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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

How plant metabolites affect the ecosystem

Researchers explore chemodiversity in plants to understand its impact on ecosystems, including foodwebs and biodiversity. The new Research Unit will analyze chemodiversity within individual plants, between populations, and across species.

SourceBielefeld University·DateDec 20, 2019

Researchers show how opportunistic bacterium defeats competitors

Researchers discovered that Stenotrophomonas maltophilia uses a secretion system to inject toxins into competing bacteria, eliminating them. The study also identified a key toxin molecule that can reduce bacterial replication rates.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 10, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bushmeat may breed deadly bacteria

Researchers analyzed bushmeat samples from Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and found 27 different groups of bacteria, including those causing anthrax, brucellosis, and Q fever. The team identified a high prevalence of Clostridial species, which cause diseases like botulism and tetanus.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 2, 2019

Host and endosymbiont heat tolerance

Researchers tested heat tolerance in 5 aphid species against their endosymbionts' sensitivity to heat. Heat exposure reduced survival and reproduction in some species, while enhancing fecundity in others.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2019

Bats don't rely on gut bacteria the way humans do

Researchers discovered that bats have fewer bacterial species living in their guts than in their mouths and skin. The kinds of bacteria living in the bats' guts varied from species to species without following any apparent evolutionary pattern, a stark contrast to other mammals.

SourceField Museum·JournalmSystems·DateNov 12, 2019
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.

New findings on gut microbiome's interactions with GI diseases

A study from Texas A&M University found that dogs with chronic enteropathy and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency have similar bacterial outputs, suggesting a common underlying mechanism. This discovery could lead to the development of more targeted treatments for both canine and human GI diseases.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 6, 2019

E. coli gain edge by changing their diets in inflammatory bowel disease

Research reveals that E. coli bacteria gain a competitive advantage over beneficial microbes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by adapting their dietary preferences to amino acids, particularly serine. This finding suggests that a low-serine diet may help control the overgrowth of pathogenic E. coli.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Microbiology·DateNov 5, 2019

Diet and gut microbiome of African megafauna

Researchers studied African megafauna diet and gut microbiome, finding correlations between diet composition and microbiome composition. Seasonal changes in diet and microbiome were observed, with some species exhibiting little variability and others showing significant differences.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2019

New evidence that bacteria drive biodiversity in the Cape Floral Region

Researchers at Stellenbosch University have discovered a unique association between the Cape geophyte genus Oxalis and the nitrogen-fixing bacterial genus Bacillus. The bacteria help Oxalis fix nitrogen from the air and perform extraordinary feats of germination, with some species inheriting the bacteria from mother plant to seed.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalBMC Plant Biology·DateOct 30, 2019
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.

Phylogenetic analysis forces rethink of termite evolution

Researchers at OIST have constructed a new termite family tree using comprehensive RNA sequence analysis, placing a previously difficult-to-place subfamily within the Termitidae. The study reveals that comb building emerged in their common ancestor several million years after the loss of gut symbionts.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 17, 2019
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.

Impacts of low-dose exposure to antibiotics unveiled in zebrafish gut

Researchers at the University of Oregon found that low-dose antibiotic exposure can cause significant changes in gut bacterial communities, leading to severe drops in bacterial populations. The study used zebrafish as a model organism and showed that the physical activity of the intestine amplifies the effects of weak antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2019

Bacteria bullets target toxic algae

Researchers at the University of Delaware have invented a bacteria-based application to prevent or mitigate harmful algal blooms, specifically targeting dinoflagellates responsible for red tides. The algicide, embedded in gel beads, is environmentally neutral and can be deployed in coastal waters as needed.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateOct 1, 2019

Otherworldly worms with three sexes discovered in Mono Lake

Researchers at Caltech have discovered a new species of worm, Auanema sp., in Mono Lake, which can survive 500 times the lethal human dose of arsenic. The eight discovered species are diverse and resilient to arsenic-laden conditions, suggesting nematodes may have genetic predispositions for adaptability.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 26, 2019

Microbes are a key marker of vaginal health during menopause

During menopause, the natural balance of vaginal bacteria is upset, leading to increased risk of urogenital infections and other health problems. Research highlights the importance of preserving healthy bacteria populations and strategies for promoting Lactobacillus colonization after menopause.

SourceThe Menopause Society·DateSep 24, 2019
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.

For gut microbes, not all types of fiber are created equal

Researchers identified fibers that selectively increase the abundance of beneficial microbes and tracked down the bioactive components responsible for their effects. The study provides insights into how gut communities compete or cooperate with each other for dietary fiber ingredients.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·DateSep 19, 2019
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Understanding gut bacteria: forces for good (and sometimes evil)

A recent study has characterized the diverse array of bacterial species residing in human guts, revealing 157 different types of organisms. The research, led by Hiroki Morizono, aims to improve public health by establishing a baseline for healthy gut microbiomes and exploring health implications for patients.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 11, 2019

Microbial profile to support growing field of human gut research

A team of researchers at George Washington University published a comprehensive list of the types and ratios of microbes that inhabit a healthy human gut, known as GutFeelingKB. This database will serve as a reference for doctors, patients, and researchers, providing an understanding of what constitutes a 'normal' human microbiome.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 11, 2019

The kombucha culture

Researchers have discovered complex social behaviors in kombucha microbes, which could provide clues for understanding cooperation in human societies. By studying the interactions between different species in kombucha, scientists hope to develop new antimicrobial products and interventions for bettering human health.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPeerJ·DateSep 3, 2019

Clostridium difficile infections may have a friend in fungi

Researchers have discovered fungi that flourish in people infected with C. difficile, suggesting a potential new way to treat the disease. The findings suggest that fungal species may contribute to the development of C. difficile infections and could be used as a therapeutic target.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSphere·DateAug 28, 2019
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.

Microbiology: Atacama Desert microbes may hold clues to life on Mars

A study in the Atacama Desert found that microbial life can be transported across the hyperarid environment using wind-driven dust particles. This suggests that potential microbial life on Mars may spread similarly, with implications for future research and exploration.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 22, 2019

The Paleozoic diet: Why animals eat what they eat

A study published in Evolution Letters reveals that many carnivorous species share a common ancestor dating back 800 million years, while herbivory is more recent. The research suggests that animals tend to adopt the same dietary category as their closely related species, implying that switching diets may not be easy.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalEvolution Letters·DateAug 22, 2019

Researchers identify type of parasitic bacteria that saps corals of energy

A new genus of bacteria has been identified as a major contributor to coral decline, siphoning energy from corals and making them more susceptible to disease. The study found that the bacterial genus is globally associated with many different coral hosts and has genes that enable it to parasitize its hosts for amino acids and ATP.

SourceOregon State University·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateAug 8, 2019
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.

Bacteria enhance coral resilience to climate change effects

Coral reefs face extinction due to climate change, but research shows bacteria play a crucial role in their resilience. Studies reveal that some corals adapt by associating with different bacteria, while others maintain consistent relationships.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 25, 2019
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.

An apple carries about 100 million bacteria -- good luck washing them off

A new study found that organic apples contain a more diverse range of beneficial bacteria, which could contribute to improved gut health. In contrast, conventional apples were found to have higher levels of pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia-Shigella. The researchers also discovered that the bacteria in organic apples were more c...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJul 24, 2019

3D-printed pill samples gut microbiome to aid diagnosis and treatment

A team of researchers from Tufts University has developed a 3D-printed pill that can sample bacteria in the gut without causing harm. The pill provides accurate identification of bacterial populations and their relative abundance, enabling better understanding of the role of different intestinal bacterial species in health and disease.

SourceTufts University·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·DateJul 24, 2019
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.

'Curvy bacteria' weigh the benefits of different shapes

Researchers found that curved shapes can facilitate efficient swimming and chemotaxis, but come with higher cell construction costs. This discovery opens questions about the shape of disease-causing bacteria and its potential industrial applications.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2019

Bacteria associated with hospital infections are found in raw meat

A study by ISGlobal reveals that Acinetobacter bacteria commonly acquired in hospitals can also be transmitted through contaminated food, specifically raw meat. The research analyzed 138 meat samples and identified 12 isolates of the ACB complex, suggesting that raw meat may serve as a reservoir for these pathogenic bacteria.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·DateJul 8, 2019

New therapy targets gut bacteria to prevent and reverse food allergies

Researchers have identified specific bacterial species in the human infant gut that protect against food allergies. Administering these microbes as a therapeutic can prevent food allergies from happening and even reverse existing ones in mice, offering a new approach to treating this common condition.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 24, 2019
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.

Skin bacteria could save frogs from virus

Researchers discover distinct skin microbiome in frog populations with and without ranavirus outbreaks, suggesting a protective role of skin bacteria. Further study is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this relationship.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJun 21, 2019

Gut bacteria associated with chronic pain for first time

A Montreal-based research team has found a correlation between gut bacteria and chronic pain in people with fibromyalgia. Variations in the microbiome composition of approximately 20 different species of bacteria were observed in individuals with fibromyalgia compared to healthy control subjects.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalPain·DateJun 20, 2019

Coincidence or master plan?

A team of scientists from Kiel University and Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology applied the neutral metaorganism theory to various model organisms. The study found that the predicted microbial community compositions matched experimental data for many organisms, suggesting a possible lesser role for selection in shaping micr...

SourceKiel University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 20, 2019
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.

New bacteria, a toxin 'factory,' illuminates defense strategies

A new species of bacteria has been found to produce a range of toxins that protect both the marine alga Bryopsis and the sea slug Elysia rufescens from predation. The discovery provides insight into the complex microbial interactions that contribute to biodiversity in coral reefs.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 13, 2019

Diabetes can be detected in gut of cats

A study published in Scientific Reports reveals that cats with diabetes have altered gut bacteria compositions compared to healthy cats. The researchers found reduced diversity of gut bacteria in diabetic cats, which aligns with human findings and challenges previous studies.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 7, 2019

How flow shapes bacterial biofilms

Researchers discover that fluid flow significantly impacts bacterial biofilm architecture, with dense formations in weak flows and sparse colonies in strong ones. This study provides insights into the role of physical principles guiding biofilm organization and its implications for bacterial physiology and evolution.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 6, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Just a phage? How bacteria's predators can shape the gut microbiome

A new study reveals that bacteriophages can have a profound impact on the dynamics of the gut microbiome, causing a cascade of effects on other species and modulating metabolite levels. This finding has significant implications for therapeutic use and understanding the potential effects of other treatments.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 6, 2019

The bacteria building your baby

A recent study found that nearly all newborns had bacteria in their first poop, contradicting the long-held assumption of a sterile womb. The researchers collected amniotic fluid samples from 50 healthy women undergoing planned caesarean deliveries and discovered bacterial DNA in almost all viable samples.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJun 5, 2019

NIH-funded study links microbiome composition to African American preterm birth risk

A research project funded by the National Institutes of Health has identified differences in vaginal bacteria that may raise the risk of preterm birth among pregnant African-American women. The study found that women who delivered preterm had a more diverse microbiome in early pregnancy compared to those who delivered at term.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 29, 2019
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 environments favor 'good' bacteria

A new study reveals that restoring degraded landscapes to biodiverse ecosystems favors more stable and specialist bacteria over opportunistic ones. This shift in bacterial composition has potential immune-boosting effects, suggesting a connection between healthy ecosystems and human health.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalEnvironment International·DateMay 22, 2019

Detecting bacteria in space

Scientists have pioneered a new genomic methodology to identify and map bacterial species on the International Space Station, aiming to safeguard astronauts' health. The approach has applications in environmental management and healthcare, and will enable researchers to explore new microbiome environments.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateMay 22, 2019

Evolution in the gut

A large-scale study has investigated the composition of microorganisms in the digestive tract of animals, revealing evolutionary relationships between host species and their gut microbiomes. The study found that closely related species share similar microbial communities, while diet also plays a significant role in shaping the gut micr...

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 16, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Mapping microbial symbioses in forests

Researchers mapped over 1.1 million forest sites and 28,000 tree species to understand how symbiotic partnerships structure the world's forests. The study revealed a new biological rule, Read's Rule, which predicts massive changes to the symbiotic state of the world's forests if carbon emissions continue unabated.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateMay 15, 2019