Research on disease-causing bacteria and how they spread. Covers waterborne bacteria, Lyme disease ecology, pathogenic genetics, and biofilm treatments.
Researchers found that if groups of targeted cells are large enough, the bacterial superweapon T6S can be thwarted. This allows protected interior cells to multiply quickly and replenish the group's numbers, making it impossible for the bacteria to take over. The study provides insight into how cells withstand powerful aggressors.
The NIH has awarded funding for 24 research projects developing non-traditional antibacterials, including therapeutic bacteria and phage therapy, to combat increasing antibiotic resistance. The grants aim to provide new treatment options for deadly infections.
Researchers at Arizona State University have identified the natural environment of formation for toxic clay antibacterial properties. The discovery reveals how chemically reduced iron tricks bacterial cells into opening their walls, followed by aluminum, which propels the cell wall open and poisons the cell.
The study of the Iceman's gut microbes reveals a surprising connection to Asian strains and modern European strains, suggesting that recent human migrations influenced European genetic makeup. The findings also indicate that the Iceman may have been ill before his murder, with high levels of virulence factors in his gut microbiome.
A harmless bacterium found in the nose can inhibit a major cause of pneumonia, meningitis, and other infections. The study provides evidence that Corynebacterium accolens releases antibacterial free fatty acids from human nostrils and skin surface triacylglycerols.
Scientists are exploring the potential of bacteriophages, which target specific bacteria, to prevent and treat intestinal illnesses like Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli in children. The research aims to develop a new approach for treating food poisoning in developing countries.
Researchers at Georgia State University have discovered a critical role for CYLD in controlling the body's inflammatory response to pathogens. This finding could lead to the development of novel anti-inflammatory agents, as traditional treatments like steroids can cause serious side effects.
Researchers have discovered that Bacillus cereus can form small colony variants in response to aminoglycoside antibiotics, making it resistant to these therapies. This alternative lifestyle allows the bacteria to survive harsh conditions and evade traditional diagnostic methods.
Researchers have discovered a novel receptor in Vibrio fischeri that senses fatty acids, allowing the bacterium to migrate towards these compounds. This finding sheds light on the symbiotic relationship between the Hawaiian bobtail squid and its luminescent bacteria.
Researchers at UGA found that harmful bacteria like salmonella can survive in dry foods for six months or longer, including cookie and cracker sandwiches. The study highlights the need to test all ingredients used in these foods to prevent contamination and outbreaks.
Researchers identified a key protein involved in bacterial sugar coating and found a compound that blocks its action, offering hope for new antibiotics. The study's findings may lead to the development of more effective anti-microbials.
Scientists have developed a human-gut-on-a-chip model that allows them to analyze the interactions between normal gut microbes and pathogenic bacteria, providing new insights into inflammatory bowel diseases. The technology has revealed four small proteins that stimulate inflammation, opening up a potential therapeutic pathway for trea...
A collaboration between computer scientists and geneticists at Stanford University has produced a novel technique for mapping the diversity of bacteria living in the human gut. The new approach revealed a far more diverse community than the researchers had anticipated, with many different strains of the same species identified.
Researchers at Griffith University have made a groundbreaking discovery about how bacteria interact with human cells, revealing high-affinity biomolecular interactions between glycans that were previously thought to be weak or non-existent. This finding opens up new avenues for developing vaccines and drugs to block infections.
A new study from Kansas State University reveals that gut bacteria play a pivotal role in the communication system of German cockroaches, facilitating aggregation and reproductive maturation. The research identified specific fecal volatile carboxylic acids that reflect the microorganism contents of a cockroach's gut.
A new method developed by UC San Diego biologists can quickly identify and characterize compounds capable of controlling antibiotic-resistant bacteria in natural product extracts. This breakthrough could shave years off screening efforts and lead to the discovery of new antibiotics, addressing a growing global crisis.
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute found that cooperating bacteria form cell clusters to exclude non-cooperating bacteria from their community. This mechanism stabilizes long-term partnerships without requiring complex recognition of potential partners.
Research reveals how Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus uses an ankyrin-type protein called Bd3460 as a shield to protect itself against its own enzymes. The study found that the protein binds to the tip of the enzyme weapons, nullifying their action until they are safely secreted out of the Bdellovibrio and into the prey bacteria.
Researchers discovered a 'self-protection' protein in predatory bacteria that binds to enzymes, temporarily deactivating them. This mechanism helps Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus protect itself from its own attack while killing other bacteria.
Researchers found that an impaired immune system alters the composition of gut bacteria and affects its evolutionary pace. The study suggests personalized therapies based on individual gut bacteria composition may be more effective than generalist treatments for inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers at Georgia State University developed novel antimicrobials targeting SecA, a key disease-causing component of bacteria. The study found that these inhibitors can overcome drug resistance and reduce toxin secretion, offering a promising alternative to existing antibiotics for treating MRSA infections.
Researchers have discovered a new strain of Candidatus Neoehrlichia in an Austrian red fox, sparking concerns about potential zoonotic transmission. The bacterium is genetically intermediate between two previously recognized forms and has been linked to flu-like symptoms in humans and pets.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute researchers are using a $1.3 million NIH award to model the use of copper in bacteria to gain advantages in the arms race between bacterial infections and antibiotic drugs.
Researchers at MassGeneral Hospital for Children and MIT will develop pathogen-specific bacteriophages to disarm Shigella flexneri, a cause of millions of infections worldwide. The project aims to create an innovative therapy to protect beneficial bacteria affected by antibiotic treatment.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed genetically modified citrus trees that exhibit enhanced resistance to greening, reducing disease severity and even remaining disease-free after 36 months. The study, published in PLOS ONE, used a gene isolated from Arabidopsis to create the new trees.
Researchers at U of T discovered genetic mutations in Candida albicans that allow it to defend itself against neighboring bacteria. The fungus has evolved to ignore bacterial signals, potentially becoming a more significant threat to patients with weakened immune systems.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a pathogen-sensing molecule called Absent in Melanoma 2 (AIM2) that plays a vital role in maintaining gastrointestinal health. AIM2 detects DNA of harmful microorganisms and regulates inflammation in the gut, which could lead to targeted therapies for inflammatory bowel dise...
A new study reveals helpful bacteria living inside the Asian citrus psyllid affect its ability to spread the citrus greening disease pathogen. The infection alters the insect's metabolism and triggers an immune response, potentially increasing the pathogen's transmission.
Researchers discovered that knives and graters can transfer pathogens to produce items, highlighting the importance of proper hygiene. The study found that contamination occurred when utensils were not cleaned between uses, putting consumers at risk of foodborne illnesses.
A recent study published in Microbiome found that controlling the levels of specific gut bacteria, such as Escherichia, may help prevent severe diarrhea. The research, led by Michigan State University, discovered that patients with certain microbial community profiles had more severe disease.
The University of Leicester has been awarded £1.5 million to advance knowledge in three key areas that impact on health. Three groups have won awards led by Professor David Lambert, Professor Marco Rinaldo Oggioni, and Dr Shaun Cowley, investigating sepsis, infection spread, and cancer mechanisms.
A mathematical model reveals that competition between beneficial bacteria helps maintain the stability necessary for a healthy gut. By suppressing overabundant bacteria and keeping different species apart, hosts can intervene to maintain this natural balance.
Research found that composting is most reliable to kill bacteria with resistance genes in cow manure. Composting speeds up decomposition and reduces volume of manure. Manure management practices like composting and stockpiling can make it difficult for resistant bacteria to travel from farm to environment.
Researchers have determined the structure of a key enzyme in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which could lead to new drugs for the disease. The discovery provides a potential starting point for developing treatments that target this enzyme.
Researchers at the Salk Institute identified a strain of E. coli bacteria in mice capable of improving tolerance to infections by preventing muscle wasting. The bacteria activate the IGF-1 pathway in fat tissues, maintaining normal levels and preserving muscle mass during pathogenic infections.
A study published in Microbiome found that Actinobacteria, a type of bacteria associated with human skin, made up a larger proportion of the microbial community in the ISS than in Earth cleanrooms. Opportunistic pathogens were also present in the ISS dust samples, but the risk of infection to astronauts remains unknown.
A new phage treatment has shown strong anti-microbial activity against Cronobacter sakazakii, a bacterium that can kill up to 40% of infected infants. The treatment, CR5, killed the bacteria quickly and effectively, without producing toxins or virulence factors.
Researchers found that tamoxifen enhances clearance of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogen MRSA and reduces mortality in mice. The study suggests that tamoxifen's immune-boosting effect could aid the immune system in cases where traditional antibiotics have failed.
New Danish research reveals that wastewater treatment plants contain a vast pool of genes providing bacteria with antimicrobial resistance, but these genes are rarely found in hazardous bacteria. The study challenges the common perception that wastewater treatment plants are hotbeds for the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes.
Researchers detected an average of 104-105 viable microbial aerosol particles per cubic meter in the air, with Bacillus dominating the bacterial community. The team found striking differences in size distribution patterns across different climate zones, which may serve as a fingerprint for a particular region.
Researchers believe ancient bacteria found in 20 million-year-old fossil may be related to Yersinia pestis, the bubonic plague. The discovery suggests plague may have been around for millions of years before humans existed.
Scientists have discovered a potential ecological route to control plant disease by harnessing the power of soil microbial communities. The study found that increasing competition between resident bacteria and invading pathogens can constrain the spread of bacterial wilt, reducing its devastating impact on global food production.
Researchers have developed a drug that disables C. difficile toxins, preventing intestinal damage and allowing the gut to repopulate with healthy bacteria. The breakthrough could lead to rapid human trials for treating deadly C. difficile infections.
Researchers have engineered viruses to target specific bacteria, offering a new approach to combatting human disease. The customizable viruses could be used to treat various infections, including those caused by E. coli, Yersinia, and Klebsiella bacteria.
A biofilm with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties has been developed to prevent or control post-operative infections on medical devices. The film reduces inflammation and prevents bacterial and fungal infections, offering a promising alternative to antibiotics.
A study published in PeerJ found that people can be identified by their airborne bacterial emissions, which are distinct from those of others. The researchers detected individual signatures within 4 hours using high-throughput sequencing and analyzed settled particles.
A phase 2 clinical study shows finafloxacin was more effective than ciprofloxacin in treating complicated urinary tract infections and acute pyelonephritis. Finafloxacin demonstrated rapid antimicrobial activity against resistant pathogens, including ESBL-producing bacteria.
Researchers found that co-culturing pathogenic E. coli with nonpathogenic strains in mice increased sickness and severity of symptoms. The study suggests that analyzing gut flora may help predict disease outcome and treatment effectiveness.
A new study estimates that leptospirosis affects over 1 million people each year, resulting in nearly 60,000 deaths, primarily in resource-poor settings. The disease is spread through contact with contaminated environments and has the potential to grow further due to climate change and urbanization.
A new study estimates that more than 1 million new cases of leptospirosis occur each year, resulting in nearly 59,000 deaths. The disease is spread through contact with contaminated environments and is particularly prevalent in urban slums.
Researchers found that individuals with distinct skin microbiomes can effectively clear chancroid-causing bacteria. The study suggests that specific bacteria in the skin microbiome may help the immune system clear pathogens, paving the way for potential probiotic therapies.
Entomologist Dr. George Poinar Jr. discovers a previously unknown flea genus and species in fossilized Dominican amber, characterized by unique features such as five-segmented maxillary palps. The discovery also reveals the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria similar to plague-causing pathogens and trypanosomes.
Researchers from the University of Birmingham and NIHR SRMRC investigated the antibacterial activity of acetic acid against key burn wound colonising organisms. They demonstrated that low concentrations of acetic acid can kill bacteria, including those resistant to antibiotics.
Researchers have developed a combination of three antibiotics that can effectively treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in test tubes and laboratory mice. The synergistic action of the drugs prevents MRSA from developing resistance, offering potential treatment against this deadly pathogen.
Researchers at Brigham Young University have successfully used bacteriophage to decontaminate human MRSA bacteria from surfaces and fabrics, showing promise in treating the deadly superbug. The findings offer hope in combating antibiotic-resistant MRSA, which can cause serious disease and death.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new method for identifying pathogens using spectroscopy and protein hydrogels. This technique allows for rapid detection and identification of specific pathogens, enabling targeted antibiotic treatment and reducing the risk of misdiagnosis. The broader implications of this wo...
Researchers at the University of Bonn successfully eliminated multi-resistant bacteria from a pig stable using radical hygiene measures, including frequent hand washing and quarantine. While MRSA was not eradicated, overall health improvement led to reduced antibiotic use, highlighting potential applications for hospitals
A Umeå University research group has identified two bacterial enzymes that can be used to modify proteins for use in medical drugs. The AnkX-Lem3 system allows for the addition and removal of a phosphocholine moiety, enabling fine-tuned control over protein function.
A study by American Society for Microbiology found that decontamination protocols effectively eliminated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and antibiotic-resistant Enterobacteriaceae bacteria from a pig farm. The protocol involved high-pressure cleaning, disinfection, and treatment with complex solutions.
Researchers found that two common antibiotic-resistant bacteria coexist peacefully in the gut, occupying distinct niches that satisfy their metabolic needs. Fecal transplants from healthy donors effectively cleared one pathogen, but not the other, highlighting potential for targeted therapies to eradicate specific superbugs.