Research on disease-causing bacteria and how they spread. Covers waterborne bacteria, Lyme disease ecology, pathogenic genetics, and biofilm treatments.
Targeting an RNA sequence in pathogenic bacteria could make them more sensitive to antibiotics, offering a new avenue for treating drug-resistant bacteria. The study found that eliminating this regulatory RNA sequence had an impact on urinary tract infections related to E. coli.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences identifies Neuraminidase 3 (Neu3) as a key enzyme responsible for colitis, a chronic digestive disease. Inhibiting Neu3 with Relenza breaks the chain of inflammation, and augmenting intestinal alkaline phosphatase appears to be equally beneficial.
A new light-producing bacterial reporter is being used to quantify plant resistance levels through imaging, allowing for the simultaneous analysis of over 30 Arabidopsis mutants. This novel method shows a high correlation with conventional culture-based techniques, demonstrating its robustness and potential applications.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed a food generator concept that turns plastic waste and inedible biomass into edible protein. The project, which won the 2021 Future Insight Prize, uses microbes to break down plastics and non-edible plant biomass into safe and nutritious food.
A new study found that silver-impregnated PVC foil significantly reduces levels of contamination on high-touch surfaces in hospitals. Clinically important bacteria, including Enterococci, were less likely to be present on foil-covered surfaces.
Newborns are more susceptible to GBS meningitis due to immature gut microbiota and epithelial barriers. This study highlights the critical role of microbiota in protecting against infection, demonstrating its importance in newborn health.
Researchers developed a biomaterial-based infection vaccine (ciVAX) approach to combat infectious diseases. ciVAX vaccines combine two technologies that capture immunogenic antigens from pathogens and reprogram the immune system, offering potential solutions for sepsis prophylaxis, pandemic threats, and biothreats.
Researchers found that the presence of beneficial bacteria in plant roots promotes growth under low light conditions, but reduces defense against leaf pathogens. The study suggests a complex interplay between plant growth and defense responses mediated by root microbiota.
A study by ITQB NOVA researchers found that asymptomatic adults in Portugal can carry pneumococci for several months, with a median duration of almost two months. This suggests that some adults may act as reservoirs of the bacterium, potentially impacting herd immunity.
Researchers at the University of Freiburg have identified a novel flavoprotein dioxygenase crucial for bacterial tropone biosynthesis. The enzyme activates oxygen in a previously unknown way and incorporates it into a chemical precursor compound, generating the basic structure of tropone.
Researchers identified a core set of 24 genes that activate in response to bacterial colonization, acting as volume control for plant responses and predicting the extent of colonization
Researchers have designed a miniaturized device using microplasma technology to treat middle ear infections. The treatment is effective in inactivating bacteria and may offer an alternative to antibiotics, which are often ineffective or lead to antibiotic resistance.
Researchers developed smart wound dressings with fluorescent sensors that glow under UV light to alert patients of potential infections. The magnesium hydroxide nanosheets are non-toxic, scaleable, and up to 20 times cheaper than silver-based dressings.
Research from Anglia Ruskin University found that common artificial sweeteners like saccharin and sucralose can make previously healthy gut bacteria pathogenic. The study discovered that these pathogenic bacteria can invade intestinal cells and cause damage.
A recent study found that genes involved in bacterial signaling play a crucial role in the virulence of Psa3, a highly aggressive biovar of the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding the diversity of virulence strategies among closely related bacterial strains.
A low-calorie diet significantly alters the composition of the human gut microbiome, leading to changes in nutrient absorption and influencing weight control. The study found that specific bacteria, such as Clostridioides difficile, play a role in this process.
A team of Ben-Gurion University researchers has developed an artificial nose capable of detecting bacteria through volatile metabolites. The technology uses carbon nanoparticles to sense gas molecules and has the potential to identify 'good' vs. pathogenic bacteria in the microbiome, detect food spoilage, and identify poisonous gases.
A UNIGE team has identified an RNA helicase regulator in Pseudomonas aeruginosa that significantly reduces its infectious power and virulence. The absence of this protein makes the bacteria almost harmless while remaining alive.
A study published in Cell revealed that activated Bifidobacterium infantis EVC001 programs immune cells to control inflammation and autoimmune disease risk. Breastfed infants fed this strain experienced reduced systemic inflammation and improved immune system development.
Neutrophils use an internal start-stop system to balance search and destroy phases for efficient pathogen elimination. This system helps prevent excessive inflammation and tissue damage. The study provides new insights into neutrophil biology, essential for immune host defense against bacteria.
Research reveals minor microbes, like fungi and environmental bacteria, play crucial roles in maintaining bee gut health. These forgotten microbes produce antibiotics, break down toxins, and metabolize nutrients, helping bees resist pathogens and climate change.
Researchers discovered that blocking bacterial H2S biogenesis strengthens antibiotics by inhibiting persister formation and biofilm growth, offering a novel alternative to traditional antibiotic discovery. The study suggests using small molecule potentiators to enhance the effect of major classes of clinically important antibiotics.
Researchers have identified a promising strategy for combating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections by targeting the production of hydrogen sulfide. The approach, which inhibits the enzyme cystathionine gamma-lyase, enhances the deadly effects of antimicrobials on drug-resistant pathogens.
Two types of coating made from new coordination polymers with silver effectively kill bacteria, including those that form biofilms. The most promising coating destroys 99.99% of bacteria, offering a breakthrough in antibiofilm applications.
Researchers at Flinders University have discovered that fish oil fatty acids can render bacteria more susceptible to antibiotics. This discovery is vital in combating the rise of superbugs with unprecedented levels of antibiotic resistance.
A novel liquid surface coating on human catheters could help reduce protein deposition that leads to urinary tract and bloodstream infections. The research explores the development of liquid-infused catheter surfaces for controlling protein deposition.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered a mechanism through which 'good' viruses can target and destroy 'bad' bacteria, using a bacteriophage protein to exploit the bacterial DNA's need for repair. This finding may lead to new tools to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
A study revealed that Staphylococcus saprophyticus can originate from food, particularly meat production, and is a major cause of urinary tract infections in young women. The bacteria's transmission occurs between persons within the community, emphasizing the importance of hygiene practices to prevent infectious diseases.
Researchers found numerous novel genes promoting microbial resistance in international travelers' gut microbiomes. The study highlights the global spread of antimicrobial resistance through travel and emphasizes the need for broader surveillance.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a vaccine that guides bacteria's evolution to make them a weaker pathogen, rather than trying to kill them. The combination vaccine was shown to be more effective in preventing Salmonella infections than existing vaccines.
A new species of bacteria, Candidatus Phytoplasma dypsidis, has been found to cause a fatal disease in palms in Queensland, Australia. The bacterium is thought to be spread by insects and poses a significant threat to Australia's ornamental palm industry.
Francisella tularensis can persist in a dormant state for over six months in cold water without nutrients, remaining fully virulent. This discovery changes the understanding of the bacterium's ecology, suggesting it spends most of its time outside a host and amplifies disease events in mammals.
According to NIH scientists, Salmonella bacteria establish a foothold in the GI tract by hijacking intestinal epithelial cell response, driving colonization and fecal shedding. This process fuels the bacteria's ability to invade neighboring cells and seed the intestine for transmission.
Researchers found that horned passalus beetles, known as bessbugs, have frass teeming with antibiotic and antifungal compounds produced by actinomycetes beneficial bacteria. This discovery could help speed the search for new antibiotics and improve strategies to prevent antibiotic-resistant infections.
A new gene cluster in Staphylococcus epidermidis enables the bacteria to produce structures that allow them to attach to human cells and form a persistent infection. This discovery could lead to better treatments or vaccinations against methicillin-resistant S. aureus.
Research finds that a balance between immune-suppressive and non-suppressive bacterial strains in the plant microbiota is crucial for maintaining microbe-plant homeostasis. This balance allows plants to promote growth while preventing excessive defense, reducing disease susceptibility.
A study by UT Southwestern researchers reveals that a protein called gasdermin B (GSDMB) is killed by the infectious bacteria Shigella flexneri, which tags GSDMB with a chemical tag for destruction. This discovery could lead to new antibiotics and treatments for inflammatory diseases such as asthma and Type 1 diabetes.
An international research team has discovered a new molecule, ananatosides, produced by non-pathogenic bacteria Pantoea ananatis, which could potentially replace harmful rhamnolipid molecules. The team's findings aim to address the health risks associated with growing pathogenic bacteria on a large scale.
Researchers developed a new basis for comparing tuberculosis treatments using an rRNA synthesis ratio, enabling more intelligent drug design and acceleration of treatments. This tool has crucial implications for combatting the global TB epidemic by providing a durable cure.
Researchers at Monash University have engineered a new antimicrobial surface that significantly reduces bacterial attachment and biofilm formation on medical instruments, including urinary catheters. The surface, with smooth 3D micro features, effectively combats the three most common UTI-causing bacteria.
Researchers develop therapeutic strategy to disrupt sticky biofilm that causes early childhood caries, a severe form of dental decay. The treatment targets the bonds between bacteria and yeast, reducing biofilm volume and making it easier to remove.
A new laboratory method called TaqMan Array Card (TAC) has been validated for detecting a diverse range of bacteria that cause diarrheal disease. The TAC is faster and cheaper than traditional methods while delivering comparable results, enabling comprehensive monitoring of enteropathogens in informal settlements.
A Virginia Tech research team has identified a protein called NapA associated with peptidoglycan, a lingering cell wall component of the Lyme disease-causing bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The protein plays an amplifying role in causing inflammation by acting as a molecular beacon that antagonizes the immune system.
Researchers at UMD are exploring antimicrobials that can inhibit the pathogen on a biomolecular level, reducing the burden of Lyme disease and its symptoms like PTLDS. The grant will support preclinical testing to see whether treatment with new compounds can prevent infection.
A study published in Nature reveals that early life is critical for setting up surveillance mechanisms to keep good bacteria in check. The immune system learns to recognize and distinguish between good and bad bacteria, which helps prevent chronic inflammation and inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers found that Salmonella bacteria cannot penetrate through strawberry roots and reach the fruit, making it an unlikely dietary risk factor. Effective methods for preventing surface contamination, such as drip irrigation and proper handling during harvesting, can further reduce the risk of contamination.
A new study found that organic-certified meats are 56 percent less likely to be contaminated with multidrug-resistant bacteria compared to conventionally produced meat. The research analyzed data from the US National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System and covered over 39,000 meat samples.
Scientists at the University of Surrey detail how they measure metabolite fluxes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, crucial for understanding its survival and developing effective treatments. This breakthrough could accelerate progress towards eliminating tuberculosis globally.
Researchers tracked antibiotic resistance in E. coli over 16 years, finding rapid increase in multi-drug resistant strains. The study highlights the importance of tracking resistant bacteria to prevent their spread and improve treatment options.
Researchers developed molecular tweezers to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria by targeting biofilm. The study found that binding the tweezers to the biofilm disrupts its protective capabilities, making bacterial pathogens less virulent to the human body.
A study by researchers in Berlin and Milan found that floods can increase bacteria concentrations in groundwater due to reduced purification capacity of bank filtration. The research highlights the importance of considering seasonal dynamics and sediment properties in risk assessment practices.
Research suggests that an imbalance in gut microbiota, or dysbiosis, may play a significant role in the progression of Hidradenitis Suppurativa. The study found reduced abundance of certain bacteria in HS patients, leading to an inflammatory response.
A recent study uses phylogenetic methods to integrate vertical and horizontal gene transmission, revealing that genes travel vertically two-thirds of the time. This analysis predicts a root between two major clades, Terrabacteria and Gracilicutes, shedding light on early bacterial evolution.
Researchers found a link between specific gut bacteria species and physical manifestations of neurodegenerative diseases. The study showed that introducing certain bacteria into worms caused protein aggregation, a common symptom of these conditions. This finding may help explain the connection between gut bacteria and neurodegeneration.
Damage to the epithelial barrier is responsible for a wide range of chronic diseases, including allergies, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions. Research suggests that environmental toxins and pollutants play a significant role in causing these disruptions, emphasizing the need for prevention and intervention strategies.
Researchers found selective patterns of antibody reactivity to microbiota flagellins among Crohn's disease patients, with augmented serum IgG antibodies to Lachnospiraceae flagellins. These findings suggest a potential target for prognosis and personalized therapies in Crohn's disease.
Researchers developed a genetic material-based catalogue to predict antibiotic resistance in MDR-TB, enabling accelerated treatment development. The study found that 99% of predicted drug combinations were effective in traditional microbiological testing.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered a mechanism allowing meningitis-causing bacteria to evade the immune system by sensing temperature changes. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae produce safeguards in response to rising temperatures, boosting their defenses against immune attacks.
A new strain of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG has been successfully developed to thrive in milk, offering potential benefits for infant gut health. The modified probiotic can utilize lactose and casein, producing lactic acid that inhibits gram-negative pathogenic bacteria.
A new study published in PLOS Pathogens found that mice fed a Western-style diet high in processed foods and low in fiber developed persistent infections that led to inflammation and insulin resistance. The researchers suggest that altering gut microbiota through diet may be a means of promoting health.