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Probiotic bacteria and multiple sclerosis severity in mice

A probiotic bacterial species significantly worsens multiple sclerosis severity in a mouse model. The study reveals the critical role of Lactobacillus reuteri in modulating disease risk, with colonized mice exhibiting more severe symptoms.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2020

Those funky cheese smells allow microbes to 'talk' to and feed each other

Researchers at Tufts University found that bacteria in cheese can sense and respond to compounds produced by fungi, enhancing the growth of some species over others. This discovery provides a model for understanding and modifying other microbiomes, such as soil or the gastrointestinal tract.

SourceTufts University·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateOct 16, 2020
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.

On the trail of novel infectious agents in wildlife

Researchers characterize a new bacterial species causing severe respiratory disease in peccaries, contributing to better understanding of rare pathogens. The discovery uses MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for rapid and reliable identification.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateOct 13, 2020

Researchers discover a novel family of toxins used in bacterial competition

Researchers at University of São Paulo characterized a novel family of anti-bacterial toxins present in bacteria like Salmonella enterica. The toxins inhibit cell wall synthesis in rival bacteria, facilitating colonization and causing imbalances in established microbial communities.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 18, 2020

An unprecedented discovery of cell fusion

Scientists at the University of Delaware have made an unprecedented discovery of bacterial cell fusion, where cells from two different species combine to form hybrid cells. This phenomenon allows microbes to share machinery and increase their odds of survival.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalmBio·DateSep 2, 2020

Origin of a complex life form revealed

Researchers at McGill University have discovered that bacteria and carpenter ants collaborated to alter the development of the ant embryo, creating a single complex life form. The study reveals that this integration occurred in a series of steps, with the bacteria exploiting existing genetic loci within the ant embryos.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateSep 2, 2020
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.

'Oral' bacteria may disrupt the balance of the vaginal microbiome

A study suggests that oral bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum can promote the growth of harmful pathogens in the vagina, leading to bacterial vaginosis (BV). The research found that Fusobacterium may engage in mutually beneficial relationships with other vaginal bacteria, encouraging dysbiosis and BV features.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 25, 2020

Oxygen therapy harms lung microbiome in mice

A new study finds that oxygen therapy can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the lungs, contributing to lung injury. The researchers used mice and found that high concentrations of oxygen led to an increase in oxygen-tolerant bacteria, which are more likely to cause infections.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 12, 2020
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.

Grow faster, die sooner

Research by Technical University of Munich shows that faster-growing bacteria are more likely to die when deprived of food, highlighting the balance between growth and survivability in bacterial fitness. The study may lead to improved effectiveness of antibiotics by stimulating intestinal bacteria growth.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateAug 6, 2020

Are vultures spreaders of microbes that put human health at risk?

A new analysis found that microorganisms causing human diseases can be present in vultures, including multi-resistant bacteria. However, there is no clear evidence that vultures spread pathogens to humans and other species, but they may help prevent disease transmission by consuming carcasses.

SourceWiley·JournalIbis·DateAug 5, 2020
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.

Insights on the gut microbiome could shape more powerful, precise treatment

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified key factors influencing the success of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in treating C. difficile infection. They developed an algorithm to design personalized probiotic cocktails, which contain species effective inhibitors of C. difficile and can be administered to pat...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2020

Unparalleled inventory of the human gut ecosystem

Researchers have compiled an unparalleled inventory of the human gut ecosystem by sequencing over 200,000 bacterial genomes from more than 4,600 species. The new databases reveal tremendous diversity in human guts and pave the way for microbiome research.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 27, 2020

Advancing knowledge on archaea

A web-based database, Archaeal Proteome Project (ArcPP), collects and makes available datasets to further research on archaea, a domain of microorganisms. The platform provides easily accessible data and expertise for analyzing proteomics studies, yielding significant new insights into archaeal biology.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 20, 2020

Eating habits of baby predator starfish revealed

Juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish exhibit flexible diets, consuming a range of algae types and even biofilm to avoid starvation. This adaptability complicates age prediction and outbreak forecasting for the species, which poses a significant threat to coral reefs.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 20, 2020
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.

Predicting the biodiversity of rivers

Scientists combined environmental DNA and hydrological models to assess riverine ecosystems' biodiversity with unprecedented accuracy, identifying unseen hotspots for conservation strategies. The new method enables rapid application of research findings in Switzerland, finalizing guidelines for the Federal Office for Environment.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 17, 2020

Spider silk made by photosynthetic bacteria

Photosynthetic bacteria have been engineered to produce spider silk, which is ultra-lightweight and as tough as steel. The discovery could lead to the mass production of sustainable materials such as tear-resistant clothing and biomedical applications.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 8, 2020

How good gut bacteria help reduce the risk for heart disease

Researchers discovered a beneficial protein in good gut bacteria that reduces production of a chemical linked to clogged arteries. This interaction eliminates the compound's harmful effects, suggesting new therapeutic possibilities for this microbe.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 8, 2020
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.

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate concentration in coral reef invertebrates

A study published in Scientific Reports highlights how benthic assemblages impact coral and giant clam species' dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) production. The researchers found that DMSP concentration is modulated according to the complexity of species assemblages, suggesting a connection between neighbors and metabolism.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 23, 2020

Genetic variation may affect bacterial composition and healing of wounds

A study found that genetic variation affects the types of bacteria that infect wounds and the healing process. The researchers identified specific genes associated with microbiome diversity in chronic wounds, which could lead to predictive biomarkers and targeted therapies for patients at risk of persistent infections.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 18, 2020

Earth's species have more in common than previously believed

An international team of researchers mapped proteins in 100 species, revealing common characteristics such as a focus on metabolism and maintaining protein balance. The study also doubled the number of experimentally confirmed proteins using advanced mass spectrometry technology.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 2020

Water bacteria have a green thumb

A new species of bacteria, Stieleria maiorica, produces stieleriacines, which act as signalling molecules to control the composition of marine biofilms. This allows planctomycetes to outcompete other bacteria for resources.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJun 12, 2020
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.

Lizard legacy sheds new light on web of life

A special issue of Austral Ecology celebrates the work of Professor Mike Bull, a leading expert in lizard behavior and ecology. The issue features 12 new studies on species like pygmy bluetongues and sleepy lizards, exploring topics such as parasites, environmental change, and sociality.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAustral Ecology·DateJun 9, 2020

International Consortium of Scientists Propose New Naming System for Uncultivated Bacteria and Archaea

A new consensus statement by 119 microbiologists proposes updating the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes to include uncultivated bacteria and archaea represented by DNA sequence information. This would enable researchers to create a unified list of all discovered species and implement universal quality standards for nam...

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 8, 2020

Terrestrial bacteria can grow on nutrients from space

Researchers found that four bacteria species can survive and multiply on a minimal diet of nitrogen, phosphorus, and other essential elements from space. This adaptation process makes them less virulent, but still poses a risk to astronauts' immune systems during space travel.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalAstrobiology·DateMay 26, 2020
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Dynamics of gut bacteria follow ecological laws

Researchers discovered mathematical relationships describing gut microbiome dynamics, including Taylor's power law and drift rates. These principles help identify abnormal bacterial behavior and predict how dietary changes affect microbiomes.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 13, 2020

Gut ecology

A team of UC Santa Barbara researchers proposes a technique called SPARC to manipulate certain parameters in a mathematical gut microbiome model toward a target composition. This approach offers a systematic understanding of how environmental factors and species interactions can be controlled to achieve a stable gut microbiome.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review E·DateMay 13, 2020

Plasma medicine research highlights antibacterial effects and potential uses

Researchers at Penn State have successfully developed a novel plasma medicine technique that effectively targets and kills bacteria in liquid cultures without developing resistance. The process uses low-temperature plasma generated from atmospheric pressure or liquids, creating reactive particles with antibacterial effects.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 8, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Algae in the oceans often steal genes from bacteria

A Rutgers co-authored study found that algae, responsible for producing 70% of oxygen and 45% of global primary production, acquire beneficial genes from bacteria. The study analyzed genomic data from 23 species of brown and golden-brown algae and discovered that gene stealing or acquisition varies substantially among different species.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 29, 2020

Scientists studied the growth rate effect of gut bacteria on degradation of dietary fibers

Researchers investigated how gut bacteria grow at different rates and their effect on dietary fibers, finding that faster growth rates alter the composition and metabolism of fecal microbiota. The study suggests that a person's diet can influence their gut microbiota by adjusting fiber intake to support healthy digestion.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateApr 28, 2020

The building blocks of gum disease

Researchers at OIST Graduate University have discovered the structure of adhesive pili in Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major bacterial pathogen causing gum disease. The study sheds light on how these pili assemble and provides insights into combating diseases associated with P. gingivalis.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateApr 13, 2020

Researchers uncover importance of aligning biological clock with day-night cycles

Researchers at University of California San Diego discovered that internal circadian clocks regulate DNA uptake in cyanobacteria, increasing its efficiency during nighttime hours. This finding highlights the crucial role of synchronizing biological processes with environmental rhythms for human health and disease prevention.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

New metabolism discovered in bacteria

Researchers at Goethe University discover a unique metabolism in Acetobacterium woodii that enables the bacterium to recycle hydrogen, allowing it to survive in oxygen-poor environments. This discovery has implications for our understanding of ancient life forms and their metabolic capabilities.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateMar 30, 2020

Bacteria might help other bacteria to tolerate antibiotics better

A study by the Dynamical Systems Biology lab reveals that bacteria can make each other more tolerant to antibiotics when coexisting. The response of bacteria to antibiotics depends on other species they live with, suggesting new strategies to combat bacterial infections.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 12, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Aging and nutrients competition determine changes in microbiota

Research at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência uncovered two new mechanisms in the microbiota's evolution, driven by aging and nutrient competition. In mice, E. coli adapts to inflammation and scarce nutrients in older individuals, leading to potentially pathogenic changes.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 11, 2020

Can poor air quality make you gain weight?

A new study published in Environment International links poor air quality to changes in the human gut microbiome, increasing the risk of obesity and diabetes. Young adults exposed to higher levels of ozone showed less microbial diversity and more species associated with obesity and disease.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnvironment International·DateMar 11, 2020

Two-faced bacteria

Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered a previously unknown response to indole in the beneficial gut bacteria E. coli, which seems to both repel and attract bacteria. The Janus response displays sophistication and could lead to a better understanding of the complexities of the gut microbiome.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2020

Microcensus in bacteria

Researchers discovered that bacteria, specifically Bacillus subtilis, can sense the ratios of different bacterial groups in their environment. This ability allows them to adjust their behavior and make informed decisions about their surroundings.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 2020
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.

What can you learn by peering into a fruit fly's gut? It turns out a lot!

A new research tool allows biologists to watch in real time the cell renewal process that keeps gut tissue healthy, as well as the interactions between bacterial species that make up the microbiome. Researchers discovered regional differences in microbiome stability that mimic the regionality of stem cell activity.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 2, 2020

Newly found bacteria fights climate change, soil pollutants

Researchers at Cornell University have identified a new species of bacteria that can break down organic matter, including toxic chemicals released from burning coal, gas, and oil. The discovery could hold key to understanding the soil carbon cycle and predicting global climate change.

SourceCornell University·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateFeb 20, 2020

How transient invaders can transform an ecosystem

Research at MIT found that transient invaders can lead to a rapid takeover of the ecosystem, but then disappear. This phenomenon occurs when the invader's growth produces metabolic byproducts that raise the pH, making the environment less hospitable for itself and other species.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 20, 2020
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.

Answers to microbiome mysteries in the gills of rainbow trout

Scientists have uncovered a crucial role of mucosal antibodies, specifically IgT, in regulating the microbiome and defending against pathogens in fish. By manipulating the immune system of rainbow trout, researchers found that IgT plays two paradoxical roles: reducing bad microbes while promoting beneficial bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience Immunology·DateFeb 12, 2020

Understanding gut microbiota, one cell at a time

A novel technique called SAG-gel allows for the simultaneous analysis of multiple draft genomes from raw data, identifying bacteria that respond to dietary fiber without reference genomes. The study reveals specific gene clusters and metabolic pathways involved in breaking down inulin.

SourceWaseda University·JournalMicrobiome·DateFeb 7, 2020

Scientists examined bacterial cannibalism

Scientists investigated allolysis, a phenomenon where bacteria kill genetically identical neighbors under certain conditions. This process may help develop new antibacterial medicines by targeting community dynamics rather than individual cell killing.

SourceSechenov University·JournalAntibiotics·DateFeb 3, 2020

Color-changing bandages sense and treat bacterial infections

Researchers have developed color-changing bandages that can sense drug-resistant and drug-sensitive bacteria in wounds and treat them accordingly. The bandages change color to indicate the type of bacteria present, allowing for targeted treatment with antibiotics.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateJan 29, 2020
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.

Wild tomatoes resist devastating bacterial canker

Cornell University researchers found that wild tomato varieties are less affected by bacterial canker, with the pathogen remaining confined to specific xylem vessels. The team's study confirms that wild tomatoes are susceptible to bacterial canker, but with less severe symptoms than cultivated varieties.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhytopathology·DateJan 27, 2020

New species of antibiotic-resistant bacteria found in infected wound

Scientists at University of Gothenburg discovered a new species of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Scandinavium goeteborgense, isolated from an infected wound. The bacteria exhibit novel genetic variants of resistance, highlighting the need for precise treatment choices.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJan 20, 2020

What we're learning about the reproductive microbiome

Researchers have found that certain microbes affect sperm quality, fertilization, embryo implantation, and reproductive health across various animal species. The study also sheds light on the role of the reproductive microbiome in sexual selection, mating systems, and sexual conflict.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 14, 2020
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.

Acidic environment could boost power of harmful pathogens

Recent research in Caenorhabditis elegans suggests that a moderately acidic digestive tract may actually make bacterial pathogens more potent. This finding could have significant implications for addressing antibiotic resistance worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 9, 2020