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What turns bacteria into spirals?

A team of researchers discovered a mechanism that determines the spiral shape of Rhodospirillum bacteria, revealing a novel link between cell shape and fitness. The study found that an outer membrane porin-lipoprotein complex modulates elongasome movement to establish cell curvature in R. rubrum.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 7, 2024

Breastfeeding is crucial to shaping infant’s microbes and promoting lung health

A new study shows that breastfeeding beyond three months supports the gradual maturation of a baby's microbiome, which lowers their risk of developing asthma. The study found that breast milk regulates the mix of microbes in infants, setting the pace and sequence for microbial colonization.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCell·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 19, 2024

Improved epidemic monitoring via sewage

A new study from European universities has developed a method to analyze wastewater data from seven major cities, identifying thousands of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and antimicrobial resistance. This approach can detect potential health threats simultaneously, potentially preventing epidemics from escalating into outbreaks.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 17, 2024

Limited adaptability makes freshwater bacteria vulnerable to climate change

Climate change threatens freshwater habitats, disrupting microbial communities essential for nutrient cycling and water quality maintenance. Many abundant freshwater bacteria with small genomes experience extended periods of adaptive standstill, limiting their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 8, 2024

Age and sex associated with patient’s likelihood of antimicrobial resistance

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found distinct patterns of antimicrobial resistance prevalence by age and sex across Europe. The study analyzed data from nearly one million people in 29 European countries, revealing that peaks in resistance varied by bacterial species and often occurred at the youngest and oldest ages.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2024

PNU researchers reveal cutibacterium acnes as a potential cause of lichen striatus hypopigmentation

A study by Pusan National University researchers found a significant association between Cutibacterium acnes and lichen striatus hypopigmentation, suggesting the potential for targeted therapy to reduce LS duration and hypopigmentation. The research team identified other likely candidates in skin microbiota imbalance.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 2024

UMass Chan researchers identify molecular link between gut bacteria and excitatory brain signaling in C. elegans

Researchers established a molecular link between specific B12-producing gut bacteria and acetylcholine production in C. elegans, a neurotransmitter important to memory and cognitive function. A diet rich in these bacteria reduced seizure-like behavior in mutant worms by restoring excitatory/inhibitory balance.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2024

Giant bacterium uses unique processes to power itself

The giant bacterium Epulopiscium viviparus has modified its metabolism to make the most of its environment, using a rare method to produce energy and harvest nutrients from its host's gut. This unique approach allows it to thrive in extreme conditions, with similarities to how mitochondria function in more complex organisms.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2023

Singling out a bacterium from the crowd

A new method, M3-seq, has been developed to study the gene expression patterns of individual bacteria with unprecedented detail. This approach enables researchers to identify rare bacterial populations and profile phage infection, shedding light on complex biological phenomena.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateSep 13, 2023