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Study details bacteria's role in recurrent urinary tract infections

A new study reveals that several species of bacteria reside in bladder tissue of postmenopausal women who experience recurrent urinary tract infections. The findings provide a better understanding of the interaction between bacteria and host tissue, which may lead to more effective treatment strategies for this chronic condition.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateMay 13, 2019

Infection biology: Gut microbe helps thwart Salmonella

Researchers have identified a gut microbe, Mucispirillum schaedleri, that helps protect against Salmonella infections. The bacterium competes with Salmonella for nutrients, such as nitrate, and prevents the growth of pathogens by reducing their ability to express virulence factors.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 18, 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.

Bacterial therapy in a dish

Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a system called BSCC, which enables rapid screening of engineered bacterial therapies in vitro. They successfully tested a potent therapy for colon cancer using a novel bacterial toxin combined with an optimal drug delivery genetic circuit.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2019

New gene variant is even more resistant to hospital antiseptic

Researchers found a new, more powerful variant of an antimicrobial resistance gene in Staphylococcus epidermidis, making it harder for the bacteria to be killed by chlorhexidine bathing. The discovery was an unexpected result of a study on central venous catheter infections.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateApr 15, 2019

Antibiotics legitimately available in over-counter throat medications could contribute to increased antibiotic resistance

Research reveals that over-the-counter throat medications containing topical antibiotics can contribute to antibiotic resistance in certain bacteria species. The study found that some products were not sufficiently concentrated to prevent bacterial growth, enabling resistance development.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 11, 2019

Symbiotic bacteria as energy storage units in flatworms

Researchers discovered a unique symbiotic relationship between a marine flatworm and its bacterial partner, Candidatus Riegeria santandreae. The bacteria store chemical energy, which is then secreted to the host, bypassing digestion.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 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.

Russian scientists found out how a male-hating bacterium rejuvenates

Researchers from Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University found that Wolbachia bacteria, which prevent the birth and development of males in arthropods, can exchange genetic information to rejuvenate. This process allows them to mend broken genes and adapt to different hosts.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateApr 1, 2019

Bacteria may travel thousands of miles through the air globally

Researchers propose the 'air bridge' hypothesis, suggesting bacteria can be transported globally through the air, sharing antibiotic resistance genes. Studies collected from hot springs worldwide found identical viral DNA memories in bacteria from distant locations.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateMar 25, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Uncovering uncultivated microbes in the human gut

Researchers reconstruct nearly 61,000 microbial genomes from human gut metagenomes, uncovering 2,058 previously unknown species and shedding light on the metabolic capabilities of uncultivated microbes. The study improves genomic resources for global populations, especially in regions with limited data.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMar 14, 2019

Bacteria may help frogs attract mates

Brazilian scientists have found that the strong odor released by some amphibian species is produced by bacteria, assisting in the animal's mating process. The study suggests that the odor serves to permit mutual recognition between males and females of the same species for mating purposes.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2019

THOR wrangles complex microbiomes into a model for improving them

A new model microbiome community, THOR, has been developed by researchers to improve human health and soil productivity. The community of bacteria produced complex traits such as biofilms, which could lead to the development of new antibiotics and improved crop yields.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalmBio·DateMar 8, 2019

How bacteria can help prevent coal ash spills

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a technique using bacteria to create biocement in coal ash ponds, making them stiffer and more difficult to spill. The resulting biocement can also trap potentially toxic metals in the coal ash, reducing environmental and public health concerns.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering·DateMar 4, 2019
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.

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.

Almost 2,000 unknown bacteria discovered in the human gut

Researchers identified nearly 2000 novel bacterial species in the human gut using computational methods, revealing significant geographical diversity and underscoring the importance of collecting data from underrepresented populations to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the human microbiome.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute·JournalNature·DateFeb 11, 2019

NUS marine scientists find toxic bacteria on microplastics retrieved from tropical waters

A recent study by NUS researchers found that microplastics can harbor toxic bacteria capable of causing coral bleaching and triggering wound infections in humans. The study identified over 400 types of bacteria on the plastics, including species that can degrade pollutants and others that cause harm to marine organisms.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateFeb 11, 2019

New technique pinpoints milestones in the evolution of bacteria

Researchers use genetic analysis to determine when certain groups of bacteria evolved, providing insight into early environments and animal life. They found that three major groups of soil bacteria diversified around 450-350 million years ago, likely in response to changes in the environment.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateFeb 7, 2019

Where does this contamination come from?

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a simple method for detecting water contamination from ruminants directly at source using a DNA test. The technology uses targeted DNA amplification and detection to identify specific bacteria found in the intestinal microbiome of grazing cattle.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 4, 2019

Microbes help make the coffee

Studies show that lactic acid bacteria positively impact coffee fermentation, yielding fruity notes and enhancing flavor. Microbial communities also affect the build-up of fermentation-related metabolites on coffee beans, influencing overall quality.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateFeb 1, 2019
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.

Discovery of bacterial signature of intestinal disease

Researchers have found a bacterial signature associated with intestinal disease, including Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. The study identified 18 new species of bacteria that can affect disease outcome, highlighting the importance of individualized approaches to treatment.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 21, 2019

Red wolf DNA found in mysterious Texas canines

A team of biologists has discovered red wolf DNA in a group of canines living on Galveston Island, Texas, raising hopes for the species' survival. The finding, which may represent lost genes from captive breeding, challenges conventional science's dismissal of 'red wolves' as coyotes.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalGenes·DateDec 18, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A microbe's membrane helps it survive extreme environments

Stanford researchers discovered a protective lipid-linked cellular membrane in archaea, allowing them to thrive in highly acidic habitats. The discovery could provide new evidence about the evolution of life on Earth and shed light on molecular fossils.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2018

Modeling the microbiome

Researchers analyzed the interactions between five core species of bacteria found in the fly gut, revealing a nuanced tradeoff between lifespan and fecundity. The study suggests that the presence or absence of individual species influences the host's fitness, and that the microbiome's influence cannot be solely attributed to its parts.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2018

How microbial interactions shape our lives

Researchers have found that individual species in the gut microbiome account for only a quarter of the effect on fly lifespan, while interactions between species play a crucial role in determining fitness. The study highlights the importance of understanding complex microbiome interactions to better comprehend human health.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2018

Threatened tropical coral reefs form complex, ancient associations with bacteria

A team of researchers has conducted a comprehensive survey of healthy corals, revealing that coral bacteria form complex associations with different sections of the coral body. The study found that distinct microbial communities exist in each tissue type, with the hard skeleton containing the greatest diversity of bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2018
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.

The common ancestor of species was rod-shaped

The study found that the common ancestor of Deinococcus species was rod-shaped, with six conserved genes (MreB, MreC, MreD, MrdA, RodA, and RodZ) present in all rod-shaped species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that major gene loss occurred four times during evolution, generating spherical shape species.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Bioinformatics Journal·DateNov 16, 2018

Bursting bubbles launch bacteria from water to air

Researchers found that bacteria can affect a bubble's longevity, causing it to last up to 10 times longer than an uncontaminated one. The team discovered that bacterial secretions act as surfactants, extending the lifetime of contaminated bubbles by reducing surface tension and making them more resistant to perturbations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 15, 2018

Immunity connects gut bacteria and aging

A study published in Immunity found that the gut bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum produces excessive lactic acid when its receptor protein PGRP-SD is disrupted, leading to oxidative stress and accelerated aging. Increasing PGRP-SD levels prevents this effect and extends lifespan.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalImmunity·DateNov 13, 2018

Regeneration in the digestive tract

Researchers found that gut bacteria partially recovered six months after antibiotic treatment, but with a loss of sensitive bacterial species. Resistance genes also increased in the remaining bacteria. Over time, good microbes like bifidobacteria took over, normalizing the microbiome.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Microbiology·DateNov 6, 2018

Barn swallows may indeed have evolved alongside humans

Researchers found that barn swallow subspecies evolved independently of humans but in sync with human expansion and settlement, suggesting a significant link between the two species. The study suggests a 'founder event' where swallows rapidly expanded into new environments alongside humans.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateNov 1, 2018
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.

OU professors to lead global research on bluegreen algae in freshwaters

A global research team led by OU professors Karl D. Hambright and Lee R. Krumholz is investigating the complex interactions between cyanobacteria and associated bacteria in freshwater blooms. The team aims to discover new avenues for bloom mitigation through a deeper understanding of microbial co-evolution.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateOct 26, 2018

The composition of gut bacteria almost recovers after antibiotics

Researchers found that antibiotics can almost completely eradicate gut bacteria in healthy adults, but most species recover over time. However, a significant portion of beneficial bacteria remain missing, and the diversity of the gut ecosystem is diluted.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Microbiology·DateOct 23, 2018

Letting the sunshine in may kill dust-dwelling bacteria

Researchers found that up to 12% of bacteria on average were alive and able to reproduce in dark rooms. In contrast, only 6.8% of bacteria exposed to daylight and 6.1% of those exposed to UV light remained viable. This suggests that daylight can reduce the risk of dust-borne infections by killing dust-dwelling bacteria.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalMicrobiome·DateOct 17, 2018
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.

'Spacesuits' protect microbes destined to live in space

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed protective suits for bacteria that allow them to thrive in environments without oxygen. The hybrid system mimics photosynthesis and captures carbon dioxide, producing various chemical compounds that can be used by industry or in space colonies.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 1, 2018

Set in amber, fossil ants help reconstruct evolution of fungus farming

Researchers discovered that fossil ants preserved in amber had specialized structures to support bacteria that produced antibiotics, helping them combat crop diseases. This ancient ant-bacteria symbiosis evolved independently three times and may hold clues for reducing antibiotic resistance in humans.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 1, 2018
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.

How some algae may survive climate change

A Rutgers-led study reveals how green algae adapted to tolerate hostile conditions by stealing genes from bacteria, providing clues for engineering more resilient algae. The findings suggest that these hardy species can survive climate change and offer potential solutions for biofuel production and other applications.

SourceRutgers University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateSep 28, 2018

Heavy metal acts as heavy artillery against bacterial infections

Researchers found gallium effective in curbing bacterial growth in mice and patients with cystic fibrosis or chronic lung infections, including those infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Gallium's slow development of resistance makes it a potential alternative to standard antibiotics.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 26, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Bird bacteria study reveals evolutionary arms race

A recent study has found that birds develop resistance to bacterial infections, which in turn leads to the evolution of more potent pathogens. This host-pathogen coevolution process plays a key role in shaping species' defenses and highlights the importance of understanding emerging infectious diseases.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 6, 2018

A novel bacterial species named after a Finnish Nobelist A.I. Virtanen

Researchers at the University of Helsinki identified a novel species of Propionic Acid Bacteria, which was named after A.I. Virtanen due to its genetic differences from previously described strains. The discovery honors Virtanen's pioneering work on PAB, a topic often overlooked in his biographies.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateAug 30, 2018

Scientists 'fix' bacterial tree of life

Researchers create standardized model by reclassifying bacteria into 121 separate genus groups across 29 different families. The study uses metagenomics and genome sequencing technology to overcome historical difficulties in classifying microbial species.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 27, 2018

Chronic malnutrition in children: A new gut microbial signature

Researchers identified a unique microbial signature in the guts of malnourished children, characterized by widespread presence of bacteria normally found in noses and mouths. The study, part of the Afribiota project, aims to improve treatment and diagnosis of chronic malnutrition.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2018
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.

Fluorescent probe sheds light on tuberculosis bacteria

Scientists have created a fluorescent probe that can tag single specimens of tuberculosis bacteria, which could lead to faster diagnosis and more effective treatments. The probe works by detecting the presence of an enzyme called BlaC, allowing for the identification of live versus dead bacteria.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 15, 2018

Hospital-associated bacterial species becoming tolerant to alcohol disinfectants

A new study reveals that hospital-associated bacterial species Enterococcus faecium is adapting to alcohols used in handwash disinfectants, increasing treatment resistance. The analysis of 19-year-old bacterial samples from two Australian hospitals suggests several mutations confer increased alcohol resistance.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 1, 2018

Fruit flies farm their own probiotics

Researchers discovered that fruit flies have a diverse and stable gut microbiota, with bacteria able to colonize the fly's intestine. This discovery sheds light on how fruit flies 'farm' bacteria, similar to humans using yeast or bacteria in food production.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 31, 2018

Changes in bacterial mix linked to antibiotics increase risk for type 1 diabetes

A single course of antibiotics early in childhood may increase the risk for Type 1 diabetes, according to a study published in eLife. The research found that four bacterial species groups were significantly more abundant in the guts of mice treated with the antibiotic, and likely involved in driving progression of the disease.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateJul 24, 2018
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.

Combining antibiotics changes their effectiveness

A large-scale screening of antibiotic combinations has identified over 500 pairs that improve antibiotic effectiveness against multi-drug resistant bacteria. These pairings could help combat antibiotic resistance by selectively targeting harmful bacterial species, reducing the development of resistance and its transmission.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJul 4, 2018