Research on disease-causing bacteria and how they spread. Covers waterborne bacteria, Lyme disease ecology, pathogenic genetics, and biofilm treatments.
A study found similarities between a plant-dwelling bacterium and a hospital-resident pathogen, highlighting potential risks of using the former for biotech applications. The research suggests caution in using this strain due to its antibiotic resistance and ability to form biofilms.
Studies found that glove perforation increased surgical site infection rates by 10%, with no association when antibiotics were used. Implementing measures like double gloving and glove replacement can decrease perforation risk.
Researchers have found a novel bacterium, Herminiimonas glaciei, trapped under glacial ice in Greenland for over 120,000 years. The tiny microbe, 10-50 times smaller than E. coli, has survived in extreme conditions and may provide insights into extraterrestrial life.
The study reveals that each bacterial strain presents a unique outer surface protein, rendering current vaccines less effective against new strains. Researchers believe a tip protein-based vaccine strategy could provide better protection.
Bacteria of the Yersinia genus possess a protein thermometer called RovA, which measures temperature and metabolic activity to control infection. RovA activates genes for the infection process in suitable environments, while adapting to life within the host.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have cracked the mystery of a failed TB vaccine by modifying it to reduce antioxidant production, leading to stronger immune responses in mice. The modified BCG vaccine could offer improved protection against pulmonary TB and serve as a platform for other vaccines.
Researchers uncover Komodo dragons' venom composition, which combines teeth and venom for lethal effects, contradicting earlier theories. The venom causes severe blood loss, inducing shock in victims.
Researchers have isolated a new species of bacteria that can break down cholesterol, a contaminant found in urban sewage residues. The novel organism, Gordonia cholesterolivorans, has the potential to clean up cholesterol-related contamination and could be used for industrial applications.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have identified a key mechanism behind bacterial meningitis, offering new avenues for treatment and vaccine development. The discovery could save hundreds of children's lives and provide broad protection against this deadly disease.
Out-patient clinics and offices can transmit antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA, C.difficile, and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus. Implementing infection control strategies such as hygiene, education, and careful prescribing of antibiotics can minimize transmission.
A study published in Environmental Microbiology reveals that cigarette smoke changes the DNA and membrane proteins of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a key bacterial cause of periodontitis. This adaptation affects the immune system's recognition of the pathogen, making smokers more susceptible to oral disease.
Research on cabbage looper caterpillars reveals that dietary bacteria can alter gene expression in metabolism, homeostasis, and immunity. The insects' ability to fine-tune their natural defenses through gene regulation may provide a survival advantage.
A new study by Uppsala University reveals a mechanism to delay the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Inhibiting drug efflux pumps can mask the effect of mutations that reduce antibiotic binding, providing clues to delaying resistance development.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered tufted bacteria can attach to premature babies' skin, causing infection. The bacteria's unique hair-like structures facilitate adhesion, while LL37 antimicrobial peptide helps inhibit growth.
Researchers at Autoimmunity Research Foundation discovered that hidden bacteria alter human genes and gene products, leading to autoantibody production. Antibacterial therapies targeting these microbes can reverse autoimmune disease processes.
Lice parasites have been found to modulate the immune system of wild wood mice, suggesting a potential link between parasite exposure and reduced autoimmune disease risk. This research implies that modern humans, lacking natural parasite exposure, may develop less regulated immune systems leading to increased disease susceptibility.
Researchers studied louse infestation's effect on immune activity in wild wood mice, finding reduced readiness to mount an immune response. This suggests a potential immunosuppressive effect of the parasite, supporting the idea that modern human populations have heightened immune responsiveness due to reduced exposure to parasites.
Scientists identify Psl as key component in Pseudomonas biofilm development, enabling bacterial cells to resist efforts to kill them. The discovery offers new potential therapies targeting the sugar to prevent biofilm formation.
Researchers discover adenylylation, a unique post-translational modification, regulates cell signaling by inactivating key proteins. This discovery opens new avenues for exploring bacterial pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
Research suggests that supplementing with vitamin D can exacerbate autoimmune diseases by deactivating the immune response and allowing bacteria to spread more easily. The form of vitamin D derived from food and supplements, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, is a secosteroid rather than a vitamin.
Research on Pseudomonas aeruginosa reveals the mineral phosphate plays a crucial role in its deadly behavior, potentially leading to new treatments that disarm the pathogen without killing it. Excess phosphate can mitigate harm caused by activated P. aeruginosa, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach.
Researchers found that cigarette smoke exposure alters the immune response to bacteria in mice, leading to increased inflammation and weight loss. This shift in inflammatory markers may impact treatment efficacy with corticosteroids for COPD patients.
A University at Buffalo study reveals that two oral pathogens, but the total number of germs, are associated with an increased risk of heart attack. The study found that patients harbored more periodontal bacteria than controls, and that an increase in the number of different species also elevated heart attack odds.
A natural method of disinfecting mung bean seeds using hot water has been discovered, killing bacterial pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes without reducing germination rates. This method is suitable for organic production systems and could help prevent food poisoning outbreaks.
Researchers used probiotics to protect animals from diseases such as mastitis and salmonellosis, demonstrating their potential to prevent and treat human diseases. The study identified specific bacterial species and mechanisms of action that could lead to the development of new treatments.
Researchers developed a targeted antibiotic to kill Porphyromonas gingivalis, a cause of gum disease, without harming other beneficial bacteria. This approach aims to provide new treatments for oral diseases and prevent drug resistance.
Researchers at UCL Eastman Dental Institute have developed a light-activated antibacterial coating that can kill 99.9% of E. coli bacteria when exposed to white light. The coating, made of titanium dioxide with added nitrogen, has shown promise in reducing hospital-acquired infections.
Researchers have developed a new generation of natural antibiotics using bioengineering, targeting harmful micro-organisms like MRSA and Listeria monocytogenes. These enhanced nisin variants possess greater activities against clinical pathogens and could become acceptable alternatives to current antimicrobials.
Severe injuries on battlefields increase risk of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections in war-wounded soldiers. Effective personal protective equipment and medical care have improved survival rates but not mitigated the risk of wound infections.
Researchers found that Mycobacterium tuberculosis converts NO2 to NO using coenzyme F420, protecting itself from oxidative damage. This defense mechanism allows the bacteria to survive in the human immune system and stay dormant until the system is weakened.
Researchers at the University of Bath are part of a €3 million Europe-wide collaboration to pioneer new, safer anti-bacterial plastics and coatings. The team has developed compounds effective against MRSA and other hospital bacterial infections, with the goal of incorporating them into various materials.
Researchers at HZI have identified a molecular signal pathway that enables E. coli bacteria to adhere to host cells and form pedestals, allowing them to reproduce on the cell surface without being flushed from the intestine. The discovery sheds light on how pathogenic bacteria develop complex processes in the host.
Researchers found evidence that houseflies collected near broiler poultry operations can contribute to the dispersion of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The study suggests that flies in intensive production areas could efficiently spread resistant organisms over large distances.
Researchers at Kansas State University collaborated with Epitopix LLC to develop the US' first vaccine against E. coli O157 in beef cattle. The vaccine has been granted conditional approval by the USDA and is expected to help reduce cattle shedding of the pathogen.
A study of E. coli transport behavior reveals significant variability among strains from different host species and sources, affecting cell properties like surface charge and hydrophobicity. Cell width is the only property correlated with transport behavior in this research.
UT Southwestern researchers have identified a new receptor in E coli that senses stress cues from its host, triggering the release of toxins and causing disease. The discovery provides insight into how bacteria respond to stress and could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases such as sepsis.
Mobile phone handsets used by hospital workers are highly contagious with bacteria, including MRSA, and can lead to infections ranging from skin complaints to life-threatening illness. The study recommends strict infection-control procedures and decontamination methods to prevent the spread of infection.
Researchers found that the Bt toxin loses its potency against certain moth and butterfly species unless the insects have specific gut bacteria present. The study suggests that these beneficial bacteria can make the toxin lethal to the insects, highlighting the importance of their presence in pest management.
A briefcase-sized kit, called PADLOC, aims to detect plant diseases rapidly and accurately, allowing farmers to take action to prevent damage. The kit uses nanotechnology to measure microorganisms and provide real-time recommendations for farmers.
Researchers found a citric acid-based Achilles heel in the African Violet houseplant pathogen that could be exploited to treat Anthrax. A common strategy to block both Anthrax and African Violet siderophore synthesis pathways has been identified, offering new possibilities for combating infections.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a way to modify bacterial sugar molecules, which could be used to create potent vaccines. This technique allows for the easy production of vaccine components through simple fermentation.
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine found that bacteria causing urinary tract infections produce compounds called siderophores to steal iron from their hosts. These tools provide a potential way to target bad strains of bacteria for eradication without affecting good strains. The discovery could lead to new treatment...
Researchers identified two molecules, yersiniabactin and salmochelin, that enable E. coli to survive and reproduce by stealing iron from their hosts. This discovery presents a potential way to selectively eradicate pathogenic E.coli strains without affecting beneficial ones.
Eight UT Austin engineering professors win prestigious NSF CAREER awards, with funding of over $3.2 million to support cutting-edge research in fields like nanotechnology, energy systems, and biomedical engineering.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a new way bacteria evolve into pathogens by rewiring regulatory DNA. This finding has significant implications for identifying and assigning risk to emerging diseases.
Scientists at North Carolina State University have found that Lactobacillus acidophilus can deliver vaccines into the small intestine, where they trigger an immune response. The approach could potentially be used to create oral vaccines for other viruses and pathogens.
Heidelberg researchers use cryo-electron tomography to visualize the structure of Lyme disease bacteria, revealing differences in motility systems that may explain varying symptoms between European and North American patients. The study provides new insights into the complex biology of borreliosis and potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers have identified a manganese protein essential for Lyme disease bacteria to become virulent. The study found that manganese is crucial for the bacterium's growth and survival, raising questions about its role in pathogenicity.
Researchers at NIST and Brookhaven National Laboratory have defined the structure of a metabolic switch found inside most types of bacteria, revealing how a key protein regulates genes involved in bacterial survival. The discovery could lead to new methods for preventing tuberculosis and other pathogenic diseases.
A team of scientists found that a single gene is enough for bacteria to switch from one host animal to another. The study, published in Nature, reveals the genetic pressure point that could be manipulated to thwart germs that make us sick.
Researchers have discovered a compound that targets four crucial metabolic pathways of the tuberculosis bacterium, weakening and destroying it. This approach could lead to the development of safer, single-drug treatments that eliminate the need for lengthy medication regimens.
Researchers at UBC discovered a mimic of nature's antibiotic that can protect surfaces from bacteria and fungi, potentially reducing medical problems like degeneration or rejection of implants. The synthetic peptides are active when attached to surfaces, killing harmful bacteria and fungus.
Craft goat's cheese contains most bacteria from lactic acid, which may have technological and functional properties. These bacteria could be beneficial for health due to their antimicrobial compounds.
Research by Arizona State University scientists reveals that APEC can be transmitted from poultry to humans through shared genetic material, highlighting the need for a vaccine to prevent infections. The study identified key genes responsible for disease-causing effects and suggests these could be used to develop vaccine candidates.
A new University of Delaware research study is exploring the emergence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a leading cause of seafood-borne illness worldwide. The study aims to determine the pathogen's virulence genes and develop an agent to treat contaminated oysters.
Researchers identify bacteria responsible for yellow band disease, a bacterial infection that sickens coral colonies and kills photosynthetic symbionts. Warmer temperatures exacerbate the disease's virulence, posing a grim prognosis for corals and their spread.
Researchers have visualized the molecular structure of the LtaS enzyme, a key player in MRSA's growth and spread. The team hopes to develop a new antibiotic targeting this enzyme to combat the superbug.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed two new vaccine strains using Salmonella typhimurium as an antigen delivery system. These recombinant attenuated Salmonella vaccines (RASVs) trigger a powerful systemic immune response, offering a promising solution to infant bacterial pneumonia. The safety and efficacy of these no...
Researchers identified the structure of a key component facilitating the exchange of antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria. This discovery sheds light on how type IV secretion systems, which also transport toxins, contribute to disease-causing properties and public health concerns.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered a DNA variation in the NLRP3 gene that increases susceptibility to developing Crohn's disease. The study reveals how a faulty bacterial sensor disrupts the digestive immune system's defense against harmful bacteria, leading to chronic inflammation and disease.