Articles tagged with Bacterial Species
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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%.
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.
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.
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.
A recent study found that herbivorous ant species host bacteria from the Rhizobiales order, which facilitate nitrogen fixation and enrich their diets. This symbiotic relationship enables these ants to thrive on nutrient-poor plant-based diets.
Researchers discovered that E. coli has a protein that recognizes the rarer furanose form of galactose, allowing it to exploit this additional nutrient source. This adaptation enables E. coli to grow faster and persist in the gut at the expense of other species.
Osedax marine worms feast on submerged bones using symbiotic bacteria, with unique sexual and digestive habits and diverse habitats across the world's oceans. Recent research discovered up to twelve further distinct evolutionary lineages exist beyond the five species already described.
New evidence suggests that a select few beneficial bacteria, such as segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB), can induce accumulation of a highly specific branch of the immune system. SFB stimulate particular types of helper T cells, known as Th17 cells, which are involved in autoimmune diseases like Crohn's disease and psoriasis.
A Vanderbilt biologist is using genomic data from over two dozen yeast species to identify reliable methods for determining evolutionary relationships. The goal is to apply these principles to other clades, including mammals.
Virginia Tech's CyberInfrastructure Group receives funding to integrate pathogen data, provide key resources and tools, and analyze genomic and proteomic data. The Pathogen Portal will serve as a centralized gateway for biomedical researchers.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered nine new bristleworm species that feed on dead whales, highlighting a previously unknown food source in marine ecosystems. The study reveals these specialized organisms play a significant role in nutrient cycling and ecosystem balance.
Researchers discovered genetic differences between two ocean bacteria, one thriving in nutrient-rich waters and the other in poor-nutrient waters, reflecting their distinct lifestyles.
Research reveals that bacteria's survival rate increases when resistant to two antibiotics, contrary to expected outcomes. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding genetic interactions in determining antibiotic resistance.
A study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that salivary bacterial populations were significantly different in overweight women compared to healthy individuals. The presence of certain bacterial species, such as Selenomonas noxia, was linked to an increased risk of obesity.
Researchers have discovered that the methane-producing molecule deazaflavin is also involved in DNA repair processes in eukaryotes. The discovery challenges the long-held assumption that deazaflavin is unique to methanogenic bacteria, and has significant implications for our understanding of cellular metabolism and DNA repair.
The Joint Genome Institute will sequence four species of labyrinthulomycetes, shedding light on their ecological role and potential applications. The organisms are single-celled marine decomposers that play a crucial part in the marine carbon cycle.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered that certain squids can perceive light through a light-emitting organ beyond their eyes. This finding may lead to new insights into controlling and perceiving light. The study suggests that the squid's light organ, which is also involved in camouflage, uses the same pro...
The International Institute for Species Exploration announced the top 10 new species discovered in 2008, including a pea-sized seahorse, caffeine-free coffee, and bacteria that live in hairspray. The list also includes the world's longest insect, the world's smallest snake, and a ghost slug from Wales.
Researchers developed a targeted antibiotic to kill Porphyromonas gingivalis, a cause of gum disease, without harming other beneficial bacteria. This approach aims to provide new treatments for oral diseases and prevent drug resistance.
Severe injuries on battlefields increase risk of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections in war-wounded soldiers. Effective personal protective equipment and medical care have improved survival rates but not mitigated the risk of wound infections.
Research reveals that chemicals in cranberries, called proanthocyanidins, prevent E. coli bacteria from attaching to urinary tract cells. This prevents the development of UTIs, which burden the healthcare system with significant treatment costs.
Research suggests that ecological and evolutionary factors can buffer some species against climate change, with rapid adaptation playing a critical role. The study of the pea aphid shows that bacteria living symbiotically within the aphids can confer heat tolerance, influencing population responses to environmental changes.
Researchers at Stanford University develop 'reverse ecology' technique to reconstruct bacterial environments millions of years in the past from genomic data. This allows for the analysis of complex evolutionary interplay between organisms like parasites and hosts.
In a study, researchers found that even slight differences between competing species can lead to the weakest being victorious in cyclical competitions. This phenomenon, known as the law of the weakest, was simulated using computer models and has implications for understanding evolution and ecosystem development.
A team of researchers has discovered a new enzyme in Shewanella that works together to oxidize lactate, a food and energy source for many microbes. The discovery suggests that dozens of bacteria use this multi-protein enzyme instead of the single-protein version, which could help clean up toxic pollutants.
Recent research provides valuable guidance on storing wheat-based infant formulas safely. Infants can benefit from the prevention of Cronobacter species growth by using fruit juices instead of water or milk, with optimal temperatures at 4°C.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology found that 60% of bacteria present in women with intra-amniotic inflammations were missed by traditional culture testing. The researchers identified a comprehensive list of microbial species using new DNA methods, including harmful bacteria not previously linked to preterm birth.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered a natural product, surfactin, that causes bacteria to form social networks. Biofilm formation is triggered by potassium leakage and subsequent gene activity, leading to the creation of complex communities.
A twin study found that identical and fraternal female twins had distinct gut microbial communities, but shared a common core set of genes that performed key functions. Obese individuals had an increased representation of bacterial genes devoted to extracting calories from food.
A team of scientists found that bacterial biofilms can completely replace embryo cell structure, generating a faithful replica of the embryo. The bacteria consume and replace all cytoplasm in cells, creating a detailed model of the embryo.
Scientists have identified new species of bacteria that can grow at low temperatures and spoil raw milk even when refrigerated. The discovery highlights the complex microbial population of raw milk and underscores the importance of developing tools to monitor cold-tolerant bacteria.
Researchers analyzed 3006 species and found a narrow range of metabolic rates, averaging 0.3-9 Watts per kilogram, which may be linked to the organization of life on Earth. This optimal rate may have favored complex adaptations like breathing and leaf shape.
A CU-Boulder study found that women's hands harbor a significantly greater diversity of microbes than men, with an average of 150 different species detected. The researchers also discovered that the diversity of bacteria on individual hands was not significantly affected by regular hand washing.
Scientists have identified a new species of bacteria that can cause bone infections, offering hope for improved diagnosis and treatment. The discovery relates to Mycobacterium species, which also cause tuberculosis and leprosy, and may lead to the development of new drugs to combat resistance.
A new NYU study reveals that specific types of bacteria in the intestine trigger the generation of pro-inflammatory immune cells, which could lead to novel treatments for inflammatory bowel disease and other diseases. The finding adds to research showing that gut flora have a significant impact on human health.
Scientists have developed a rapid new technique called Rapid Virulence Annotation (RVA) to identify toxins and virulence factors made by bacteria that allow it to infect different types of organisms. This discovery could lead to new vaccines and anti-bacterial drugs, as well as help prevent diseases caused by disease-causing bacteria.
A $4 million NIH-funded project led by OHSU aims to discover biologically active molecules from bacteria associated with marine mollusks in the Philippines. The project will catalog and preserve over 10,000 mollusk species, targeting potential central nervous system, cancer, and antimicrobial drugs.
Researchers have discovered two new species of bacteria growing on the walls of Rome's ancient tombs, which may help preserve these sites. The bacteria, belonging to the Kribbella group, can produce enzymes and antibiotics with useful properties.
Researchers have discovered a new bacterium responsible for dermatitis and septicaemia in desert-dwelling lizards. The discovery could help control the disease and protect endangered species, particularly those bred in captivity for release into the wild.
Researchers found 15% of amniotic fluid samples harbored bacteria or fungi, contributing to premature birth. The heavier the burden, the more likely a baby was born younger and sicker.
Researchers discovered high levels of ciprofloxacin resistance in Escherichia coli among Amerindians from Guyanese rainforest, despite no reported use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Chloroquine treatment for malaria may contribute to bacterial resistance.
Dr. Koji Nakayama is recognized for his groundbreaking research on Porphyromonas gingivalis, a key player in periodontal disease and potential systemic conditions like cardiovascular disease. He has published over 75 papers on this topic and received the 2000 Rokuzo Kobayashi Memorial Award.
Researchers found a general link between increased acidity and decreased bacterial diversity, but most dominant species were not directly impacted. Some rarer types of bacteria were strongly correlated to acidity and might be used as indicators of lake recovery.
Researchers are exploring the human microbiome to understand its role in health and disease, with findings suggesting that changes in microbial populations may contribute to digestive disorders, skin diseases, and obesity. The study of bacterial communities inside humans has the potential to revolutionize disease diagnosis and treatment.
A team of Penn State scientists has discovered a novel bacterial species, Chryseobacterium greenlandensis, that has survived for over 120,000 years in the ice of a Greenland glacier. The microorganism's ability to persist in extreme conditions makes it useful for studying life in various environments on Earth and potentially elsewhere.
Bacteria with large metabolic networks and those living in diverse environments tend to be more modular. This makes sense as they adapt to changing environments by developing separate processes for different environments.
A molecule produced by gut bacteria, called polysaccharide A (PSA), has been shown to eliminate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in animal models. PSA promotes immune system cells to secrete IL-10, which suppresses inflammation caused by IBD.
A recent PNAS study reveals that temperature drives biodiversity in tropical regions, contradicting previous assumptions that light was the key factor. The study found that bacterial samples from warm waters contained many species, suggesting that photosynthesis has little influence on diversity.
Leptospirosis is a major public health problem in South East Asia and South America, with over 500,000 severe cases every year. Researchers have discovered that bacteria can form biofilms, which protect them against harsh conditions and make them more resistant to antibiotics.
Researchers discovered that house dust is home to hundreds of bacterial species, with those from the human gut being prevalent. The study found that indoor environments harbor diverse microbial populations, and seasonal dynamics play a role in their distribution.
Researchers have isolated a new species of Leptospira, causing the disease leptospirosis, from domestic rats in the Peruvian Amazon. The discovery highlights the importance of region-specific Leptospira in diagnosis and reveals a higher incidence of leptospirosis than previously suspected.
Scientists have discovered that microbes produce dimethyl sulphide (DMS) gas at a rate of over 200 million tonnes per year in the world's seas. This climate-changing gas has multiple effects, including triggering cloud formation and attracting birds to food sources.
Scientists at MIT have developed a mathematical approach to analyze protein patterns across species to identify natural selection in microbial evolution. By analyzing the 'selective signature' of genes, researchers can infer gene function and understand ecological shifts.
The study found that an intermediate rate of dispersal creates a 'happy medium' wherein species move around enough to adapt to harsh environments, increasing ecosystem productivity and biodiversity. This breakthrough helps ecologists develop strategies for conservation areas with high biomass and diversity.