Articles tagged with Bacterial Species
Scientists at Queen's University Belfast have developed a new technique using a cold plasma jet to kill bacteria in biofilms, making it effective against complex organised communities of bacteria. The approach has the potential to control hospital superbugs, including multidrug-resistant bacteria like MRSA.
Chronic sinusitis may be caused by a loss of normal microbial diversity in the sinuses, which allows a specific bacterium to colonize and cause inflammation. Restoring natural protective bacteria could be an effective way to treat this condition.
Studies on California and deer mice reveal that lifetime monogamy leads to reduced bacterial diversity and a less diverse gene pool for immunity, whereas promiscuity correlates with increased bacterial diversity and genetic variation. This suggests that social behavior influences immune system function.
Researchers have identified Demodex mites as the primary carriers of bacteria that trigger rosacea. The bacteria produce molecules provoking an immune reaction in patients, leading to tissue degradation and inflammation.
University of Maryland researchers have identified 26 species of gut bacteria that appear to be linked to obesity and related metabolic complications, including insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. The study found that these bacteria are present in all individuals, regardless of BMI or metabolic syndrome traits.
Researchers at Leibniz-Institute DSMZ discovered that Roseobacter clade bacteria can exchange genetic characteristics through plasmids, allowing them to conquer new ecological niches. This horizontal gene transfer enables photosynthesis and enhances survival in diverse ocean habitats.
A team of researchers has identified a group of proteins in heat-loving bacteria that enable them to break down cellulose, a key challenge in producing cost-effective biofuels. By analyzing the genomes and proteomics of these bacteria, the scientists pinpointed unique genes responsible for their ability to degrade cellulose.
A University of Illinois study found that dietary fiber promotes beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to improved gastrointestinal health. The research suggests that increasing fiber intake can have a positive impact on health, particularly in reducing the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.
A team of scientists from Washington University in St. Louis has identified the eastern gray squirrel as a major animal reservoir for tick-borne diseases, including ehrlichioses and STARI. The study uses a new assay to detect species-level tick blood meals, confirming the presence of gray squirrel DNA in infected ticks.
A new study reports that human microbes have coevolved with humans, forming unique partnerships essential for our immune system. The findings suggest that modern hygiene and antibiotics may be contributing to the rise of autoimmune disorders by erasing these beneficial bacteria.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.