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Body clock off-schedule? Prebiotics may help

A new study suggests that prebiotics can help realign sleep-wake cycles and core body temperature after chronic disruption of rhythms, hosting health-promoting microbes and a different metabolome. Researchers hope to develop customized prebiotic mixtures for individuals with frequent circadian disruptions.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Setting the teeth on edge: Identifying the risk factors for tooth loss

A study published in International Journal of Environment and Public Health Research reveals that oral bacteria, specifically P. gingivalis and Lactobacillaceae families, are associated with periodontitis. Genetic differences among hosts contribute to susceptibility to pathogens, but the oral microbiome plays a more significant role in...

SourceOkayama University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 2, 2021

Keeping gonorrhea at bay

Researchers have identified a unique sequence essential for efficient multidrug efflux function of the MtrD protein in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a key mechanism for antimicrobial resistance. This discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotic treatments.

SourceFlinders University·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

Symbionts sans frontieres: Bacterial partners travel the world

A new study reveals that some bacterial symbionts of bivalves have traveled the globe and established partnerships with host species across diverse habitats. This finding challenges previous concepts of symbiont acquisition and highlights the remarkable flexibility in this partnership, which benefits both hosts and symbionts.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2021

Hydrogen sulfide critical to innate ability of bacteria to survive antibiotics

Researchers discovered that blocking bacterial H2S biogenesis strengthens antibiotics by inhibiting persister formation and biofilm growth, offering a novel alternative to traditional antibiotic discovery. The study suggests using small molecule potentiators to enhance the effect of major classes of clinically important antibiotics.

The sea urchin microbiome

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have deciphered the composition and function of sea urchin microbiomes, revealing significant differences between red and purple species and habitats. The study suggests that sea urchins may be able to produce their own food using microbes in their guts.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalLimnology and Oceanography Letters·DateApr 6, 2021

Christmas Island reptile-killer identified

A silent killer, Enterococcus lacertideformus, has been discovered as the cause of mysterious deaths in native reptile populations on Christmas Island. The bacterium grows in the animal's head and internal organs, causing death through direct contact or biting, highlighting the need for targeted antibiotic trials.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateMar 17, 2021

Magnetic bacteria as micropumps

Scientists have discovered a way to control the flow of liquids using magnetotactic bacteria, which can be used to transport cancer drugs directly to tumors. The bacteria produce an effect similar to that of a micropump, allowing for precise control over the movement of active substances.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 8, 2020

Glyphosate may affect human gut microbiota

Researchers from University of Turku developed a new bioinformatics tool to predict microbial sensitivity to glyphosate. The tool classifies 80-90% of microbial species as sensitive or resistant, with 54% of human core gut bacterial species potentially affected.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateNov 20, 2020