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.
A team of Chinese researchers characterized the 'mobile resistome,' a network of easily transferred antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria, including humans and animals. The study found that these genes are shared among multiple human pathogens and can be disabling for six major classes of antibiotics.
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.
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.
Researchers at the Boyce Thompson Institute have discovered a new receptor in tomato plants called FLAGELLIN-SENSING 3 (FLS3) that triggers defenses against bacterial attacks. FLS3 detects a part of the flagellum protein and helps tomatoes defend against bacteria with altered flagellin shapes.
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.
Research published in Nature Microbiology suggests that antibiotic treatment can alter the microbiome and increase the risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The study used NOD mice and found that short pulses of antibiotics increased disease incidence by 53% compared to control mice.
A recent study by Forsyth Institute researchers shows that Corynebacterium species inhibit the virulence of Staphylococcus aureus. This interaction may lead to the development of novel treatments for preventing S. aureus infections, as well as other diseases caused by pathobionts.
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...
Air plasma technology has been shown to effectively kill bacteria and biofilms on the surfaces of perishable fruits, significantly extending their shelf life. The reactive species generated by plasma can penetrate into the cavity of the biofilm, causing damage and killing the bacteria within.
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.
A new study suggests that gut bacteria in modern humans and apes coevolved for millions of years to help shape their immune systems. Researchers found that bacterial species distinct to one host were rarely transferred to other hosts, indicating unique patterns of evolution along with their hosts.
Researchers at CWRU discovered how bacterial resistance enzymes spread and avoid destruction by anchoring themselves in cell membranes. This mechanism allows bacteria like NDM-1 to resist destruction triggered by low zinc levels, enabling their widespread dissemination and antibiotic resistance.
A study by Plymouth University PhD student Rebekah Cioffi and colleagues found that widespread and restricted species of Deronectes diving beetles have different levels of bacterial immunity and metabolic plasticity. This suggests that factors beyond just temperature tolerance may play a role in shaping geographical ranges
Researchers found over 1000 different species of Cercozoa, a group of bacteria-eating microorganisms, in four small soil samples. Climate change is expected to shift the number of these microorganisms, potentially impacting decomposition processes.
Scientists have isolated two small peptides from crop species that show effective antimicrobial effects on bacteria implicated in food spoilage and poisoning. These peptides, similar to a human peptide used to guard against beer-spoiling bacteria, offer a promising new approach to combatting antibiotic resistance.
A mouse study reveals that skin grafts between mice treated with antibiotics before transplantation survive roughly twice as long. The team also found that changing the composition of microbiota affects organ transplants, suggesting a new strategy to improve transplant outcomes in humans.
Research found that C-sections, antibiotic use, and formula feeding slow the development and decrease diversity of a baby's microbes. The study also showed that these modern practices can lead to lower species diversity and delayed microbiota maturation in babies.
Researchers found that low temperatures trigger genes involved in biofilm formation, toxin production, and cold adaptation in Vibrio cholerae. Expression of virulence factors is reduced at low temperatures, suggesting a link to environmental lifecycle.
The new atlas, compiled by over 120 experts from 29 countries, reveals a vast and underappreciated natural resource – soil biodiversity. With nearly 200 pages of detailed information, the atlas aims to promote sustainability and encourage research efforts to tackle global challenges.
Researchers discovered six VOCs responsible for bad smells on dirty clothes, which are significantly reduced after washing. The study provides new insights into the impact of washing temperatures and detergents on fabric smell, potentially leading to more environmentally friendly cleaning methods.
Researchers sequenced DNA of oil-munching microbes to reveal the genetic potential in different bacterial species, including newly identified ones. The findings show that some bacteria can break down aromatic hydrocarbons, shedding light on their role in limiting damage from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill.
Researchers discovered a key mechanism driving a bacterium that kills male insects, which could be exploited to control pest species. The study found that the bacteria targets the dosage compensation complex, leading to genome-wide misregulation of gene expression.
Researchers discovered a rare example of cooperation between different bacteria species in the human gut. Bacteroides ovatus digests a complex carbohydrate, providing benefits to other species in return.
Researchers at Duke University discovered a genetic circuit in bacteria that creates spatial patterns with proportional scaling, similar to those seen in animals. This finding suggests that timing cues may play a key role in pattern formation and development in other organisms.
A new roundworm species discovered in India is a bridge between two genera, Acrostichus and Diplogastrellus. The species exhibits intermediate characteristics, such as a narrow mouth cavity and robust male copulatory organs, making it a transitional species.
Scientists are exploring the potential of bioceramic silicon nitride to treat severe gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. The material's surface has been shown to degrade bacteria responsible for periodontitis, offering a promising therapeutic aid.
A recent study from the University of Edinburgh reveals that tardigrades have not acquired a significant proportion of their DNA from other organisms. The research found that nearly all of what was previously proposed to be foreign DNA was actually bacterial contamination.
The gut microbiome remains healthy due to functional redundancy among microbe species, which ensure stability in the face of constant disturbance. This study highlights the importance of understanding the role of these bacteria in the human body and their contribution to clinical symptoms.
Researchers found that all ticks contained symbiotic bacterial species, while over half were infected with multiple pathogens. The study highlights the importance of accounting for interactions between symbionts and pathogens in tick-borne disease diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at Imperial College London have visualized bacteria motors with electron microscopes, revealing differences in swimming power and torque. These findings explain why some bacteria can swim through thick mucus while others cannot.
Researchers found that bacteria in roundworms are loyal to their hosts, while those in segmented worms prefer local locations, with external tenants showing more long-term loyalty than internal cohabitants.
Scientists have identified a new bacterium that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using just two enzymes. The unique enzymes, ISF6_4831 and ISF6_0224, work together to degrade PET into its simpler building blocks, offering a potential solution to the plastic waste problem.
Researchers found that urban homes have more human bacteria, such as Streptococcaceae and Lactobacillaceae, while rural homes have higher proportions of environmental bacteria like soil species. This shift could contribute to immune disorders like asthma and obesity in the industrialized world.
A Phase 1b/2 trial suggests that an oral therapeutic drug containing the spores of beneficial bacteria is effective for preventing recurrence of C. difficile infection and restoring a healthy gut microbiome. The treatment achieved a 96.7% clinical cure rate, comparable to open-label antibiotic trials and fecal microbiota transplants.
Researchers have deciphered the genome of the blacklegged tick, revealing secrets to its success as a disease vector. The study identifies genes and protein families that shed light on why ticks excel at spreading pathogens, providing potential targets for new interventions.
Researchers have found that mixtures of equally sized particles in solution will demix, or sort themselves, if they differ in their diffusion constants. This phenomenon, known as the Brazil Nut effect, was simulated and explained by a theoretical model, showing that random particle motions play a key role in the process.
Researchers partially restored the mix of bacteria that coat a newborn's body when delivered vaginally in C-section infants. After exposure to maternal vaginal fluids, C-section infants' microbiomes showed higher numbers of beneficial bacteria similar to those in vaginally born babies.
A newly discovered photosynthetic bacterium has been found to be abundantly present in diverse environments, including freshwater lakes and water treatment plants. Researchers believe this bacterium holds promise for producing biofuels by transferring its genes to other organisms.
Researchers found that the number of bacterial species in a chimp's GI tract increases when they are more gregarious. The study suggests that social interactions with other chimps help maintain gut microbial diversity over a lifetime, just as initial exposure from mom does.
Researchers found that chimpanzees with more frequent social interactions had more diverse gut microbiomes. The study suggests that social networks play a crucial role in maintaining healthy gut microbial diversity, a finding with potential implications for human health.
A study found that low-fiber diets can lead to a decline in gut bacterial diversity, which cannot be fully recovered even after switching to a high-fiber diet. This effect is observed even across multiple generations, with nearly three-quarters of bacterial species becoming extinct within four generations.
Researchers have discovered a novel receptor in Vibrio fischeri that senses fatty acids, allowing the bacterium to migrate towards these compounds. This finding sheds light on the symbiotic relationship between the Hawaiian bobtail squid and its luminescent bacteria.
A review reveals prevalent antimicrobial resistance in horse bacteria, particularly E. coli, with emerging multidrug resistance posing a huge challenge for society.
Researchers at UTA are exploring polyculture planting, which uses timesharing strategies to allow multiple species to coexist and grow together. This approach provides benefits such as increased oxygen production and diversity of insect species, leading to a more sustainable ecological environment.
Researchers discovered that a minority population of right bacteria can regulate a balanced environment in the intestines. They found that low-abundant bacterial species secreted molecules that dampened the immune response to the community, paving the way for predicting and preventing disease.
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that zinc oxide nanopyramids can disrupt the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on medical implants, reducing bacterial load by over 95%. The coating may enable antibiotic treatments to succeed or allow the human immune system to take over.
A mathematical model reveals that competition between beneficial bacteria helps maintain the stability necessary for a healthy gut. By suppressing overabundant bacteria and keeping different species apart, hosts can intervene to maintain this natural balance.
Researchers found that kangaroos emit around the same amount of methane as horses or ostriches per body size, but higher when food intake is increased. The study suggests that differences in methane production are more related to bacterial exposure conditions than specific bacteria types.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified key factors controlling bacterial proteolysis, a crucial cell process. The discovery provides a new target for developing antibiotics with high potential to avoid triggering drug resistance.
A specific species of lactobacillus, Lactobacillus crispatus, appears to play a key role in sustaining the mucus barrier against HIV and other STIs. The study's findings could lead to new strategies for protecting women against HIV.
Researchers at Virginia Tech found that naturally occurring bacteria on a frog's skin can respond to infection and adjust their structure and function to compensate for it. The study suggests that the whole community of bacteria is important, not just a single protective bacterium. This discovery offers hope in limiting the impact of c...
Research reveals that certain vaginal bacteria species can trap HIV particles, while others allow them to diffuse freely. The study suggests that altering a woman's vaginal microbiota could improve protection against STIs by increasing the barrier properties of cervicovaginal mucus.
People fed β-glucan-enriched pasta for two months showed increased populations of beneficial Lactobacilli and reduced LDL cholesterol. The study also found an increase in certain short-chain fatty acids with anti-inflammatory activity.
A single gene mutation in a bacterial species triggered dramatic changes across its microbial community, altering biofilm production and affecting other species. This study suggests that fine-scale genetic differences within populations can have significant impacts on ecosystems.
Researchers found that two common antibiotic-resistant bacteria coexist peacefully in the gut, occupying distinct niches that satisfy their metabolic needs. Fecal transplants from healthy donors effectively cleared one pathogen, but not the other, highlighting potential for targeted therapies to eradicate specific superbugs.
A University of Maryland-led team has discovered an enzyme that breaks the signaling pathway of biofilms, a complex web of fibers that protects bacteria from threats. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments to prevent biofilm-related complications and reduce hospital equipment failures.
Research reveals that humans and animals host highly specialized microbial communities, differing from earlier assumptions of generalist dominance. These findings have significant implications for the structure of biodiversity in microbial ecosystems.
A team of scientists has identified potential probiotics for frogs to combat the devastating chytrid fungus. The researchers found dominant bacterial species that may provide disease resistance and antifungal properties to their host. This discovery holds promise for protecting vulnerable amphibian populations worldwide.
A study found that certain combinations of gut bacteria, such as those from the Porphyromonadaceae and Lachnospiraceae families, resist colonization by C. difficile in mice. The researchers developed a computer model that accurately predicted C. difficile's success rate for other mice based on their gut microbiome composition.