NIH Human Microbiome Project defines normal bacterial makeup of the body
Researchers mapped the normal microbial make-up of healthy humans, identifying over 10,000 species and 8 million unique protein-coding genes contributed by human microbiome.
Bacterial Species
Articles tagged with Bacterial Species
Mixed bacterial communities evolve to share resources, not compete
Research shows bacteria adapt by sharing waste and resources with each other to improve community functioning, contrary to competing for individual benefits. This cooperative behavior leads to better collective resource breakdown and improved ecosystem performance.
Head and body lice appear to be the same species, genetic study finds
A new genetic study reveals that head and body lice are the same species, despite their distinct characteristics. The research compared protein-coding genes expressed during both life cycles, finding only minor differences in sequences.
Exposure to antibiotics linked to severity of allergic asthma: UBC research
UBC researchers found that certain antibiotics alter gut bacteria, increasing severity of asthma in mouse models. Early life is a critical period for establishing a healthy immune system, as the impact of antibiotics on asthma susceptibility disappears in adult mice.
Caught in the act: Team discovers microbes speciating
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered two distinct groups of Sulfolobus islandicus, a heat-loving organism, that are already separate species despite sharing the same habitat. The microbes exhibited slight genetic differences and decreasing gene exchange between the two groups, indicating sympatric speciation.
Portuguese science scores high with American funder
Five Portuguese scientists have been awarded prestigious funding by the US-based HHMI for their innovative research projects. The awardees, who are based in Portugal, will receive $650,000 over five years to work on diverse areas of neuroscience and parasitology.
A clue to the GI problems that plague many kids with autism?
A study published in mBio found that children with autism and gastrointestinal symptoms have high levels of the bacterium Sutterella in their intestines. The researchers detected Sutterella species at remarkably high levels, which may play a role in the development of gastrointestinal disturbances in children with autism.
Researchers create living 'neon signs' composed of millions of glowing bacteria
Researchers at UC San Diego created a living 'neon sign' composed of millions of bacterial cells that glow in unison, synchronized by fluorescent proteins. The bacteria can detect low levels of arsenic and other toxins, providing a real-time update on the presence and concentration of toxins.
Petroleum-eating mushrooms
Researchers B. Franz Lang and Mohamed Hijri have identified mushroom species that can consume petroleum, offering a breakthrough in soil decontamination. The discovery is based on phytoremediation principles, where microorganisms play a key role in degrading contaminants.
Stinky frogs are a treasure trove of antibiotic substances
Scientists discovered a vast array of anti-bacterial substances, known as peptides, in the skin of odorous frogs. These peptides account for almost one-third of all antimicrobial peptides found worldwide, offering potential clues for developing new antibiotics.
Scientists find a new species of fungus -- in a wasp nest
A team of researchers, led by Tufts University scientists, discovered a new species of fungus in an invasive paper wasp nest. The fungus, named Mucor nidicola, is fluffy and fast-growing, resembling bunny fur.
New evidence for the oldest oxygen-breathing life on land
The discovery of oxygen-breathing bacteria on land is now estimated to have occurred around 2.48 billion years ago. This finding pushes the Great Oxidation Event forward in time, suggesting that aerobic respiration evolved earlier than previously thought.
Researchers sequence dark matter of life
A breakthrough allows scientists to assemble virtually complete genomes from DNA extracted from a single bacterial cell. This opens the door to sequencing bacteria that cannot be cultured in the lab, including those living on the planet's surface and within human bodies.
Study linking gut microbe type with diet has implications for fighting GI disorders
Researchers found an association between long-term dietary patterns and the bacteria of the human gut, leading to two distinct enterotypes. These enterotypes were strongly associated with diets rich in meat and fat versus plant material.
For bugs within bugs within mealybugs, life is a 'patchwork'
Researchers sequenced the genomes of mealybug-dwelling bacteria, revealing a level of molecular integration between species that has never been seen. The study found that the bacteria have evolved to trade metabolites and enzymes to produce essential amino acids, with one genome shrinking to its smallest ever described size.
Community ecology: It's not who you are, but what you do
A new study found that marine microbes form communities based on shared genes, rather than species identity, leading to high diversity within each community despite similarities in core functions.
UCLA study shows bacteria use Batman-like grappling hooks to 'slingshot' on surfaces
Bacteria utilize type IV pili, or TFP, to achieve twitching motility, enabling them to 'slingshot' on surfaces with high efficiency. This unique ability helps the bacteria navigate complex surface conditions and move through polysaccharide-rich environments with ease.
New study supports Darwin's hypothesis on competition between species
A new study provides experimental evidence supporting Darwin's phylogenetic limiting similarity hypothesis, where closely related species are more prone to extinction. The research found that competitive exclusion occurred more frequently and rapidly between closely related microorganism species.
Errors in protein structure sparked evolution of biological complexity
A new study suggests that structural weaknesses in proteins, rather than natural selection, may have led to the evolution of biological complexity. Flaws in protein packing make them more unstable in water, promoting interactions and intracellular teamwork.
Beneficial bacteria help repair intestinal injury by inducing reactive oxygen species
Researchers found that Lactobacillus rhamnosus promotes healing of the intestinal lining in mice by inducing reactive oxygen species. This discovery could guide doctors to improved treatments for intestinal diseases.
Could bacterial hitchhikers influence formation of new host species?
Researchers at Vanderbilt University are investigating whether bacterial hitchhikers play a role in promoting or inhibiting the formation of new species. They are analyzing the microbiomes of closely related wasp species and hybrids to identify specific microbes that increase mortality rates in hybrid offspring.
Mouth as the gateway to your body
Fusobacterium nucleatum, a common oral bacteria, facilitates disease and infection spreading from the mouth through the bloodstream. This bacterium is linked to increased risk of pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, preterm birth, and stillbirth.
Antibiotic resistance spreads rapidly between bacteria
A recent study reveals that antibiotic resistance genes can quickly spread between different types of bacteria using conjugative plasmids. The research found that these plasmids can adapt to various bacterial species and even combine with other plasmids, increasing the potential for gene transfer.
NDM-1-positive multidrug-resistant bacteria found in public water supplies and urban effluent in New Delhi suggesting NDM-1 is widespread in the environment
The study found NDM-1-positive bacteria in drinking-water samples and seepage samples from urban New Delhi, highlighting the need for global action to limit the worldwide spread of NDM-1 producing bacteria. The gene was also detected in pathogenic species like Shigella boydii and Vibrio cholerae.
Could there be more than lunch lurking on your retainer?
Researchers found potentially pathogenic microbes on at least 50% of orthodontic retainers, with Candida and Staphylococcus species commonly present. Biofilms on the retainer can be difficult to remove and have high levels of resistance to antimicrobials.
Rock-paper-scissors tournaments explain ecological diversity
Researchers developed a mathematical model that proposes unlimited biodiversity in ecosystems with multiple competing species. The rock-paper-scissors tournament concept shows how species can co-exist without extinction, depending on the rarity of key species.
26 percent of herbs eaten in Spain are contaminated with bacteria
A study by researchers at the University of Valencia found that up to 26% of herbs sold in Spain are contaminated with bacteria, compromising their quality. The study highlights the need for improved health controls during production and cultivation to prevent health risks.
Research shows how bacteria communicate with each other
Researchers at Hebrew University identified a previously uncharacterized type of bacterial communication mediated by nanotubes that bridge neighboring cells. This mechanism enables bacteria to exchange small molecules, proteins, and even small genetic elements, facilitating the acquisition of new features such as antibiotic resistance.
Chemical compounds in trees can fight deadly staph infections in humans
Scientists have identified a compound found in Eastern Red Cedar trees that effectively fights methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria. The compound's discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for deadly MRSA infections, which are resistant to most medications.
New microscopic life aboard the RMS Titanic
Researchers have identified a new bacterium that contributes to the deterioration of the RMS Titanic's exterior, accelerating metal corrosion. The novel Halomonas titanicae has been found to adhere to steel surfaces, creating corrosion products.
Do our bodies' bacteria play matchmaker?
A new study from Tel Aviv University found that symbiotic bacteria inside a fruit fly greatly influence its choice of mates. The researchers isolated the bacterial species responsible for reproductive isolation in flies with diet-related mating preferences.
Loss of species large and small threatens human health
A study by scientists at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies reveals a critical connection between conservation and disease. Loss of species large and small can increase pathogens, leading to increased disease transmission. The authors call for careful monitoring of areas with high animal densities to prevent infectious disease outbreaks.
Researchers describe first functioning 'lipidome' of mouse macrophage
Researchers have described the first functioning 'lipidome' of a mouse macrophage, a white blood cell, providing new insights into how lipids interact and change over time in response to bacterial stimuli. The study sheds light on the crucial role of lipid molecules in inflammation and disease.
UF expert: Biodiversity loss correlates with increases in infectious disease
A recent study published in Nature found a correlation between biodiversity loss and increased incidence of infectious diseases. Researchers discovered that environmental degradation can lead to an increase in disease-carrying pathogens, as seen in the decline of opossum populations, which allows ticks to flourish and spread Lyme disease.
You are not what you eat
A study led by Howard Ochman found that host species, rather than diet, have the greatest effect on gut bacteria diversity in great apes. The researchers discovered that bacterial populations assorted to species and matched the relationships of their host, indicating a long history of co-evolution.
Army-funded technology detects bacteria in water
Researchers have developed a device that uses sound waves to detect bacteria in water, potentially speeding up the process by 15% compared to existing methods. The device broadcasts ultrasound waves into the liquid, exerting pressure on bacteria that pushes them into a collection pocket for identification.
Arctic soil study turns up surprising results
A new study by Queen's University reveals that soil bacteria in Arctic regions exhibit no similarity pattern based on distance, contradicting expectations. The research found thousands of unique bacterial types in each sample, regardless of location.
New app for genes on Earth is tool for scientists and entertaining for all
The new TimeTree application provides a sophisticated means of mining scientific knowledge, answering questions about species divergence and phylogeny. The app uses a vast Internet storehouse of data about the diversity of life, from bacteria to humans.
UCI scientists decode genomes of sexually precocious fruit flies
A breakthrough study by UCI researchers reveals the complex evolution of aging, development and fertility in sexually reproducing species like fruit flies. By analyzing their genomes, they found evidence of selective adaptation in over 500 genes linked to traits such as size, sexual maturation and life span.
New microfluidic chip for discriminating bacteria
A new microfluidic chip developed by Taiwanese researchers uses surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy to sort and identify bacteria. The technique creates unique spectral fingerprints for different bacterial species, enabling efficient identification.
House-sharing with microbes
Household dust contains up to 1000 microbial species, including both beneficial and harmful bacteria. Studying these microorganisms is crucial for maintaining indoor air quality and preventing health issues such as allergies and asthma.
Economic theory suggests symbiosis is driven by simple self-interest, not rewards or punishment
A new study applying employment contract theory to symbiosis finds that mutually beneficial relationships are maintained by simple self-interest, with partners benefiting from healthy hosts. The research discounts the idea that host species have evolved to promote symbiosis by promising rewards or threatening punishment.
Frog skin may provide 'kiss of death' for antibiotic-resistant germs
Scientists have identified over 100 antibiotic substances in frog skin secretions, offering a potential solution to the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotics that are more powerful and less toxic than existing ones.
Illinois researchers use pyrosequencing to study canine intestinal bacteria
A new method of DNA sequencing has helped researchers uncover the phylogeny of a healthy dog's gut, shedding light on how diet affects gastrointestinal infections. The study found that dogs have diverse bacterial communities, with Firmicutes and Bacteriodetes being the most prevalent.
Study shows that hitchhiking bacteria can go against the flow
Scientists find that water fleas facilitate bacterial dispersal, allowing microbes to reach inaccessible habitats. The 'conveyor-belt' hypothesis is confirmed through lab and field experiments.
Some trees 'farm' bacteria to help supply nutrients
Certain tree species have developed strategies to select bacterial communities that can break down inorganic minerals into usable nutrients. This process, known as mineral weathering, is essential for tree growth in acidic forest soils.
Bacterial communication encourages chronic, resistant ear infections
Researchers found that bacterial communication promotes persistence and resistance to antibiotics in ear infections caused by multiple bacteria species, particularly Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis. Disrupting this communication could lead to effective treatments for chronic ear infections.
Deaths in the family cause bacteria to flee
Researchers found that bacteria release extracellular DNA (eDNA) when relatives die, which inhibits the sticky holdfasts of living cells from adhering to surfaces. This allows surviving cells to escape established colonies and outcompete each other for better conditions.
Soil-borne pathogens drive tree diversity in forests, study shows
Research led by University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee scientists finds that soil-borne pathogens drive species diversity and explain patterns of tree abundance. The study's findings suggest that certain tree species are more susceptible to pathogens, which prevents rare species from becoming abundant.
Stanford study uses genetic approach to manipulate microbes in gut
A Stanford study uses high-powered genomic analytical techniques to establish the coexistence of 1,000 single-celled species in every healthy human gut. By manipulating microbial populations through dietary interventions, scientists aim to remedify diseases and enhance health.
Gut-residing bacteria trigger arthritis in genetically susceptible individuals
Researchers found that a single species of gut-residing bacteria can trigger a cascade of immune responses leading to the development of arthritis in genetically susceptible individuals. The bacteria cause the production of autoantibodies and T cells, which trigger an autoimmune response and inflammation in the joints.
Scientists ID bacterial genes that improve plant growth
Researchers have identified a range of bacterial genes that help explain how certain microbes increase plant growth by up to 40%. These genes provide benefits for plants, including drought resistance, antimicrobial agents, and phytohormones, and are directly dependent on plant-synthesized sugars.
Brand new species of bacterium found in the Gullmarsfjord north of Gothenburg
Researchers have discovered a new species of bacterium, Endoxenoturbella lovénii, found only in the Gullmarsfjord north of Gothenburg. The bacterium is an endosymbiotic prokaryote living in the gut of a unique marine worm called Xenoturbella.
Sand fly barcoding in Panama reveals Leishmania strain and its potential control
Scientists identified 20 sand fly species in Panama, including two carrying Leishmania naiffi, a parasite causing cutaneous leishmaniasis. The presence of Wolbachia bacteria in these flies may offer a strategy for disease control and prevention measures such as insect repellent and protective clothing.
New mathematical model helps biologists understand how coral dies in warming waters
Researchers developed a new mathematical model to understand bacterial community dynamics behind coral bleaching and disease. The models reveal how beneficial bacteria protect corals from pathogens when waters are normal, but switch to pathogenic bacteria when corals are stressed by elevated temperatures.
Hypnotherapy eases irritable bowel syndrome symptoms
Hypnotherapy has been shown to significantly improve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms in a majority of cases, with some patients experiencing complete relief. Probiotics can also be an effective option, but the efficacy depends on specific strains and clinical trial evidence.
New CU-Boulder hand bacteria study holds promise for forensics identification
A new University of Colorado at Boulder study reveals that individual hand bacteria can be used to identify people on computer objects, with a high accuracy rate of 70-90%.
Scientists reveal driving force behind evolution
Researchers found that when bacteria evolved defences against viral infections, the viruses adapted at a quicker rate and generated greater diversity. This study supports the 'Red Queen Hypothesis', which suggests that species are in a constant race for survival and must continue to evolve new ways of defending themselves.
Bacterial phylotype alterations in irritable bowel syndrome
Researchers found distinct bacterial phylotypes associated with IBS subtypes, including diarrhea-predominant and constipation-predominant IBS. These findings suggest potential targets for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to managing IBS.
New DNA test for various pathogenic bacteria is much faster than current gold-standard system
A new DNA-based microarray platform has been developed to identify bacterial species rapidly and accurately, with a clinical sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 99%. The assay is 18 hours faster than the current gold-standard system, which could lead to improved clinical outcomes by allowing species-specific therapy to be started early.