Researchers found that the scale of interaction and dispersal is crucial to maintaining biodiversity in bacterial communities. Localizing these interactions helps preserve genetic diversity, allowing weaker competitors to persist over time.
A UGA research team has identified a common bacterium as the cause of white pox disease, killing over 98% of elkhorn coral on some reefs near Key West. The disease is highly contagious and spreads rapidly between reefs, highlighting the impact of environmental changes on marine ecosystems.
A multi centre collaborative study found a two-thirds reduction in group C meningococci carriage after UK-wide vaccination. The programme protected both vaccinated and unvaccinated populations, providing valuable insights for future comprehensive vaccines.
Researchers discovered that ramoplanin effectively targets bacteria's ability to build cell walls, dodging common mechanisms of mutational resistance. This finding could lead to the development of new classes of antibiotics for treating drug-resistant infections.
A new genetic adaptation allowed Yersinia pestis to be transmitted through the bite of an insect, a discovery that sheds light on the evolution of the plague bacterium. The enzyme PLD plays a critical role in the survival of Y. pestis in the midgut of fleas.
Researchers at Princeton University have identified a key signaling molecule, AI2, that allows certain bacteria to perform functions only when part of a sufficiently dense population. The molecule contains boron and has significant implications for the development of new antibiotics.
Researchers found that bacteria in desert soil migrate towards water, not just light, and return to subsurface after drying out. This discovery has significant implications for understanding underground microbial ecology and potentially locating life on Mars.
A team of scientists discovered a stable strain of bacteria living in a specific type of sea sponge, found along the Great Barrier Reef near Australia. The presence of this bacterium is linked to the health of the sponge and has potential as a model for finding new medicinal compounds.
Research reveals complex molecular changes in Lyme bacteria during tick feeding, leading to variable surface protein expressions. This complexity makes it challenging to develop effective vaccines, but understanding the biology of transmission may lead to better vaccine candidates.
A team of scientists has established a formula to predict population dynamics for species more complex than single-celled organisms. Their research uses long-duration experiments and demonstrates that simple mathematical models can govern predator-prey interactions.
Physician and nurse education may not be sufficient to reduce antibiotic overuse; restriction and concurrent review shown to lead to sustained improvement.
Researchers have found evidence of bacterial life in the Antarctic ice core, suggesting that microbes can thrive in extreme environments. The discovery provides insight into potential extraterrestrial habitats and could aid in designing samplers for future missions to Europa.
A study by Pat Rusin and her colleagues at the University of Arizona found that toilet seats were consistently cleaner than kitchen surfaces, including sinks, tap handles, and chopping boards. The researchers believe this is due to the dry environment of toilet seats, which are less conducive to bacterial growth.
A recent study conducted among Native Americans has found that periodontal disease significantly increases the risk of developing heart disease in the future. The research revealed a powerful association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, with diabetes being the only factor showing a stronger association.
Dr. Ron Siebeling is researching ways to eliminate salmonella among pet turtle populations, which could lead to their revival in the US market. His work may also help scientists develop new methods for dealing with other bacterial infections that harm poultry and livestock.