Research on disease-causing bacteria and how they spread. Covers waterborne bacteria, Lyme disease ecology, pathogenic genetics, and biofilm treatments.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Scientists from Oxford University found that Alpine pennycress plants accumulate zinc, nickel, and cadmium to defend against bacterial infection. The study demonstrates a direct link between metal concentrations and resistance to disease.
A new study found low levels of bacteria in soils outside fields sprayed with swine manure, while internal soils showed higher nutrient levels but lower pathogen levels. The research suggests that manure management plans have been effective in reducing bacterial risks.
Recent studies have uncovered surprising parallels between pheromone signaling in bacteria and fungi, suggesting a close link between microbial sex and virulence. The review highlights the role of telesensing in regulating genetic exchange and potential virulence factors in opportunistic pathogens.
Researchers used imaging mass spectrometry to map signaling molecules between organisms, discovering metabolites involved in bacterial cannibalism. SDP and SKF were found to be essential for identifying and killing genetically identical cells.
A new study reveals that resistant pathogens can trigger protective mechanisms in non-resistant neighbors, increasing overall colony survival. The team identified an enzyme called tryptophanase, which produces indole, a signaling molecule offering protection against antibiotics.
Stanford researchers have developed a high-speed, low-cost filter that kills bacteria with an electrical field, allowing for faster filtering and reduced costs. The filter uses silver nanowires and carbon nanotubes to create a smooth, conducting surface, making it efficient and effective in purifying water.
Pathogens such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae use a delayed entry strategy to survive in the human body, strengthening cellular skeletons and anchoring to cell surfaces. This new understanding may have exciting implications for preventing infection with various bacterial agents.
A new hyperspectral imaging technique allows for rapid detection of Campylobacter in food samples, reducing the time needed for isolation and identification from days to just 24 hours.
Researchers discovered a new strategy used by bacterial pathogens like Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Escherichia coli, which delay entry into cells to prolong extracellular existence and survive. This strategy involves triggering local strengthening of the cellular skeleton that resists pathogen entry.
Scientists have discovered that Helicobacter pylori needs vitamin B6 to cause and maintain stomach infections. Researchers used a mouse model to identify the importance of PdxA and PdxJ enzymes in bacterial pathogenesis, paving the way for novel antibiotic treatments.
A team of researchers is studying the human gut microbiome to develop new interventions and treatments for food- and water-borne diseases. The study aims to understand how certain microbes protect against enteric diseases and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Most hospitals surveyed have adopted hand-hygiene practices to prevent MRSA spread. The study found that nearly all hospitals review antimicrobial prescription orders to reduce bacterial resistance.
Researchers at Rice University are developing a genomic test that can quickly determine whether a disease outbreak is caused by a natural pathogen or one engineered in a lab. By studying how bacteria evolve in the lab, they hope to find common patterns that indicate domestication.
Two studies identify key targets for a new MRSA vaccine, targeting protein A to evade the immune system and clotting factors to disrupt tissue-damaging mechanisms. This approach shows promise in reducing virulence and providing lasting immunity against drug-resistant staph infections.
Severe inflammatory responses to initial UTI damage bladder walls and allow infection to persist longer. Suppressing immune system during initial infection decreases vulnerabilities to later infection.
Scientists find that water fleas facilitate bacterial dispersal, allowing microbes to reach inaccessible habitats. The 'conveyor-belt' hypothesis is confirmed through lab and field experiments.
Researchers found that coastal animals have a decreased ability to fight off infection of Vibrio bacteria when exposed to low oxygen and high carbon dioxide conditions. This makes them more vulnerable to infection, especially with injuries or wounds exposed to the water.
A new experimental antibiotic has been shown to be effective against bacteria that are resistant to existing treatments. The compound works by targeting a specific enzyme in the bacteria's internal machinery, preventing it from reproducing.
Researchers at D.J. Sanghvi College of Engineering have investigated various nanotechnology approaches for water purification, including nanofiltration and zeolite filtration membranes. These methods can effectively remove sediments, chemical effluents, charged particles, bacteria, and other pathogens from water.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have created a mathematical model of colon inflammation that identifies pro-inflammatory macrophages as key culprits for unregulated inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease. The model allows scientists to explore cellular and molecular changes underlying chronic inflammation, identify intervention points...
A four-year survey confirms the presence of ticks carrying Lyme disease in Cook, Lake, DuPage, and Piatt Counties, with higher numbers found along the Des Plaines River corridor. The study highlights the importance of preventive measures to avoid tick bites.
Duke University researchers have developed a computer program that can predict the next moves of a dangerous bacteria, such as MRSA. The algorithm identifies potential resistance mutations before testing begins, allowing for more effective drug design and potentially saving lives.
Scientists at NIH identify novel Staphylococcus aureus toxin LukGH, which destroys human immune cells and increases MRSA severity. The toxin is secreted into the environment, forming pores in neutrophils that lead to their destruction.
Scientists have identified a promising target for a strategic hit in bacteria that could help halt reproduction and reduce the spread of infections. The research, led by Dr. Antonio J. Martín-Galiano and professor José M. Andreu, maps out a protein called FtsZ, which is crucial for bacterial cell division.
Researchers have identified the genes necessary for producing a highly potent and clinically unexploited antibiotic, microbisporicin. The study enables the engineering of bacteria to produce similar but better molecules, improving pharmacological properties.
The study found that the vitamin D receptor helps regulate bacterial activity, responds to cues, and counters their presence. It also plays a key role in defending against Salmonella infection and squelching inflammation by binding to NF-Kappa B and preventing it from activating other inflammatory molecules.
Research highlights potential problems with breathing system filters, which allow substantial passage of bacteria and yeast when wet. Commonly available filters cannot be relied upon to prevent bacterial transfer, posing a risk to patients.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill discovered a link between altered gut microbiota and colon cancer, finding higher bacterial diversity and richness in individuals with adenomas. The study suggests that manipulating the microbiota through diet could help prevent colon cancer.
A study led by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona researchers reveals a new mechanism controlling bacterial swarming and its interaction with the DNA repair system. The discovery could lead to designing new strategies to increase antibiotic sensitivity in pathogenic bacteria.
A new study indicates that babies born vaginally have bacterial communities resembling their mother's vaginal bacteria, while C-section newborns have common skin bacterial communities. This finding has potential implications for infant health as they grow and develop.
Researchers analyzed bacterial populations in the noses and throats of seven healthy adults using two culture-independent methods. They found distinct differences between nasal and throat bacteria, with some groups more prevalent in one area than the other.
Researchers found Campylobacter jejuni and Chlamydophila psittaci in 69.1% and 52.6% of pigeons in Madrid, respectively. These bacteria can cause diarrhea in humans through aerosols, direct contact, or contaminated food and water.