Research on disease-causing bacteria and how they spread. Covers waterborne bacteria, Lyme disease ecology, pathogenic genetics, and biofilm treatments.
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.
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.
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.
Dr. Scarlett Shell is awarded a $1.1 million NSF CAREER Award to investigate the molecular mechanisms of bacteria's stress response, which could lead to new treatments for infectious diseases like tuberculosis. Her work aims to enrich educational experiences for students and inspire careers in science.
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago are studying bacterial chemical signals to manipulate sickness-causing microorganisms into a nonhostile state. By understanding the molecular mechanisms of these signals, scientists aim to develop new alternatives to antibiotics that fight bacterial infections.
Researchers have identified a protein called Smurf1 that plays a crucial role in the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy tuberculosis bacteria. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments by strengthening this immune pathway.
Researchers discovered a bacterial protein that uses a Pac Man-like chewing motion to grab and hold onto sugar molecules, allowing pathogens to evade the immune system. This understanding could lead to the development of new therapeutics targeting this protein.
Scientists at the University of York have developed a new antibiotic for gonorrhoea by harnessing the therapeutic effects of carbon monoxide-releasing molecules. The treatment targets the bacteria's energy production, preventing it from respiring oxygen and ultimately leading to its death.
A new study reveals that a minor pilin protein triggers pilus retraction in Vibrio cholerae, differing from other disease-causing bacteria. This discovery advances understanding of Type IV pili function and may aid in developing prevention and treatment strategies for cholera.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis accelerate immune response to tuberculosis in mice by activating dendritic cells, leading to near-sterilizing immunity levels. The study could lead to improved TB vaccines for humans, addressing the variable protection provided by current BCG vaccine.
Bacteria have been found to use a code language consisting of cryptic palindromes to determine whether to enter a dormant state or be interrupted by antibiotics. This discovery may help develop new antibiotics by understanding the code language used by pathogenic bacteria.
A new approach to prevent burn injury infections was developed by UTSW researchers, which targets the bacteria's ability to bind to host cells rather than killing them. The method, using an engineered adhesion inhibitor molecule, substantially decreased bacterial levels and prevented infection for three days.
The study identifies a new nickel transporter crucial for the pathogen's ability to colonize the stomach and survive its acidic environment. The discovery sheds light on the genetic modifications that enabled H. pylori to adapt to this hostile environment, highlighting the importance of metals in bacterial pathogenesis.
A large genome study has identified potential virulence factors to discriminate new Francisella species from the deadly F. tularensis bacterium. The study provides a framework for identifying new isolates and environmental detections, improving disease diagnosis and bioweapon detection.
A new battery-powered detection system can identify 16 virulent pathogens with high sensitivity and provides positive identification from as few as 10 DNA sequences. The device is designed for use in remote locations where laboratory resources are lacking, addressing the lack of timely diagnosis and effective treatment.
Researchers found a common bacterial cause of gum disease may trigger rheumatoid arthritis by inducing hypercitrullination, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. A study published in Science Translational Medicine identified Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans as the primary pathogen responsible for this process.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have discovered a class of peptides that can kill insect larvae, producing up to four times more compounds than previously thought possible. The peptides, known as rhabdopeptide/xenortide peptides (RXPs), are produced by bacteria and play a crucial role in infection.
Jörg Vogel, a leading RNA researcher, has been awarded the €2.5m Leibniz Prize for his seminal contribution to understanding regulatory RNA molecules in infection biology. His research could lead to new ways to fight pathogens.
Tiny soil predators called protists 'eavesdrop' on bacteria's communication using scent, helping them choose the best prey. The discovery could lead to practical applications in biological pest control and agricultural research.
A team of researchers at Caltech and the University of Oxford identified a protein that degrades and inhibits biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the primary pathogen in cystic fibrosis infections. This discovery offers a new approach to inhibit biofilm development and has promise for treating antibiotic-resistant biofilm infections.
Scientists at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) are working on a novel treatment approach for blood poisoning. They aim to remove bacteria from the blood using magnetic purification, which could potentially replace antibiotics in some cases.
Recent experiments by Loessner and his group have shown that L-forms are an independent form of life that can multiply indefinitely. They form a crazy network of vesicles with elastic connector tubes, enabling them to exchange cytoplasm and multiply without cell walls or genetic material.
Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University have isolated a unique strain of lactic acid bacteria, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis 194, from Buryat milk that possesses a wide range of antimicrobial action against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The strain also shows antifungal properties, making it a promising candida...
Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered a bacterium, Vibrio fischeri, releases an enzyme that induces choanoflagellates into full mating frenzy. This finding suggests bacteria may influence animal mating.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new compound that can render Mycobacterium tuberculosis susceptible to the immune system. The compound inhibits the bacterial proteasome, making proteins damaged by nitric oxide accumulate and cause bacteria death.
A Melbourne-based team has developed a vaccine for chronic periodontitis, aiming to reduce the need for surgery and antibiotics. The vaccine targets enzymes produced by a specific bacterium, triggering an immune response that neutralizes its toxins.
New research reveals the mechanism by which probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei DG promotes health. The probiotic releases a novel polysaccharide that stimulates the immune system to release anti-inflammatory chemicals.
A research team at the University of Georgia has discovered that a pathogen's ability to move through the body triggers an immune response. The study found that bacterial motility induces the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps, which are web-like structures of DNA associated with antimicrobial molecules.
A new metagenomics methodology can quickly diagnose foodborne bacterial outbreaks by analyzing DNA sequencing data. This approach identified Salmonella pathogen variants and detected co-infections with Staphylococcus aureus, revolutionizing disease surveillance.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are using cross-assembly phage (crAssphage) as an indicator of fecal contamination in water, which can help prevent disease outbreaks and improve public safety. The study aims to establish a correlation between crAssphage presence and pathogens in irrigation water.
Researchers discovered that Staph bacteria use the nitric oxide synthase enzyme to colonize nasal passages, allowing them to thrive in low-oxygen environments. This mechanism may contribute to the virulence and resistance of staphylococcus bacteria, making it a potential target for prevention strategies.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz are developing nano factories that can prevent bacterial colonization on surfaces. The team, led by Sebastian Polarz and David Schleheck, plans to create a cocktail of chemical compounds that specifically target bacteria, reducing the need for antibiotics.
A new study by Michigan State University scientists reveals that certain virulent bacteria can directly inject a protein into plant cells, increasing water content and disease prevalence. This discovery highlights the critical role of humidity in plant-disease outbreaks, particularly under conditions of prolonged high humidity.
Norovirus can shed for months or years, especially in immunocompromised individuals, and triggers other gut problems like IBS and IBD. Researchers discuss strategies to slow down the virus, including new vaccine approaches.
A new study published in Nature's Ecology & Evolution journal reveals that the shape of bacteria does not affect their ability to move, challenging long-held theories. The researchers analyzed data from 325 different species of Firmicutes bacteria and found no association between shape and mobility.
Researchers have developed a novel technique to study bacterial infections at the single-cell level, revealing that Salmonella adopt two survival strategies: replicating or adopting a non-growing state. Macrophages infected with Salmonella express different signaling molecules depending on their growth behavior.
A new study by the University of Leicester reveals that small amounts of damage to salad leaves in bagged salads encourage the presence of Salmonella enterica. Juices released from damaged leaves also boost the pathogen's ability to attach to the salad's plastic container, doubling its motility and allowing it to multiply rapidly.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that flagellar motility of P. aeruginosa is the main factor required to induce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The researchers developed an assay to quantify the levels of P. aeruginosa flagellin and found that immotile strains failed to stimulate NET formation.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered two promising new antibiotics, humimycin A and humimycin B, produced by bacteria in the human body. The compounds work by inhibiting an enzyme that builds bacterial cell walls, offering a potential solution to antibiotic resistance.
A recent study by European researchers found that patients with acute bacterial lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) had only slightly worse symptoms and returned more often to their physician than those without bacterial LRTIs. The authors conclude that these infections are generally mild and self-limiting, allowing physicians t...
Researchers found a 'cross-talk' between the immune system, gut bacteria, and glucose metabolism, with implications for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The gut bacteria Akkermansia muciniphila plays a critical role in regulating glucose metabolism.
Research findings suggest that gut microbiomes of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome show higher levels of phospholipid-producing bacteria, pointing to microbes as a trigger for the disease. The study identified Slackia bacteria as a promising candidate, which can produce phospholipids including cardiolipin.
Scientists have discovered human leprosy in British red squirrels, revealing a reservoir for ancient bacteria that drove outbreaks in medieval Europe. The study suggests that the disease may be working against efforts to eradicate it in humans.
Researchers analyzed over 1,000 M. abscessus isolates from 500 global CF center patients, finding near-identical clones in different geographies and suggesting widespread transmission within the CF community. The study also highlights airborne transmission via contaminated surfaces as a potential mode of infection.
Researchers have discovered a new class of proteins in Francisella tularensis that promote the growth of bacteria within macrophages, overcoming cellular defenses. The findings shed light on the mechanisms behind the bacterium's severe disease-causing capabilities.
Researchers from Concordia University found that vermicomposting can inactivate harmful bacteria like E. coli in compost, producing high-quality material for plant fertilizers. The worms also generate valuable by-products as animal feed, promoting sustainable waste management and upcycling.
Researchers have developed a new approach to prevent gastrointestinal disease caused by Salmonella and other bacteria. The immunization targets a molecule that allows these microbes to scavenge iron, reducing growth and bacterial levels.
Researchers found that bacteria that become dependent on their environment for essential nutrients outperform those that can produce them independently. The study's results suggest that this loss of autonomy may be an evolutionary advantage driving adaptation in bacterial populations.
Research reveals that isolates of Helicobacter pullorum from Indian poultry markets are resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics, posing a potential public health risk. The study suggests that the bacterium could be transmitted from poultry to humans, highlighting the need for increased awareness and regulation.
A University of California, Irvine study found that beneficial gut microbes produce proteins called microcins, which help block illness-causing bacteria like salmonella and invasive E. coli in inflamed intestines. The researchers hope to develop targeted antibiotics based on these findings.
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified another bacterium that can cause symptoms similar to salmon poisoning in dogs, complicating the problem. The new discovery makes it clear that dogs are not immune to salmon poisoning after a single infection and treatment.
A team of scientists analyzed TB bacterial strains and found they can be genetically subdivided into generalists with worldwide distribution and specialists with localized ecological niches. Generalists have a slightly increased diversity of antigens, allowing them to adapt more specifically to different human populations.
Gene expression data from E. coli grown in space reveal reduced glucose uptake and increased extracellular acidity, suggesting altered bacterial behavior due to reduced transport of molecules.
A study has found a link between chlorhexidine exposure and antibiotic resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria. The researchers discovered that certain strains of the bacteria could survive high concentrations of chlorhexidine and develop resistance to colistin, a last resort antibiotic.
A team of scientists from Germany has identified a class of quinone-like substances with an epoxide functional group that can kill problematic Salmonella pathogens. The compounds work by interfering with the bacterial stress response system, making them a potential tool in the fight against multidrug resistance.
A Duke University study reveals that hospital rooms and patients can spread germs through contact with healthcare personnel. The research found that nurses' clothing and patient room surfaces were frequently contaminated with pathogens, highlighting the need for enhanced infection control measures.
A team of scientists at Gakushuin University has developed a novel 'cross-kymography' method to visualize the rotation and morphology of archaella, which enables the direct observation of these structures for the first time. This breakthrough reveals new insights into the swimming mechanism of archaea.
A CSIC study is using genetic sequencing to identify new bacterial regulators that can be used to design compounds to manipulate bacterial processes. This research aims to develop new antimicrobials to fight against infections.
Researchers at the University of Basel discovered that calcium induces the transition from acute to chronic infections in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a life-threatening pathogen. This shift enables the bacteria to adapt and survive in the lungs, making treatment more challenging for patients with cystic fibrosis.
Researchers tracked a single bacterial cell as it grew into a mature biofilm of 10,000 cells. They found that the bacteria secrete a glue-like substance to keep from getting washed away and protect themselves from competing bacteria. A key gene, RbmA, plays a crucial role in developing a denser, stronger biofilm.