Research on disease-causing bacteria and how they spread. Covers waterborne bacteria, Lyme disease ecology, pathogenic genetics, and biofilm treatments.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have deciphered daptomycin's mode of action, blocking cell wall construction and leading to bacterial death. The study sheds light on the antibiotic's mechanism, paving the way for optimization and combination therapies against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
A Boston College-led team developed a graphene field effect transistor (G-FET) that selectively identifies deadly bacterial species Staphylococcus aureus and antibiotic-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. The rapid detection platform employs peptides to capture specific bacteria, allowing for fast and accurate diagnosis.
A research team, including Penn State and Microbiotix, aims to develop a novel oral antibiotic targeting the trans-translation pathway of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The project has received $2.86M in funding from CARB-X to optimize and develop a new compound into an effective treatment for drug-resistant gonorrhea.
A substance found in breast milk appears to prevent the migration of pathogenic Escherichia coli from the gut to the bloodstream of newborn mice. Donated breast milk collected closer to birth may provide increased protection against late-onset sepsis.
Researchers discovered that jawless and jawed vertebrates share similar immune receptor gene structures despite independent evolution. The findings provide insight into the evolution of the adaptive immune system and its importance for human health.
Researchers used super-resolution imaging and a computational algorithm to study how bacteria multiply and grow into dense biofilms. They found that growth patterns are analogous to urbanization, with individual bacteria forming 'cities' that merge and expand over time.
A study by the Dynamical Systems Biology lab reveals that bacteria can make each other more tolerant to antibiotics when coexisting. The response of bacteria to antibiotics depends on other species they live with, suggesting new strategies to combat bacterial infections.
Researchers at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência found that certain bacteria can mutate 1000-fold higher than normal, leading to bursts of diversity in the gut microbiota. A beneficial mutation was identified that increases the ability of the bacteria to eat a specific sugar.
Research at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência uncovered two new mechanisms in the microbiota's evolution, driven by aging and nutrient competition. In mice, E. coli adapts to inflammation and scarce nutrients in older individuals, leading to potentially pathogenic changes.
Researchers used CRISPR-Cas system to effectively target and eliminate specific gut bacteria, including Clostridioides difficile, the pathogen that causes colitis. The study demonstrates the potential of this approach in preventing disease and promoting human gut health.
A study by Université Laval researchers suggests that bacteria may play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes in individuals with severe obesity. The researchers found distinct bacterial signatures in diabetics' blood, liver, and fat deposits compared to non-diabetics.
Scientists at Penn State identified key genetic regulators controlling the expression of a vital gene required for luminescent bacteria to compete and form symbiosis with Hawaiian bobtail squids. The findings shed light on molecular mechanisms underlying animal-microbe interactions, which may be applicable to human microbiomes.
Researchers found that gut bacteria can accumulate within tumors and enhance the effectiveness of anti-CD47 immunotherapy. The study suggests that a probiotic might improve treatment outcomes, and identifying specific bacterial strains is crucial for future research.
A family of porin-like proteins helps M. tuberculosis acquire essential nutrients while evading antibiotics and immune attacks. Researchers discovered the unique role of PE/PPE proteins in ferrying vital nutrients across the cell's waxy wall.
A new next-generation sequencing technique using real-time nanopore sequencing can analyze tiny amounts of microbial cell-free DNA, offering accurate diagnosis of sepsis-causing agents within hours. The technique achieved a 3.5-fold increase in sequencing throughput and allowed for pathogen identification within minutes.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered a previously unknown response to indole in the beneficial gut bacteria E. coli, which seems to both repel and attract bacteria. The Janus response displays sophistication and could lead to a better understanding of the complexities of the gut microbiome.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health discovered a cell defense mechanism that uses tiny, protein-coated packages called exosomes to bind to and neutralize bacterial toxins. This 'soaking up' of toxins helps keep cells safe from infection.
The Pangaia project at Bielefeld University is developing new algorithms to analyze genomic data for biomedicine, enabling faster detection of infectious strains and hereditary diseases. Researchers can compare a single genome with thousands of others in a single step, highlighting similarities and differences.
Researchers identified how Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis promote skin inflammation and barrier damage in Netherton syndrome. The study provides a detailed genomic description of the skin microbiome and offers a potential new treatment target by targeting the microbiome.
Researchers discover potential superbug-killing compound AB569 that targets priority pathogens and additional bacteria causing foodborne illness. The compound has shown promising results in treating a wide range of infections, including those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
A crowd-sourced study found that people who floss regularly have lower microbial diversity in their mouths than non-flossers, and adults with recent dental visits have less of the periodontal disease-causing oral pathogen. The study also uncovered a possible link between childhood obesity and periodontal disease.
Researchers at Temple University Health System have developed a new monoclonal antibody that can break apart communities of harmful bacteria, allowing for more effective treatment of infections. The therapy has shown promise in eradicating biofilms on medical devices and reducing the risk of sepsis.
Scientists develop a new model to predict bacterial resistance to antibiotics and explore approaches for universal flu vaccines. Researchers also create a platform to accelerate drug development and study the impact of antibiotics on gut bacteria.
Researchers are developing new algorithms to quickly compare genetic data from viruses, bacteria, and other organisms to identify pathogenic genes. This project, Pangaia, aims to make computer-assisted pangenomics faster and more user-friendly for biomedicine applications.
University of Queensland researchers have discovered 23 metal compounds with antibacterial and antifungal activity, selectively killing bacteria like MRSA but not human cells. The findings offer promise for outwitting bacterial resistance, as the new compounds may use different mechanisms than existing antibiotics.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a non-psychoactive cannabinoid called CBG that shows promising antibacterial activity against drug-resistant MRSA. The study found that CBG prevents the ability of bacteria to form biofilms and destroys preformed biofilms, targeting the cell membrane of the bacteria.
A recent study published in Nature found that CRISPR anti-viral immunity is often a disadvantage to bacteria when infected by certain viruses. The research suggests that triggering the powerful defense systems can be risky for a bacterium, leading to significant implications for treatment design.
Researchers have identified a crucial role for the typhoid toxin protein in delivering toxins to host immune cells and disrupting their function. The study's findings suggest that targeting specific sugars on immune cells could prevent the bacteria from entering and infecting them, paving the way for new treatment options.
Researchers develop effective treatment for antibiotic-resistant bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a major cause of hospital-acquired infections. The novel therapy, AB569, kills the bacteria by targeting multiple processes, offering hope against superbug infections.
Researchers identified a blueprint for plant immunity against rapidly evolving disease-causing pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. They found that nearly all strains of certain crops carry immune-eliciting effectors, which can be recognized by plant immune receptors.
Researchers developed AB569, a combination of acidified nitrite and disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, which killed Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The agent was found to be nontoxic to human cells at bactericidal concentrations, suggesting a potential therapeutic agent for ...
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a way to apply genetic sequencing technologies to identify plant pathogens, down to the strain level. This new approach uses an Oxford Nanopore Sequencing MinION device and computer algorithms to quickly and precisely diagnose diseases in crops.
Recent publications provide insights into FMT research, emphasizing the need for rigorous clinical trials to demonstrate safety and effectiveness. Researchers are evaluating different preparations of FMT and manufacturers are developing products for licensure.
Scientists have uncovered a crucial role of mucosal antibodies, specifically IgT, in regulating the microbiome and defending against pathogens in fish. By manipulating the immune system of rainbow trout, researchers found that IgT plays two paradoxical roles: reducing bad microbes while promoting beneficial bacteria.
UMass Lowell researchers develop germ-killing fabric with N-halamine, reducing risk of drug-resistant bacteria and hospital-acquired infections. The fabric can be recharged through bleach washing, extending its effectiveness.
A signaling molecule, c-di-GMP, initiates a clock-like mechanism in bacteria that determines individual reproduction. The molecule activates enzymes called kinases, which prepare the cell for division under favorable living conditions.
A team from JMU will investigate new antibiotics that can be used to treat specific types of bacteria, using digital methods for designing RNA antibiotics. The aim is to create a powerful digital platform for the future application of RNA-based antibiotics against various bacteria.
Researchers at UC San Diego created transgenic fruit flies to study the effects of CDTa toxin on host cells, revealing a collapse of networks essential for nutrient absorption. The fly model mimics symptoms in human C. difficile-infected patients, offering a potential avenue for novel therapies.
Marine bacteria colonize microplastics, using them as artificial reefs, while some diatoms exhibit a preference for specific plastic types. Microplastics may serve as vehicles for toxic organisms, affecting marine life.
Geneticist Bonnie Bassler received the $500,000 Gruber Genetics Prize for her pioneering research on quorum sensing, a process by which bacteria communicate using molecular languages. Her discoveries have expanded our understanding of the microbial world and opened up new approaches to promoting health and preventing disease.