Articles tagged with Bacterial Pathogens
A new study from UC Davis found that raw milk can harbor antimicrobial-resistant genes, potentially spreading resistance if consumed. The researchers analyzed over 2,000 retail milk samples and found that raw milk had the highest prevalence of antibiotic-resistant microbes when left at room temperature.
Researchers have developed a function-based sequencing technique using optical tweezers to analyze individual bacteria cells, enabling direct genome sequencing and antibiotic resistance testing from a single cell. This breakthrough technology supports rapid antibiotic selection and more precise treatment of bacterial infections.
Scientists have identified a specific protein mutation in E. coli that increases bacterial virulence, leading to increased resistance to antibiotics and antibacterial substances. The mutation affects the lipopolysaccharide transporter, causing the bacteria to produce more outer membrane vesicles and become more deadly.
Researchers found that bacterial toxins bind unrelated human receptors, causing diarrhea and fatal toxic shock syndrome. The discovery reveals a mechanism by which pathogens evolve receptor preferences to infect different organs.
Researchers from Kanazawa University purified and characterized Monalysin, a pore-forming bacterial toxin, to study its interaction with the innate immune system. The study revealed that activated Monalysin forms pores in cell membranes, leading to cell death, and that it preferentially inserts into curved parts of membranes.
Researchers have found that CD47, a natural brake on the immune system, can be turned off to help fight infections. By blocking CD47-mediated signaling, scientists may develop a new immunotherapy to treat a wide range of infectious diseases.
A new study reveals that antibiotics are being recommended far more frequently and on a greater variety of crops than previously thought. The research found that over 100 crops use antibiotics, including some critically important for human medicine, with significant regional variations.
Biosurfactant from yeast dissolves Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms, weakening interaction between biofilm and surface and breaking internal cohesiveness, leading to disruption. Combination with chemical surfactants demonstrates stronger antibiofilm effects at lower concentrations.
A team of researchers sequenced a measles genome from 1912 and found it likely arose in human populations around the 6th century BCE. This finding suggests that large cities may have played a role in the emergence of the virus. Understanding the origins of COVID-19 could help protect against and fight the pandemic.
Researchers developed a high-throughput structure mapping method, Lead-Seq, to determine RNA structures in bacterial cells. The team successfully mapped the structures of thousands of RNAs simultaneously, including previously unknown 'RNA thermometers' that detect temperature changes.
Researchers at UConn's CEVR have made a breakthrough in vaccine development for Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a common and difficult-to-treat pneumonia-causing pathogen. By identifying the cause of vaccine-enhanced disease (VED), they were able to develop a new vaccine formulation that eliminates safety concerns.
Researchers analyzed bacterial RNA and protein expression patterns during plant-bacterial interactions, revealing the impact of plant immunity on bacterial mRNAs and proteins. The study identified previously unknown transcriptional regulators controlling bacterial gene expression and virulence.
The tuberculosis pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis can survive for a longer period of time when combined with other bacteria in the air. This is because larger aerosol particles from mycobacterial clusters are produced together with components of dead cells, making them more viable in the air.
Research highlights importance of microbiome in disease interactions, including how it strengthens resistance to pathogens and influences the spread of diseases like chytridiomycosis. Climate change can disrupt the balance of the microbiome, making organisms more susceptible to infection.
Research suggests serotonin can reduce the ability of certain intestinal pathogens to cause deadly infections by reducing gene expression and preventing bacterial colonization. The study found that mice overproducing serotonin were less likely to become infected with a deadly mouse gut bacterium.
Researchers surveyed commercial and residential citrus trees in Texas from 2007 to 2017, finding that the proportion of infected trees and psyllids increased exponentially over time. The study suggests that a flatter progression of citrus greening disease epidemics could be achieved through targeted protection and management strategies.
Scientists have discovered a new killing mechanism in teixobactin, a potent natural antibiotic that can kill superbugs. The research provides fundamental insights into how teixobactins work and could lead to the development of new drugs.
Agricultural Research Service scientists and OSU collaborators have developed a new genetic way to trace the spread of Agrobacterium, a bacterial plant pathogen causing crown-gall disease in fruit trees and other plants. The method allows tracking disease outbreaks by analyzing plasmid transmission among bacteria.
A new study found that probiotics with top-performing Lactobacillus strains can improve vaginal health and reduce the risk of bacterial vaginosis, a disruption in the optimal microbiota. The research suggests that these strains could lead to better treatment options for this condition.
The RNA-binding protein ProQ plays a crucial role in the activation of over 250 bacterial genes, enabling meningococci to repair DNA and resist oxidative stress. Understanding its function is key to developing new antibacterial agents.
Researchers have discovered that the symbiotic relationship between plants and rhizobia is more complex than previously thought, with plants actively trying to exploit the bacteria for nitrogen fixation. The study sheds light on how soya and clover harness bacterial nitrogen fixation, a process that could be applied to other crops.
A new genetic engineering method has been developed to improve the efficiency and reach of recombineering, a decades-old technique used to swap DNA pieces in bacteria. The new approach identifies efficient proteins that mediate attachment and placement of short DNA strands, enabling single-spot edits and multiplex editing.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that e-cigarette users' mouths contain potent infection-causing organisms, similar to those found in people with periodontitis. The study suggests that vaping can lead to gum disease and cancer, even in healthy individuals who have not smoked. The findings challenge the claim that e-cigarettes...
Research by Dirk Tischler's group has identified potential applications for bacterial siderophores, including treating iron overload disease and creating biosensors. The team has also developed semi-artificial compounds using genetic information from these microorganisms.
Researchers found that four bacteria species can survive and multiply on a minimal diet of nitrogen, phosphorus, and other essential elements from space. This adaptation process makes them less virulent, but still poses a risk to astronauts' immune systems during space travel.
A new testing system developed by researchers at the University of Chicago can quantify bacteria, antibiotic-resistant genes, and immune molecule levels in sepsis patients, predicting patient outcomes with high accuracy. This innovative approach enables personalized treatment strategies and may improve patient survival rates.
A study published in Cell Reports suggests that lactobacilli have a niche in the human nose and may play a role in preventing chronic nasal and sinus inflammation. Researchers developed a proof-of-concept nasal spray that delivered lactobacillus to the nose, colonizing healthy volunteers' upper respiratory tracts without adverse effects.
Researchers have identified a newly found pneumococcus capsule, the 100th since its discovery, and linked it to oral streptococci. This finding underscores the need for updated vaccines that can keep pace with rapidly changing bacteria.
A fidget spinner-inspired device can diagnose urinary tract infections in 50 minutes, outperforming traditional laboratory methods. The portable technology uses a novel fluid-assisted separation mechanism to rapidly enrich pathogens from urine samples.
Scientists found an unexpected intermediate in the peptidoglycan recycling pathway, which regulates cell wall assembly and composition. The study reveals a link between peptidoglycan recycling and de novo biosynthetic pathways.
The study reveals a rotund organization of concentric layers of different bacteria in a corona-like structure, with Streptococcus mutans at the center. This structure creates an acidic microenvironment that causes enamel dissolution and the onset of caries.
A team from the University of Pennsylvania and Georgia Tech discovered that cavity-causing bacteria, Streptococcus mutans, are encased in a protective community of other microbes forming a unique spatial organization. This structure is crucial to how they cause tooth decay and can be used to target the pathogenic core of dental biofilms.
Researchers develop a molecular light switch to control the T3SS injectisome, enabling precise and efficient protein delivery into host cells. This technology has potential applications in biotechnology and medicine, including tumor therapy.
Researchers at University of Malaga's BacBio laboratory have identified a new role for an amyloid protein, improving biological control methods in sustainable agriculture. The study reveals the dual functionality of the protein, which helps bacterial cells attach to plant surfaces, combat pathogens and improve fitness.
The study found that a specific strain, Sm6, is widely distributed worldwide and carries key virulence genes and resistance genes. This suggests a possible mechanism for the spread of different S. maltophilia subtypes in hospital settings.
The study found that the microbiome exerts a continuous effect on conventional dendritic cells, which are key players in the immune response. In their basal state, these cells require microbiome-derived signals to prime for future responses against pathogens.
A new dataset and diagnostic platform have been developed to help tomato growers detect and prevent bacterial canker, a disease caused by Clavibacter michiganensis. The platform uses genetic regions specific to the pathogen, reducing false positives and making it easier for growers to screen infected plant and seed materials.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt and the University of Exeter have found that Thermus thermophilus bacteria possess two types of tiny surface hairs, or pili, with different functions. The thick pili are used for DNA capture, while the thin pili facilitate movement on surfaces.
Researchers at the University of Basel have elucidated a mechanism in which certain bacteria, including MRSA, withstand acidic conditions. This is achieved through the synthesis and transportation of lipoteichoic acids, which provide stability to the bacterial cell wall.
A new study finds that intensive farming practices increase the likelihood of pathogens becoming a major public health risk. Campylobacter, a bacterium carried by cattle, is estimated to be present in 20% of cattle worldwide and can cause serious illness in humans.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered a key mechanism in how bacteria build their outer wall, potentially leading to new antibiotic therapies. The study focused on gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and found that disrupting this process could destroy or slow bacterial growth.
A Rutgers co-authored study found that algae, responsible for producing 70% of oxygen and 45% of global primary production, acquire beneficial genes from bacteria. The study analyzed genomic data from 23 species of brown and golden-brown algae and discovered that gene stealing or acquisition varies substantially among different species.
A new, $50 smartphone-based testing device can detect viral and bacterial pathogens in under 30 minutes, providing a rapid solution for pandemic testing. The device uses a small cartridge containing reagents that break open the pathogen's outer shell to gain access to its RNA.
A new investigation at Flinders University seeks to understand why bacterial infections predispose individuals to severe COVID-19. The research aims to connect respiratory tract bacterial colonization with COVID-19 outcomes in the community.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have created a dual-action coating that repels and kills bacteria, reducing the risk of cross-contamination in fresh produce. The coating, made from silica and lysozyme, retains its germicidal action longer due to its water-repelling property.
Researchers discovered a novel mechanism for Mycobacterium tuberculosis to import vitamin B12, a crucial nutrient for the pathogen's growth. The Rv1819c protein was found to be capable of importing B12 and transporting other molecules, making it an attractive target for developing anti-TB drugs.
Researchers developed a ground-breaking method to detect sepsis 2-3 days before clinical symptoms appear using endogenous signals (biomarkers). The test has high accuracy and may increase survival chances for sepsis patients. Approval in the US FDA is underway, with clinical trials starting soon.
Researchers found that global warming promotes the development of pathogenic bacteria in aquaculture, leading to increased disease rates and antibiotic use. The study highlights the urgent need for alternative treatments and encourages research using One Health or EcoHealth approaches to address antimicrobial resistance.
New research reveals that raw-type dog foods contain high levels of multidrug-resistant bacteria, including those resistant to last-line antibiotics. The potential transfer of such bacteria between dogs and humans is an international public health risk.
Researchers designed a new microfluidic device that uses magnetic nano-beads to isolate minute bacterial particles. The device improves the detection of drug-resistant strains and difficult-to-detect micro-particles such as Ebola and coronaviruses.
A research team at the University of Bonn has discovered that the TLR8 immune sensor plays a crucial role in defending human cells against bacteria and other pathogens. The enzymes RNaseT2 and RNase2 break down bacterial RNA into characteristic fragments, allowing TLR8 to recognize and respond to the invasion.
A study by Kevin Schneider and colleagues found that the bacterial strain Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca could have significant economic impacts on olive tree cultivation in Greece, Italy, and Spain. Replanting with resistant varieties or removing infected plants can mitigate these losses.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University have discovered the structure of adhesive pili in Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major bacterial pathogen causing gum disease. The study sheds light on how these pili assemble and provides insights into combating diseases associated with P. gingivalis.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a technique that uses laser-texturing to create nanoscale patterns on metal surfaces, instantly killing bacteria and viruses. The technology has potential applications in medical devices such as orthopedic implants and wearable patches for chronic wounds.
Scientists discover how wild tomatoes resist bacterial canker by colonizing protoxylem vessels. The pathogen's inability to spread through the xylem in wild tomatoes holds promise for future breeding efforts.
Researchers identified a protein responsible for transporting iron into bacteria that causes tuberculosis. Inhibiting this transport process could lead to new drug targets and novel treatments.
Researchers from University of Jyväskylä uncovered historical data on phage therapy's successful use against dysentery and staphylococcal infections in Brazil. The study sheds light on the revived interest in phage therapy as an alternative to antibiotics in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
A new antibiotic resistance gene, gar, has been discovered in environmental samples from India and found in several clinical pathogens, including Salmonella and Pseudomonas. This rare gene provides resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics, which is concerning for treating multi-resistant bacteria.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that cannabidiol (CBD) enhances the effect of antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, a major human pathogen. The combination of CBD and antibiotics showed a more powerful effect than using antibiotics alone, reducing the need for antibiotics to achieve the same outcome.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have discovered a natural mosquito-killing compound that could lead to safer and more effective anti-mosquito products. Researchers have also made progress on developing fast-charging batteries and created a new library of artificial antibodies with molecular precision.