Research on disease-causing bacteria and how they spread. Covers waterborne bacteria, Lyme disease ecology, pathogenic genetics, and biofilm treatments.
Scientists at Griffith University identified a unique sensory structure in bacteria that binds host-specific sugar and is present on virulent strains of Campylobacter jejuni. Disabling this sensor reduces the ability of campylobacteria to colonize chickens, offering a potential target for antimicrobial drugs.
Researchers developed computer simulations demonstrating how lasers attack bacterial colonies, suggesting benefits for oral debridement and periodontal treatment. The study confirms the effectiveness of 810 nm diode lasers and 1064 nm Nd:YAG lasers in killing bacteria with minimal heating of surrounding tissue.
Scientists at University of Würzburg have discovered a third RNA binding protein, ProQ, which controls gene activity and allows bacteria to quickly adapt to changing conditions. ProQ binds to nearly 100 regulatory RNAs in Salmonella enterica, influencing their activities.
Research suggests that spinal cord injuries alter the type of bacteria living in the gut, exacerbating neurological damage and impairing recovery. Probiotics may counteract these changes, aiding patients' recovery from spinal cord injuries by activating regulatory T cells and promoting neuronal growth.
A new study revises the understanding of childhood diarrhea's causes, finding nearly 90% of cases are linked to pathogens. The research provides a roadmap for developing vaccines and treatments for six top causes, aiming to reduce deaths by 70 percent annually.
Researchers from UTMB have developed three new potential vaccines against the plague that protect animals from developing pneumonic plague as late as four to five months after vaccination. The vaccines were engineered by deleting and modifying genes in Yersinia pestis bacteria, resulting in safe vaccine candidates.
Penn Vet researchers have discovered a new mechanism for antibacterial immunity, where caspase-8 regulates inflammatory cytokine production. In mice lacking caspase-8, innate immune cells have a general defect in responding to microbial products, leading to increased susceptibility to infections.
Researchers have engineered a bacteriophage called NanoLuc that causes E. coli O157:H7 to emit light, allowing for faster and cheaper detection of contaminated food products. The new method can detect as few as four bacteria in eight hours.
A six-month study in Pennsylvania found that eggs from small flocks have a higher prevalence of Salmonella enteritidis than those from large commercial flocks. The bacteria was present in internal and external egg contents, highlighting the need for education and quality-assurance practices in backyard and small layer flocks.
Scientists at Technical University of Munich developed a new bioinformatics tool to search all bacterial sequences in databases and find similarities or check existence. The tool allows researchers to explore microbial communities and their habitats in detail, with potential applications in clinical diagnostics.
Researchers developed a hybrid nanosensor that can detect pathogenic strains of E. coli, including O157:H7, in less than an hour. The sensor combines magnetic resonance and fluorescence techniques to rapidly identify contaminated food products.
Researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem show for the first time how bacterial superantigen toxins work and how short peptides can block them. A novel host-oriented therapeutic approach prevents lethal immune responses, remaining effective against antibiotic-resistant strains.
The bacterium causing citrus greening disease triggers a gut-wrenching immune response in the insect vector, Asian citrus psyllid. Researchers suggest targeting cell death in the midgut to prevent bacterial spread.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital identified a bacterial molecule that trains the immune system to tolerate infection without inducing illness. The molecule, 2-aminoacetophenone (2-AA), reprograms innate immune cells to accept the presence of certain pathogens by suppressing inflammatory responses.
David Wendell's technology targets harmful pathogens like E. coli, Listeria, and protozoa while preserving healthy bacteria in public drinking water. It uses light-generated hydrogen peroxide to eliminate outbreaks, without adding contaminants to the environment.
A team of researchers has uncovered the detailed structure of a Type IV pilus, revealing how it binds to and disrupts endothelial cell junctions to breach the blood-brain barrier. This discovery could lead to new ways of treating meningococcal infection and potentially even therapies that deliberately open the blood-brain barrier.
Researchers have identified Mycoplasma pneumoniae as the trigger for Guillain-Barré syndrome, a serious nervous system disease. The study found that antibodies against the bacteria's surface structure react with human nerve sheaths, leading to an immune reaction and potentially life-threatening paralysis.
Scientists discovered that a common intestinal microbe produces an enzyme called SagA, which protects worms and mammals from harmful bacteria like Salmonella typhimurium. The findings could lead to the development of probiotics against Clostridium difficile, a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections.
A new pathogen, Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis, has been identified as causing anthrax-like disease in chimps, gorillas, elephants, and goats across four African countries. The bacteria share distinct genetic and biological characteristics with Bacillus anthracis.
Bacteria can share molecular spear guns and toxic molecules with closely related strains, allowing them to reuse proteins and produce new weapons. This cooperation enables bacteria to form a survival advantage against competitors, recycling harpooned proteins and toxins to assemble their own T6SSs.
Researchers found that mixed bacterial-fungal biofilms in chronic wounds are associated with poor outcomes and longer healing times. The study identifies the most abundant fungi species, including Cladosporium herbarum and Candida albicans, which can hinder healing.
Researchers at Lund University have discovered the binding mechanism of DNA building blocks to an enzyme, a key step in controlling its function. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new antibacterial drugs targeting nosocomial infections, with potential applications for treating chlamydia.
Research reveals GBS produces membrane-bound vesicles containing toxins and immune-modulators that can attack the host, leading to inflammation of membranes surrounding the fetus. The study shows that these vesicles can induce preterm birth and fetal injury in mice, with approximately 60% of fetuses born prematurely.
A Rochester Institute of Technology professor has received a $436,989 grant to study the efficacy of using the DapL enzyme in creating narrow-spectrum antibiotics. The research could lead to breakthroughs in targeting pathogenic bacteria and help combat the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Scientists have made detailed atomic-level images of a peroxiredoxin protein and found its peculiar characteristic may form the foundation for a new class of antibiotics. The research reveals that selectively blocking peroxiredoxin function in bacterial cells could kill them without harming normal cells.
Researchers at the Boyce Thompson Institute have discovered a new receptor in tomato plants called FLAGELLIN-SENSING 3 (FLS3) that triggers defenses against bacterial attacks. FLS3 detects a part of the flagellum protein and helps tomatoes defend against bacteria with altered flagellin shapes.
A new study found that ICU patients experience a rapid depletion of health-promoting microbes and an increase in pathogenic strains, leading to worsening dysbiosis. Researchers tracked changes in bacterial makeup over time and compared data to healthy individuals, revealing the critical impact of ICU stays on gut microbiomes.
Professor Nagendra Shah received the prestigious International Dairy Foods Association Research Award in Dairy Foods Processing for his groundbreaking work on GABA-producing lactic acid bacteria. His team's discovery has great commercial significance in developing dairy foods with anti-hypertensive activity.
Researchers found that a dramatic shift in the microbial community of planaria robs it of regenerative abilities, similar to observed shifts in human inflammatory disorders. The study provides a valuable model for understanding the interplay between immunity and regeneration.
Researchers have developed a live-cell-imaging-based system that reveals the molecular and biomechanical mechanisms of Lyme disease bacteria's ability to spread through blood vessels. The study found that BBK32 plays a crucial role in stabilizing bacterial-vascular interactions, and bacteria use bungee-cord-like tethers to move along e...
Researchers found that mycobacteria use a 'volume control' mechanism to switch between two types of metabolism, adapting to survive in different environments. This discovery provides potential new treatments for diseases like tuberculosis and leprosy.
Marcos Pires, a Lehigh University assistant professor of chemistry, has pioneered an immunotherapy approach to combat bacterial infections. His method involves molecularly tagging pathogenic bacteria to attract antibodies, offering a novel strategy to defeat Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Two novel African types of Salmonella Enteritidis, genetically distinct from the Western type, have been identified through a global-scale genetic study. These bacteria have developed resistance to multiple antibiotics and are a major cause of blood poisoning and death in Africa.
Dr. Makrina Totsika is developing a new class of drugs to treat antibiotic-resistant infections, a major threat to public health worldwide. Her research focuses on disarming superbugs rather than killing them, with promising results in preclinical animal models.
Researchers discovered that rheumatoid arthritis patients taking IL-1beta inhibitors are 300 times more likely to experience invasive Group A Streptococcal infections, highlighting the molecule's critical role in sensing bacterial infections. The study also suggests that inhibiting this immune response can put patients at risk for infe...
According to a German study, nearly 10% of hospital patients carry multidrug-resistant bacteria from home, increasing the risk of transmission. The study highlights the importance of improving hygiene measures, reducing antibiotic use, and increasing training for doctors to prevent the spread of these deadly pathogens.
Researchers at Imperial College London have found a way to kill MRSA bacteria by disrupting its salt regulation mechanism. By understanding how the bacteria cope with salt stress, scientists hope to develop a treatment that prevents food poisoning and works alongside conventional antibiotics.
Researchers found that crown gall tumors host a unique bacterial community with varying compositions compared to healthy vines. Some bacteria inhibit tumor growth while others provide protection and nutrients, helping control the disease.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health won Zika challenge grants for groundbreaking ideas on mosquito control and behavior change strategies. The grants aim to develop custom fragrances to bait mosquito traps and improve disease prevention.
Researchers have developed a new model to study the phenomenon of secondary bacterial pneumonia caused by S. aureus and influenza A virus. The model, which simulates the natural pathogenesis of infection, reveals that viral infection induces bacteria to disseminate to the lungs.
Scientists at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found that glucose transporters are inhibited by E. coli K1 during meningitis, leaving insufficient fuel for immune cells to fight off infection. The study suggests modulation of PPAR-γ and GLUT-1 levels may boost the immune system to fight infection.
Researchers at Kiel University have identified natural proteins that can disrupt bacterial communication and prevent biofilm formation. These 'molecular troublemakers' have potential applications in medicine and biotechnology, particularly against antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Scientists have revealed the molecular steps that turn on bacteria's pathogenic genes by visualizing DNA supercoiling and HU protein interactions. The study found that supercoiling can trigger gene expression in single-celled prokaryotes, opening up new avenues for developing drugs to prevent or treat bacterial infections.
A new study by the University of Liverpool's Institute of Infection and Global Health found that exposure to airborne dust and high temperatures significantly increase the risk of bacterial meningitis. Climate surveillance alongside simple control measures could predict and minimize future outbreaks in Africa's meningitis belt.
Researchers found evidence of Vibrio species thriving on microplastic particles, posing a potential risk to human health. The study suggests that climate change could contribute to the proliferation of these bacteria.
A new study reveals that certain bacteria in the human gut have been passed down over millions of years, guiding early intestine development and influencing immune systems. The researchers found genetic evidence that these bacteria split into distinct strains at around the same time as their hosts diverged from a common ancestor.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a new route of entry for the tuberculosis bacteria, suggesting an alternative to traditional inhalation-based transmission. This finding opens up potential avenues for developing new therapies to prevent or treat tuberculosis infection.
A rapid heating and cooling process significantly reduces harmful bacteria in milk, extending its shelf life to up to 63 days. The low-temperature treatment uses heat already necessary for pasteurization to rapidly heat milk droplets, eliminating over 99% of bacteria.
A new study has developed a methodology to analyze bacterial virulence factors and identify therapeutic targets for developing effective antimicrobial agents. The TREP approach was applied to Haemophilus influenzae, a respiratory pathogen that causes COPD symptoms, revealing potential blocking elements for invasion.
Researchers have discovered a rare fungus that produces compounds effective against both normal and resistant Staphylococcus aureus pathogens. The six most active compounds, including the previously unknown cyclo-(L-proline-L-methionine), boost the activity of other antimicrobial compounds.
Researchers are using bioreactors to intercept nitrogen-rich drainage water from tile-drained fields, neutralizing the nutrient that causes problems for aquatic ecosystems. The trenches enhance a natural process, converting nitrogen into benign gas, and have shown promise in improving water quality.
A new study led by researchers at Duke University found that breeding plants with beneficial bacteria to feed the world won't be simple. The study analyzed the microbial diversity of a wildflower and found that environmental differences had the biggest influence on the plant's bacterial makeup.
A new variant of the emerging antibiotic resistance mechanism mcr-1 has been discovered on a multidrug-resistant strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae, which was isolated from a child hospitalized with leukemia. The newly identified gene, mcr-1.2, confers resistance to colistin, a last-resort antibiotic.
The new platform uses genomic technologies and bioinformatics tools to identify bacteria that produce effective antibiotics. The researchers aim to improve the efficiency of natural product discovery, which has been hindered by bottlenecks in the past.
Researchers from Institut Pasteur and Université catholique de Louvain identify genetic and metabolic mechanisms underlying the therapeutic action of a bacteriophage. The study reveals that RNA metabolism plays a crucial role in the infection strategy of the bacteriophage, with control mechanisms involving small RNA and antisense RNA.
A deadly bacteria, Burkholderia pseudomallei, can travel to the brain and spinal cord within 24 hours, according to a new Griffith University study. The findings could lead to discoveries on how other common bacteria enter the spinal cord.
Bacteria have adapted their cell walls to create better-fitted structures for survival in challenging environments. The study reveals unprecedented chemical modifications that enable bacteria to resist lytic enzymes and elicit an innate immune system response in certain hosts.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to disrupting bacterial biofilms, which are nearly impossible to eradicate when pathogenic. The technique targets extracellular DNA and DNABII proteins in biofilms, resulting in the collapse of bacterial communities and bacterial clearance.
Researchers developed a fast and non-destructive method to detect Wolbachia bacteria in Aedes mosquitoes using near-infrared spectroscopy. The technique shows high accuracy in detecting the presence of Wolbachia strains, including benign and aggressive forms, with an average accuracy of 96-92%.
Research reveals bacteria adaptation influences antibiotic spectrum, leading to increased sensitivity to some antibiotics while resisting others. This study paves the way for targeted treatments.