Research on disease-causing bacteria and how they spread. Covers waterborne bacteria, Lyme disease ecology, pathogenic genetics, and biofilm treatments.
Research reveals higher diversity in gut microbiota enables more robust immune responses to vaccines. Scientists found that diverse gut bacteria may help humans resist enteric pathogens like Salmonella and Shigella.
A study by researchers at the University of Georgia found a strong correlation between poultry farm contamination and later processing plant contamination. The findings suggest that reducing pathogens on farms can reduce contamination levels at processing plants, potentially lowering the risk of foodborne illness.
Researchers have shown that interleukin-22 reduces lung inflammation during influenza A virus infection and protects against secondary bacterial infection. The study suggests that interleukin-22 may play an important role in maintaining epithelial integrity, providing a potential benefit for patients with flu.
A former University of California, Riverside graduate student built a system that replicates a human colon, septic tank, and groundwater to understand the impact of bacteria on groundwater. His research found that pathogens could potentially linger longer in aquatic environments, posing a risk to water quality.
A novel songbird disease has rapidly evolved to become more harmful to its host in just two decades, according to a new study. The research found that the disease became more virulent in both regions studied, with birds exposed to later disease strains developing more swollen eyes that took longer to heal.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that captive-bred wallabies carry antibiotic resistance genes and may transmit them to wild populations. Nearly half of fecal samples from captive-raised wallabies contained bacterial genes resistant to streptomycin, spectinomycin, and trimethoprim.
Researchers at Griffith University have discovered how Neisseria meningitidis attaches to human airways, a key step in the development of invasive disease. This breakthrough understanding may lead to the identification of new risk factors and treatment procedures.
Researchers have synthesized potent new compounds that effectively interfere with Staphylococcus aureus quorum sensing, a key behavior in the development of disease. The peptides work by blocking chemical receptors and can target all four subtypes of staph, making them a promising new antibiotic strategy.
The FDA and CosmosID conducted side-by-side analysis of commercially available probiotics to compare species and strains with labeling claims. CosmosID's GENIUS product outperformed the FDA's k-mer approach in terms of speed and specificity.
Research reveals that non-pathogenic bacteria naturally occurring in the human intestine can eliminate Stx from the intestinal contents and completely prevent HUS in a mouse model.
A new biosensor can detect antibiotic resistance in bacteria in just 10-12 minutes, significantly faster than existing methods. This technology targets antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus and has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of superbugs.
Researchers found that certain bacteria can rapidly adapt to nanosilver's antimicrobial action, leading to the emergence of new resistant strains. This has significant implications for the widespread use of nanosilver in medicine and environmental applications.
Scientists discover that Pseudomonas aeruginosa modifies elongation factor-Tu to mimic phosphorylcholine, enabling it to adhere to and invade human cells. This modification could represent a new strategy to inhibit the bacterium's virulence.
A handheld diagnostic device uses microfluidic technology with nuclear magnetic resonance to diagnose TB and other bacterial infections in under 3 hours, improving on standard culturing practice. The device also detects antibiotic-resistant strains and has potential applications in resource-limited settings.
A study using genome sequencing technology revealed that pneumococcal bacteria population shifted from targeted vaccine strains to rare, pre-existing types, explaining the vaccine's effectiveness. This breakthrough enables real-time surveillance of bacterial populations, improving understanding of vaccination effectiveness and future d...
A recent study found that electron-beam pasteurization can significantly reduce the risk of viral food poisoning from consuming raw oysters. The research, led by Texas A&M University graduate student Chandni Praveen, used human norovirus and hepatitis A virus surrogates to test the technology's effectiveness.
Researchers at Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research identify diverse CRISPR-Cas gene variants, opening possibilities for targeted genetic manipulation and medical applications. These newly discovered gene variations can be used to develop novel therapies, including gene editing.
Researchers at the University of Guelph have created a first-ever vaccine against Clostridium bolteae, a gut bug common in autistic children. The vaccine may help control some autism symptoms such as constipation and diarrhea.
New research shows that stronger antibiotics can speed up the evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, particularly when used alone. This can lead to faster growth and spread of resistant bacteria, making it harder to treat diseases caused by these pathogens.
Researchers at Norwich BioScience Institutes discovered a novel way in which certain gut bacteria can inactivate Salmonella, a foodborne pathogen. The study found that cell contact between good and bad bacteria is necessary for this process to occur.
A team of researchers studied human cells sent to space, finding that the immune system weakens and bacterial virulence enhances under microgravity conditions. The study also found altered gene expression related to rheumatoid arthritis, tumor growth, and wound repair.
Researchers at Norwich BioScience Institutes use atomic force microscopy to analyze mucins and their interactions with beneficial and disease-causing bacteria. The study aims to understand the role of mucus in maintaining a healthy gut and develop new insights into gut diseases.
A team reconstructed the genome sequence of a Shiga-toxigenic E. coli outbreak strain using direct DNA sequencing from clinical specimens. The approach highlights the potential of metagenomics for identifying bacterial pathogens in outbreaks.
Researchers discovered that Salmonella biofilms can survive in extremely dry conditions, preserving the bacteria in a protective coating. This finding highlights the need for improved sanitation and new strategies to reduce biofilm formation on equipment, potentially decreasing the likelihood of foodborne outbreaks.
Researchers developed Epimorex to target bacterial weaknesses exploited by viruses that attack them. In mice, Epimorex protected against anthrax and killed MRSA with no evidence of resistance.
A genetic analysis of local bed bug populations reveals two dominant bacterial types that could be exploited for biological pest control methods. The study found that 97% of the microbial community is made up of these bacteria, which may serve beneficial functions for the bed bugs' growth and reproduction.
Researchers found that blocking phosphodiesterase 4B suppresses inflammation by affecting the CLYD gene, which acts as a brake on inflammation. This new strategy offers a safer alternative to current treatments that come with serious side effects.
Researchers used metagenomics to reconstruct genome sequence of Shiga-toxigenic E. coli outbreak strain, identifying pathogens without laboratory culture. The approach showed potential for rapid identification and characterization of bacterial pathogens in clinical specimens.
Researchers at Texas Biomed discovered that ten FDA-approved drugs showed activity against multiple bacteria and 24 against multiple viruses. Chloroquine, used to treat malaria, was found to be particularly effective against both anthrax and Ebola viruses.
Researchers at UCSB have discovered a key role for rearrangement hotspots (Rhs) proteins in bacterial intercellular competition. These proteins enable certain bacteria to compete with members of their own species by delivering toxic tips into neighboring cells, leading to cell death.
Mercyhurst University has acquired a DNA sequencer, a multi-faceted machine that can identify over one million bacterial or viral species in a gram of soil or drop of water. The machine will be used for various university-driven research projects, including studying bacterial and viral pathogens in Lake Erie waters.
Researchers found that bacteria use phospholipases to degrade competitor cell membranes without harming their own, revealing a new mechanism for interbacterial competition. This discovery opens the way for developing antibacterial drugs that harness this natural defense.
A scissor-like enzyme discovered by UT Southwestern researchers can cut off fatty acids from proteins, disabling the immune system's communication infrastructure and allowing bacteria to grow and survive. This discovery provides insight into severe bacterial infectious diseases and cancer, and may lead to the development of new treatme...
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center discovered that a common sexually transmitted infection-causing parasite cultivates bacteria beneficial to it, changing the thinking about which comes first–infection or bacteria. The study found two unique bacterial communities strongly associated with trichomonas infection.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new method to kill deadly pathogenic bacteria, including listeria, using nature-inspired nanobiotechnology. The coating kills listeria on contact, even at high concentrations, without affecting other bacteria.
Researchers at UC Davis have identified a key protein pathway that distinguishes between harmless and harmful bacteria. The innate immune system recognizes specific sensing proteins that detect invading pathogens, triggering an alarm response to mobilize immune functions.
Researchers suggest a more flexible understanding of the immune system's interaction with microbes, considering both pathogens and beneficial bacteria. The human body hosts ten times more bacterial cells than human cells, which play crucial roles in improving body functions.
Whole genome sequencing reveals that drug-resistant bacterial infections can be transmitted from animals to humans, highlighting the role of livestock as a potential reservoir of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The study confirms animal-to-human transmission of MRSA, a disease-causing bacterium with resistance to methicillin.
Researchers found 21 genomic regions with a 'signature' for both inflammatory disease susceptibility and natural selection. These variants rose in frequency to help protect humans against viruses and bacteria, but now increase the risk of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Lyme disease bacteria rely on manganese to make essential enzymes, evading immune system defenses that starve pathogens of iron. This discovery opens the door to new therapies targeting manganese, potentially improving disease detection and treatment.
A new study suggests that flagellin plays a crucial role in activating the body's natural defenses against urinary tract infections (UTIs). The research found that motile Escherichia coli isolates activate NF-κB signaling pathways, indicating a key role for flagellin in up-regulating host innate defences.
A recent study has identified a previously unknown cell type in the urethra of mice, which expresses cholinergic receptors and may serve as sentinels to detect hazardous substances. This finding could provide insight into cellular interaction and defensive measures against pathogens, potentially preventing urinary tract infections.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School identified a novel lipopolysaccharide modification that contributes to F. tularensis lethality and developed a live attenuated vaccine strain. Additionally, scientists studied the dynamics of plague in an urban environment, finding that while port cities are susceptible to outbreaks, they may not b...
A new study by UCSF researchers reveals that T cells gather together and share information, helping to mount a coordinated response to invading pathogens. The discovery sheds light on the mechanism behind vaccine effectiveness, which relies on T-cell aggregation to form long-term memory.
Researchers found that bacterial communities on roller derby players predict team membership and become significantly more similar when opposing teams compete. The study highlights the potential for contact sports to influence our microbiome, with implications for healthcare and disease transmission.
A new low-cost nano-biosensor can detect Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis. The biosensor uses gold nanoparticles and has the potential for commercial development.
A single point mutation has been identified in Listeria monocytogenes that enhances its ability to grow at refrigeration temperatures and in high salt concentrations. This finding raises significant concerns for food safety, as the mutated strain could become even more formidable.
A University of Granada researcher proposes that antibiotic abuse forces bacteria to take up DNA from resistant strains, leading to increased resistance. This stress-induced uptake can also make non-resistant bacteria more virulent, exacerbating the problem.
Researchers successfully directly observed microorganisms feeding on intestinal mucosa using NanoSIMS technology, identifying Akkermansia muciniphilia and Bacteroides acidifaciens as key players. The study provides new insights into the gut microbiota's role in inflammatory bowel disease.
A recent UCLA study reveals that certain bacteria, including those causing tuberculosis, can pretend to be viruses when infecting humans. This allows them to hijack the immune response and hide out inside cells. The findings may also explain how viral infections like the flu make us more susceptible to bacterial infections like pneumonia.
Researchers found that reintroducing normal microbial diversity can eliminate vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) from the intestinal tracts of mice and potentially humans. The study suggests that certain bacterial species, such as Barnesiella, play a key role in preventing colonization by VRE.
Researchers identified diverse microbial communities in cattle manure, with some bacteria present in beef cattle not found in dairy cows. Diet and tillage management also affected pathogen transport in field runoff, highlighting the importance of soil management for food safety.
Researchers have uncovered the atomic structure of dermcidin, a natural antibiotic that is highly efficient against tuberculosis germs and other dangerous bugs. This discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotics that control multi-resistant bacteria.
Vanderbilt investigators have identified the structural features of calprotectin's two metal binding sites and demonstrated that manganese binding is key to its antibacterial action. The study could guide efforts to develop novel antibacterials that limit a microbe's access to metals.
Researchers at Arizona State University's Biodesign Institute are using the ISS to study the effects of microgravity on disease-causing organisms. Their findings indicate that spaceflight can increase the virulence of pathogens like Salmonella, while also altering gene expression and pathogenesis-related responses in other microorganisms.
Microbiologist Cheryl Nickerson is using the ISS platform to study the effects of microgravity on disease-causing organisms, aiming to unveil novel cellular and molecular mechanisms related to infectious disease progression.
Research on ancient human skeletons reveals negative changes in oral bacteria due to dietary shifts, including the introduction of farming and processed sugar. The study provides a new record of dietary impacts and health changes over time.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center identified a defect in bladder immune memory that hampers a timely attack against bacterial infections. The study found that mast cells produce an immune-suppressing molecule, leading to a lack of antibody response and stifling immune memory.
The study reveals that Streptococcus pneumoniae's enzyme DpnA protects foreign DNA, allowing pathogenicity island exchange between bacteria. This mechanism promotes genome diversification and helps pneumococcal virulence.
Researchers from Berkeley Lab and Max Planck Institute analyze unique microbial motor, revealing a dynamic play among its components. The study found that the archaellum consists of two parts, with a globular C terminal domain connected to a more variable N terminal domain.