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The stomach bug that may raise your risk of Alzheimer’s disease

A study by McGill University researchers found that people with symptomatic H. pylori infection have an 11% higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest a potential role for the bacterium in the development of the disease, opening avenues for future research and possible prevention strategies.

SourceMcGill University·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateDec 22, 2023

Fresh Research for Fresh Air: Harnessing microbes for removing indoor pollutants

Researchers in Chile developed a prototype using microorganisms to remove VOCs and PAHs from indoor air, achieving efficiencies above 90%. The system can operate for 8 months without losing efficiency. This breakthrough offers a potentially low-cost solution to improve indoor air quality.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·DateDec 19, 2023
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Geographic genomic variation in peptic ulcer disease

A large-scale genome study of over 50,000 patients and 900,000 controls has identified 25 genetic markers associated with peptic ulcers, which may lead to new population-specific treatments. The study also found a link between Helicobacter pylori and peptic ulcer disease.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Genetics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 7, 2023

Armed to the hilt: Study solves mystery behind bacteria’s extensive weaponry

Researchers discovered that short- and long-range weapons perform differently depending on the competition scenario, with long-range toxins becoming effective at high density and low initial numbers of competing bacteria. This study could help engineer beneficial microorganisms to out-compete pathogenic strains.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 30, 2023

What smoking does to oral bacteria

A study conducted by Eurac Research Institute found that cigarette use alters the oral microbiome, leading to an increased risk of periodontitis and cardiovascular disease. Quitting smoking results in a gradual increase in aerobic bacteria, which can lead to improved blood pressure regulation.

SourceEurac Research·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 29, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Revolutionizing cancer treatment through programmable bacteria

A team of researchers from Texas A&M University is developing a low-cost, safe, and controlled cancer treatment using programmable bacteria. The $20 million project aims to create an efficient bacterial therapeutic that can target cancer cells with high precision, reducing side effects and costs.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateNov 27, 2023

Significant "post-COVID" resurgence in invasive meningococcal disease

A significant post-COVID resurgence in invasive meningococcal disease has been observed in France, with a notable increase in cases among young people aged 16-24. The study reveals that the disease has returned to pre-pandemic levels, with some serogroups targeting different age groups.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalJournal of Infection and Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2023

More than meows: How bacteria help cats communicate

A new study by University of California, Davis researchers reveals that domestic cats use bacteria living in their anal glands to produce unique scents that convey important information. These volatile organic compounds are essential for cat behavior, social lives, and territorial marking.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023

Bacteria can enhance host insect’s fertility with implications for disease control

Researchers found that Wolbachia pientis infection restores fruit fly fertility, enabling them to produce more offspring than uninfected flies. This discovery has significant implications for controlling insect populations and range, potentially increasing mosquito populations that do not carry human diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Potential spoilage microbe found in microfiltered milk

A new filtration process can result in a pasteurization-resistant microbacterium passing into fluid milk if equipment isn't properly cleaned. Microfiltration extends shelf-life by removing bacteria via the removal of bacteria via the microfiltration process.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateSep 19, 2023

Syphilis transmission networks and antimicrobial resistance in England uncovered using genomics

Researchers use genomic surveillance to identify distinct sexual networks for syphilis transmission in England, highlighting the presence of drug resistance. The study reveals information beyond standard epidemiological surveillance data, aiding public health strategies to break transmission chains.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2023
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

How Salmonella grow together in the gut and exchange antibiotic resistance

Researchers at ETH Zurich found that Salmonella bacteria can thrive together in the gut and share information about antibiotic survival mechanisms through a metabolic strategy. This exchange of critical information enables the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes, highlighting the impact of dietary components on promoting this phenomenon.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 21, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

How studying poop may help us boost white rhino populations

A recent study found significant differences in the gut microbiome of female southern white rhinos that reproduced successfully versus those that did not. The researchers identified a particular genus of microbes that may be limiting reproductive success in captive breeding programs.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAnimal Microbiome·TypeObservational study·DateJun 5, 2023

What you count is not necessarily what counts

A new study reveals faster growth rates of SAR11 bacteria than previously believed, with some groups dividing up to ten times faster. The research also shows that the timing of bacterial proliferation can influence their abundance and survival, challenging previous assumptions about marine microbial life.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalmSystems·DateMay 22, 2023

Perfect ‘pathogen’ storm: Vibrio bacteria, Sargassum and plastic marine debris

Researchers discovered Vibrio pathogens can stick to microplastics, adapting to plastic, and have aggressive behavior, forming biofilms and causing infections. The study highlights the risks of Sargassum-plastic marine debris interactions, with potential for opportunistic pathogens and disease transmission.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalWater Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Scientists create the first CRISPR-based drug candidate targeting the microbiome

Researchers have engineered a new CRISPR-based drug candidate targeting E. coli directly while preserving the microbiome. The innovative treatment has shown promise in reducing E. coli burden in mice and is now in phase 1 clinical trials to treat blood cancer patients and prevent deadly infections.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 9, 2023

NSU research into bacteria may lead to new ways of treating infections, improving human health

Researchers at Nova Southeastern University have made breakthroughs in understanding the complex relationship between beneficial and harmful bacteria. By studying how these bacteria communicate and work together, they hope to develop new treatments for infections, such as those caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

SourceNova Southeastern University·JournaleLife·DateMay 8, 2023

UCF scientist uncovers roots of antibiotic resistance

Researchers identify OmpU protein variants associated with antimicrobial resistance in Vibrio cholerae bacteria. Understanding the evolutionary origins of AMR can inform the development of effective therapeutics against resistant infections.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateMay 5, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Diatoms provide an attractive habitat for bacteria

A new study reveals that different species of bacteria colonize specific areas on diatoms, reflecting their metabolic properties. The findings provide insight into the complex interactions between algae and bacteria in marine environments.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalJournal of Phycology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 20, 2023

Your baby’s gut is crawling with unknown viruses

Researchers found an exceptional number of unknown viruses in the faeces of 647 healthy Danish one-year-olds, representing more than 200 families of yet to be described viruses. These viral species likely have a major impact on whether children develop various diseases later on in life.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Microbiology·DateApr 11, 2023

New research shows that bacteria get “hangry," too

Researchers discovered genetically identical bacterial cells have different functions, with some producing toxins. Nutrient-rich conditions reduce toxin levels and bad actor cells. This finding could lead to alternative antibiotic treatments for animals and humans.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Microbiology·DateApr 3, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Using bacteria to target cancer treatment

Scientists have engineered a unique strain of probiotic bacteria to over-express a metal transporter that binds and concentrates copper, facilitating the delivery of radionuclide therapy to cancer cells. This approach targets tumors without relying on specific receptors, making it potentially effective against treatment-resistant cancers.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

Fast and low-cost computational method can monitor spread of antibiotic resistance over time

A new computational technique analyzes bacterial genetic sequences to monitor the spread of antibiotic resistance over time. The study found that resistance genes most likely to spread are those on conjugative plasmids and targeting specific antibiotics, with many coming from a single source.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalAntibiotics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 27, 2023

Ending tuberculosis: European region set to miss the SDG target for 2030

The European Union and European Economic Area will likely fall short of the Sustainable Development Goals target for eliminating tuberculosis by 2030. To meet the goal, an annual decline of 11.7% is needed in TB incidence, whereas the current decline rate of 6.8% is insufficient.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 23, 2023
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

In the end, it’s the individual advantage that counts

Researchers found that bacteria's cooperative behavior helps in the short term but fails to protect them from predators. However, individual defense through filament formation proves successful and stabilizes bacterial population densities.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalThe ISME Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2023

Harmful bacteria can elude predators when in mixed colonies

A study by Dartmouth College researchers found that bacteria can form protective clusters with rival species, making it harder to kill harmful bacteria. This discovery highlights the importance of studying multispecies biofilm structures and may impact the development of bacteriophages and predatory bacteria as antimicrobial alternatives.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Sequential antibiotic therapy in the laboratory and in patients

Laboratory experiments show rapid antibiotic switches can prevent resistance, with collateral-sensitive drug pairs suitable for therapy. However, environmental conditions in patients differ from labs, and natural degradation affects treatment.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 18, 2023

Legionella bononiensis: a new Legionella species has been identified

A new Legionella species, Legionella bononiensis, has been identified in a hotel facility in northern Italy. The discovery was made by researchers from the University of Bologna using genetic sequencing and mass spectroscopy techniques.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateJan 10, 2023

Scientists discover a new way of sharing genetic information in a common ocean microbe

Researchers found a novel gene-transfer mechanism in Prochlorococcus that enables the transmission of entire blocks of genes between organisms, even when widely separated. This mechanism, dubbed 'tycheposons,' involves sequences of DNA that can include several genes and are transported by membrane vesicles or hijacked virus particles.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateJan 9, 2023
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Beyond the average cell

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis and Purdue University used single-cell data to develop a new framework for understanding the relationship between cell growth, DNA replication, and division in bacteria. They found that individual cells can exquisitely coordinate these processes, despite the 'noisiness' of each process.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 9, 2023

Some guts are better than others at harvesting energy

Research found that approximately 40% of Danish population has gut microbes that extract more energy from food, leading to a higher risk of obesity. This composition of gut microbes is also associated with faster digestion and greater nutrient extraction.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalMicrobiome·DateDec 25, 2022

PolyU researchers compile world’s first “atlas” of airborne microbes that provides an important new perspective for public health research

Researchers compiled a comprehensive map of the world's airborne microbes, providing fresh insights into how these species interact with the surface environment. The atlas reveals that human activities have changed the structure of microbiomes in natural ambient air, particularly with higher abundance of pathogenic bacteria in urban air.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022

Feeding apple waste to chickens may boost their health

Researchers at Cornell University found that injecting apple juice, pulp, and pomace into chicken eggs improves the animal's intestinal health and boosts microbial populations. This innovative approach could reduce the use of added dietary chemicals and improve nutrition in broiler feed.

SourceCornell University·JournalNutrients·DateDec 13, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Tracking the global spread of antimicrobial resistance

A global study reveals that antimicrobial resistance genes in bacteria are driven by various factors, including geographic regions and hosts. The research identifies key genes conferring resistance to critically important drugs, shedding light on the mechanisms of transmission and the need for collaborative interventions.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 12, 2022

Who is more prone to recurrent UTIs? Bladder bacteria may be key

Researchers identified a strong association between beneficial bacteria and estrogen hormone therapy in postmenopausal women. The study found that estrogen may play a role in reducing susceptibility to recurrent UTIs by promoting the growth of good bacteria such as Lactobacilli in the bladder. Conversely, women with recurrent UTIs had ...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2022

Gut microbes disturbed by COVID-19 infection, especially with antibiotics

A Rutgers study found that COVID-19 patients, especially those treated with antibiotics, experience significant disruptions in their gut microbiome balance. This imbalance may lead to the development of targeted probiotic supplements to improve treatment outcomes.

SourceRutgers University·JournalMolecular Biomedicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 28, 2022
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

A small peptide peps up almond defense against devastating bacteria

Researchers developed a small peptide that can directly kill bacteria and trigger plant defense tactics to prevent diseases like almond leaf scorch. The treatment significantly reduces pathogen population and disease symptoms, making it a promising approach for sustainable crop protection.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytopathology·DateOct 24, 2022

Pain-sensing gut neurons protect against inflammation

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine found that gut pain-sensing neurons regulate the microbial community in the intestines, boosting beneficial microbes to protect against inflammation. The study suggests that targeting these neurons could lead to new anti-inflammatory treatments for IBD and other disorders.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalCell·DateOct 14, 2022

What drives ecosystems to instability?

Researchers have developed a phase diagram that predicts ecosystem stability based on the number of species and interaction strength. The study shows three states of ecological communities, with conditions for moving between them, allowing for the prediction of instability and fluctuations in populations. This work builds on previous f...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateOct 6, 2022
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Seeing antibiotics in action inside a pathogenic bacterium

Researchers observe atomic-level structural changes in bacterial ribosomes and their response to antibiotics, shedding light on mechanisms of action and potential off-target effects. The study provides new insights into the complex interactions between ribosomes and other cellular complexes.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature·DateSep 28, 2022

New bid to 'outflank' antimicrobial resistance

A new project will explore the defence mechanisms of bacterial cells to stop the spread of drug-resistant genes. The team, led by Professor Edze Westra, will use a range of methods to understand how bacteria defend against mobile genetic elements (MGEs) that contribute to antimicrobial resistance.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateSep 22, 2022

Gut microbes and humans on a joint evolutionary journey

Researchers found that over 60% of investigated microbial species matched their human host's evolutionary history, indicating a co-evolutionary relationship spanning ~100,000 years. This discovery fundamentally changes how the human gut microbiome is viewed and opens up new possibilities for population-specific therapies.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 16, 2022

Dozens of gut bacteria associated with multiple sclerosis

A large-scale international study has identified dozens of gut bacteria associated with multiple sclerosis, revealing potential new mechanisms for disease development and treatment response. The study also found geographical location and participant's disease status as significant factors influencing gut microbiome variations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateSep 15, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

How diet and the microbiome affect colorectal cancer

A recent study found that certain bacteria species in the gut are associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer in younger populations. The research suggests that dietary patterns high in processed meats, low-calorie drinks, and liquor may contribute to this increased risk.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJun 14, 2022

Scientists show how fast-growing bacteria can resist antibiotics

A study published in eLife has shown that fast-growing bacteria can resist antibiotics by displaying higher ribosome expression, allowing them to avoid macrolide accumulation. This finding highlights a new survival strategy for bacteria and offers potential avenues for developing improved antibiotic compounds.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateJun 7, 2022