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Infection research: Antibodies prevent cell infection

Researchers have successfully blocked the adhesion mechanism of Bartonella henselae bacteria, preventing cell infection. The discovery offers a promising new approach to combat highly resistant infectious agents like Acinetobacter baumannii.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Plants keep pathogens at bay in cooperation with microorganisms

Researchers discovered that plants can regulate their microbiome through the secretion of flavonoids, which affect beneficial and harmful microorganisms around plant roots. This delicate balance helps protect plants from parasitic nematodes, reducing susceptibility to infection.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateOct 19, 2022

Researchers discover new multicellular bacteria species

Researchers have isolated a novel bacterial species, HS-3, that displays complex multicellular behavior and a reversible two-phase life cycle. The discovery reveals a previously unknown mechanism for the emergence of multicellularity in bacteria, suggesting that environmental factors played a crucial role.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateOct 11, 2022

Microbes that cause cavities can form superorganisms able to ‘crawl’ and spread on teeth

Researchers discovered that cross-kingdom assemblages of bacteria and fungi can form superorganisms that colonize teeth, causing extensive tooth decay. These superorganisms exhibit enhanced surface adhesion, increased mechanical and antimicrobial tolerance, and unique mobility, moving at speeds similar to fibroblasts.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2022

What drives ecosystems to instability?

Researchers have developed a phase diagram that predicts ecosystem stability based on the number of species and interaction strength. The study shows three states of ecological communities, with conditions for moving between them, allowing for the prediction of instability and fluctuations in populations. This work builds on previous f...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateOct 6, 2022
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.

The thinking undead: How dormant bacteria calculate their return to life

Researchers discovered that dormant bacterial spores can evaluate their environment without waking up, using stored electrochemical energy to determine favorable conditions. They found that spores release their energy to perform a computation about their surroundings, similar to how neurons operate in the brain.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2022

Fungal association with tumors may predict worse outcomes

Researchers found that certain fungal species in tumors are linked to inflammation and reduced cell-to-cell adhesion, features associated with late-stage cancer spread. High levels of these fungi may serve as biomarkers for metastasis risk and lead to more effective treatment choices.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalCell·DateOct 3, 2022

Marine phytoplankton gets by with a little help from its bacteria friends

A study found that Synechococcus and heterotrophic bacteria have an inherent tendency toward mutualism, which can be re-established after environmental interference. The researchers discovered that the bacteria facilitated nitrogen fixation, converting nitrogen for use in buoying the phytoplankton.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 30, 2022

Gut bacteria may contribute to susceptibility to HIV infection, UCLA-led research suggests

Researchers found pre-existing differences in gut bacteria between people with and without HIV, including decreased Bacteroides species and increased Megasphaera elsdenii. These changes were present even before infection occurred, suggesting a potential link between gut microbiome and HIV susceptibility.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 29, 2022
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.

Industrial microorganism uptakes sugars differently

A research team has identified the transporters responsible for sugar uptake in Clostridium thermocellum, a key industrial microorganism. The study found that transporter B is used to take up cellodextrins derived from cellulose, while transporter A is used for glucose uptake.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalmBio·DateSep 26, 2022

Dozens of gut bacteria associated with multiple sclerosis

A large-scale international study has identified dozens of gut bacteria associated with multiple sclerosis, revealing potential new mechanisms for disease development and treatment response. The study also found geographical location and participant's disease status as significant factors influencing gut microbiome variations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateSep 15, 2022
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Subarctic cave bacteria could be at risk due to climate change

New study reveals that subarctic cave bacterial communities are more diverse and complex than surface soil ones, but climate change poses a significant threat to these unique ecosystems. The scarcity of nutrients in caves drives bacteria to cooperate with each other, which may be affected by global warming.

SourceFaculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon·JournalEnvironmental Microbiome·DateAug 30, 2022

Caterpillar-like bacteria crawling in our mouth

Bacteria in the Neisseriaceae family evolved to divide along their longitudinal axis without separating, forming caterpillar-like filaments that aid in attachment and cooperation. This unique strategy helps them survive in the oral cavity, where competition is high.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 2022

Drought increases microbe-laden dust landing in Sierras

Research shows higher concentrations of pathogenic dust landing at lower elevations in the Sierra Nevada mountains, carrying fungi and bacteria that can cause crop failures and human respiratory disease. The study highlights the increasing threat of microbe-laden dust as the Earth dries out.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateAug 9, 2022
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.

New research on the emergence of the first complex cells challenges orthodoxy

A new study challenges a popular scenario explaining the origin of eukaryotes, suggesting that cells can grow to considerable volume without acquiring mitochondria. Researchers explore energy requirements and genome arrangement in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, revealing overlap between cell types rather than a hard boundary line.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2022

New dog food? Study shows Fido's gut bacteria could turn over within a week

A new study from the University of Illinois found that dog gut bacteria can change rapidly after introducing a new diet, with microbial turnover occurring in under a week. The research also confirmed previous findings on the health benefits of high-fiber diets over high-fat and high-protein diets.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAnimal Microbiome·DateAug 1, 2022
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.

Natural clean-up: Bacteria can remove plastic pollution from lakes

A study found that certain bacteria grow more efficiently on plastic bags than leaves and twigs, breaking down carbon compounds in the process. The bacteria's growth is stimulated by plastic pollution, which primes them for rapid breakdown of other natural carbon compounds.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 26, 2022

Microbial ´dark matter´: Centuries-old lava caves of Hawaiʻi Island contain thousands of unknown bacterial species

A new study in Frontiers in Microbiology found that centuries-old lava caves on Hawaiʻi Island harbor an astonishing number of previously undiscovered bacterial species, including the Chloroflexi group. These microbes play key ecological roles in their communities and may have played a crucial role in shaping life on Mars and early Earth.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022

Insects harbor over a thousand genes from microbes, which help them survive

A study reveals that over 1,400 genes in 218 insect species originated from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and plants through horizontal gene transfer. This discovery suggests that these genes contributed to beneficial traits such as mating behavior, nutrition, and adaptation to environmental changes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

A little piece of Washington state blasted into space this week

A team of researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory sent a tiny piece of Washington state soil into space to study how it behaves in microgravity. The experiment, called DynaMoS, aims to understand the dynamics of microbial communities and their role in plant growth, with implications for growing food on other celestial bodies.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJul 15, 2022
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.

Emu stands tall at detecting bacteria species

The Emu project effectively identifies bacterial species by leveraging long DNA sequences spanning the entire length of the gene under study. This approach facilitates the analysis of key genes in microbiome researchers' efforts to sort out harmful and helpful bacteria.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Methods·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 30, 2022

Maternal microbiome promotes healthy development of the baby

A recent study published in Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences found that a specific type of gut bacteria, Bifidobacterium breve, plays a crucial role in regulating fetal growth and metabolism during pregnancy. The researchers discovered that the maternal microbiome promotes development of the placenta and healthy growth of the baby ...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalCellular and Molecular Life Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2022

With roommates, it’s all about chemistry, molecularly speaking

A study found that indoor pollutants and human activities impact home biology and chemistry. Researchers detected diverse molecules from skin care products, food, and feces in a test home, with human-derived metabolites dominating the microbiome.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 24, 2022

Tapping the ocean as a source of natural products

Researchers discovered 40,000 biosynthetic gene clusters in ocean microorganisms, including a new species with giant genome size. These clusters may hold key to new natural products with antibiotic properties. Collaboration between ETH Zurich and Jörn Piel's group validated the structure and function of two promising molecules.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2022

How diet and the microbiome affect colorectal cancer

A recent study found that certain bacteria species in the gut are associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer in younger populations. The research suggests that dietary patterns high in processed meats, low-calorie drinks, and liquor may contribute to this increased risk.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJun 14, 2022
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.

Designing protection suits for hard working bacteria

Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have developed a new technique that makes bacteria cells more robust and efficient for various chemicals synthesis under harsh application conditions. The protective suit consists of nanoparticles of dopamine, which protects against external stressors such as UV radiation, heat, and org...

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2022

Bacterial cellulose enables microbial life on Mars

A research team discovered that bacterial cellulose produced by Komagataeibacter bacteria survived on Mars-like conditions. The study found minor changes in the genome after reactivation on Earth, suggesting cellulose as a potential biomarker for extraterrestrial life.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2022

Drug resistance molecule can spread though bacterial 'communities'

A new study by the University of Exeter found that antibiotic-resistant plasmid molecules can spread quickly through bacterial communities, making them more resistant to antibiotics. This raises concerns about the potential for antimicrobial resistance to spread in environmental settings and impact human health.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022

Meet the forest microbes that can survive megafires

Research finds fungi and bacteria can thrive in post-megafire soils, with certain microbes increasing in abundance. These microbial 'cousins' are genetically related and share adaptive traits to respond to fire, improving prediction of their responses.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateApr 25, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Genetics affects functions of gut microbiome

A recent study by Cornell scientists explores the relationship between human genetics and gut microbiome functions, identifying correlations between genetic variations and microbiome-associated traits. The research, led by Ilana Brito, uses a novel computational approach to model the distribution of functions and species within the hum...

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 18, 2022

Researchers identify potential approaches to modify the vaginal microbiome

Researchers have identified a way to improve bacterial vaginosis treatment by targeting the vaginal microbiome. By analyzing over 1,200 vaginal Lactobacillus genomes and growing a novel strain of Lactobacillus iners in the lab, scientists discovered that this species requires external cysteine sources, which can be blocked using inhibi...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMar 3, 2022
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.

Rare bacterial strain isolated and sequenced at Tokyo University of Science

A new bacterial strain, Noda2021, belonging to Candidatus phylum Dependentiae has been isolated and sequenced, revealing its genetic material and potential ecological significance. This discovery sheds light on the diversity of microorganisms in Japan's microbiological hotspots.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalMicrobiology Resource Announcements·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2022

Why do locusts form destructive swarms?

Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that a specific type of bacteria, Weissella, becomes dominant in the gut microbiomes of locusts when they form swarms. This change may provide the bacteria with an evolutionary advantage, allowing them to spread and infect more locusts.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateFeb 9, 2022

New “vertical map” of airborne microorganisms indicates how global warming will impact global ecosystems

A comprehensive 'vertical map' of airborne microorganisms has been created, showing that temperature is the single most important factor influencing their composition. As global temperatures rise, this could lead to significant changes in the air microbiome, affecting human health and food security.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 7, 2022

Thread spread - A never-before-seen way bacteria infect cells

Researchers at San Diego State University have discovered a novel way bacteria infect cells by producing long threads, which grows up to 100 times the size of a bacterium in 30 hours. This mechanism allows the bacteria to rapidly infect multiple cells and access more nutrients for growth.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Human gut bacteria have sex to share vitamin B12

Beneficial gut microbes transfer genes to acquire vitamin B12, increasing their ability to survive. This process, called bacterial sex, allows them to form a tube that DNA can pass through to another cell, demonstrating the horizontal gene exchange among microbes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2022

Make-up of gut microbiome may be linked to long COVID risk

Researchers found a distinct microbial profile associated with long COVID symptoms, including fatigue, muscle weakness, and insomnia. Patients with long COVID had a less diverse and abundant gut microbiome compared to those without the condition.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGut·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2022

New bacteria in UK waters as temperatures rise

A new study by the University of Exeter reveals two previously unknown Vibrio species in UK waters, which can cause gastroenteritis and skin infections in humans. The increasing range of these bacteria also threatens marine biodiversity and the seafood industry, with potential economic costs estimated at £6 billion annually.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalWater Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Predator interactions chiefly determine where Prochlorococcus thrive

New research reveals that Prochlorococcus thrive in ocean waters where a shared predator with bacteria and phytoplankton coexists, not just warm temperatures. The study suggests this relationship is crucial for the microbe's survival and population distribution.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 3, 2022

Warning over antibiotic-resistant bacteria

A study by Anglia Ruskin University has identified potentially dangerous Pseudomonas bacteria in 21% of wild bird faeces collected from locations near the River Cam. The bacteria, which can be passed on to humans through cross-contamination, were resistant to multiple antibiotics.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateNov 17, 2021

Woodrat microbiomes: It’s who you are that matters most

A University of Utah team analyzed woodrat gut bacteria and found that evolutionary history plays the greatest role in shaping microbiome structure. Diet and geography also influenced microbiome composition, but host relatedness was the strongest predictor in both wild and captive populations.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021

Dartmouth study reveals new insights into how the infant microbiome impacts early childhood behavior in boys and girls

A new Dartmouth-led study found a direct association between the infant microbiome and early childhood behavioral health, with sex-specific differences. The study characterized the species of microbes present in each participant's gut and their functions, establishing that microbiome changes occur before behavioral changes.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalPediatric Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Could one bacterium put damselflies in distress?

Research found that damselflies infected with Wolbachia bacterium have reduced genetic diversity, making them less adaptable to changing environments. This could lead to a decline in the species' ability to expand its range and survive climate change.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBMC Ecology and Evolution·DateNov 4, 2021

Lower antibiotic resistance in intestinal bacteria with forgotten antibiotic

A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that temocillin was effective in treating febrile urinary tract infections with fewer resistant bacteria. Temocillin acts specifically against E. coli and other intestinal bacteria, reducing the risk of treatment failure.

SourceLinköping University·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 28, 2021
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.

How a bacterium may help solve the plastic pollution crisis

Researchers have identified a bacterium, Ideonella sakaiensis, capable of degrading PET plastics and producing biodegradable PHA plastics. This finding addresses two pressing sustainability issues in the plastics industry.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 19, 2021

Quick test for potential probiotic in seawater may reveal health of corals

Researchers developed a quick test to identify beneficial bacteria species known to benefit coral, allowing for non-invasive assessment of coral health. The method enables rapid detection of specific bacterial species in seawater and coral samples, suggesting that the bacteria may be concentrated in coral.

SourceOsaka Prefecture University·JournalMarine Biotechnology·TypeNews article·DateOct 13, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

New bacteria ID will help apple juice producers avoid spoilage

Researchers identified three new Alicyclobacillus species that can cause spoilage in apple juice. The discovery will allow manufacturers to identify and fine-tune control strategies to reduce waste and improve customer satisfaction.

SourceCornell University·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateSep 28, 2021