Articles tagged with Bacterial Pathogens
Researchers identified genes used by some bacterial strains to breach plant defences, revealing the essential role of isothiocyanates in protecting cruciferous plants from infection. This discovery has significant implications for improving crop plants' resistance to disease and increasing food security.
Researchers at Hebrew University identified a previously uncharacterized type of bacterial communication mediated by nanotubes that bridge neighboring cells. This mechanism enables bacteria to exchange small molecules, proteins, and even small genetic elements, facilitating the acquisition of new features such as antibiotic resistance.
A new study has found that macrophages have a seven-cell uptake threshold, governing the healing process. The researchers also discovered substances informing cells on tissue repair rates and accelerating macrophage transition to immune organs.
Researchers at The Forsyth Institute have identified a new pathogen, Scardovia wiggsiae, connected to severe early childhood caries. This bacterium was present in the mouths of children with severe ECC when other known pathogens like Streptococcus mutans were not detected.
Scientists at EMBL identified a multi-tasking protein PriA from Mycobacterium tuberculosis that catalyzes reactions on two different molecules. This finding presents new opportunities for developing organism-specific drugs, targeting the pathogen but leaving other beneficial microorganisms untouched.
CU-Boulder-built biomedical payloads will study bacterial growth in low gravity and cell cultivation in a tropical plant for biofuels. The experiments may help prevent infectious diseases and develop new renewable crops.
Researchers have discovered a new way to combat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by targeting the bacteria's RNA degradation process. The approach, which uses an inhibitor called RNPA1000, shows promise against MRSA biofilms and other antibiotic-resistant strains.
A team of USDA scientists has developed a new approach to detecting pathogenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella bacteria in waterways, achieving lower detection levels than previous methods. The process uses a combination of techniques, including filtration, biochemical testing, and polymerase chain reaction technology, to identify even...
Researchers at UC Berkeley successfully repurposed Salmonella to safely transport virus-stopping enzymes into cells, effectively treating mice infected with cytomegalovirus. The new technique uses a live but weakened bacteria as a vector for the ribozyme that can stop the gene activity of cytomegalovirus.
Researchers at Yale University describe how Salmonella hijacks cellular mechanisms to infect millions worldwide. A novel bacterial sorting platform attracts and lines up proteins in the right sequence, allowing the bacteria to commandeer host cell functions.
Researchers sequenced 240 samples to understand how S. pneumoniae bacteria evolves and adapts genetically in response to human interventions, revealing patterns of adaptation and spread of a drug-resistant lineage. The study suggests that knowing the enemy better could improve infection control measures.
Scientists discovered that bacteria acquire genes to expand protein families, largely through horizontal gene transfer. This process is key to their adaptability and ability to evolve antibiotic resistance.
Scientists have discovered that bacterial and archaea microbes primarily acquire new genes through horizontal gene transfer, a process responsible for the diversification of protein families. This study highlights the importance of this process in microbial evolution and its role in shaping the biochemical diversity of life.
Research reveals how Staphylococcus aureus bacteria adapt to evade the immune system and antibiotic treatments by forming small colony variants. These 'dormant forms' can persist within host cells for weeks, leading to relapsing infections.
A sub-population of Listeria monocytogenes displays enhanced cardiac tissue infectability, increasing the risk of serious cardiac disease. Diagnostic tests based on bacterial genetic markers could protect vulnerable groups.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed an IQ test to evaluate bacteria's 'social intelligence,' revealing high scores for certain strains. This breakthrough could lead to new antibiotics, powerful pesticides for agriculture, and better understanding of bacterial behavior.
Arun Chatterjee, a professor emeritus at the University of Missouri, was elected to the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his groundbreaking research on Erwinia carotovora, a bacterium that causes disease in various plants. His work has shed light on the regulatory role of small RNAs in controlling protein ...
A U of Alberta researcher is working towards developing a pharmacological target for cholera by understanding the bacteria's mechanism of infection and survival. He has discovered how Vibrio cholerae uses molecular nano-syringes to infect host cells, providing a potential vaccine target.
Researchers sequenced and reconstructed most microbes in premature newborn's gut, documenting changes over time. They aim to understand the causes of necrotizing enterocolitis by studying the colonization process under normal circumstances.
Scientists at Harvard University have made a groundbreaking discovery about biofilm colonies, which exhibit an unprecedented ability to repel liquids and vapors. The researchers believe that the secret to their resiliency lies in their unique liquid-repellent surface.
Bacteria, specifically Enterobacter hormaechei, found in excised atherosclerotic plaque tissue of patient who suffered a heart attack. The data suggest that chronic infection may underlie the process of atherosclerosis.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a new screen to isolate virulent parts of pathogenic bacteria, enabling quicker identification of key areas for vaccine development. The technique has been used to study Burkholderia pseudomallei, a deadly human disease-causing bacteria.
Researchers from Kansas State University have identified three resistance genes in rice that can be mutated to build resistance against pathogens. They discovered these genes by studying how bacteria take over plant nutrients, providing insight into ways to reduce crop losses and develop new medicinal research avenues.
Convergent evolution is observed in Toxoplasma gondii and Chlamydia trachomatis, both hijacking the host cell's Golgi apparatus to secure a nutrient supply. This shared strategy may provide insights into improving therapies for these two common infections.
Scientists have analyzed the evolution of CRISPR bacterial immune systems in human saliva over time, revealing unique and traceable defenses against viruses. The study's findings suggest that the development of resistance to viruses occurs frequently, even daily, and could lead to more personalized oral health care.
A recent study by University of Pittsburgh researchers suggests that nonchemical treatment devices may not be effective in controlling bacterial growth in water-based cooling systems. The two-year study found that standard chlorine treatment controlled the organisms even after they had proliferated.
The study reveals that the bacteria causing the current Haitian cholera epidemic originated in South Asia, supporting the notion of transmission from an infected individual. The strain was found to be more virulent than average, with a higher potential for severe diarrhea and increased mortality rates.
The Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases and the Seattle Structural Genomics Center have experimentally determined 500 three-dimensional protein structures from bacterial and protozoan pathogens. These structures could lead to the development of new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics to combat deadly infectious diseases.
Researchers at Texas AgriLife developed a method to reduce food irradiation levels by cutting them in half. This method uses pure oxygen to kill 99.999 percent of salmonella, E. coli, and other pathogens on fresh produce. The process preserves quality while reducing radiation needed, resulting in safer and more nutritious produce.
Researchers from NIH have discovered a specific protein, PSM-beta, that biofilms use for growth, detachment and dissemination. Interfering with this protein could provide a way to stop the spread of biofilm-associated infection.
Researchers have discovered a class of molecules that can target quorum sensing, a key mechanism used by bacteria to communicate and coordinate their behavior. By blocking this system, scientists hope to develop new drugs that can prevent bacterial infections without promoting resistance.
A recent study published in Nature found a correlation between biodiversity loss and increased incidence of infectious diseases. Researchers discovered that environmental degradation can lead to an increase in disease-carrying pathogens, as seen in the decline of opossum populations, which allows ticks to flourish and spread Lyme disease.
A study by scientists at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies reveals a critical connection between conservation and disease. Loss of species large and small can increase pathogens, leading to increased disease transmission. The authors call for careful monitoring of areas with high animal densities to prevent infectious disease outbreaks.
Researchers discovered a novel family of pores that transport sugar out of plant cells, enabling pathogenic bacteria and fungi to hijack the nutrient supply. This breakthrough allows for the development of new crop protection techniques and potential applications in diabetes research.
Researchers found that compounds in cranberry disrupt enzymes used by bacteria to form plaque, reducing acid production and cavities. Additionally, polyphenols from red wine waste inhibit S. mutans' activity and reduce acid production.
A study published in Immunity describes a mechanism by which an infected cell can alert neighboring uninfected cells, leading to amplified inflammation and enhanced immunity. This 'cell-to-cell communication' strategy enables the host to circumvent immunosuppressive bacterial activity and defeat invaders.
Researchers at Mercyhurst College have identified fluoxetine, an anti-depressant chemical, in elevated concentrations at Presque Isle State Park. The presence of fluoxetine has been linked to a higher lethality to E.coli bacteria, which can pose health risks to humans.
Researchers discovered that bacteria produce unique proteins to inhibit growth and end life of other bacteria, suggesting a primitive form of kin selection. These proteins are acquired through horizontal gene transfer, allowing bacteria to adapt and evolve.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego discover that statins activate white blood cells' ability to kill bacteria. Statins stimulate phagocytes to release extracellular traps that ensnare and kill bacteria before they spread in the body.
Researchers at the University of Missouri discovered a previously unknown level of genetic cross talk between plant proteins that fight off bacterial infections. The study found that certain proteins physically associate, enabling them to communicate danger signals to the cell's nucleus.
Researchers discovered key differences in how E. coli bacteria behave in humans compared to mice, identifying potential targets for a vaccine. The study's findings could lead to the development of a vaccine that saves billions in healthcare costs and millions of doctor visits annually.
NASA's space shuttle Discovery will carry two CU-Boulder-built biomedical payload devices, one testing the virulence of MRSA bacteria in microgravity. The experiments aim to help researchers prevent or control infectious diseases and improve our understanding of gene and protein changes in pathogens.
Professor Cesare Montecucco has won the prestigious Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Prize for his significant contributions to understanding bacterial diseases. The award recognizes his research on tetanus, botulism, anthrax, and Helicobacter pylori-associated diseases.
Researchers investigate White pox disease, a human strain of Serratia marcescens transmitted to elkhorn corals, which may indicate a new phenomenon of diseases jumping from humans to wildlife. The study aims to understand transmission mechanisms and develop control strategies.
Researchers found that bacteria from the mouth and gut can enter the body and contribute to inflammation and plaque rupture in atherosclerosis. The study identified specific bacteria, such as Pseudomonas luteola and Chlamydia pneumoniae, which were present in both atherosclerotic plaques and the mouths and guts of patients.
A new study found that an intestinal enzyme helps maintain a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, potentially preventing serious health issues. The enzyme, IAP, blocks toxic molecules on pathogenic bacteria and restores beneficial E. coli strains after antibiotic treatment.
Researchers developed a novel approach to automated detection and classification of harmful bacteria in food using machine-learning. The method can identify known and unknown classes of food pathogens, improving the ability to detect bacterial contamination in tested samples.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered a protein called pre-T alpha that guides the correct expression of T cell receptors, enabling the immune system to effectively destroy harmful viruses and bacteria. The finding has significant implications for understanding immune development and potential treatments for childhood leukemia.
A study found that invasive bush honeysuckle substantially increases the risk of human disease by providing a habitat for deer to congregate, allowing ticks to spread diseases. The research suggests that this effect may be seen with other invasive plants as well.
Researchers trick Staphylococcus aureus bacteria into embedding foreign small molecules within their cell walls by manipulating an enzyme. This discovery could lead to novel therapeutics and real-time monitoring of diseases.
A UCLA-led research team found that bacteria can stand upright and 'walk' during biofilm formation, allowing them to explore surfaces more effectively. This unique behavior is enabled by type IV pili appendages and plays a critical role in bacterial detachment from surfaces.
Kathleen Alexander has discovered a novel tuberculosis species, M. mungi, in banded mongooses, which behaves differently from other TB infections, killing infected animals within two to three months. The pathogen's source and host range are areas of ongoing research.
Researchers have sequenced the genome of the Southern house mosquito, a key vector for diseases such as West Nile virus, encephalitis, and elephantiasis. The study reveals insights into the mosquito's genetic structure and potential targets for disease prevention.
A research team led by Edward Yu has discovered the crystal structures of pumps that remove heavy metal toxins from bacteria, allowing them to resist antibiotics. This finding provides a better understanding of bacterial resistance and could help drug researchers develop treatments to combat it.
Researchers at UC Davis discovered that Salmonella bacteria create an environment in the human intestine to enhance its reproductive success. The bacteria use tetrathionate respiration, a sulfur compound produced by the immune system's response, to outgrow beneficial microbes and promote severe diarrhea.
Trius will use its proprietary Focused Antisense Screening Technology (FAST) to identify antibacterial compounds from marine natural product libraries discovered by Scripps researchers. The goal is to develop novel antibiotics directed against microorganisms causing serious infections.
A new vaccine development aims to protect humans from pneumonic plague by combining antibodies with cytokines, addressing concerns about the effectiveness of existing treatments. The Trudeau Institute is leading this research in collaboration with the US and UK militaries.
Researchers aim to create a sustainable water treatment process using moringa seed, which can kill bacteria and remove sediment from water. The system's success depends on optimizing the amount of moringa seed needed to achieve effective water purification without compromising its shelf life.
Case Western Reserve researcher Menachem Shoham discovered new anti-pathogenic drugs that prevent MRSA's production of toxins, rendering the bacteria harmless. The drugs block the activation of a key bacterial protein, AgrA, preventing toxin release and serious infections.
A new microfluidic chip developed by Taiwanese researchers uses surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy to sort and identify bacteria. The technique creates unique spectral fingerprints for different bacterial species, enabling efficient identification.