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Floating colonies: engineering three-dimensional microbial architectures in liquid cultures

A new liquid-based platform called 'floatony' can form and maintain complex three-dimensional microbial structures while preserving molecular diffusion, spatial structures, and cell mobility. This approach could offer new ways to study gut microbiota, biofilms, and other spatially organized microbial communities.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalBiofabrication·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2026

Superbug secrets revealed in new study

Researchers uncovered the genetic history of Acinetobacter baumannii, tracing its evolution over decades to identify key resistance traits and global spread. The study provides valuable insights for guiding policies on antibiotic use and combating this serious healthcare threat.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalMicrobial Genomics·TypeObservational study·DateJul 1, 2026

UMass Amherst tick researchers identify new strain of rickettsia bacteria that causes spotted fever infections in humans

Researchers at UMass Amherst's New England Center of Excellence in Vector-borne Diseases have identified a new strain of Rickettsia bacteria that causes spotted fever infections in humans. The discovery in Maine suggests rabbit ticks could be a zoonotic vector for serious infections, contradicting the usual dog tick vector.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalTicks and Tick-borne Diseases·DateApr 24, 2025

Development of a novel modified selective medium cefixime–tellurite-phosphate-xylose-rhamnose MacConkey agar for isolation of Escherichia albertii and its evaluation with food samples

A novel selective medium was developed to isolate Escherichia albertii, a previously uncharacterized species. The CT-PS-XR-MacConkey agar selectively differentiated E. albertii from other bacteria, including those in food samples. This finding has significant implications for the identification and study of this pathogen.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·DateApr 11, 2025

Curbing the global spread of sexually transmitted diseases

A team of scientists has developed a cutting-edge technology to analyze bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) using genome sequencing. The 'target enrichment' method enables high-resolution analysis of Chlamydia trachomatis and other pathogens, revealing new insights into their transmission and development pathways.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalMicrobial Genomics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 13, 2025

Novel bacteria parasitizing archaea

Researchers at Hokkaido University have successfully cultivated an ultrasmall bacterial strain that parasitizes methanogenic archaea, inhibiting their growth. This discovery represents the first successful cultivation of such bacteria and proposes a new phylum Minisyncoccota, advancing our understanding of microbial ecology.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2025

Warding off superbugs with a pinch of turmeric

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a low-cost technology using curcumin to curb bacterial resistance. The study shows that photodynamic inactivation can trigger deleterious reactions within bacteria, killing them and reducing the number of antibiotic-resistant strains.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 6, 2025

Antibiotics of the future are prone to bacterial resistance

Recent studies have found that new antibiotics are prone to rapid development of resistance, even before they are widely used. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of these treatments in the long run. To address this issue, researchers call for a shift in antibiotic development prioritizing novel modes of action and responsible...

SourceHUN-REN Szegedi Biológiai Kutatóközpont·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2025

Bacteria found to eat forever chemicals — and even some of their toxic byproducts

A University at Buffalo-led team has identified a strain of bacteria that can break down and transform at least three types of PFAS, as well as some of the toxic byproducts of the bond-breaking process. The bacteria, Labrys portucalensis F11, metabolized over 90% of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) after a 100-day exposure period.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2025

Bioactive compounds with possible industrial applications are identified in extremophilic bacteria from the Andes

Biofilm produced by Pseudomonas alcaligenes has unique structural properties and thermal stability, exhibiting antioxidant, emulsification and flocculation activity. The EPS can be used as a natural additive for the pharmaceutical and food industries with potential applications in developing sustainable or ecofriendly additives.

Research using non-toxic bacteria to fight high-mortality cancers prepares for clinical trials

Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a non-toxic bacterial therapy, BacID, to deliver cancer-fighting drugs directly into tumors. The therapy uses genetically engineered strains of Salmonella that can target tumors and control the release of cancer-fighting drugs inside cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 2025

Study finds deadly bacteria behave differently in Saudi Arabia compared with rest of world

A recent study found that multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae exhibits distinct characteristics in Saudi Arabia, with molecular factors contributing to increased virulence and severity. The researchers highlight the need for tailored surveillance programs and new antimicrobial agents to address this local threat.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalEmerging Microbes & Infections·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2025

Houston Methodist researchers shed light on increased rates of severe human infections caused by Streptococcus subspecies

Researchers at Houston Methodist have identified a new strain of bacteria, Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE), linked to increasingly severe human infections. The study used integrative analysis to investigate the genome, transcriptome, and virulence of SDSE strains, shedding light on their molecular pathogenesis.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2024

Optimizing inhibitors that fight antibiotic resistance

Researchers from Duke University have discovered the mechanism behind the discrepancies in how resistant infections react to combination treatments. The study found that bacteria with a higher level of 'selfishness' are more likely to thrive after treatment, while less selfish strains benefit more.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2024

A potential pathway may guide new therapies for inflammatory bowel disease and other inflammatory diseases

Researchers discovered a unique probiotic strain, Bifidobacterium bifidum BB1, that strengthens intestinal barrier function and protects against harmful bacteria. This strain may lead to the development of novel therapies for patients with inflammatory bowel disease and other inflammatory conditions.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2024

Gut bioelectricity provides a path for bad bacteria to cause diseases

A team of researchers at UC Davis Health discovered a novel bioelectrical mechanism that allows Salmonella bacteria to navigate the gut lining and find vulnerable entry points. The study found that Salmonella bacteria detect electric signals in FAE, which helps them move towards openings in the gut where they can enter.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2024

In clinical trial, fecal matter transplant helped half of patients with gastrointestinal cancers overcome resistance to immunotherapy treatment

A clinical trial found that fecal microbiota transplants can boost the effectiveness of immunotherapy in a range of gastrointestinal cancers. The study identified specific bacterial strains associated with better or worse responses, and showed promise for improving treatment outcomes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 25, 2024

Uncovering “Blockbuster T cells” in the gut wins NOSTER & Science Microbiome Prize

Researchers have identified a novel type of T cell that can recognize and respond to multiple bacterial strains in the gut. This breakthrough finding has significant implications for treating diseases such as cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. The discovery was made by Kazuki Nagashima, winner of the NOSTER & Science Microbiome Prize.

Western superbugs do not dominate in Pakistan

A recent study found that antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria endemic to the UK and Norway are not prevalent in Pakistan despite widespread use of antibiotics. The study used genomic surveillance to map different strains of Escherichia coli, highlighting the importance of understanding bacterial threats in specific regions.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 18, 2024

ASU researchers gain insight into how a deadly strain of salmonella fine-tunes its infection tactics

Researchers have gained insight into how a deadly strain of salmonella adapts to invasion, flourishing in hostile environments and evading immune defenses. The study sheds light on the role of fluid shear forces in bacterial behavior, which may accelerate the design of new therapies for life-threatening infections.

SourceArizona State University·JournalGut Microbes·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2024

Study shows role of fathers in seeding the microbiota of newborns and confirms benefits of maternal fecal microbiota transplants

Researchers found that many bacterial strains present in infants at 3 weeks, months, and 12 months originated from the father, not the mother. This discovery highlights the importance of physical and social interactions between newborns and their fathers, as well as with other family members.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

POSTECH and ImmunoBiome team make strides in microbiome-based cancer therapies by iron deprivation at the tumor microenvironment

A team of POSTECH and ImmunoBiome has discovered a dietary-derived bacterial strain, IMB001, that induces nutritional immunity and boosts anti-tumor responses. The strain works by skewing tumor-infiltrating macrophages toward an inflammatory phenotype, leading to increased cell death of rapidly multiplying tumor cells.

Marine bacteria team up to produce a vital vitamin

Researchers discovered that two species of marine bacteria work together to produce vitamin B12, essential for metabolism and survival of many marine organisms. The bacteria release building blocks into the water, which are then combined to form the vitamin through a complex process involving viral infection.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2024

New vaccine against a highly fatal tropical disease – and potential bioterror weapon – demonstrates efficacy in animal studies

A new vaccine developed by UCLA researchers demonstrates high protection against melioidosis, a tropical disease that causes 89,000 fatalities annually. The vaccine was tested in mice and found effective even against a highly lethal strain of the bacteria.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024