A team of researchers has identified mangrove bacteria that can transform polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles, which are a major contributor to ocean pollution. The discovery of novel enzymes and bacterial species with the ability to break down PET could potentially be used to develop new strategies for plastic waste cleanup.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateOct 17, 2024
Providencia rustigianii carries a type III secretion system and cytolethal distending toxin virulence gene, increasing its pathogenicity, similar to Salmonella.
SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
A new study has identified novel strains of microbes that have adapted to use limited resources in cities, including those found in Hong Kong's subways and skin. These microbes can metabolize manufactured products, posing health risks if they are pathogenic.
SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalMicrobiome·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 17, 2024
A new study reveals how three species of bacteria coexist in biofilms by playing a game of 'nice' and then moving out when the surface becomes too crowded. The dominant species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, disperses to allow other species to thrive.
SourceDartmouth College·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024
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
A new study found that over a dozen bacterial species in the oral microbiome are linked to a 30-50% increased chance of developing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The research analyzed data from 159,840 Americans and identified key bacteria that may contribute to the disease.
SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateSep 26, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers discovered that certain bacteria display communal behaviors protecting sensitive species from drugs, allowing them to grow normally in a community. The study found that high drug concentrations cause microbiome communities to collapse and cross-protection strategies are replaced by cross-sensitisation.
SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell·DateSep 24, 2024
Blanca Barquera's research aims to improve understanding of the energy metabolism of Bacteroides, a crucial step towards designing effective probiotic formulations. The study will investigate how Bacteroides utilize carbohydrates and Vitamin K from host diets.
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
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
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
A study by Virginia Tech undergraduate Megan O'Hara found that surface properties significantly influence bacterial twitching motility, allowing for rapid colonization and infection. By manipulating surface properties with detergents like bile salts, researchers can alter the functionality of type IV pili, a critical virulence factor.
Researchers discovered Corynebacterium matruchotii's unique cell division mechanism, enabling dense networks within dental plaque biofilms. This process allows the bacteria to explore their environment and form beneficial interactions.
SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2024
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered two species of purple bacteria that can produce polyhydroxyalkanoates, natural polymers for bioplastics. Genetic engineering has also been used to boost production levels in another well-studied but stubborn species.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
French PDO cheese producers harbor a staggering array of microbial life in their dairy products, with over 820 bacterial species identified in the cheeses and nearly 1,230 in the milk sources. Regional artisanship plays a significant role in shaping these microbial assemblages.
SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalISME Communications·DateAug 9, 2024
Researchers investigated the effects of initial microbiota on microbial succession during eggplant fermentation, finding two distinct patterns of LAB dominance. They also identified Lactiplantibacillus plantarum as a primary contributor to lactic acid production and nutrient content.
SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2024
Researchers have discovered a dynamic cross-kingdom horizontal gene transfer between plants and bacteria, transferring 75 genes that enhance carbohydrate metabolism and hormone synthesis. This finding opens up exciting possibilities for biotechnological applications in agriculture.
SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalISME Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 23, 2024
A team of Texas A&M researchers will conduct a five-year study on brucellosis in Armenia to improve detection capabilities and provide education. The project aims to better understand the disease's presence and prevalence, allowing the Armenian government to develop a control plan to stop its spread.
A UCF biologist has compiled a database of animal DNA to study the presence of magnetic bacteria, which may aid in navigation and conservation. The database contains hundreds of millions of genetic sequences showing the presence of various types of magnetic bacteria.
SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalData in Brief·DateJul 9, 2024
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
Researchers found two opportunistic bacteria significantly more abundant after three months of daily use, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus anginosus. A decrease in Actinobacteria was also observed, crucial contributors to blood pressure regulation.
SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024
A novel real-time PCR method has been developed to detect and identify the emerging zoonotic foodborne pathogen E. albertii, which is often misidentified as E. coli. The study found that E. albertii can survive in the human intestinal tract for approximately four weeks.
SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalHeliyon·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2024
A study has found that multiple species of Gardnerella, commonly linked to pre-term birth and bacterial vaginosis, can exist together in the same vaginal microbiome. This discovery adds to the understanding of Gardnerella's effects on human health and its potential role in pre-term birth.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalmSystems·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 20, 2024
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
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A study found that households with traditional dirt floors and animals indoors have higher human flea populations, increasing disease risk. Upgrading flooring to concrete or board can help reduce flea infestations and improve quality of life.
SourceEmory University·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 1, 2024
Researchers have identified a novel class of antimicrobial toxins, dubbed umbrella toxins, produced by soil bacteria Streptomyces. These toxins are large protein complexes that specifically target other Streptomyces species, making them a promising lead in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2024
A handheld device developed by Osaka Metropolitan University's team can detect multiple bacterial species within an hour, including disease-causing E. coli and salmonella. The sensor uses organic metallic nanohybrids to distinguish electrochemical signals on the same screen-printed electrode chip.
SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2024
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
A randomized controlled trial reveals that infant gut microbiomes oscillate with a circadian rhythm, detectable as early as 2 weeks after birth. Diet has less impact on the development and composition of the infant microbiome than previously thought.
SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2024
A new study has discovered that Streptococcus anginosus bacteria play a significant role in causing stomach cancer. The research showed that S. anginosus infection led to gastric inflammation, cell damage, and the growth of stomach cancer cells, doubling tumour size and weight in some cases.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2024
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
A team of researchers has developed a reliable method to define bacterial species and strains by analyzing genetic diversity. The study found that natural gaps in genetic diversity can be used to differentiate between species, with members of the same species showing high levels of genetic relatedness.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2024
Researchers have designed a chemical sensor array, or an artificial tongue, that distinguishes dental bacteria and can inactivate them. The artificial tongue uses nanoscopic particles coated in DNA strands to detect the presence of bacteria, and can distinguish between healthy and diseased individuals with high accuracy.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 26, 2024
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
Researchers discovered that a bacterial species can switch from being prey to a predator when grown at a lower temperature. The study, published in PLOS Biology, highlights the importance of considering historical context in evaluating predator-prey relationships.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2024
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
Researchers developed a new mathematical framework to analyze genetic interactions and identified key regulators in entire biological networks. The approach, which combines geometry and statistics, reveals how individual genes and species influence network dynamics.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2024
Researchers at the University of Louisville are studying Yersinia pestis bacteria to better understand its ability to evade the immune system. The team hopes to develop new ways to control infectious diseases, including plague and other lung infections.
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
The study found that co-existing bacteria species in the chicken gut share AMR-associated genetic material and implement similar resistance mechanisms. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding microbial community interactions in livestock farming.
SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 5, 2024
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
Researchers in Chile developed a prototype using microorganisms to remove VOCs and PAHs from indoor air, achieving efficiencies above 90%. The system can operate for 8 months without losing efficiency. This breakthrough offers a potentially low-cost solution to improve indoor air quality.
SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·DateDec 19, 2023
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
Research at University of Oxford found that diverse gut bacteria communities can block the growth of harmful pathogens, with certain species playing a crucial role. The communities work by consuming nutrients needed by the pathogen, and increasing diversity boosts protection.
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
Researchers have found that Vibrio bacteria play a role in outbreaks of mortality among dark stinging sponges weakened by warming Mediterranean. The study suggests climate change may be impacting disease dynamics in sponges and their pathogens.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 1, 2023
Researchers have discovered that the waxy protective barrier around plants plays a role in sending chemical signals to other plants and insects. This discovery might eventually be harnessed to develop stronger plants that can deal with challenging environmental conditions.
SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2023
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine found that certain bacterial species dismantle protective molecules on vaginal cells, dysregulating cell turnover and response to surrounding bacteria. This study may help explain the association between bacterial vaginosis and adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 29, 2023
Researchers at UMass Lowell found that anti-inflammatory bacteria were less abundant in people with Parkinson's disease, suggesting a potential biomarker for early diagnosis. A new study on Latinos may also uncover novel biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists observe rapid evolutionary changes in bacteria and viruses, leading to the emergence of complex ecological patterns. The study reveals nestedness and modularity as two prominent repeating patterns in bacterial-phage interactions.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Research identifies specific gut bacteria that increase risk of severe malaria in humans and mice, sparking new approaches targeting gut microbiota. The study's findings could lead to prevention strategies for severe malaria-related deaths.
SourceIndiana University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 30, 2023
Researchers discovered that lactate-producing intratumoral bacteria drives resistance to radiation therapy. Cancer cells respond to radiation by rewiring metabolic signaling pathways using lactic acid instead of glucose.
SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateOct 19, 2023
Researchers at University of Surrey have developed a new type of water-based paint that uses live bacteria to produce oxygen and capture CO2. The 'Green Living Paint' features Chroococcidiopsis cubana, a desert-dwelling bacterium that can survive extreme conditions.
SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2023
Researchers have discovered a novel enzyme family related to bacterial pathogenicity in Gram-negative bacteria. The study revealed that enzymes involved in OPG synthesis and regulation play crucial roles in bacterial infection capability.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2023
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
A new study confirms the presence of deadly Vibrio bacteria in Florida's coastal waters following Hurricane Ian. The research, led by University of Maryland senior author Rita Colwell, found high levels of pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus, particularly in oyster samples from Lee County.
Researchers developed a model demonstrating that chasing interactions can induce dynamical patterns in bacterial organization. The structure becomes visible on a higher level, without requiring adhesion or alignment.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 6, 2023
A new study reveals the meadow spittlebug can feed on more than 1,300 plant species, making it a major vector for incurable plant diseases. The insect's unique ability to spread pathogenic bacteria poses a significant threat to global food security.
SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 4, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers have identified viral components of the skin's microbiome that drive the development of innovative therapies for atopic dermatitis. Bacteriophages, or 'bacteria eaters', were found to help certain bacteria grow faster in AD patients, contributing to the overpopulation of the skin microbiome.
SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 29, 2023
A study by Washington State University researchers found epigenetic alterations associated with elk treponeme-associated hoof disease, suggesting a systemic impact. The findings also suggest that the disease may be heritable, raising concerns about its transmission and susceptibility.
SourceWashington State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 28, 2023
Researchers have genetically engineered Vibrio natriegens to produce enzymes that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in salt water. This breakthrough addresses the challenge of removing plastics from oceans and could lead to more sustainable solutions.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAIChE Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2023
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
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
Researchers discovered a gut bacteria that helps reduce insulin resistance and protect against diabetes. The study found that a specific bacteria, Alistipes indistinctus, consumed excess monosaccharides in the gut, lowering blood sugar levels and reducing insulin resistance.
Researchers have created a novel animal model to study the pathogenesis of neurobrucellosis, a severe complication of brucellosis. The model reveals that innate lymphoid cells and interferons play a crucial role in limiting brain damage during Brucella infection.
SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
A new study reveals that bacterial resistance to albicidin is caused by an increase in the number of copies of a specific gene, leading to up to a 1,000-fold increase in resistance. This discovery highlights the growing threat of antibiotic resistance and underscores the need for effective strategies to combat it.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2023
Researchers at ISTA use swimming bacteria to assemble materials, introducing a novel strategy for fabricating soft materials. The study demonstrates the potential sustainability benefits of harnessing energy from bacteria in material production.
SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2023
Researchers have found that caecilians, an elusive type of amphibian, transfer microbes from their skin and gut to their young during skin-feeding. This unique method of parental care provides nutrients and helps establish a healthy microbiome in juvenile caecilians.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalAnimal Microbiome·DateJul 24, 2023