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Bacteria never swim alone

Researchers found that algae and bacteria can form flocks at very low concentrations of individuals, enabling them to sense each other's presence and affect each other. This discovery could increase our understanding of how microorganisms infect their host animals and the evolutionary basis for flocking behavior among bacteria.

Study sheds light on new Lyme disease-causing bacteria

A new species of bacteria, Borrelia mayonii, that causes Lyme disease has a similar transmission risk as previously known bacteria. Prompt removal of ticks after a bite can help prevent its transmission, aligning with existing guidelines.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Molecular test for common causes of vaginitis receives FDA approval

A molecular diagnostic test has received FDA approval for accurately distinguishing among the three most common causes of vaginitis. The test is more sensitive, faster, and objective than traditional methods, providing detailed diagnoses that can help determine the best course of treatment.

Researchers discover new structures in bacteria, seek to determine function

A team of researchers has identified novel structures on bacteria using high magnification imaging, revealing a wealth of unknown information about well-studied species. The discovery is expected to lead to improvements in medicine, environmental science, and multiple additional fields where bacteria play a critical role.

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.

Microbes give meerkat gangs their signature scents

A study found that meerkat scent marks are made by bacteria, not the animals themselves. The types of bacteria and chemicals in the scent marks vary between individuals and groups, suggesting a role for microbes in animal communication.

Reshaping Darwin's tree of life

Researchers from Rutgers University and international collaborators introduce the SYMPHY framework, which classifies life based on symbiotic relationships. This new approach could lead to breakthroughs in environmental issues, sustainable agriculture, and human health.

Impact of protective bacteria linked to infection route, study finds

Researchers discovered that fruit flies carrying Wolbachia bacteria are better equipped to fight off other infections when infected orally rather than via injection. The study also found that male flies experience greater disease protection with Wolbachia than females, highlighting potential differences in immune response between sexes.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Enhanced test for urinary tract infections detects more bacteria than standard test

A new enhanced test, EQUC, detects significantly more bacteria in urine samples than the standard culture, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections. The study enrolled 150 urogynecologic patients and found that EQUC identified 110 species of bacteria, while the standard culture only identified 50 percent ...

Vegetables rotting? Check bacteria conversation

Researchers found that certain bacteria can trigger the virulence of plant pathogens by eavesdropping on signals from other species. This discovery could lead to new strategies for preventing crop diseases.

Stool microbes predict advanced liver disease

Researchers found that patients with advanced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) tend to have more Proteobacteria and fewer Firmicutes in their stool than those with early stage NAFLD. A stool-based test for NAFLD is being developed using microbial patterns, which could potentially diagnose the condition earlier and more easily.

'First arrival' hypothesis in Darwin's finches gets some caveats

Researchers confirm importance of first arrival for promoting species diversification in a test tube experiment with bacterial species. The study extends the 'first arrival' hypothesis with caveats, suggesting that earlier arrival allows for greater diversification if competing species are similar ecologically.

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.

Gut bacteria tell the brain what animals should eat

A study published in PLOS Biology reveals that gut bacteria control food preferences in fruit flies by inducing metabolic changes that mimic protein satiety. The research identifies two bacterial species responsible for altering appetite behavior, shedding light on the complex interaction between diet and microbes.

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 bacteria hunt other bacteria

Researchers studied how Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus tracks down prey using high-resolution video microscopy. The study found that the bacterial predator uses hydrodynamic flow fields generated by its own swimming movements and those of its prey to bring them in close proximity, increasing the chances of a successful attack.

Microbiome diversity is influenced by chance encounters

A new study found that chance encounters contribute to variations in human gut microbiome populations, which can influence health and disease outcomes. The researchers used genetically identical worms to model the gut's microbe communities, showing that initial colonization events can lead to dominant populations of bacteria.

Importance of rare microbial species is much greater than you think

A recent study reveals that rare microbial species, making up only 1% of the community, contribute significantly to ecosystem functioning. These species hold a large reservoir of genes that can degrade organic pollutants, enabling the community to maintain stability in the face of changing conditions.

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.

New algorithm identifies gene transfers between different bacterial species

A new computational method has been developed to model gene transfers between different bacterial species, revealing that gene transfer occurs both within and between species. The study identified several genes, including those causing antibiotic resistance, and found a significant number of gene transfers across the entire genome.

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.

How evolution alters biological invasions

Rutgers scientists studied evolution in invaded ecosystems using glass jar experiments with thousands of microscopic organisms. The study found that microbes' interactions altered performance and led to differences in resident and invading species.

USU researchers develop genetic tool to improve arsenic studies

Researchers at Utah State University have developed a genetic tool that makes it easier to identify bacteria responsible for releasing toxic forms of arsenic in groundwater. The new primer allows for more accurate detection of arsenate-reducing microorganisms, which can help reduce the prevalence of arsenic contamination worldwide.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Santa Fe Institute researchers look for life's (lower) limits

Santa Fe Institute researchers investigated the lower bound of energy required for life and found that smallest species are most protein dense. As cell size increases, RNA concentrations grow, leading to a decrease in protein density, with larger cells eventually reaching an energy limit.

Hospitals can rapidly identify life-threatening bacteria

Researchers developed a new analytical procedure using bioconjugates to identify bacterial species in minutes, reducing waiting time and increasing measurement accuracy. The technique uses a flow cytometer and is easy to adapt and inexpensive.

Passing the chemical Turing test: Making artificial and real cells talk

Researchers demonstrate that artificial cells can communicate seamlessly with real cells through chemical signals, passing a basic laboratory Turing test. The artificial cells showed they could sense and respond to molecules from various bacterial species, including V. fischeri, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa.

Moth gut bacterium defends its host by making antibiotic

Researchers discovered that a specific bacterial species in moth gut microbes produces an antimicrobial peptide called mundticin KS, which defends its host against pathogens and promotes symbiosis. This finding has implications for agriculture and health, potentially leading to new biocontrol strategies and novel antibiotics.

Bacteria recruit other species with long-range electrical signals

Researchers at UC San Diego discovered that bacteria in biofilm communities can send long-range electrical signals to recruit new members from different species. This discovery reveals a human-like trait in bacteria, showing that they can exert dynamic control over distant cells through electrical signaling.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

For viral predators of bacteria, sensitivity can be contagious

Researchers discovered that phages can invade bacteria by transferring attachment molecules via membrane vesicles, facilitating horizontal gene transfer and expansion of the phage host range. This mechanism enables phages to deliver DNA into new species, promoting attachment to non-host species and potentially transmitting antibiotic r...

Bacterial communities of female genital tract impact HIV infection risk

A study found that women with diverse vaginal bacterial communities were four times more likely to acquire HIV than those with Lactobacillus-dominant microbiomes. The researchers identified specific high-risk bacteria associated with increased HIV acquisition risk and a direct link between these bacteria and HIV susceptibility.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Impact of climate change on microbial biodiversity

Research suggests that climate change affects microbial biodiversity most strongly in natural environments and those with high nutrient levels. The study found that warming temperatures lead to a decline in biodiversity as enrichment increases.

DNA markers distinguish between harmless, deadly bacteria

A large genome study has identified potential virulence factors to discriminate new Francisella species from the deadly F. tularensis bacterium. The study provides a framework for identifying new isolates and environmental detections, improving disease diagnosis and bioweapon detection.

Skin bacteria could protect against disease

Research suggests that skin bacteria Propionibacterium acnes produces a protective protein called RoxP, which shields against UV radiation-induced oxidative stress and potentially various skin diseases.

Midwater ocean creatures use nanotech camouflage

Researchers discovered that midwater crustaceans have transparent bodies and optical coatings on their legs and bodies that reduce reflections by up to 250-fold. The coatings appear to be made of living bacteria, with each species having its own symbiotic optical bacteria. This discovery has potential technological applications.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

First direct visualization of archaella's rotation using cross-kymography

A team of scientists at Gakushuin University has developed a novel 'cross-kymography' method to visualize the rotation and morphology of archaella, which enables the direct observation of these structures for the first time. This breakthrough reveals new insights into the swimming mechanism of archaea.

Sleep loss tied to changes of the gut microbiota in humans

A new study found that curtailing sleep for four hours a night altered the abundance of bacterial gut species in healthy men, previously associated with metabolic diseases. Insulin sensitivity also decreased, but this was unrelated to changes in gut microbiota.

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.

Metagenomic study links microbes to flavors in kefir

A team of food scientists and microbiologists analyzed microbial populations in kefir using metagenomics, finding correlations between specific bacteria and flavor compounds. The study suggests optimizing production, customizing flavor, and improving health benefits by tweaking the microbial mix.

How human genes affect the microbiome

A new study has associated genetic loci with bacterial species and metabolic signatures, revealing that human genes affect the microbiome. The study found associations between lactase variants and Bifidobacterium presence, as well as C-type lectin gene variants with immune system function.

The evolution of antibiotic resistance, on a plate

A new study reveals that bacteria can evolve resistance to antibiotics by adapting to intermediate concentrations, and that spatial location plays a role in their success. Mutations that increased resistance often came at the cost of reduced growth, which was subsequently restored by additional compensatory mutations.

Flowers critical link to bacteria transmission in wild bees

Researchers found that flowers are a hot spot for bacterial transmission to wild bees, with multiple flower and bee species sharing the same types of bacteria. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding wild bees as an alternative pollination option due to declining honey bee populations.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Bacteria in smokeless tobacco products may be a health concern

Research on smokeless tobacco products has identified several bacteria species associated with opportunistic infections, such as Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus pumilus. These bacteria can produce toxins that cause illness in large quantities and may also contribute to the formation of carcinogenic compounds.

Oregon research points to mechanisms on why 'green' helps in urban life

A pilot study by University of Oregon researchers found that urban parks have unique bacterial fingerprints reflecting vegetation types, while parking lots tend to be more similar. This study provides evidence for how differences in vegetation influence airborne microbial communities and offers promising new directions for exploring th...

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.

Real-time imaging of fish gut ties bacterial competition to gut movements

Researchers used live zebrafish and 3D microscopy to track interactions between gut bacteria, finding that mechanical contractions play a vital role in shaping communities of intestinal microbiota. This discovery offers new insights into the problems experienced by humans with Hirschsprung's disease.