Research on disease-causing bacteria and how they spread. Covers waterborne bacteria, Lyme disease ecology, pathogenic genetics, and biofilm treatments.
Researchers found that gonorrhea infects the female reproductive tract by breaking connections between cells that normally form a protective barrier. The study uses tissue samples from human endocervix and reveals how Neisseria gonorrhoeae promotes activation of non-muscle myosin II to induce cell shedding and penetration.
Researchers discovered a link between indolepropionic acid and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. A diet rich in whole grain products and dietary fibre boosts indolepropionic acid production, promoting insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells.
The Laboratory of Medical Zoology at UMass Amherst is conducting pathogen tests on thousands of ticks collected from 47 sites across the country as part of the National Ecological Observatory Network project. The tests will help track changes in tick-borne disease surveillance and research over 30 years.
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens found that lactate produced in the upper throat can initiate the dispersal of Neisseria meningitidis microcolonies, allowing the bacteria to invade the body and cause meningitis. The researchers suggest that high concentrations of lactate serve as a signaling molecule for bacterial dispersal.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new method for detecting foodborne pathogens like E. coli using specialized droplets that can bind to bacterial proteins, allowing for fast and affordable testing with smartphones.
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.
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.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have discovered non-antibiotic antivirulence compounds that prevent disease-causing toxins from forming in gram-positive bacteria. These compounds, such as F19, have shown effectiveness against various types of superbugs and may enable the use of existing antibiotics in combination therapy.
Exposure to Gardnerella vaginalis, a common vaginal bacterium, awakens dormant E. coli and triggers recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in mice. The study suggests that G. vaginalis damage to bladder tissue can lead to reactivation of E. coli infection.
CARB-X is investing $24 million to support 11 biotech companies in developing new life-saving antibacterials and diagnostics. The pipeline includes three potential new classes of small molecule antibiotics, four non-traditional products, and seven new molecular targets against Gram-negative bacteria.
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.
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.
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.
A Purdue University study reveals Listeria monocytogenes can live within romaine lettuce tissue throughout plant growth stages. Exposure to the bacteria can lead to infection in as little as 30 minutes, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.
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.
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
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.
New UBC research reveals how Burkholderia cenocepacia bacteria interact and evolve in cystic fibrosis patients. The study identifies common genes among strains, paving the way for targeted treatments.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Research reveals bacterial spread from drainpipes to patients occurs via a staged mode of transmission, with colonies growing towards sink strainers before splattering onto surfaces.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem discovered how enteropathogenic bacteria sense host attachment and reorganize gene expression to exploit cells. This understanding may lead to new strategies to combat bacterial infections.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found that enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) differentiates into two sub-populations, one virulent and one non-virulent, with the virulent state maintaining long-term memory. This discovery sheds light on bacterial virulence strategies and may lead to new approaches for fighting infections.
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research have found that viruses make decisions about their actions in host bacteria, similar to human decision-making. The study's findings could lead to the development of more effective phage therapy for treating bacterial diseases.
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.
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.
Scientists at Rockefeller University have developed a detailed analysis of RNA polymerase, crucial to all cells, which is targeted by the antibiotic rifampicin. The study identifies potential strategies for new drugs that can effectively combat resistant TB strains.
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.
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.
A new study found that abnormal antibody production in the intestine of people with HIV-1 may lead to chronic inflammation and AIDS despite treatment. The research revealed that immune system cells in the intestines have decreased capacity to produce mature antibodies.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.