Research on disease-causing bacteria and how they spread. Covers waterborne bacteria, Lyme disease ecology, pathogenic genetics, and biofilm treatments.
Researchers at University at Buffalo have discovered a novel set of genes essential for the growth of potentially lethal, drug-resistant bacteria A. baumannii. The study reveals multiple new drug targets for this human infection and suggests that laboratory conditions may not be ideal for identifying antimicrobial drug targets.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed novel antivirulence drugs that block toxin production in bacteria, rendering them harmless. The discovery has the potential to combat antibiotic-resistant infections like MRSA and strep.
Bacteria use a reversible switching mechanism to adapt to environments lacking oxygen, revealing a new 'antioxidant' pathway for repairing damaged proteins. This discovery has implications for the development of new antibiotics and our understanding of iron-sulfur cluster proteins in various cellular processes.
Researchers found that a few marine microbes produce natural antibiotics that protect their populations from competitors and neighboring populations. This cooperative behavior, where some individuals act as protectors of the many, is a surprising example of social organization in microbial populations.
Scientists have identified a new signaling system in bacteria that enables them to produce an appendage, swim away, and inhibit biofilm formation. This discovery could lead to understanding how to break up harmful bacterial biofilms on teeth or medical devices.
Studies on California and deer mice reveal that lifetime monogamy leads to reduced bacterial diversity and a less diverse gene pool for immunity, whereas promiscuity correlates with increased bacterial diversity and genetic variation. This suggests that social behavior influences immune system function.
Researchers found at least seven shared antibiotic-resistance genes between soil bacteria and disease-causing pathogens, suggesting recent gene transfers. The discovery highlights the potential for environmental bacteria to contribute to human health risks.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a treatment for coral infected with White Plague disease, a deadly bacterium that causes 9% of Favia favus corals to die. The treatment uses viruses that infect bacteria, providing a breakthrough in developing regionalized treatments.
Researchers found that antibiotic concentrations set by regulators are high enough to slow fermentation, allowing pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli to proliferate. Boosting lactic-acid-producing bacteria survival can help mitigate the issue.
Researchers at the University of Delaware found that beneficial bacteria in soil can signal plants' stomata to close, preventing disease infection. This discovery highlights the potential for probiotics to bolster plant immunity naturally.
Researchers propose that certain dietary fats encourage the growth of harmful bacteria, leading to low-level inflammation and chronic disease. Unsaturated fats, like omega-3 fatty acids, have strong antimicrobial properties, weakening bacterial cell membranes.
Researchers at Université de Montréal have discovered a novel strategy to combat antibiotic-resistant superbugs by targeting virulence factors. By removing these proteins, the body's immune system can eliminate the bacteria, making them harmless.
William Hanage, a renowned expert in infectious disease epidemiology, has received the 2012 ICAAC Young Investigator Award from the American Society for Microbiology. His research focuses on understanding the factors behind the response of bacterial populations to antimicrobials and vaccines.
Researchers at UEA applied strategic thinking from insurance companies to understand how animals and plants recruit beneficial bacteria, revealing the importance of 'screening out' bad bacteria and ' screening in' good ones. The breakthrough brings scientists closer to understanding the human body's relationship with bacteria.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified small molecule chemicals that can disrupt quorum sensing in Acinetobacter baumanni, a pathogenic bacterium responsible for deadly hospital-acquired infections. The compounds may potentially be used to limit the virulence of the bacteria and prevent biofilm formation.
Researchers found drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in 36 chimpanzees (58% of tested), with nearly 10% showing multi-drug resistance. The risk of acquiring novel pathogens from humans poses a significant threat to wild apes, echoing worst-case scenarios in U.S. hospitals.
Researchers demonstrate that bacteria can form antibiotic-resistant clumps in a short time, even in a flowing liquid such as the blood, leading to severe infections. These clumps persist even when two different types of antibiotics are added, suggesting that sticking together protects the floating bacteria from the drugs' effects.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed new polymers resistant to bacterial attachment, reducing biofilm formation and infection rates. The breakthrough could lead to a significant reduction in hospital infections and medical device failures, with initial results showing up to 96.7% reduction in bacteria.
Researchers develop SPAdes, a new algorithm to sequence genomes from single cells, enabling analysis of 'dark matter' bacteria and human pathogens. The breakthrough could lead to early detection of cancer progression by monitoring normal cells before they turn malignant.
A new disinfectant, Akwaton, has been shown to effectively destroy bacterial spores at extremely low concentrations. This is a significant improvement over existing chemical compounds that require higher concentrations and can be harmful to humans.
The study found that Shigella sonnei, a bacterium previously thought to be more common in developing countries, is now spreading globally due to its high levels of drug resistance. The researchers suggest that vaccine development will be crucial in controlling the disease.
Researchers have discovered that plants like Arabidopsis select a specific bacterial community from the diverse microbial ecosystem in the soil, with Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes phyla being preferred. This community is dependent on soil type and plant genotype, and plays a crucial role in plant health.
At the annual meeting of crystallographers, researchers presented groundbreaking studies on X-ray laser technology, deep-sea bacteria's pressure tolerance, and molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial resistance to antibiotics. The discoveries have significant implications for fields such as medicine, genomics, and material science.
The UGA team created a single-step method to rapidly detect viruses, bacteria, and chemical contaminants using nanotechnology. They successfully detected compounds in highly diluted samples and mixtures with dyes, suggesting the technology can be used for food, blood, saliva, and urine testing.
Researchers explore the role of Lactobacillus reuteri in protecting against foodborne infection, finding that its antimicrobial substance reuterin can protect intestinal epithelial cells from Salmonella infection. The study's results suggest the efficacy of using probiotic bacteria or their derivatives in future therapies.
A study published in Nature reveals that the HVEM molecule plays a critical role in protecting against bacterial infections, including E. coli and pneumococcus, by acting as a border guard to signal the immune system to respond. The discovery provides a potential new therapeutic target for preventing and treating bacterial infections.
Scientists studied Agrobacterium tumefaciens, a rod-shaped soil bacterium responsible for crown gall disease in plants. They discovered that the bacterium maintains its linear chromosome through an enzyme called TelA, which forms hairpin loops to protect it.
Researchers discovered that E. coli uses yersiniabactin to steal copper from host cells, allowing the bacteria to grow and reproduce. This finding could lead to new treatments for serious urinary tract infections. By blocking this thievery with a drug, patients' chances of fighting off infections may significantly improve.
Michigan State University researchers discovered how bacteria flip a DNA switch to transform from harmless microbes to deadly insecticides. The bacteria, bioluminescent insect pathogens, reside in the intestines of worms and aid their survival, but can rapidly grow and produce toxins when the worms infest insects.
Researchers discovered that mice without NLRP6 receptor protein are better protected against bacterial infections and can more easily remove bacteria. This finding opens up a new therapeutic track for treating bacterial infections beyond antibiotics.
Biochemist Alejandro Heuck maps molecular structure of needle-like tool used by bacteria to drill holes in mammalian cell walls. Researchers aim to identify new targets for developing drugs and treatments against diseases caused by bubonic plague, dysentery, food poisoning, and sepsis.
A new test, RapidChek SELECTTM Salmonella, detects Salmonella Typhi shedding in stool with a 10-fold to 1000-fold improvement over traditional methods. This technology assesses the degree and duration of shedding after immunization, ensuring vaccine efficacy and community safety.
Researchers have identified a novel mechanism by which Bartonella bacteria manipulate host cell signaling, prolonging cell lifespan and contributing to chronic infection persistence. The study reveals the role of protein BepA in binding adenylyl cyclase, leading to increased cAMP production and preventing host cell death.
A team of scientists from Washington University in St. Louis has identified the eastern gray squirrel as a major animal reservoir for tick-borne diseases, including ehrlichioses and STARI. The study uses a new assay to detect species-level tick blood meals, confirming the presence of gray squirrel DNA in infected ticks.
A team of researchers discovered that human alpha-defensin 6 (HD6) forms 'nanonets' around microbial surfaces to disable microbes, providing clues to inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease. The study provides new insights into the body's innate defense system and its role in intestinal health.
A new study reports that human microbes have coevolved with humans, forming unique partnerships essential for our immune system. The findings suggest that modern hygiene and antibiotics may be contributing to the rise of autoimmune disorders by erasing these beneficial bacteria.
Researchers discovered how bacteria release proteins to spread infections, providing a new target for antibiotic development. The discovery sheds light on the mechanism by which normal, non-pathogenic bacteria can release proteins through their membrane pores.
Researchers at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas have identified three viruses that target the bacteria causing American Foulbrood Disease in honeybees. The discovery offers hope for a new treatment to replace current methods that involve burning infected hives and could help save millions of bees.
A new study published in Immunity reveals that commensal bacteria play a vital role in fighting off viral infections. The research found that signals from these beneficial microbes are essential for optimal immune responses to experimental viral infections, and their absence can lead to impaired antiviral immunity.
The study reveals STING protein's double wing-like crystal structure that captures secreted molecules from invading pathogens, activating the body's powerful immune response. This discovery provides insights into how STING activates an immune response by engaging with specific molecular patterns linked to microbial pathogens.
Researchers use JILA's frequency comb to measure concentrations of reactive molecules in air streams, capturing complex chemical reactions and optimizing sterilization techniques. The system achieves high-level disinfection without liquid chemicals or high temperatures.
The Human Microbiome Project's findings reveal a complex network of microbial diversity, with an estimated 10,000 bacterial species in the human microbiome. The study challenges traditional health concepts by showing that there is not just one way to be healthy, but rather a range of 'just fine' communities.
Researchers identified how Pseudomonas syringae uses coronatine to hijack a plant's defense system, keeping stomata open for bacterial invasion. The study provides insight into the full process of bacterial pathogenesis in plants.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that caspase-11 enables immune cells to fuse and degrade bacteria causing Legionnaires' disease. The enzyme's activation helps kill the bacteria by triggering a fusion event between phagosomes and lysosomes, preventing bacterial replication.
Researchers have imaged the structure of the S-layer protein coat in bacteria down to individual atoms, revealing its role as a protective layer. The discovery provides insights into how bacteria interact with their environment and could lead to new nanomaterials and drug delivery methods.
Researchers have imaged S-layer of Geobacillus stearothermophilus bacterium down to atomic scale, revealing chainmail-like structure that provides tough yet flexible protection and allows nutrients to diffuse in and out. This discovery holds promise for developing new vaccines by exploiting the ability of S-layers to self-assemble.
Researchers at the University of Alberta discovered a vulnerability in the glycoprotein production of Acinetobacter baumannii, reducing its virulence and ability to form biofilms. This finding could lead to the development of targeted antibiotics to combat the superbug.
Dr. E. Peter Greenberg, a renowned microbiologist, has been recognized for his groundbreaking work on quorum sensing and biofilms. He is also celebrated for his exceptional mentoring skills, inspiring generations of scientists.
Anthony R. Richardson has been honored with the Merck Irving S. Sigal Memorial Award for his pioneering work on the metabolic adaptations of Staphylococcus aureus to host immunity. His research has profound implications for understanding the evolution and emergence of highly virulent pathogens.
Dr. Richardson's research focuses on the role of basic bacterial physiology in the virulence of human pathogens, with a particular emphasis on Staphylococcus aureus. His work has shown that certain compounds can be lethal to the pathogen, leading to new insights into the battle between host and bacterium.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have uncovered the mechanism behind V. cholerae's resistance to human immune responses. The discovery could lead to the development of a new class of antibiotics that target the bacteria's defenses, rather than directly killing them.
Researchers identified glycerophosphate oxidase as a critical protein for bacterial progression to the brain. A vaccine against this protein protected mice from invasive pneumococcal disease, offering a new approach to immunizing against S. pneumoniae.
Researchers found that P. aeruginosa infection is associated with worse clinical outcomes, including more hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and exacerbations in COPD patients. The study suggests that addressing P. aeruginosa infections may be crucial in managing COPD.
A new study found that breast-fed babies have a more diverse bacterial colonization than formula-fed babies, leading to changes in the expression of genes involved in their immune system. The study also showed a link between the expression of genes in the bacteria and genes of the immune system in the baby.
Researchers have elucidated the structure of type III secretion system needles at atomic resolution, revealing similarities in their inner part while surface variability evades host recognition. This discovery enables new insights into pathogen immune evasion and prospects tailored antiinfectives to block needle assembly.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have proven a long-held theory about bacterial communication by showing that quorum sensing's effectiveness depends on bacterial population density. This discovery can inform research into disrupting QS and stopping toxin production in pathogenic organisms like Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that the use of polymyxins and tigecycline, considered 'drugs of last resort', increased at US Veterans Affairs medical centers between 2005 and 2010. The findings suggest a growing epidemic of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new UV disinfection technology using LED lights that can kill pathogens like bacteria and viruses. The technology has potential applications in drinking-water treatment and sterilizing surgical tools.
A new University of Illinois study shows that human milk oligosaccharides produce short-chain fatty acids that feed a beneficial microbial population in the infant gut. The composition of bacteria changes over time, with different HMO components producing distinct patterns of short-chain fatty acids.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that male adolescents have bacteria in their urinary tracts, which are similar to those found in young women. The researchers discovered that the types of bacteria on the penis differ from those in the urethra and that circumcision status affects bacterial composition.