Research on disease-causing bacteria and how they spread. Covers waterborne bacteria, Lyme disease ecology, pathogenic genetics, and biofilm treatments.
Scientists have discovered predictable sensitivities to other classes of antibiotics in Pseudomonas infections, paving the way for personalized treatment strategies. The findings suggest that targeting specific mutations could lead to more effective treatments for cystic fibrosis patients.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center used precision editing to target metabolic pathways in the gut, reducing inflammation in mouse models of colitis. The strategy, which targets specific bacterial species, prevented or reduced inflammation without affecting healthy gut bacteria.
Researchers at TUM and Harvard University discovered a substance that interferes with the formation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis' mycomembrane. Combining this beta-lactone inhibitor with known antibiotics increases effectiveness by up to 100-fold, making it a promising new therapy for TB.
Researchers have discovered that bacteria can inject toxic proteins into their competitors, causing cell lysis and death, and then acquire antibiotic resistance by incorporating the released genetic material. This ability allows bacteria to rapidly develop resistance to antibiotics, posing a significant threat to patients in hospitals.
A South Korean study reveals that the bacterium Chromobacterium piscinae produces cyanide when attacked by a microbial predator, inhibiting its growth without killing it. The researchers suspect that the bacteria use nutrient-rich environments to trigger the production of this protective compound.
A functional genomics database has been developed to study the plant microbiome, revealing key genes involved in bacterial adaptation to plants. The database combines 3837 genomes from various organisms, including plants and human gut bacteria, allowing researchers to identify genes that aid in bacterial colonization.
A new study reveals that platelets actively migrate to sites of infection, collecting bacteria into aggregates and facilitating the activation of neutrophils. This active function has significant implications for our understanding of immune defense and potential therapeutic targets for inflammation reactions.
Scientists from Friedrich Schiller University Jena have developed nanoparticles that transport antibiotics more efficiently to their destination, killing off pathogens without problems. The particles are able to penetrate thick layers of mucus and biofilms, making them a promising solution against antibiotic resistance.
A team led by OSU professor Kerry McPhail will study stromatolites in South Africa's barrage pools, seeking insights into chemical signaling and metabolite production among ancient microbial communities. The research aims to advance our understanding of the origins of life and develop new medicines.
Researchers at Arizona State University have created a high-throughput technology that can produce up to 1,000 doses of antimicrobial treatments within a week. The system uses synthetic antibodies, or synbodies, which are made from short protein fragments and can be quickly screened against a large number of pathogens.
Researchers at Lund University developed a specially designed protein that targets and kills multiple bacterial species, including Gram-positive bacteria. The fusion protein works by removing Factor H from the surface of bacteria, activating the immune system to kill them.
A team of OSU researchers identified beneficial and pathogenic species of Rhodococcus bacteria using genome sequencing. The study found that plasmids, separate DNA molecules, facilitate the transition between these two forms of bacteria.
Researchers have developed a new antibiotic, EZ120, that targets the mycomembrane biosynthesis of tuberculosis pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis. By inhibiting key enzymes, EZ120 significantly increases the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics, offering a novel approach for tuberculosis treatment.
Researchers have developed a novel photothermal treatment that leverages the self-activation of certain bacteria to target and kill antibiotic-resistant pathogens. The innovative approach uses a supramolecular radical anion complex that absorbs near-infrared light, generating heat and denaturing proteins in targeted bacteria.
Researchers found that certain bacterial strains can produce factors that increase or decrease the susceptibility of another bacterium to antibiotics. The study identified three specific factors: LasA, rhamnolipids, and HQNO, which could be used to create new antibiotics or develop genetic tests to detect antibiotic resistance
The ASCB Celldance program premiered two new videos at the 2017 ASCB|EMBO Meeting in Philadelphia. The videos, created by Guillaume Duménil, Dyche Mullins, and Lillian Fritz-Laylin, visualize how pathogens invade the body and proliferate, as well as single cells crawling through complex environments.
Research found that red-bellied lemurs with strong social bonds have similar gut microbiomes, which may contribute to their immunity. The study suggests that sharing a similar microbiome within a social group can have a positive health impact and potentially prevent infections.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new dental material that can kill bacteria and resist biofilm growth without harming surrounding tissue. The material is effective with minimal toxicity and can withstand severe mechanical stress.
Researchers discovered Listeria monocytogenes can change its behavior when infecting liver and placenta cells, producing a dormant form that is more tolerant of antibiotics. This finding explains the long incubation period of listeriosis and may lead to new therapeutic strategies.
A recent study found that antibiotics like ciprofloxacin can directly alter the biochemical environment of mouse immune cells during infection, making it harder for them to kill bacteria. This change in environment also led to increased resistance to antibiotics in E. coli bacteria.
Researchers discovered H. pylori's two additional strategies to target mitochondria, which maintain an environment conducive to bacterial proliferation and worsen gastric lesions in mice. The findings suggest new avenues for developing effective strategies to combat H. pylori infection and reduce its pathogenic potential.
Researchers found that high temperatures weaken plant defenses while strengthening bacterial attacks, making plants more vulnerable to infection. However, treatment with a chemical that mimics salicylic acid can effectively protect plants from infection at elevated temperatures.
A new study found that elevated oral pathogens and decreased bacterial diversity are associated with precancerous stomach cancer lesions. The researchers suggest that treating chronic periodontal disease and controlling pathogen infections may help prevent stomach cancer.
Researchers discovered that flies can carry hundreds of different species of bacteria, many of which are harmful to humans. The study found that the legs and wings of flies have the highest microbial diversity.
Researchers found that flies can carry hundreds of different species of bacteria, including those harmful to humans. They propose using germ-free flies to pick up latent microbiomes and sequence them for early warning systems, useful in agriculture and public health surveillance.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have developed a microscopic data recorder using CRISPR-Cas technology, allowing bacteria to monitor their surroundings and record temporal changes. The system has proven its ability to handle multiple signals and record for days.
Researchers have developed nanosponges that can absorb and neutralize toxins secreted by bacteria causing intraocular infections. These engineered nanoparticles, consisting of a polymeric core surrounded by natural red blood cell membranes, demonstrated effectiveness in protecting the retina from damage in animal models.
Researchers found that bacteria can quickly share genes to maintain resistance, making it unlikely that reducing antibiotic use will reverse the trend. However, conjugation rates can be disrupted and reversed using existing drugs, paving the way for future development of new treatments.
Researchers at UTA have found harmful pathogenic bacteria in Texas groundwater near unconventional natural gas extraction sites, particularly resistant to antibiotics and disinfection. The studies identify novel treatments and bioremediation strategies for contaminated waters.
Researchers discovered specific immune cells called B cells play a crucial role in eliminating mycoplasma bacteria from the lungs. Vaccines may be developed to elicit antibody responses protecting against infection, offering an alternative to antibiotics.
The mouse immune system uses six different ways to identify invading bacteria, scanning the bacterial protein in detail. This effective immune response helps understand why certain bacteria can evade detection.
Natural killer cells play a crucial role in controlling bacterial growth during lung infections, and their communication with immune response regulators helps orchestrate an antibacterial program. This study provides new insights into the development of novel therapeutics against multidrug-resistant pathogens.
Researchers use cryo-EM to visualize the molecular interface between flagellin and NAIP5, revealing how bacteria are recognized by the immune system. The study found that flagellin is in contact with six different parts of NAIP5, providing new insights into potential strategies for protection from pathogens.
Researchers have identified specific chemical receptors in cells that could deceive bacteria and improve patient response to drugs. The study's findings suggest that targeting these receptors could help adapt antibiotics to better attack infections.
A new model reveals that cooperative contagion processes can lead to more severe spread of infectious diseases, generating abrupt outbreak transitions and multi-stability. This discovery highlights the need for new containment strategies to combat epidemics in realistic systems.
Researchers found that sunlight boosts beneficial microorganisms to combat stem end rot in mango fruits. The study reveals a diverse microbial community with both pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms, suggesting new possibilities for agriculture and food industry.
A UC Riverside-led research team has identified the human protein resistin as a potential treatment for sepsis, boosting survival rates to 100% in a mouse model. By binding to TLR4, resistin blocks inflammatory responses and minimizes immune system overdrive.
Researchers linked major cholera outbreaks to Asian origin, highlighting need for targeted control strategies. Genomic analysis identified antibiotic-resistant strains originating from South Asia.
Killer cells use a methodical approach to destroy bacterial invaders, inflicting oxidative damage and targeting critical proteins with the deadly enzyme granzyme B. The discovery offers new insights into how immune systems combat bacteria, potentially leading to the development of new antimicrobial drugs.
A team of scientists discovered that a non-pathogenic strain of E. coli helps the lining of a newborn's gut prepare for the surge of other bacteria in their lives, leading to better resistance to inflammation and damage.
Researchers at FAU have identified two mechanisms by which H. pylori destroys the stomach's protective layer, allowing bacteria to access deeper tissue layers and inflict further damage. The team also discovered that the injected bacterial toxin reprograms host cells, making them potentially cancerous.
Researchers from Brazil and France identify a new target for developing antibiotics against highly resistant bacteria, inhibiting the interaction of two key proteins involved in cell wall elongation. The discovery paves the way for the development of antibiotics with a different action mechanism, offering hope in combating drug-resista...
Researchers found that different conditions leading to reduced gastric acid secretion alter the stomach's microbial community, influencing tumor risk. The study suggests that manipulating these bacterial communities may lead to new ways to prevent cancer.
Researchers at UMD School of Medicine are studying a new approach to tackle antibiotic resistance by targeting the immune system's response to harmful bacteria. They aim to prevent inflammation and white blood cell activation using special molecules or peptides, which could pave the way for treating a wide range of infections.
A research team has discovered a technique called Accelerated Evolution that rapidly generates valuable natural products by mimicking bacterial evolution processes. This breakthrough could lead to hundreds of new compounds and revolutionize natural product drug discovery.
Researchers discovered that bacteria use pili as their sense of touch when interacting with surfaces, leading to a new understanding of bacterial surface sensing. This mechanism may help scientists develop strategies to control bacterial growth, either beneficially in bioreactors or pathogenically on medical devices.
Researchers discovered bacteria possess a 'sense of touch' enabling them to recognize surfaces and induce adhesive production in response to mechanical stimulation. This mechanism helps pathogens colonize host cells, making it crucial for understanding infectious diseases.
A Wayne State University research team has received a $1.85 million NIH grant to investigate non-Shine-Dalgarno translation initiation in bacteria. The goal is to identify new antibiotic targets effective against pathogens lacking Shine-Dalgarno sites.
University of Michigan researchers found that killer T cells use a multi-pronged attack to kill bacteria, targeting multiple processes. This discovery could lead to the development of new medications or repurposing of existing drugs to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
A recent study found that Helicobacter pylori's mutation rate is high from the beginning of infection, making it challenging to develop an effective vaccine. The bacterium's genetic diversity can also inhibit the production of antigens in a potential vaccine.
A novel transdisciplinary study has uncovered microbes that may one day deter major grape disease, Pierce's disease. The researchers used next-generation sequencing and modern bioinformatics tools to analyze microbial communities in grapevines, finding a link between beneficial bacteria and reduced disease severity.
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) has been awarded a $9 million grant by the CDC to explore innovative solutions to the growing problem of drug-resistant bacteria. The grant will support a pilot investigation using human genomic technology to track person-to-person transmission of pathogens.
Researchers discovered that Mycoplasma agalactiae uses a molecular stealth mechanism to evade the immune system. The bacteria can compensate for gene inactivation through an alternative mechanism, allowing them to survive and persist in infected hosts.
A recent study published in Cell reveals a new mechanism in the gut microbiome that regulates pro- and anti-inflammatory cells, potentially preventing inflammatory bowel disease. The research also suggests that changes in the gut microbiome can increase the risk of other autoimmune disorders.
A Wayne State research team is developing a novel approach to treat bacterial endophthalmitis with Resolvin D1, which has shown promise in reducing inflammation and preventing tissue damage. The study aims to identify new anti-inflammatory therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of blinding ocular infections.
A new study found that CagA, a protein produced by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, can alter the population of microbes living in the fruit fly gut, leading to disease symptoms. The researchers suggest that manipulating the balance of microbes in the gut may be able to mitigate the harmful effects of infection with H. pylori.
The UMass Amherst TickReport service is expanding its public health mission with a recent NIH grant and collaboration with L2 Diagnostics to study Borrelia miyamotoi, a tick-transmitted bacterium causing infection and disease in the US, Europe, and Asia. Researchers will conduct human testing on people who submitted B. miyamotoi-positi...
Researchers have successfully tested a pre-industrial laboratory scale method using microorganisms as natural antagonists to eliminate up to 99.6% of germs from hatching eggs. The bacteria producing pyrazines demonstrated efficiency comparable to that of formaldehyde fumigation.
Researchers found over 100 air samples from tropical and subtropical regions revealing an average of 67,000 prokaryotes per cubic meter of sampled air over the oceans compared to 190,000 bacteria per cubic meter of air over land.
This study investigates the early stages of antibacterial damage caused by Silver and Copper-based nanoparticles on Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa. TEM and STEM-HAADF techniques reveal changes in bacterial structure, including adhesion, penetration, and damage to cellular components.