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Ginkgo seed extracts show antibacterial activity on skin pathogens

Researchers at Emory University found that Ginkgo seed extracts inhibit the growth of skin pathogens like Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes. The study suggests ginkgo seeds could be used as a topical antimicrobial treatment for skin disorders.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateApr 18, 2019

Antimicrobial paints have a blind spot

Researchers tested spore-forming bacteria on antimicrobial paint surfaces and found that most died, but a few strains, like Bacillus timonensis, survived. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of these paints and potential risks to human health.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalIndoor Air·DateApr 18, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New variety of zebra chip disease threatens potato production in southwestern Oregon

A new variety of zebra chip disease has been identified in potatoes grown in the Klamath Basin of southwestern Oregon, posing a significant threat to local potato production. The disease, caused by Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum, can result in yield losses of up to 100% and economic damage estimated at millions annually.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Disease·DateApr 18, 2019

More severe salmonella outbreaks ahead: University of Sydney research

Researchers at the University of Sydney developed a method to predict salmonella outbreaks and found that future epidemics are likely to be more severe. The study suggests that genetic networks of salmonella pathogens are linked through just a few degrees of separation, indicating an increasing severity of future epidemics.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 17, 2019

FIU scientists discover new arsenic-based broad-spectrum antibiotic

Researchers at Florida International University have discovered a new broad-spectrum antibiotic, arsinothricin, which is the first natural product containing arsenic to be found effective against various bacteria. The compound has shown promise in treating infections caused by E. coli and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae.

SourceFlorida International University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateApr 16, 2019
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.

A new bacteria-killing weapon in the fight against antibiotic resistance

Scientists have created a genetically engineered bacterium that can specifically kill multiple antibiotic-resistant bacteria without harming beneficial bacteria. The novel tool, based on the CRISPR-Cas9 system, has shown a minimal rate of emergence of new resistance and has potential applications in treating infectious diseases.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 15, 2019

Applying hand rub with three steps for 15 seconds as effective at reducing bacteria as WHO-recommended 6 steps for 30 seconds

A new study suggests that a simplified three-step hand rub technique for 15 seconds is as effective as the six-step, 30-second technique recommended by WHO. This could improve hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers. The study found that shorter application times do not compromise bacterial reduction.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 14, 2019

How plants defend themselves

Researchers at Technical University of Munich discovered that plant cells recognize bacteria through small fatty acid molecules, rather than complex molecular compounds. This finding could lead to breeding or genetically engineering plants with improved immune responses and increased resistance to pathogens.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience·DateApr 11, 2019

Bacteria flip an electric switch to worsen food poisoning

A new study reveals how Salmonella bacteria flip an electric switch within immune cells, causing them to migrate out of the gut and into the bloodstream. This mechanism contributes to the severity of food-borne illnesses, with over 400,000 deaths worldwide each year.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 9, 2019
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.

Gum bacteria implicated in Alzheimer's and other diseases

Researchers found evidence of gum bacteria in brain samples from people with Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a link between the two conditions. A study using mice showed that the bacterium can migrate from the mouth to the brain, and an experimental drug is currently being tested for its potential to treat Alzheimer's.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 7, 2019

Anti-evolvability drugs could slow antibiotic resistance in bacteria

Scientists found that certain antibiotics trigger the generation of toxic molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can lead to new mutations and antibiotic resistance. ROS-reducing drugs like edaravone can prevent these mutations, suggesting a potential new strategy to combat resistance evolution

SourceCell Press·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 1, 2019
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

UM researchers publish new discoveries on bacterial viruses

Researchers studied viruses that infect pathogenic bacteria called bacteriophages to develop a vaccine against bacterial infection. They found that some bacteriophages induce an anti-viral response in humans, which can hinder the clearance of bacterial infections.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalScience·DateApr 1, 2019

Fish slime: An untapped source of potential new antibiotics

Researchers have identified bacteria with promising antibiotic activity against known pathogens in the protective mucus that coats young fish. The study found five bacterial extracts strongly inhibited methicillin-resistant S. aureus and three inhibited Candida albicans, a fungus pathogenic to humans.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 31, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Same microbe, different effect

Researchers have identified over 7,000 structural variants in human gut microbiomes associated with disease risk and weight. These variants were found to be linked to a specific ability of bacteria to produce butyrate, a substance with anti-inflammatory effects.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateMar 28, 2019

Promising new drugs for old pathogen Mtb

Researchers develop drugs targeting specific component of folate pathway, potentially addressing drug resistance and treatment time. The compounds are more effective than existing antifolate medication PAS, offering hope for new treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateMar 28, 2019

Bacteria partners with virus to cause chronic wounds, Stanford study finds

A Stanford study finds that a bacterial pathogen produces a virus that increases its ability to infect humans and causes the immune system to mount an antiviral response. The discovery could lead to new ways of preventing chronic infections by keeping antibiotic-resistant bacteria from getting a foothold in wounds.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 28, 2019
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.

Control of mosquito-borne diseases

Researchers identified a novel mobile genetic element, pWCP, in the Wolbachia bacterium of Culex pipiens mosquitoes. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding interactions between the bacterium and its host, as well as its role in pathogen transmission.

SourceCirad·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2019

Drug diversity in bacteria

Bacteria can create a wide range of derivatives from simple basic structures through mechanisms similar to pharmaceutical research. This diversification allows them to counteract unknown competitors and exhibit a wide range of biological activity.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 25, 2019

Pathogenic, drug-resistant bacteria found in wastewater treatment plants

Researchers discovered drug-resistant E. faecium in untreated and treated wastewater from hospital sewage recipients, highlighting genetic relatedness to human disease-causing strains. Terminal ultraviolet light disinfection may reduce environmental contamination with these pathogens.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press·JournalGenome Research·DateMar 21, 2019

Study shows first evidence bacterial-induced apoptosis in algae

Researchers at the University of Alberta found bacterial pathogens in single-celled algae can induce apoptosis, a process previously thought to occur only in large organisms. This discovery has broad implications for developing targeted antibiotics and producing biofuels from algae.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 21, 2019
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.

Copying made easy

Scientists have developed a new, inexpensive method called Cas9n-based amplification reaction that avoids thermal cycles and complicated instruments. The technique uses components from the bacterial immune system to recognize specific DNA sequences and introduce genetic scissors.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 12, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

WVU researchers explore stroke's effects on microbiome

A recent study by WVU researchers found that stroke patients' microbiomes may still be out of balance a month after the stroke has passed. The team discovered changes in the structure of their guts, including less prominent beneficial bacteria and increased inflammation.

SourceWest Virginia University·DateMar 12, 2019

Healthier dairy products with bacterial films and nanofiber membranes

Researchers created fermented milk products with bacterial films on nanofiber membranes, demonstrating improved probiotic survival and resistance to stomach digestion. The biofilms released live bacteria into the milk, allowing them to survive storage and transit.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMar 6, 2019

Bacteria in frog skin may help fight fungal infections in humans

A recent study found that bacteria from frog skin have produced compounds that can inhibit the growth of fungi, including Aspergillus fumigatus. The most promising compound, viscosin, showed significant activity against both fungi.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 1, 2019
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Light-driven signaling of bacteria may provide clues to defeat dangerous infections

Researchers at the Advanced Science Research Center discovered a unique protein sensing and signaling process in bacteria Erythrobacter litoralis that responds to blue light. This finding could help develop new drugs targeting related signaling processes in pathogenic bacteria.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2019

Bacteria walk (a bit) like we do

Scientists have developed a microscopy method that directly observes bacterial filaments, revealing a new mechanism by which bacteria interact with surfaces. The study shows that type IV pili movements are coordinated through sequential control of pilus extension and retraction, enabling efficient movement across surfaces.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 25, 2019

Antibiotic resistances spread faster than so far thought

Researchers found that antibiotic resistance genes are transferred between bacteria through viruses and transposons, leading to a fast distribution of resistance genes. This challenges the long-held assumption that only plasmids facilitate gene exchange.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalMicrobiome·DateFeb 18, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

More scrutiny needed for less-deadly foodborne bacteria

Researchers used whole-genome sequencing to investigate a Bacillus cereus outbreak in upstate New York, revealing the causal agent produced an emetic toxin. The study highlights the potential of real-time data sharing to prevent and detect outbreaks more effectively.

SourcePenn State·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateFeb 13, 2019

Infection biology: What makes Helicobacter so adaptable?

A study by LMU Munich microbiologists identified an enzyme crucial for Helicobacter pylori's ability to regulate gene expression and adapt to its environment. The discovery sheds light on the bacterium's genetic diversity and its impact on human health, including the development of stomach cancer.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateFeb 12, 2019
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.

NUS marine scientists find toxic bacteria on microplastics retrieved from tropical waters

A recent study by NUS researchers found that microplastics can harbor toxic bacteria capable of causing coral bleaching and triggering wound infections in humans. The study identified over 400 types of bacteria on the plastics, including species that can degrade pollutants and others that cause harm to marine organisms.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateFeb 11, 2019

New tuberculosis drug may shorten treatment time for patients

A new experimental antibiotic AN12855 has been shown to be more effective against tuberculosis than isoniazid, a decades-old drug. In mouse studies, the new drug demonstrated a much lower tendency to develop resistance and remained in tissues where Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria reside for longer, killing them more effectively.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateFeb 11, 2019

Microbial manufacturing

A team of Harvard researchers has unraveled the process by which bacteria manufacture streptozotocin, a key compound used to treat pancreatic cancer. The study reveals an iron-dependent enzyme with two domains that catalyze different steps in the production of nitrosamine compounds.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateFeb 6, 2019
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.

Novel enzyme discovered in intestinal bacteria

A novel glycyl radical enzyme has been discovered in Bilophila bacteria, responsible for degrading taurine and producing toxic hydrogen sulphide. The enzyme's oxygen-sensitivity and role in intestinal barrier permeability and colon cancer are being further investigated.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2019

Microbes hitched to insects provide a rich source of new antibiotics

Researchers found that insect-borne microbes often outperformed soil bacteria in stopping antibiotic-resistant pathogens, including MRSA. A new antibiotic, cyphomycin, was discovered from a Brazilian fungus-farming ant and showed effective antimicrobial action without toxic side effects.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 1, 2019

How whipworms wreak havoc on the gut

A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals that whipworms disrupt the balance between gut immune cells and microbiota, leading to uncontrolled inflammation and tissue damage. The researchers discovered that a specific receptor, IL-10R?, plays a critical role in regulating these interactions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 31, 2019
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Vaccination with Streptococcus mitis could protect against virulent sibling, Streptococcus pneumonia

Researchers found that vaccination with Streptococcus mitis boosted production of IgG and IgA antibodies, as well as Th17 cells, offering protection against certain serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae. The study suggests that this natural human colonizer could be used to develop a safe vaccine against the disease.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJan 30, 2019

Computer program aids food safety experts with pathogen testing

A new computer program, EnABLe, simulates the most likely locations of Listeria monocytogenes in processing facilities to inform pathogen testing. The model has potential for application to other microbes and environments, including hospital-acquired infections and fruit and vegetable processing plants.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 24, 2019

Cortexyme announces publication of foundational data for groundbreaking approach to treating Alzheimer's disease in Science Advances

Researchers identify Porphyromonas gingivalis as a key driver of Alzheimer's disease pathology and demonstrate potential for small molecule inhibitors to block the pathogen. The discovery paves the way for Cortexyme's lead compound COR388, which shows promising results in preclinical experiments.

SourceTorch Communications·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 23, 2019
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.

Small metabolites have big effects on the intestinal immune response

Researchers at Osaka University found that common bacterial metabolites pyruvate and lactate activate the intestinal immune response, enhancing dendrite protrusion in macrophages. This discovery has multiple clinical applications, including improving oral vaccines and eliminating intestinal pathogens.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature·DateJan 23, 2019

Courage to aim for less cleanliness?

The study suggests that letting beneficial microorganisms thrive could aid in fighting infectious diseases, as conventional methods may interfere with their natural containment. By adopting a more diverse approach to health, researchers hope to create stronger defenses against pathogens.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 21, 2019