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.
Researchers found that most microbial pairs fail to coexist, challenging the long-held hypothesis that every pair of microbes must also coexist in a bigger community. This study highlights the need for new predictive tools to engineer successful microbial communities, essential for biotechnology applications.
A novel stress signalling system has been discovered by SMART researchers, enabling bacteria cells to adapt and survive against the immune system and certain antibiotics. The breakthrough discovery of RlmN as a stress sensor may lead to the development of new therapies to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers found a strong association between certain gut bacteria and coronary atherosclerotic plaques, which can lead to heart attacks. The study analyzed gut bacteria and cardiac imaging data from over 8,900 participants and identified Streptococcus species as key players.
Researchers identified 8 bacterial genera commonly associated with environmental sources, known as core microbiota, which persisted despite differences between kitchens. These microbes were linked to kitchen design and cleaning practices, suggesting potential for improved hygiene.
Researchers discovered that squash bug nymphs are attracted to the feces of adults of their own species, even in the dark or from a distance. This behavior is crucial for the bugs' survival as they need a healthy microbiome to grow and stay alive.
Researchers at Umea University discover new role for D-amino acids in stress-driven bacterial chemotaxis, revealing complex ecological systems and potential strategies to manipulate bacterial populations. D-Arginine plays a multifaceted role in shaping microbial communities and influencing niche selection.
Researchers found that vaginal microbiota seeding improved C-section babies' early development by colonizing their guts with maternal bacteria. This approach may reduce the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and intellectual disabilities.
Researchers from Penn Dental Medicine and UNC identify a key role for Selenomonas sputigena in causing tooth decay, particularly when partnered with Streptococcus mutans. The bacteria form protective biofilms that lead to acid production and cavity formation.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo identified a protein in Amblyomma ticks essential to their survival while feeding, making it a promising target for developing a vaccine. The study found that silencing gene expression of an inhibitor of apoptosis protein reduced bacterial proliferation and made ticks more resistant to infection.
A recent study found significant differences in the gut microbiome of female southern white rhinos that reproduced successfully versus those that did not. The researchers identified a particular genus of microbes that may be limiting reproductive success in captive breeding programs.
Researchers found specific bacterial species significantly associated with the development of tubular adenomas and sessile serrated adenomas. The study suggests a potential opportunity to intervene through diet or probiotics to prevent colorectal cancer.
Researchers discovered two new psychrophilic species of bacteria with cold-adapted enzymes, which can be used in biotechnology to produce refrigerated foods, improve detergent quality, and remove pollutants from cold environments. The study was conducted in collaboration with Uruguayan scientists and supported by FAPESP.
Bacteria play a crucial role in providing insects with vital nutrients like vitamin B, enabling them to survive on unbalanced diets and exploit new food resources. This has led to significant diversification of plant-feeding insect species.
Researchers used AI to identify a compound that kills Acinetobacter baumannii, a bacterium responsible for many drug-resistant infections. The new antibiotic shows promise in combating this growing public health threat.
Researchers discovered that Trichodesmium filaments form aggregates through a simple behavioural strategy, controlling density and light penetration. This mechanism enables the formation of visible aggregates with unique shapes, providing essential nutrients for other marine organisms.
A neglected 80-year-old antibiotic, nourseothricin, has been found to be effective against multi-drug resistant bacterial infections. The improvement in purification of the streptothricins has overcome original toxicity concerns, making it a promising agent for treating difficult-to-treat infections.
Interactions between gut bacteria may limit antibiotics' effectiveness in treating C. difficile infections, a study suggests. Researchers found that certain bacterial species make the bacterium tolerant to metronidazole and increase its abundance.
A study by McGill University and University of British Columbia found that the planet's biomass is concentrated in organisms at either end of the size spectrum. The researchers discovered a universal upper limit for maximum body size across multiple species and environments, with similar sizes reached by trees, fish, and other organisms.
The iPODs system enables rapid-results testing with reduced error, cross-contamination, and sample loss by automating droplet transfer. The device shows strong linearity in bacterial detection, with an R-squared value of 0.999, making it accurate for point-of-care testing.
A new Cochrane Review found that stool transplantation can increase the number of people recovering from Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection by 77%, compared to 40% with standard antibiotic treatment. The study also showed a decrease in side effects with stool transplantation.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 24, 2023
A new study reveals that different species of bacteria colonize specific areas on diatoms, reflecting their metabolic properties. The findings provide insight into the complex interactions between algae and bacteria in marine environments.
Researchers identified protective drugs that shield two abundant gut bacterial species without compromising antibiotic effectiveness against disease-causing bacteria. The study found a novel combination of antibiotics with antidote drugs, such as dicumarol and tolfenamic acid, which protected the gut microbiome and maintained antibioti...
The new CALANGO software helps untangle genetic factors associated with shared characteristics, such as antibacterial resistance and agricultural improvements. It enables scientists to explore vast amounts of genomic data across thousands of organisms.
Researchers at Aarhus University discovered that cable bacteria form a dance-like connection with diverse aerobic bacteria in the anoxic seabed. The small bacteria benefit by transferring electrons to the cable bacteria, forming an electrical lifeline to oxygen.
A study published in the journal Cancer found that long-term pancreatic cancer survivors have a robust immune response and enriched gut microbiome species, including Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. The research suggests that these bacterial species may promote immune response to pancreas cancer.
Researchers used explainable AI to analyze gut microbiomes for CRC biomarkers, discovering four distinct subgroups with unique bacterial profiles. This approach shows promise for a more personalized microbiome exploration and potential disease subgroup identification.
A study of bird poop reveals a unique relationship between birds and their microbiomes, which differ from those found in mammals. The researchers found that the types of bacteria present in the birds' gut microbiomes change over short time periods, rather than being tied to specific host species.
A Yale study found that beneficial gut bacterium Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron responds to starvation for carbon by sequestering essential transcription factor in membrane-less compartment, increasing its activity and modifying gene expression. This mechanism enables colonization of mammalian gut and reveals a vital strategy for
Researchers engineer crops and symbiotic bacteria to produce nitrogen fertilizer, reducing reliance on industrially produced fertilizers. The approach aims to create a symbiotic relationship between the bacteria and crop plants, promoting efficient nutrient exchange.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism in Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria that likely contributes to the severity of infections and could be a target for future treatments. The study found that the lectin LecB renders immune cells ineffective, preventing them from triggering an immune response.
A study by researchers at TUM found that gut bacteria play a crucial role in liver regeneration. The microbiome produces short-chain fatty acids, which are essential for liver cell growth and division. In mice treated with antibiotics, liver regeneration was delayed or not possible, but a
Scientists at Caltech have developed a method to move and arrange cells using ultrasound waves, which could enable tissue engineering and cell-based therapy. By harnessing the properties of gas vesicles derived from bacteria, researchers can apply force to cells in a selective manner.
Scientists have discovered a new virus that can kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The virus, named Fyn8, was found in local creeks near the University of Southern Denmark campus and has been fully sequenced.
Studies elucidate key aspects of traditional Chinese compounds and modern cancer therapeutics, highlighting the efficacy of R. serra in treating colitis and identifying active components of Gan Cao in treating pneumonia. A new radiolabeled antibody-based probe for detecting PD-L1 expression in cancers also provides a novel approach to ...
Research from Imperial College London and University of Exeter reveals that cooperative microbial communities release more carbon dioxide than competitive ones, contributing significantly to climate change. This finding has far-reaching implications for understanding the impact of temperature changes on global carbon cycles.
Researchers found differences in gut microbiomes of people with ME/CFS compared to healthy controls, indicating a potential role for the microbiome in the disease. Abnormal levels of specific bacteria and metabolites were associated with reduced butyrate production, which is essential for gut health.
Two studies reveal that ME/CFS is associated with reduced levels of butyrate-producing microbes and differences in gut metabolites. Researchers found distinct changes in the microbiome of patients with short-term and long-term ME/CFS, suggesting a potential link between gut dysbiosis and the disease's severity.
Researchers discovered that certain microorganisms dominate burned soil after a wildfire, with some species increasing in abundance and others consuming charcoal. This finding could help revive megafire dead zones and provide insights into the human microbiome's response to stress.
A study by Dartmouth College researchers found that bacteria can form protective clusters with rival species, making it harder to kill harmful bacteria. This discovery highlights the importance of studying multispecies biofilm structures and may impact the development of bacteriophages and predatory bacteria as antimicrobial alternatives.
A genomic study of the Seattle 2017-2022 Shigella outbreak revealed its origin as international travelers from areas where Shigella was common. The study also found that multi-drug resistant Shigella has become a growing global health concern, primarily affecting men who have sex with men and those experiencing homelessness.
A study by Noa Barak-Gavish and colleagues revealed that Roseobacter bacteria undergo a lifestyle switch from coexistence to pathogenicity when interacting with phytoplankton. This switch is triggered by the production of chemical compounds, allowing the bacteria to 'eat-and-run' in search of suitable hosts.
A new study by Portland State University researchers found that deep-sea microorganisms thrive in high-temperature environments and exhibit a staggering level of diversity, with over 500 new genera discovered. The microbes also rely on each other for survival through metabolic handoffs, revealing a complex interdependence.
Researchers have clarified relationships between numerous Enterobacter species and optimised resistance testing. Using genome-based taxonomic studies, they found that Enterobacter xiangfangensis accounted for 68.7% of all detected isolates worldwide.
Researchers identified hundreds of microorganisms associated with plant roots and soil, showing potential for developing biological substitutes for phosphorus-based fertilizers. The discovery highlights the importance of microbial communities in supplying essential nutrients like nitrogen.
An international study led by the University of Trento revealed that social interactions play a key role in shaping the composition of our microbiomes. The researchers found that adults acquire microbes through close contact with family members, partners, and friends, while infants acquire them later on at birth.
Researchers have discovered that nutrient elements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium can activate immune responses in tomato plants, leading to disease resistance. The study found that different defense signaling pathways are required for induction of immunity in response to different elements.
A new Legionella species, Legionella bononiensis, has been identified in a hotel facility in northern Italy. The discovery was made by researchers from the University of Bologna using genetic sequencing and mass spectroscopy techniques.
A North Carolina State University study found that mosquitoes harbor diverse bacterial communities, including those associated with human diseases. The research revealed greater bacterial diversity internally than externally, suggesting that mosquitoes may transfer pathogenic bacteria through physical contact or defecation.
Wild potato varieties have evolved multiple resistance factors to combat pathogens like Pectobacterium species. Researchers have identified protease inhibitors that prevent bacterial malignance by interrupting their communication system and degrading plant cell walls.
A new study by Arizona State University researchers found that microbiota transfer therapy significantly improved the abundance of beneficial bacteria and normalized altered bacterial gene expression in children with autism. The treatment showed substantial increases in populations of beneficial bacterial species and improvements in ge...
Researchers developed an efficient engineered pathogen capture method to quickly identify infectious microbes in tiny blood samples. This advanced technology could significantly improve clinical outcomes for children with bloodstream infections and sepsis.
A new study maps the global landscape of antimicrobial resistance, revealing surprising transmissions in Sub-Saharan Africa and highlighting the need for tailored strategies to combat resistance. The research, which analyzed sewage samples from 243 cities in 101 countries, found that resistance genes are more frequently transmitted acr...
A new study reveals that microfibers in the Mediterranean Sea are home to over 2,600 bacterial species, including Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a potentially deadly bacterium. The presence of these bacteria poses a significant threat to human health and aquatic ecosystems.
A new study on rhesus macaques reveals a strong link between social connections and the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria. Monkeys with more sociable behavior have a higher presence of microbes like Faecalibacterium, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators finds that Enterococcus faecalis enhances its protective outer layer to resist natural immune defenses and antibiotics. The research suggests possible new ways to target these bacterial infections.
A type of dietary fiber called inulin alters gut bacteria metabolism, triggering type 2 inflammation in the gut and lungs. Inulin boosts Treg cells but also induces higher levels of eosinophils, a classic sign of type 2 inflammation.
A new study found that COVID-19 infection directly interferes with the healthy balance of microbes in the gut, further endangering patients. The research revealed that antibiotic-resistant species can escape into the bloodstream, putting patients at greater risk for life-threatening secondary infections.
The study reveals that the small intestinal microbiome is unstable and changes in response to diet, but certain species persist and adapt through subspecies changes. The findings have important implications for understanding intestinal diseases such as celiac disease and Crohn's disease.
A unique bacterium found in the gut microbiome may trigger an autoimmune response that leads to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in individuals already at risk. The discovery opens up possibilities for targeted therapies and prevention strategies.