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No more 'superbugs'? Maple syrup extract enhances antibiotic action

Researchers found a natural way to enhance antibiotic action by combining maple syrup extract with commonly used antibiotics. This approach works on various bacterial strains, including E. coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, allowing for up to 90% less antibiotic use while maintaining effectiveness.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 2, 2017

'Whale breath' reveals bacteria threatening endangered killer whales

Researchers found bacteria and fungi in killer whales that cause disease in humans and land-based animals, including Salmonella and antibiotic-resistant strains. The study provides insights into whale health and reveals potential pathogens in their environment.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 31, 2017

Napping flies have higher resistance to deadly human pathogen

A UMD study found fruit flies taking naps had strongest resistance to fungal infection and bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is a major human disease-causing agent. The research identified genes that contribute to overall immune system resistance, providing new insights into human health.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 30, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Vaginal bacteria can trigger recurrent UTIs, study shows

A new study found that a type of vaginal bacteria, Gardnerella vaginalis, can trigger recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) by damaging bladder cells and allowing E. coli to multiply. The researchers suggest that this may be why some women experience UTIs after having sex.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 30, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Inflammation awakens sleepers

Researchers at ETH Zurich found that inflammation triggers the transfer of phage genes to Salmonella bacteria, increasing their pathogenicity. Vaccination can prevent this process, alleviating the risk of phage release.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateMar 29, 2017

Chlamydia: How bacteria take over control

Researchers from the University of Würzburg discovered that Chlamydia trachomatis influences mitochondria to prevent programmed cell death, allowing the bacteria to replicate. The study found that miR-30c-5p microRNA is increased in infected cells, downregulating tumor suppressor protein p53 and promoting mitochondrial division

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMar 28, 2017

How bacteria hunt other bacteria

Researchers studied how Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus tracks down prey using high-resolution video microscopy. The study found that the bacterial predator uses hydrodynamic flow fields generated by its own swimming movements and those of its prey to bring them in close proximity, increasing the chances of a successful attack.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 28, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Evolving 'lovesick' organisms found survival in sex

A new theory suggests that sexual reproduction evolved as a way to resist disease-causing microbes and adapt to constantly changing environments. Researchers used computer simulations to demonstrate the benefits of sex in nematode worms co-evolving with a highly pathogenic bacterium, providing evidence for the Red Queen theory.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateMar 27, 2017

Lighting up antibiotic resistance

Chinese scientists have developed a fluorogenic probe, CVB-1, to detect the activity of multidrug-resistant carbapenemases in an assay system. This technique allows for rapid detection of antibiotic resistance activity by fluorescence, enabling specific treatment strategies and reducing the overuse of ineffective drugs.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 24, 2017

Stress may protect -- at least in bacteria

Researchers found that antibiotics like trimethoprim induce a stress response in bacteria, protecting them from acidic damage. This cross-protection mechanism increases the survival chances of bacteria exposed to antibiotics and other environmental stresses.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalCell Systems·DateMar 23, 2017

New test detects early stage of wasting disease in cattle

Researchers at NIMBioS developed a more sensitive test for detecting paratuberculosis in cattle, shedding light on the early stages of the disease. The new macrophage-based assay produces reliable diagnoses and could be a game-changer for controlling the spread of the disease.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 20, 2017
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.

Enzyme helps bacteria defend themselves against oxidants secreted by immune system

Researchers identified biological substrates of bacterial enzyme Ohr, which enables bacteria to neutralize oxidizing substances released by the defense system of host organisms. The study's findings suggest that Ohr plays a central role in bacterial anti-oxidant defense and offer potential for novel therapeutic approaches.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 2017

How gut inflammation drives the evolution of harmful bacteria

A new study in mice reveals that gut inflammation enables bacterial viruses to infect and replicate within bacterial pathogens. Administering a vaccine that reduces gut inflammation may help treat some infections by hindering gene transfer and the evolution of pathogens.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 16, 2017

Overuse of antibiotics brings risks for bees -- and for us

Researchers found that antibiotic-treated honeybees were half as likely to survive, with gut microbes disrupted and harmful bacteria increased. The study suggests that overuse of antibiotics may contribute to colony collapse and has implications for human health.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 14, 2017

How CSU chemists are helping us not get food poisoning

CSU researchers create affordable and rapid testing systems for water and food-borne pathogens, aiming to reduce expensive follow-up tests. The new system uses enzymes associated with fecal indicator bacteria, detecting harmful bacteria within four to 12 hours.

SourceColorado State University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateMar 8, 2017
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.

PH-sensitive binding mechanism key to virulence of H. pylori

The study reveals that H. pylori uses a pH-responsive mechanism to detach from old cells before reaching the gastric acid, allowing it to rapidly recycle the infection. This adaptive mechanism enables only the best-fit bacterial cells to survive and fortify the chronic infection.

SourceUmea University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMar 8, 2017

AGU's newest open access journal GeoHealth publishes first articles

The newly launched GeoHealth journal by AGU and Wiley focuses on the growing connection between Earth sciences and human health. Researchers are discussing impacts, risks, and opportunities associated with human health and disease. The journal publishes original research, reviews, and commentaries on environmental and health issues.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeoHealth·DateMar 6, 2017

One-two punch may floor worst infections

McMaster researchers have discovered a new combination therapy that effectively treats the world's worst infectious diseases, including superbugs resistant to all known antibiotics. The treatment targets Gram-negative bacteria with an intrinsically impenetrable outer shell, making infections deadly in hospital settings.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMar 6, 2017

Frozen chemistry controls bacterial infections

Scientists at Umeå University discovered a protein interaction that slows down a key chemical reaction in the bacteria Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. This finding opens up new avenues for studying the regulation of bacterial virulence, which can help develop new treatments for infections.

SourceUmea University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 3, 2017
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.

New insights on how pathogens escape the immune system

Researchers discovered that Salmonella typhimurium tricks the immune system into suppressing autophagy by degrading key proteins. This allows the pathogen to survive and evade the immune response. Understanding this mechanism could lead to new therapeutic strategies to enhance or manipulate autophagy in diseases like cancer.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 3, 2017

WSU looks for practices to thwart antimicrobial resistance

Researchers identified cultural factors influencing transmission of antimicrobial resistant bacteria from livestock to humans in Tanzania. The study found Maasai households were less likely to follow withdrawal periods, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 28, 2017

What's really in the water

A new study aims to improve detection of viral pathogens in water resources by developing more accurate DNA sequencing methods. The research has the potential to enhance public health and safety, particularly in areas where conventional methods are limited due to viral diversity.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateFeb 27, 2017

New algorithm identifies gene transfers between different bacterial species

A new computational method has been developed to model gene transfers between different bacterial species, revealing that gene transfer occurs both within and between species. The study identified several genes, including those causing antibiotic resistance, and found a significant number of gene transfers across the entire genome.

SourceAalto University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 24, 2017
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

New paper published in Phytobiomes may lead to novel methods of Rhizoctonia solani control

Researchers identified a novel biological aspect of Rhizoctonia solani, where bacteria persistently associate with the fungus during growth on solid media. This association affects the biology of the fungal host and its interactions with plants, raising prospects for developing alternative disease management strategies.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateFeb 23, 2017

Personalized skin lotions keep disease-causing bacteria at bay

Researchers discovered two new antibiotics in harmless skin bacteria that effectively fought off Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of skin infections. Personalized lotions with these friendly bacteria prevented colonization in patients with Atopic Dermatitis, offering a potential solution to frequent skin infections.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2017
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Transplanting good bacteria to kill Staph

Researchers isolated and grew good bacteria with antimicrobial properties to treat atopic dermatitis. The treatment successfully reduced Staphylococcus aureus on the skin, offering a new approach to managing the condition.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2017

Listeria may be serious miscarriage threat early in pregnancy

Researchers found that listeria causes inflammation and collateral damage to the placenta, allowing bacteria to invade the fetus. The study suggests that listeria may be a culprit in some miscarriages without diagnosed cause. Effective antibiotics are available to treat the infection.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalmBio·DateFeb 21, 2017

Seagrasses greatly reduce bacteria, benefiting humans and marine life

A new study reveals that seagrass meadows can reduce bacteria pathogenic to humans and marine life by up to 50%. The presence of seagrasses also reduces the prevalence of disease in corals located nearby, with field surveys showing a 2-fold decrease in disease compared to coral without seagrass neighbors.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 16, 2017

New protein discovery may lead to new, natural antibiotics

Scientists have discovered a new protein that regulates gene expression and is frequently found next to antibiotic-producing gene clusters. The discovery, known as LoaP, expands the basic knowledge of processive antitermination and demonstrates its widespread presence among bacteria.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 13, 2017

Method to identify bacteria in blood samples works in hours instead of days

Engineers at University of California San Diego developed a desktop diagnosis tool that detects harmful bacteria in blood samples in hours. The breakthrough uses proprietary chemistry, machine learning, and high-end imaging to identify DNA sequences from bacteria causing food-borne illnesses and pneumonia.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 7, 2017
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.

Blue-bellied insects may play a role in the fight against citrus greening

Researchers found that hemocyanin, an oxygen-transporting protein, is highly expressed in Asian citrus psyllids infected with the bacterium causing citrus greening. The protein may signal an immune response to infection and could be harnessed to help control disease spread.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 7, 2017

Cholera bacteria stab and poison enemies at predictable rates

Researchers used physics equations to track bacterial battles over sustenance and turf, gaining insights for new targeted therapies against infections. Cholera bacteria wield harpoon-like appendages covered in poison, with a correlation found between weaponry and cooperative social behavior.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2017
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Salicylic acid promotes nasal mucosa colonization

Regular consumption of salicylic acid can promote and prolong bacterial colonization by depriving the body of iron, which is essential for bacterial growth. This study found that increased biofilm formation allows bacteria to survive longer under unfavorable conditions.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateFeb 3, 2017

Defense mechanism employed by algae can effectively inhibit marine fouling

Researchers have developed a method to inhibit hazardous seawater fouling using cerium dioxide nanoparticles, mimicking the natural defense mechanism of algae. The particles block bacterial communication and prevent biofilm formation, making them an eco-friendly alternative to copper-based biocides.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 2, 2017

Cytotoxins contribute to virulence of deadly epidemic bacterial infections

A new report in The American Journal of Pathology reveals that potent cytotoxins produced by group A streptococcus (GAS) contribute to the severity of 'flesh-eating disease'. Production of both NADase and streptolysin O is necessary for full virulence, and infections can be controlled better with toxin-deficient bacteria.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateFeb 2, 2017

Why Salmonella wants its host to have a healthy appetite

A study found that when a bacteria reduces its virulence by blocking loss of appetite, it increases mouse survival and helps the pathogen spread. Salmonella Typhimurium, a natural intestinal pathogen in mice, uses this strategy to replicate and transmit to other hosts.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJan 26, 2017
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.

Feed a cold, starve a fever? Not so fast, according to Salk research

Research from the Salk Institute shows that certain bacteria, such as Salmonella Typhimurium, can block the host's appetite loss response to make themselves healthier while also promoting transmission. This discovery could have implications in treating infectious diseases and may lead to new therapies for metabolic disease.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateJan 26, 2017

NIH advances understanding of defenses against antibiotic-resistant klebsiella bacteria

Researchers discover that a component of the innate immune system, the complement system, plays a crucial role in killing antibiotic-resistant ST258 bacteria. The study's findings suggest that a modified antibody could be used to develop new tools to treat and prevent infections caused by these bacteria.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateJan 25, 2017

Scientists decipher a mechanism in serious skin infections

Researchers have identified a key mechanism behind the aggressive progression of skin infections caused by Community-Associated MRSA strains. The discovery suggests that modifying the bacterial cell envelope could help prevent such infections.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 24, 2017
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.

Immune defense without collateral damage

A team of researchers from the University of Basel has clarified the role of the enzyme MPO in fighting infections. They found that MPO produces a highly aggressive acid that kills pathogens without damaging surrounding tissue, providing new approaches for immunity strengthening therapies.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 23, 2017

Moth gut bacterium defends its host by making antibiotic

Researchers discovered that a specific bacterial species in moth gut microbes produces an antimicrobial peptide called mundticin KS, which defends its host against pathogens and promotes symbiosis. This finding has implications for agriculture and health, potentially leading to new biocontrol strategies and novel antibiotics.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateJan 19, 2017

Bodyguards in the gut have a chemical weapon

Beneficial bacteria in the gut of moth larvae produce an antimicrobial agent that kills competing bacteria. The symbionts ensure a healthy gut flora and reduce infection risk, making them a potential tool for controlling agricultural pests.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateJan 19, 2017

Time to put TB on a diet!

Researchers discovered that Mycobacterium tuberculosis reprograms infected cells to feed on lipids and membranes, leading to new treatment opportunities. The study provides a promising lead in tackling the disease by starving the bacterium of its preferred high-fat food source.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 19, 2017
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.

Team discovers how bacteria exploit a chink in the body's armor

Researchers have found that Staphylococcus aureus uses a unique enzyme called superoxide dismutase to resist nutritional immunity and cause disease. This discovery could lead to the development of new antibacterial therapies to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 19, 2017

Molecule shows ability to thwart pathogens' genetic resistance to antibiotic

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a molecule that neutralizes bacteria's genetic resistance to antibiotics. The PPMO molecule restores the effectiveness of an ultra-broad-spectrum drug, meropenem, against three different genera of bacteria with NDM-1 enzyme.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateJan 18, 2017

Why hospital antibiotic management strategies do little to curb resistance

A new study reveals that hospital antibiotic management strategies, including cycling and mixing, are ineffective in combating antibiotic resistance. The researchers recommend alternative strategies like reactive cycling and individualized treatments to optimize antibiotic use.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJan 17, 2017
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.

Biophysics plays key role in immune system signaling and response

Researchers discovered that biophysical cues of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) influence the immune system's response to pathogens. The findings suggest that understanding these cues can help fine-tune vaccine responses and generate potent immune reactions.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 17, 2017