Research on disease-causing bacteria and how they spread. Covers waterborne bacteria, Lyme disease ecology, pathogenic genetics, and biofilm treatments.
Anthony Azenabor's research reveals that Chlamydia bacteria can manipulate macrophage cell walls, causing atherosclerosis and disrupting hormone production in the placenta. This discovery could lead to new treatments for both heart disease and infertility by blocking cholesterol signaling.
Researchers at Princeton University have discovered a chemical mechanism used by cholera bacteria to communicate with each other, which can be disrupted to potentially halt the disease's progress.
A new laser technique uses femtosecond pulses to selectively destroy viruses and bacteria, including those causing AIDS and hospital infections. The treatment is non-toxic to human cells, offering a promising solution for disinfection and disease treatment.
Researchers developed a magnetic separation technique that can sort beads hundreds of times smaller than the period at the end of a sentence. This method, called magnetophoresis, uses a rotating magnetic field and microchip to separate tiny magnetic beads based on size within minutes.
Researchers at Purdue and Duke universities developed a technique using a magnetic field to selectively separate tiny magnetic particles, representing a highly sensitive method for diagnosing diseases. The new system can diagnose multiple pathogens in a single sample with high accuracy.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem discover a new communication factor that enables bacterial communities to 'talk to each other' and die under stressful conditions. This discovery could lead to the development of a new class of antibiotics targeting Escherichia coli and other pathogenic bacteria.
Common uterine infections can damage ovaries and affect fertility in cows, similar to the impact on humans with sexually transmitted infections like Chlamydia. Researchers found that bacteria can leave toxins in egg-containing follicles, suppressing oestrogen production and preventing ovulation.
Researchers have discovered that French clay can kill several types of bacteria, including MRSA and Mycobacterium ulcerans, which causes the flesh-eating disease Buruli ulcer. The study, led by Lynda Williams at Arizona State University, used laboratory tests to confirm the antibacterial properties of the clay.
Researchers at Yale University discovered that Legionella proteins work together to survive by hijacking cellular compartments. The bacteria manipulate macrophages to transport them to nutrient-rich organelles, where they replicate in high numbers.
Researchers found that red wines, particularly Cabernet, Zinfandel, and Merlot, have anti-microbial properties that defend against food-borne pathogens. The study also showed that grape juice produces similar results, with reseveratrol being a key phytochemical responsible for the findings.
A deficiency of the T-bet protein in dendritic cells has been linked to ulcerative colitis in mice, which can be passed from mother to offspring and between adult animals. This study provides a novel model for the disease, with potential implications for testing new therapies and preventive measures.
Researchers found that Mycobacterium indicus pranii (MIP) is the earliest ancestor of generalist mycobacterial pathogens, including Crohn's disease pathogen M. avium paratuberculosis (MAP). The study suggests that MIP and MAP descended from a common ancestor and infected marine organisms before arriving on soil through bird-droppings.
A new study by Oregon State University microbiologists found that one type of bacteria has mutants that shut down communication systems to avoid sharing nutrients. This allows the lazy bacteria to grow faster and outcompete others, but also reveals a paradox in microbiology and potential strategies for combating bacterial infections.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a nanoparticle vaccine that delivers vaccines more effectively with fewer side effects, at a fraction of the cost. The technology targets dendritic cells to trigger a strong immune response, and has potential applications for diseases like hepatitis and malaria.
Researchers will develop a faster, more sensitive biosensor to detect bacterial infections in human clinical fluid samples. The goal is to enable point-of-care diagnostics and aid antibiotic treatment selection within two hours.
Researchers have found that bacteria living in red poultry mites could be targeted to prevent Salmonella and other pathogen spread in chickens. The discovery offers a potential new approach to combat the devastating impact of these blood-sucking pests on poultry and human health.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a new method to eliminate viruses from blood using low-power lasers. The technique selectively targets and destroys viruses while preserving normal human cells.
Scientists developed a microchip that can identify 56 virulence genes in E. coli bacteria and 54 antimicrobial resistance genes in gram-negative bacteria, speeding up diagnosis and treatment of infections. The chip will enable large-scale monitoring of bacterial pathogens and search for important genes in other pathogens.
Bacteria and nematode worms work together to kill insects using insecticidal toxins. The toxins, found in Photorhabdus luminescens, are also found in human pathogens Yersinia pestis and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis.
A 2-year survey in Ireland aims to determine how the bacteria enters the food chain. Scientists analyzed 1,800 pig tissue samples and found non-disease causing Yersinia enterocolitica in 12 samples and disease-causing genes in 15 samples.
Researchers found that SWCNTs can kill bacteria like E. coli by severely damaging their cell walls, and this effect is only seen when there is direct contact between the nanotubes and the bacteria.
A recent study discovered that certain bacteria, including Brucella species responsible for the flu-like disorder Brucellosis, require sunlight to enhance their virulence. The researchers found that disabling the light-sensing molecule in these bacteria led to a significant drop in their ability to cause disease.
Researchers discovered that bacteria can sense light using a protein structure called an LOV domain, which is also present in plants. This finding suggests that light may play a crucial role in bacterial life, allowing them to regulate their virulence and potentially leading to new therapeutic targets.
Scientists are studying Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria grown in space to understand how it adapts and potentially poses a threat to long-duration space travelers. The bacteria were brought back from orbit frozen in 'zero-g mode' for analysis, providing valuable insights into its behavior in microgravity.
Researchers have created synthetic antibiotics called Teflon AMPs that are more resistant to bacterial defenses than their natural counterparts. These compounds mimic the immune system's early line of defense and show promise in battling a range of infections, including those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Cornell researchers demonstrate a new way to make nanoresonators vibrate 'in the plane' – side to side. This technique shakes off extraneous materials, allowing only tightly bound pathogens to be detected. The ability to excite in-plane motion also has applications in making nanoscale gyroscopes and nano optics.
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University found that blocking receptors responding to bacterial infections can nearly halve preterm deaths in mice. A synthetic TLR4 antagonist appears safe for mice mothers and pups.
A recent study by Stanford scientists found that sand at beaches along the California coast contains fecal indicator bacteria, contradicting the common belief that they occur naturally. The researchers detected human-specific genetic markers in enterococci bacteria at a popular beach in Monterey, Calif.
A recent study published in The ISME Journal reveals that a specific group of E. coli bacteria is associated with chronic intestinal inflammation in patients with Crohn's disease. Researchers found an increased level of invasive E. coli bacteria in inflamed areas of the small intestine, suggesting a potential causal link to the disease.
Research by Dr James Chin and colleagues reveals that antibiotics not only kill bad bacteria but also maintain a pool of resistant genes within microbial communities. This means that subsequent therapy with another antibiotic may be ineffective due to increased resistance.
Researchers describe a single bacterial protein, AvrPtoB, that can overcome plant defenses and evade immune response. The study suggests that the evolution of this protein is an example of the 'arms race' between pathogens and plants.
A new grant will enable researchers to test a diagnostic technique that determines the environmental source of Buruli ulcer. The disease, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, can lead to severe infections and is difficult to cure without removing infected tissue.
A viral infection in 1990 reprogrammed the genetic machinery of a strep bacteria strain, creating a deadly form of
Researchers at Hauptman-Woodward Institute have solved the structure of a novel protein in Pseudomonas, a bacterium that causes cystic fibrosis and tuberculosis. The discovery may lead to the development of new antibiotics to prevent infection in patients with CF and TB.
The study found that vaginal bacterial communities differ greatly among women, with at least eight distinct types, each unique to a specific racial group. Understanding these differences is crucial for developing effective treatments and preventing infections, including those caused by HIV.
Research by UCF Professor Keith Ireton and colleagues reveals Listeria protein InlB induces internalization of human receptor Met, implicated in some cancers. Understanding this mechanism may lead to drug development targeting Met-related cancers.
A team of researchers from Oregon State University has discovered a unique genetic material acquired through evolution that allows Mycobacterium avium to infect human tissue cells. This 'island' of genetic material enables the bacterium to evade the body's immune response, compromising immunity in patients with lung infections and AIDS.
A study of postmenopausal women has found that infection with four known gum-disease-causing bacteria is associated with more severe oral bone loss. The two most prevalent pathogens were P. gingivalis and T. forsythensis, found in 15.1% and 37.9% of the participants.
Researchers found S. aureus bacteria can remain dormant for up to two weeks within human lung cells, evading detection and antibiotics. The bacteria's gene expression profile changes to limit cellular damage and resume metabolic functions.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have discovered a crucial link between epithelial cells and immune system function at mucosal surfaces. The study found that epithelial cells produce a key antigen called IgA2 to keep bacteria in check, and that this process is critical for preventing infections such as HIV and rotavirus.
Leonard Nunney's research team will develop a nationwide map of different subspecies of Xylella and an effective monitoring system to catch foreign forms. They aim to understand the genetic basis of host specificity, crucial for preventing further damage to California's grape, peach, and almond industries.
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund has awarded $8 million to 16 researchers investigating infectious diseases, including HIV, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Plasmodium falciparum. The awards aim to support multidisciplinary approaches to understanding the interaction between humans and pathogens.
Researchers found that C. difficile expresses its pathogenicity during periods of nutrient deprivation, potentially leading to a new treatment approach. A five-gene region, known as the tcd locus, plays a crucial role in toxin production and cell membrane disruption.
Yersinia pathogen uses effector protein YpkA to target Gaq, a messenger protein that transmits alarm signals into the host cell. This study identifies a novel molecular target for preventing disease and fighting antibiotic-resistant strains.
Research suggests that food can be an important avenue for antibiotic-resistant bacterial evolution and dissemination through horizontal gene transfer with commensal bacteria. Many food samples tested contained antibiotic-resistance gene-carrying bacteria, highlighting the prevalence of these microbes in the retail food supply.
Researchers have developed a computer program called Insignia to identify viruses and bacteria based on their unique DNA signatures. The program uses efficient algorithms to compare known genomes against background genomes, resulting in high accuracy detection of pathogens.
Biologists used simple equations to describe the motion of Listeria monocytogenes, reproducing all observed shapes with just two variables. The equations can help identify bacterial mutants and rule out mechanisms driving the motion.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered how antibiotic linezolid inhibits bacterial growth. By binding to ribosomes, linezolid kills bacteria and disrupts protein synthesis. The study provides new insights into the mechanism of action and potential improvements for the drug.
Researchers found that Photorhabdus produces a special phenoloxidase inhibitor to protect itself against an enzyme used by insects' immune systems. This discovery provides conclusive evidence for a gene-for-gene interaction between the bacterium and the insect, shedding light on insect immune systems.
A new study by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School found high levels of bacteria and pathogens in water and sediment samples from New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, emphasizing the importance of rapid environmental assessments. The study suggests that sediments can pose a risk to public health d...
The Wellcome Trust and GSK will collaborate on a new class of antibacterials to combat rising drug resistance in Gram-negative bacteria, which cause pneumonia and septic shock. The partnership aims to accelerate development of compounds for treating these resistant infections.
A newly discovered bacterial enzyme may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of lung injury in cystic fibrosis patients. The study suggests that targeting this enzyme could be a viable near-term approach to improving the length and quality of life for many CF patients.
The research group has successfully isolated and characterized enterocin AS-48, a protein substance with antimicrobial activity produced by Enterococcus faecalis S-48. The findings suggest that AS-48 could have medium-term use as a food biopreservative, providing a potential innovative solution for food preservation.
Researchers have discovered that bacteria can enter immune system cells through a pore in the cell membrane, triggering an immune response without activating Toll-like receptors. This finding offers new perspectives for developing human vaccines and drugs that target inflammatory responses in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have decoded the genome of Streptococcus sanguinis, a bacteria normally present in healthy human mouths that can cause deadly heart infections. The findings provide unique insight into its complex life cycle, metabolism, and ability to invade host tissues.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have identified a peptide that can fight infection by boosting the body's own immunity, reducing bacteria counts and mortality in animal models. The innate defense regulator peptide (IDR-1) may be useful as a supplement to antibiotics in combating common hospital infections.
Research at University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine found that bacteria from dental plaque can cause ventilator-associated pneumonia. The study identified a strong relationship between oral and respiratory pathogens, suggesting that proper dental care may prevent lung disease.
A new nasal spray treatment using a virus enzyme shows promise in preventing acute otitis media and secondary pneumonia in mice infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae. The treatment uses lysine to eliminate bacteria from the ear, reducing the risk of middle ear infection.
New research from Rockefeller University and St. Jude Children’s Hospital shows that a viral protein-derived lysin can prevent middle ear infections in mice by killing the bacteria that cause them. The treatment was 100% effective against secondary infections, which contribute to much of the sickness and death rates during flu season.
A new device called the BioSampler detects airborne pathogens more accurately than traditional methods, even in low concentrations. The BioSampler causes less damage to microorganisms, allowing for a more accurate assessment of their viability and potential threat to human health.