj Systems Biology and Applications·DateAug 10, 2020
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

A titanate nanowire mask that can eliminate pathogens

A titanate nanowire mask can trap and destroy pathogens using photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide, potentially reducing waste and environmental impact of disposable masks

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 7, 2020

Oldest enzyme in cellular respiration isolated

Researchers at Goethe University have isolated an ancient enzyme that enables early bacteria to produce energy without oxygen. The Rnf enzyme functions like a pumped-storage power plant, generating electricity and producing ATP.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 7, 2020

Are vultures spreaders of microbes that put human health at risk?

A new analysis found that microorganisms causing human diseases can be present in vultures, including multi-resistant bacteria. However, there is no clear evidence that vultures spread pathogens to humans and other species, but they may help prevent disease transmission by consuming carcasses.

SourceWiley·JournalIbis·DateAug 5, 2020
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

AI may offer a better way to ID drug-resistant superbugs

A machine learning algorithm using high-temporal-resolution growth curves distinguishes bacterial pathogen strains with 92-98% accuracy, predicting antibiotic resistance as well as genetic-based methods. The method has the potential to be faster, simpler, and less expensive than current techniques.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2020

Chlamydia: Greedy for glutamine

Chlamydia bacteria reprogram human host cell metabolism to increase glutamine import, essential for proliferation. The discovery could lead to new treatments for chronic infections and severe diseases like cervical and ovarian cancer.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Microbiology·DateAug 3, 2020

Cold-sensitive staphylococci reveal a weakness

Researchers at Université de Genève discovered that the RNA helicase protein contributes to the synthesis of fatty acids, a crucial component of bacterial membranes. The findings provide insight into golden staph's ability to adapt to changing environments and may lead to new treatment options.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 3, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Plastics, pathogens and baby formula: What's in your shellfish?

A recent study found alarming levels of human bacterial pathogens and microdebris materials, including plastics and milk supplement powders, in oysters from the eastern Andaman Sea. The research suggests that coastal urbanization increases contamination in seafood, posing significant health risks to humans and threatening global food s...

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJul 30, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Monash scientists expose fascinating 'compartments' in bacteria

The review paper reveals the intricacies of bacterial organelles, which support functions essential for survival and growth. Organelles enable bacteria to perform extraordinary tasks, such as photosynthesis and orientation relative to magnetic fields.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Reviews Microbiology·DateJul 29, 2020

New cell profiling method could speed TB drug discovery

A new technology dubbed MorphEUS enables rapid screening of drug candidates against Mycobcterium tuberculosis (M. tb), the bacterium that causes TB. It uses high throughput imaging and machine learning to uncover patterns in how antibacterials kill, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of treatment development.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2020
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Siblings can also differ from one another in bacteria

A research team discovered that certain sections of bacterial genetic material are doubled or multiplied, giving bacteria new capabilities to influence the immune system and adapt to changing environments. This process is crucial for pathogens to develop and evolve in their battle against the human immune system.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2020

International recommendations for nontuberculous mycobacteria

A new, evidence-based guideline has been created to treat patients with NTM lung disease. The guidelines, developed by experts from leading international societies, provide thirty-one recommendations for the treatment of patients suffering from NTM pathogens.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJul 13, 2020
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Listeria protein provides a CRISPR 'kill switch'

Researchers have discovered a single protein derived from a harmless bacteria that can halt the CRISPR-Cas13 editing process. This 'kill switch' enables scientists to edit RNA with more precision and exact control, potentially benefiting coronavirus researchers and applications.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2020