Research on disease-causing bacteria and how they spread. Covers waterborne bacteria, Lyme disease ecology, pathogenic genetics, and biofilm treatments.
Researchers discovered antibiotic properties of a natural product that selectively inhibits pathogen growth while leaving beneficial microbes intact. Synthetic derivatives of this substance have shown enormous antibiotic efficiency against Moraxella catarrhalis and malaria parasites.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers shows that pathogens can evolve to become more virulent without increasing their rate of replication. This suggests that manipulating host immune systems may play a role in generating symptoms necessary for transmission.
Researchers have identified a repurposed compound, bithionol, with selective membrane-targeting properties that effectively kill MRSA persister cells without harming mammalian cell membranes. This breakthrough suggests potential therapeutic applications for bithionol in treating recalcitrant MRSA persister-caused infections.
Researchers have found that hospitals are a significant source of extremely drug-resistant bacteria in Europe, with certain strains spreading rapidly and outcompeting more easily treatable bacteria. The study emphasizes the importance of infection control and genomic surveillance to combat antibiotic resistance.
A recent grant from the National Institutes of Health will support a study investigating the interaction between gut bacteria and fungi in Crohn's disease. The research aims to identify genetic mechanisms underlying these interactions and develop novel antifungal and probiotic strategies to decrease symptoms.
Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute discovered that ascaroside compounds from nematodes can protect rice, wheat, corn, and soybeans from numerous pathogens. The compounds helped increase resistance against bacterial, fungal, viral, and oomycete pathogens in major crops.
A new study found that organic apples contain a more diverse range of beneficial bacteria, which could contribute to improved gut health. In contrast, conventional apples were found to have higher levels of pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia-Shigella. The researchers also discovered that the bacteria in organic apples were more c...
A recent DNA analysis revealed surprising genetic diversity in a bacterium that targets commercial algae, posing a persistent threat to the biofuels industry. The discovery suggests that treatment for one algae pest might not work for another, complicating large-scale algae cultivation.
Researchers developed an algorithm that analyzes immune cell responses to predict disease onset and progression. The algorithm uses 'first impressions' from early interactions between immune cells and bacteria to identify patterns that can be applied to real-time blood tests.
Researchers found a way to stimulate the waking of persisters, dormant bacterial cells that evade antibiotics and lead to chronic infections. Breaking links in the 'pore' formed by peptides enables these sleeping bacteria to regain energy and infect the host again.
Researchers found high densities of flies in primate social groups, recapturing marked flies up to two weeks later. Flies carried anthrax and Treponema pallidum pertenue bacteria, which cause severe lesions in mangabeys.
Researchers created a mathematical model to calculate temperature suitability for citrus greening transmission, mapping areas at risk of production collapse. The study provides critical information for crop management and surveillance prevention.
A new study by researchers from the University of California, Irvine has shed light on the weaknesses of TcdB, a toxin primarily responsible for devastating Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). The study provides a blueprint for the development of next-generation vaccines and therapeutics with enhanced potency and broad-reactivity.
Scientists deciphered how YopO changes its shape to confuse the immune system, disrupting communication and allowing bacteria to evade digestion. Understanding this process may lead to developing targeted, tailor-made substances to inhibit plague pathogens.
A study by ISGlobal reveals that Acinetobacter bacteria commonly acquired in hospitals can also be transmitted through contaminated food, specifically raw meat. The research analyzed 138 meat samples and identified 12 isolates of the ACB complex, suggesting that raw meat may serve as a reservoir for these pathogenic bacteria.
The study reveals that the equilibrium between nose microbes and host has an impact on pneumococcal acquisition density, particularly with viral co-infection. Different microbiota constellations are associated with varying levels of inflammation, viral replication, and pneumococcal carriage receptiveness.
Researchers developed a new technique to enhance the infection-fighting potential of natural chemicals and test them quickly. Three synthetic molecules were found to be four times more effective at killing bacteria than their natural predecessor.
Researchers at CRID found that infants produce 40% more NETs than adults, leading to more severe organ damage and higher mortality rates in sepsis cases. Breaking down NETs with a drug can improve survival rates for infant patients, highlighting new treatment strategies.
A new ultrasensitive chemiluminescence-based method has been developed to rapidly detect Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. This test can be carried out in the field and requires no containment laboratory, significantly faster than conventional methods.
Researchers discovered Cas9's ability to block gene activity without cutting DNA in pathogenic bacterium Francisella novicida, regulating disease-causing genes. This finding expands the versatility of CRISPR/Cas9 for genome engineering and potential antibiotic resistance solutions.
Researchers found MRSA acquired mainly through community transmission, with higher prevalence among individuals of immigrant background in Norway. The study suggests a need for coordinated initiatives to reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Researchers developed a new technique to visualise the distribution of TB drugs in human macrophages at high resolution. The study found that bedaquiline accumulates in lipid droplets inside host cells, forming a reservoir that supplies the drug to Mtb over time.
Researchers developed a cancer vaccine technology using live, attenuated pathogens as vectors. The novel vaccine causes the bacteria to self-destruct once they've done their job, making it safe for human use. This innovation has potential applications in treating various cancers and infectious diseases.
Research found that 40% of university students' cell phones carried S. aureus, a common cause of hospital and community infections, with 85% resistant to penicillin. The bacteria's presence in healthcare environments could increase infection rates.
Researchers found that extracellular pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa can enter host cells and induce cell lysis through the type III secretion system. The study reveals a new mechanism of bacterial killing in macrophages.
Researchers found 87 genes in E. coli bacteria that protect against plasma treatment, including a heat shock protein Hsp33. The study suggests that genetic changes can increase plasma resistance in bacteria.
Scientists at Cornell University have discovered an unexpected mechanism of activation and inactivation of RNR, a crucial enzyme for DNA replication. This finding provides a potential means to shut off harmful bacteria by understanding the
Researchers have identified a new family of bacteria, Deianiraeaceae, which belongs to the order Rickettsiales and exhibits a unique extracellular lifestyle as a predator. This discovery reveals a significant departure from previously known intracellular parasites.
Researchers have developed a mutant version of the RhlR quorum-sensing receptor, which does not require an autoinducer to function. This discovery provides new insights into cell-cell communication and virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a globally important pathogen.
Researchers found that the LUX gene regulates stomata opening and closing, as well as activating defense mechanisms. The study could lead to more resistant crops and better treatment for human diseases.
Researchers discovered a grappling hook-like appendage called type IV pili that enables Vibrio cholerae to take up DNA, bind to nutrient-rich surfaces and recognize 'family' members. The findings reveal a multifunctional toolkit for the bacterium's survival in ocean environments.
Princeton researchers found that learned avoidance behavior in C. elegans can be inherited for multiple generations through the germline, with the behavior remaining elevated for up to four generations before returning to normal levels. This study provides new insights into transgenerational epigenetic inheritance and its potential rol...
Researchers discovered a new class of antibiotics produced by the microbiome that kill bacteria by disrupting their energy metabolism. Fibupeptides, such as lugdunin, have shown promise in treating multidrug-resistant infections, including those caused by MRSA.
Researchers have discovered a molecule called LL-37 that changes cell behavior when infected with bacteria, triggering the production of neutrophils to destroy bacterial threats. The study's findings could lead to new approaches in treating multi-drug resistant infections.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have discovered that certain antidepressants, known as FIASMAs, can halt the growth or kill four different intracellular bacterial pathogens. These drugs target cholesterol trafficking in cells, bypassing direct bacterial targeting and potentially providing an alternative to antibiotics.
Deer keds, a type of parasite fly that occasionally bites humans, have been found in more locations than previously thought, according to Penn State researchers. The team mapped their distribution across North America, documenting new state and county records, and warned that they may transmit disease-causing bacteria.
Researchers discovered that Rqc2 marks protein fragments with a flag, allowing proteases to cut up bad fragments. The study sheds light on the ancient mechanism used by bacteria to recycle incomplete proteins, which has implications for understanding life's origins and developing new treatments for diseases.
A new study has found that cranberry extract makes bacteria more sensitive to antibiotics, reducing resistance and allowing for lower doses to be effective. This breakthrough could help combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at Rockefeller University developed small molecules that inhibit cGAS, an enzyme implicated in misguided immune responses. These compounds could lead to new treatments for people with certain autoimmune disorders and shed light on autoimmunity.
A new genetic engineering approach removes a specific component of human-made DNA to make it invisible to bacterial defenses, allowing for more efficient and time-saving gene editing. This breakthrough enables researchers to engineer clinically relevant bacteria with reduced resources and increased flexibility.
Using paper stickers to collect pathogens is more effective and less expensive than swabbing for monitoring in food processing plants. Researchers found that stickers can trap both bacterial and dead pathogens, providing a record of contamination over several weeks.
Under hypoxic conditions, fewer metabolites are produced in the citric acid cycle, reducing bacterial reproduction in macrophages. This discovery provides a new method for pathogen control that doesn't rely on oxygen levels.
A Finnish study proves that 79% of thrombus aspirates from stroke patients contain DNA from oral pathogens. This research highlights the importance of oral health and good dental hygiene in preventing serious health damage.
Dr. Ana Rita Brochado's research focuses on gram-negative bacteria, which are difficult to treat due to their complex cellular envelope. Her work has shown that certain bacterial strains can be effectively combated using antibiotic combinations and food compounds, like vanillin.
Researchers discovered that previously drug-sensitive bacteria can survive exposure to antibiotics long enough to express resistance genes, rendering them immune. The mechanisms underlying this process involve a drug-jettisoning pump and horizontal gene transfer mechanisms like bacterial conjugation.
A new study reveals that restoring degraded landscapes to biodiverse ecosystems favors more stable and specialist bacteria over opportunistic ones. This shift in bacterial composition has potential immune-boosting effects, suggesting a connection between healthy ecosystems and human health.
A new study finds that extracts from three Civil War-era plants have antimicrobial activity against multi-drug resistant bacteria, which were commonly used in treating wound infections. The research suggests these plant-based remedies may have saved limbs and lives during the war.
Researchers have created a system that can systematically rewire two-component systems in bacteria, allowing them to identify the function of an unknown sensor. This technology has wide-ranging implications for medical diagnostics, pathogen study and environmental monitoring.
Researchers at Caltech have unveiled the 3D molecular architecture of Legionella pneumophila's Type IV secretion system, a sophisticated machinery used by dangerous pathogens to infect human cells. The discovery could enable the development of precisely targeted antibiotics to combat diseases like Legionnaires' disease and whooping cough.
A recent study has found that endosymbionts in amoebae significantly influence the proliferation and spread of Legionella pneumophila. The researchers discovered that these bacteria weaken the infectivity of Legionella by competing for nutrients, ultimately leading to slower multiplication and reduced virulence.
A study published in mSystems found that stress caused changes in intestinal bacteria that stimulated immune cells, increasing the likelihood of an autoimmune attack. The researchers also identified specific bacterial species and genes associated with autoimmunity.
A new study reveals that several species of bacteria reside in bladder tissue of postmenopausal women who experience recurrent urinary tract infections. The findings provide a better understanding of the interaction between bacteria and host tissue, which may lead to more effective treatment strategies for this chronic condition.
Researchers at Princeton University have engineered Pseudomonas bacteria to sense the speed of flowing fluids, which can be used as a flow sensor. The bacteria's genetic response is tuned to the speed, allowing it to detect and measure fluid flow in real-time.
A recent study from UT Southwestern Medical Center reveals that several species of bacteria can invade the bladder walls in postmenopausal women with urinary tract infections. The findings suggest that antibiotic treatment may not be effective due to high levels of bacterial resistance and a lack of targeted therapies.
A joint study reveals that plants utilize their root-derived chemicals to shape and maintain diverse microbial communities. The findings provide a gateway to engineering plant root microbiota in major crops, potentially leading to improved productivity and sustainability.
Researchers at Cornell University have identified a new stealthy, jumping gene called mcr-9, which resists the world's last-resort antibiotic colistin, threatening global health. The discovery enables early detection and isolation of resistant bacteria in hospitals and food products.
Researchers developed a microchannel trapping device to detect bacteria in patient samples quickly, reducing testing time from days to minutes. The device can classify bacteria into three main shapes and identify antimicrobial susceptibility directly from clinical samples.
Researchers discovered that H. pylori exploit a specialized niche within gastric glands to maintain stable bacterial reservoirs. This allows the bacteria to serve as stable populations and prevents incoming bacteria from establishing themselves.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have discovered a mechanism used by bacteria E. faecalis to hide from the immune system, paving the way for new treatments. The study found that the bacteria modifies its cell surface to evade recognition by host immune cells.
Researchers from La Trobe University and the University of Queensland discovered how UpaB protein in bacteria sticks to human body parts, enabling new anti-microbial development opportunities. The study provides fundamental science that could inform future solutions to the global problem of antibiotic resistance.