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New antibiotic beats superbugs at their own game

Researchers at Rockefeller University tested Ceftobiprole against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria, achieving a 100% kill rate. The new antibiotic successfully targeted the gene that confers resistance, offering hope in combating staphylococcal infections worldwide.

Researchers track Lyme disease spirochetes

Microbiologists track B. burgdorferi movement and interaction with vascular walls in mice to understand dissemination mechanisms, shedding light on disease processes. Real-time imaging provides critical insight into the complex process of spirochete spread.

Novel compound may treat acute diarrhea

Scientists have discovered a novel compound that targets acute secretory diarrhea caused by E. coli and other enterotoxigenic strains of bacteria, reducing fluid secretion without apparent toxicity. The compound could be an inexpensive, easy-to-take treatment for debilitating illnesses leading to child deaths in developing countries.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Green tea helps beat superbugs

Egyptian scientists have discovered that green tea boosts the effectiveness of antibiotics against superbugs by up to 99.99%, increasing the killing power of chloramphenicol and making 20% of drug-resistant bacteria susceptible to cephalosporin antibiotics.

Bacterial 'battle for survival' leads to new antibiotic

Scientists at MIT have discovered a new type of antibiotic produced by Rhodococcus bacteria in response to a competing strain. The antibiotic, rhodostreptomycin, shows promise in treating Helicobacter pylori-caused stomach ulcers.

Math model identifies key to controlling epidemic

A new mathematical model has identified minimizing antibiotic treatment duration as the optimal strategy for controlling hospital-borne antibiotic-resistant bacteria epidemics. By starting treatments early and administering drugs for shorter periods, the risk of cross-infection by resistant bacteria can be significantly reduced.

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.

Studies highlight MRSA evolution and resilience

Recent studies from NIH scientists resolve debate about CA-MRSA molecular evolution, revealing a single strain USA300 as the primary cause of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections. The research also sheds light on how MRSA evades the human immune system and spreads rapidly.

Probiotics affect metabolism, says new study

A new study published in Molecular Systems Biology reveals that probiotics can significantly alter the biochemistry of gut microbes and affect metabolism. Researchers found that different probiotic strains triggered distinct biochemical changes, including modifications to bile acid metabolism, which could influence fat absorption.

Sexually-active gay men vulnerable to new, highly infectious bacteria

A new strain of MRSA bacteria has been discovered in sexually active gay men, showing a high rate of transmission through intimate contact and skin-to-skin contact. The study found that these men are 13 times more likely to be infected than the general population, highlighting the need for increased awareness and prevention measures.

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.

Humans not the major target of Shiga toxin

Researchers found that bacteria carrying Shiga toxin have an evolutionary advantage against bacterial predators when co-cultured with Tetrahymena. The Shiga toxin kills Tetrahymena by binding to its surface receptor, and removing this receptor can prevent killing.

Best treatment identified to reduce deadly Staph infections

A new study found that benzethonium chloride is more effective in killing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria than other antibacterial products. The compound kills common types of non-hospital MRSA bacteria better than others, with a genuine bactericidal effect against all four tested strains.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Curbing C. difficile's toxin production

Researchers at Tufts University discovered that the CodY protein regulates the genes controlling C. difficile toxin production, which kills human intestinal cells by causing them to burst open. This understanding opens the door for developing a drug that can prevent hospital patients from falling ill.

Helping chlorine-eating bacteria clean up toxic waste

Cornell researchers partner with Gene Network Sciences to create computer models of Dehalococcoides ethenogenes, a key player in cleaning toxic waste. The team aims to improve conditions for the bacteria, which sometimes struggle at cleanup sites.

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.

Deprived bacteria grow up meaner

Oxygen restriction increases Listeria's infective potential by allowing it to smooth its path through the gut and liver, increasing the risk of infection.

Arming the fight against resistant bacteria

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have devised a method to tackle antibiotic resistance, identifying four promising new compounds with preliminary antibacterial activity. The compounds show promise against MRSA and other Gram-positive bacteria, but further research is needed to understand their mechanism of action.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

MRSA vaccine shows promise in mouse study

Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a vaccine that protects mice against multiple, drug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. The combined vaccine, based on four bacterial surface proteins, provided significant protection against five virulent strains and reduced bacterial load to undetectable levels.

Staph vaccine shows promise in mouse study

A new Staphylococcus aureus vaccine has been developed by combining four proteins that generated the strongest immune response in mice, providing significant protection against various strains of the bacterium. The vaccine showed complete protection when tested against a human strain of S. aureus.

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.

Researchers reveal mystery of bacterial magnetism

Researchers discovered that magnetotaxis, a phenomenon where bacteria align like tiny swimming compass needles, helps them detect lower oxygen concentrations more efficiently. This subtle advantage allows the bacteria to thrive in environments with limited oxygen, making their magnetic properties beneficial in nature.

Killing resistant germs

Researchers have successfully synthesized platensimycin, a new antibiotic that inhibits bacterial fatty acid biosynthesis and paralyzes Gram-positive bacterial strains. This breakthrough offers hope against multiresistant bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium.

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.

Solved: The mystery of flesh-eating bacteria's relentless attack

A team of researchers led by Emanuel Hanski discovered a protein called SilCR that blocks the immune system's distress calls, making Group A Streptococcus bacteria more virulent. The findings could lead to new strategies for treating necrotizing fasciitis and halting its rapid destruction of tissue.

Study illuminates how the plague bacteria causes disease

Researchers found that Yersinia bacteria harbor a protein called YpkA, which mimics an enzyme and blocks the host cell's ability to change shape and move. This discovery sheds new light on the factors that make Yersinia a deadly disease-causing agent.

Oregon researchers show how resident bacteria shape gut development

Oregon researchers used germ-free zebrafish to study how gut bacteria influence development. They found that specific bacterial components can restore normal enzyme levels and regulate sugar expression on intestinal cells. These findings could lead to better treatments for diseases like inflammatory bowel disease.

Quantum dot method rapidly identifies bacteria

A new method for identifying bacteria uses genetically engineered phages that infect target bacteria, releasing biotin-capped phage progeny attached to quantum dots. The resulting phage-quantum dot complexes can be detected and counted using microscopy or spectroscopy, allowing for rapid identification of bacteria.

Microbes convert 'Styrofoam™' into biodegradable plastic

A special strain of soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida converts polystyrene foam into a biodegradable plastic called PHA, which can be used in medicine and disposable items. The process might also be used to convert other types of discarded plastics into PHA, reducing plastic waste.

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.

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.

Emerging staph strains found to be increasingly deadly and deceptive

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains have been found to evade the human immune system, leading to more severe infections in otherwise healthy individuals. The study identified specific genes that may control the bacteria's ability to escape neutrophil destruction.

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 method rapidly detects potential bioterror agent

A new combination of analytical chemistry and mathematical data analysis techniques allows rapid identification of Coxiella burnetii, a potential bioterrorism agent causing Q fever. The method is 95.2% accurate and delivers results in 5 minutes compared to 2 hours for current detection methods.

Researchers find how some antibiotics kill bacteria

New research reveals that rifamycin antibiotics work by removing a crucial magnesium ion from bacterial RNA polymerase, rendering the bacteria non-functional. The study's findings may lead to improved versions of these antibiotics to combat existing resistant strains.

Bacteria feed on smelly breath (and feet)

A recent study published in Environmental Microbiology found methylotrophic bacteria present in the mouths of healthy volunteers and those with gum disease, but no association between bacterial levels and bad breath. The discovery may lead to a natural way of reducing smelly breath and feet.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

'Harmless' bacterium found to cause 10 percent of COPD flare-ups

Researchers found M. catarrhalis responsible for 10% of COPD exacerbations, with potential to develop vaccines to prevent infections in patients. The study involved 104 adults with COPD and identified 120 episodes of M. catarrhalis infections associated with flare-ups.

A virus-like hitchhiker may trigger bacterial meningitis

Researchers discovered a virus-like bacteriophage inserted into genetic material of hyperinvasive N. meningitidis strains, making them more likely to cause disease. The stowaway may help bacteria enter bloodstream, disrupting immune response.

Chemical engineer Kao explores antibiotic synthesis with DNA chips

Kao's research uses DNA microarrays to measure gene expression and identify a mutation that increases the production of erythromycin by five days. By recreating this mutation, she aims to develop new antibiotic-producing bacteria, revolutionizing the field of antibiotic synthesis.

Physiological effects of reduced gravity on bacteria

Researchers investigated how reduced gravity affects bacteria, finding that certain species may thrive in space station environments. The study suggests that microgravity, combined with radiation resistance and low nutrient conditions, contributes to the success of water system bacteria.

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.

Time to rewrite the species rulebook, MSU scientists say

Researchers at Michigan State University have found significant differences in genetic libraries among bacteria strains previously thought to be similar. The study suggests that current definitions may need revision as many bacteria share as few as 65% of their genes, highlighting the importance of ecological distinctiveness.

Gene sequencing explains bioremediation 'bug'

Dehalococcoides bacteria can adapt to various environmental conditions through the use of mobile genetic elements, allowing them to degrade chlorinated pollutants. The genome sequence of Strain 195 reveals its ability to turn genes on and off in response to environmental cues.

Researchers are studying photodynamic therapy

Researchers investigated anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria in a study on photodynamic therapy. The photosensitizers were able to completely suppress the anaerobic key pathogens, but facultative anaerobic bacteria tested responded less effectively to PDT.

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.

Body shaving and turf burns spread infection in college football team

A study found that 10% of college football players had MRSA skin infections, with cosmetic body shaving increasing the risk by 43%. The researchers recommend discontinuing body shaving to decrease infection risk. Proper disinfection of whirlpools and antibacterial soap dispensers in showers can also help control MRSA spread.

Bacteria-killing vs. bacteria-inhibiting drugs in treating infections

The Infectious Diseases Society of America states that endocarditis and meningitis are better treated with bactericidal drugs, while urinary tract infections can be effectively managed with bacteriostatic drugs. Corticosteroids are recommended for bacterial meningitis to prevent inflammation.

Major EU project shows 'Killer bacteria' more common than expected

A new study by the European Union shows that group A streptococci (GAS) infections are more common than previously thought, with an estimated 18-20,000 cases per year across the EU. The study also reveals a higher number of different bacterial types, with nearly 200 types currently identified, and potential antibiotic resistance issues.

Listeria can persist in stores and processing plants

A study by Cornell University researchers found Listeria bacteria on foods in 47 out of 50 retail food stores, with 34% showing persistent strains after re-inspection. The bacteria were also found in seven food-processing plants, highlighting the need for improved control measures to prevent food contamination.

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.

New drug-resistant strain of salmonella identified

A new strain of Salmonella enterica serotype choleraesuis has been isolated that is resistant to all commonly used antimicrobials, including ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin. Constant surveillance is needed to prevent further spread of this multidrug-resistant bacterium.

Scientists 'beef up' plant-dwelling bacteria to boost phytoremediation

Researchers have successfully engineered plant-dwelling bacteria to break down toxic pollutants, enabling plants to thrive in contaminated environments. The technique uses naturally occurring bacteria and natural gene-transfer methods, offering a promising solution for environmental cleanup.

Tuberculosis strains stay close to home, say Stanford researchers

The study reveals that people from different regions carry distinct strains of the tuberculosis bacteria, indicating sociological interactions play a key role in transmission. This finding has significant implications for vaccine development, potentially leading to region-specific vaccines.

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.

Catching evolution's henchmen in the act

Researchers from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute are using a $5 million grant to study Wolbachia, a bacterium that affects insect reproduction and evolution. The team will collect insects in Panama and use molecular tools to identify Wolbachia strains and understand their effects on host organisms.

Cooperation is a no-brainer for symbiotic bacteria

Researchers discovered that soybean plants penalize rhizobia that don't fix nitrogen by decreasing oxygen supply, favoring cooperation and evolution of beneficial strains. This mechanism helps maintain ancient symbiotic relationships between legumes and soil bacteria.