Research on disease-causing bacteria and how they spread. Covers waterborne bacteria, Lyme disease ecology, pathogenic genetics, and biofilm treatments.
A WUSTL scientist has developed a drug delivery system that exploits bacterial siderophores to target specific pathogens, potentially reviving abandoned antibiotics and making it harder for bacteria to develop resistance. The system uses tiny Trojan horses linked to siderophore molecules to smuggle antibiotics into bacterial cells.
Researchers have developed a way to identify isolated pieces of DNA floating outside the bacterial chromosome, which can play important roles in virulence and antibiotic resistance. Extrachromosomal DNA elements, such as phages and plasmids, were found widespread among medically important strains of Staphylococci.
Scientists have determined the three-dimensional structure of a Type VI secretion system export complex in bacteria, offering a potential target for novel antibiotics. The contractile sheath complex functions like a nanosyringe to expel toxins from cells, and its mechanism has been elucidated at sub-nanometer resolution.
Researchers found that blacklegged ticks are almost twice as likely to be infected with two pathogens, Lyme disease and babesiosis. This increases the risk of exposure to multiple diseases, particularly in areas with high incidence of tick-borne illnesses.
Researchers at UEA identified a vulnerable gate in Gram-negative bacteria's outer membrane that prevents the transport of barrier-building blocks, making bacteria susceptible to death. This breakthrough could lead to new generation drugs targeting the protective barrier instead of the bacteria itself.
Researchers at UGA report that Tpl2 plays a key role in directing immune system components, which may lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases. The study found reduced chemokine receptor activity in mice lacking the enzyme.
Bacteria have been found to use new mechanisms to produce lipids, which can be used for industrial manufacture and pharmaceutical applications. Researchers have identified enzymes that can generate multiple different lipids, including phosphatidylethanolamine and cardiolipin.
A new device can collect and detect Listeria monocytogenes on food industry surfaces in just three to four hours, a significant improvement over current methods that take days. The sensor uses compressed air and water to remove cells before detecting them with an antibody, producing a fluorescent signal.
Researchers have discovered that populating GI tracts with Bacteroides species producing beta-lactamase enzyme protects good commensal bacteria from antibiotics. This finding suggests a potential new strategy for preserving the gut microbiome during antibiotic treatment.
Researchers discover periodontal bacteria selectively disarm immune system, promoting dysbiosis and bone loss. The study reveals a two-pronged mechanism involving protein receptors C5aR and TLR2, which protects 'bystander' gum bacteria from clearance.
Researchers found YbeY critical for cell fitness, stress tolerance, and ribosome quality control in V. cholerae. It also targets virulence-associated small regulatory RNAs, making the bacterium less harmful.
The WPI team has received a $50,000 grant from the National Science Foundation's Innovation Corps program to explore commercial potential of their new technology. They are engineering surfaces with antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to prevent infections on catheters, orthopedic implants and other medical devices.
Researchers at UMass Amherst developed a faster method for detecting and separating microbial contamination from food, potentially saving time and expense. The new technique uses magnetically charged beads to quickly remove disease-causing bacteria from liquid samples.
Researchers discovered spirochete-like bacteria in 15-20 million-year-old Dominican Republic amber, which causes Lyme disease. The findings indicate that Lyme disease-causing bacteria have been around for at least 15 million years.
Researchers found that Neisseria meningitidis and gonorrhoeae bacteria can change the structure of their outer proteins to evade the immune system. This discovery could lead to new treatments for bacterial diseases such as meningitis and gonorrhea.
A University of Alberta researcher has developed a paper-based diagnostic tool to detect deadly food-borne pathogens such as E. coli. The device, slightly larger than a postage stamp, is designed to be extremely portable and self-contained, allowing for daily testing on farms in developing countries.
A new class of antimicrobials inhibits biofilm formation and eradicates mature biofilms in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The substance, '1018', blocks the stringent stress response mediator (p)ppGPP, preventing its role in biofilm maintenance.
A small molecule peptide destroys biofilms and prevents their formation in various bacteria, including those resistant to antibiotics. The discovery offers a promising strategy to target bacterial biofilms and combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
The OU research team will investigate three specific antibiotic resistant pathogens, focusing on their structural components and physico-chemical properties. The goal is to develop a realistic predictive model that facilitates the design of effective antibiotics capable of penetrating the cell wall of these bacteria.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discover that pulsed electrical fields can kill resistant bacteria infecting burns, reducing bacterial levels up to 10,000-fold. The technology has the potential to provide a chemical-free way of disinfecting burns and other wound infections.
Research found that disease-causing bacteria like MRSA and E. coli can linger on airplane surfaces for up to a week, surviving environmental conditions and human touch. The study aims to explore effective cleaning and disinfection strategies to reduce the persistence of these pathogens in passenger aircraft cabins.
Windshield washer fluid has been found to be a source of Legionnaires bacteria, which can cause severe respiratory illness and pneumonia. Nearly 75% of school buses tested in Arizona were contaminated with the bacteria, highlighting the potential for automobile windshield washing systems to transmit deadly infections.
A laboratory study found that e-cigarette vapor increases the virulence of drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA, making them more resistant to human cells and antibiotics. However, e-cigarettes also decrease the ability of human epithelial cells to kill these bacteria.
A study published in mBio reveals that humans and companion animals share the same types of MRSA infections, indicating a common population of bacteria. The research suggests that antibiotic usage in animal medicine is shaping the human pathogen, and healthy pets are not likely to pick up MRSA from their human companions.
A breakthrough in diagnostic technology could make it easier to detect pathogenic bacteria, particularly in developing nations. The innovative approach involves hijacking bacterial metabolic machinery to grow polymers that selectively bind to specific bacteria.
Scientists investigate Vorarlberger Bergkäse, a regional Austrian cheese, to understand its unique microbiome. The study reveals the presence of halophilic microbe Halomonas on young rinds, which plays an unknown role in cheese-making.
Intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) promotes beneficial bacteria growth by blocking ATP's growth-inhibiting action. The study reveals IAP's role in maintaining intestinal microbial balance and its potential as a simple therapy for health problems caused by imbalance.
Researchers discovered antibiotic resistance genes in all 71 environments tested, including soil, oceans, and human feces. The most common types of resistance uncovered were efflux pumps and genes conferring resistance to vancomycin, tetracycline, or beta-lactam antibiotics.
A new study finds that immune cells can die to alert neighboring cells to the presence of infection, making it a potential anti-microbial strategy. Researchers discovered that caspase-8 plays a crucial role in this process, allowing infected host cells to spread the word about an infection.
A study by the FDA found that Paenibacillus alvei significantly reduced Salmonella on contaminated tomato plants, reducing the risk of food-borne illnesses. The beneficial bacterium has no known history of human pathology and is being considered as a biological control agent to prevent outbreaks.
Scientists identified two proteins on fetal membranes that help the body's immune cells recognize and fight GBS bacteria. The study found a genetic risk factor for premature birth in fetuses lacking one of these proteins, highlighting the importance of GBS-siglec crosstalk on placental membranes.
Researchers developed antimicrobial edible films using pullulan and essential oils, which significantly inhibit bacterial pathogens in meat and poultry. The films provide immediate and sustained kill of bacteria, reducing the risk of foodborne illness.
A team at Washington University in St. Louis solved the structure of NolR, a master off-switch for the nodulation process that converts bacteria into nitrogen-fixing organisms. The discovery provides insight into the biological machinery of nitrogen-fixing and may lead to re-engineering crop plants with on-site nitrogen-fixing systems.
A study found that certain plant acids invite bacterial infection by focusing the attackers on a specific target. This molecular signal can be used to protect plants and potentially lead to new biofuels and human health applications.
Researchers at the University of Missouri identified a molecular signal that invites bacterial attack in plants. This discovery could lead to natural defenses against harmful bacteria in food-producing plants.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens demonstrates that an antimicrobial peptide produced by human immune cells can promote mutations in bacteria that make them more lethal. Researchers found that a specific immune system cell called polymorphonucleocytes can trigger bacterial conversion to a more resistant form.
A recent study has identified 80 unique antibiotic resistance genes in cow manure, including a new family of chloramphenicol-resistant genes. These genes have the potential to transfer to bacteria in soil and food, posing a risk for human health if they colonize harmful bacteria.
The study analyzed 224 strains of Yersinia family members, revealing parallel independent evolution of pathogenicity in species like Yersinia pestis and enterocolitica. The researchers found that acquisition of specific genes and loss of metabolic functions are key traits for pathogenic species.
Researchers discover multitarget TB drug SQ109 that attacks tuberculosis and other pathogens, reducing the risk of resistance. The team created chemical analogs with improved effectiveness against various diseases, including malaria and parasites.
Dr. Jon McCullers reviews the co-pathogenesis of influenza viruses with bacteria, highlighting complex interactions leading to severe disease and increased morbidity. He calls for large-scale studies to unlock unanswered questions about co-infections and viruses to prevent future pandemics.
Freiburg researchers identify LRP1 as a key molecule that regulates the intake of toxic bacteria like Clostridium perfringens. This finding opens up new avenues for developing agents against clostridia and may lead to breakthroughs in treating diseases caused by these pathogens.
A research team discovered an interferon-induced GTPase protein family that destroys bacterial camouflage, allowing cells to recognize and eliminate Salmonella. This finding sheds light on the immune system's strategies against bacterial pathogens.
Researchers identify E. coli O157:H7's mechanism of binding to plant cells using flagella structures, allowing it to anchor and multiply on vegetable surfaces. This understanding aims to reduce the risk of food contamination by targeting bacterial attachment.
Bacteria have been found to possess a surprisingly flexible immune system that can recognize and neutralize viruses and other foreign DNA invaders. This adaptive immunity, termed CRISPR-Cas, allows bacteria to store genetic memories of past infections and respond quickly to future exposures.
A study published at The Wistar Institute Cancer Center found that bacterial virulence proteins can suppress DNA repair proteins in epithelial cells, leading to genetic mutations that favor tumor development. This research opens the possibility of modifying colon cancer risk by altering gut bacteria populations.
Novel proteins in gonorrhea bacteria may offer a way to attack the survival and spread of the disease. These proteins are essential for growth and survival, making them a promising target for vaccine development or new drug treatments.
Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution identified a core skin bacterial community shared by humpback whales across populations, suggesting a way to assess their overall health. The study's findings could aid in population health monitoring and conservation status of threatened or endangered marine mammals.
Researchers found that humpback whale skin bacterial communities consist mainly of Tenacibaculum and Psychrobacter spp., but differ by geographic location and metabolic state. The study suggests that these bacteria may act as an indicator of whales' health and the environment.
Researchers found that MP196 peptide disrupts bacterial cell wall biosynthesis and cell respiration, preventing growth. The study suggests MP196's potential in developing new antibiotics without harming human cells.
Roy Curtiss, a pioneer in recombinant DNA era gene cloning and novel bacterial pathogenesis research, has made significant contributions to developing attenuated Salmonella-based vaccines. His work has improved human health through combating infectious diseases, particularly pneumonia, tuberculosis, and influenza.
Researchers at UCL have created a new antibacterial material using simple dyes and nanogold particles, showing potent bactericidal effects even in total darkness. The innovative surface technology has potential to reduce hospital-acquired infections.
An international team of academics has identified a single bacteria as the cause of sepsis through genetic evidence. The study found that in most cases, a single pneumococcal cell was responsible for causing sepsis.
Researchers found that even with large doses of bacteria, sepsis often starts with just one bacterium. The immune system efficiently clears most bacteria, but sometimes a single founder bacterium survives and multiplies to cause disease. Macrophages play a key role in this process.
A new type of single-dose vaccine that doesn't require refrigeration is being developed to combat emerging and re-emerging diseases in remote areas. The 'nanovaccine' can be stored at room temperature for up to six months and works by triggering both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses.
Researchers create novel antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that burst through bacterial cell walls, killing resistant strains. The discovery could lead to new therapies against tuberculosis and other deadly diseases.
Researchers at Salve Regina University discovered that honey has multiple mechanisms to combat bacterial infections, including the osmotic effect, acidity, and polyphenols. The study found that honey inhibits biofilm formation and disrupts quorum sensing, making bacteria more susceptible to conventional antibiotics.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that a family of fungi called Pichia suppresses the growth of disease-causing fungi like Candida. This antagonism is thought to be responsible for reducing the severity of oral candidiasis in HIV-infected individuals.
Researchers at the University of Geneva have discovered a new class of molecules that target the heat shock protein 90 in Plasmodium falciparum, a key factor in malaria resistance. The study reveals five candidate molecules toxic to the parasite but not human red blood cells.
Gut bacteria help develop immune cells that can fight infections, study finds. The beneficial bugs also increase immune cell populations and enhance survival rates when mice are infected with harmful bacteria.
Research at the University of Copenhagen reveals that cosmetic fillers can act as incubators for bacterial infection, causing lesions and tough film-like material resistant to antibiotics. Prophylactic antibiotic treatment during procedures can prevent these complications.