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A new bacterial species from a hydrothermal vent throws light on their evolution

A new bacterial species, Hydrogenimonas cancrithermarum, discovered at a deep-sea hydrothermal vent site provides insights into bacterial evolution. The strain represents the first mesophilic sulfur-oxidizing bacterium in its genus, expanding physiological and metabolic characteristics.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2023

Fecal microbe transplants: B. vulgatus genes that correlate with early colonization

A recent study by the University of Alabama at Birmingham has identified 19 specific Bacteroides vulgatus genes that are linked to early colonization after fecal microbe transplants. These genes are part of a commensal colonization factor complex that promotes stable and resilient colonization in mice, suggesting their potential role i...

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2023

Scientists identify evolutionary gateway helping pneumonia bacteria become resistant to antibiotics

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have discovered a genetic scar that enables pneumonia-causing bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics. The study found that mutations in the pde1 gene act as an evolutionary gateway for this resistance, threatening patient treatment and highlighting the need for control measures.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2023

How Salmonella grow together in the gut and exchange antibiotic resistance

Researchers at ETH Zurich found that Salmonella bacteria can thrive together in the gut and share information about antibiotic survival mechanisms through a metabolic strategy. This exchange of critical information enables the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes, highlighting the impact of dietary components on promoting this phenomenon.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 21, 2023

Why killer bacteria affect some people more severely

Researchers found that genetic variants of the STING gene and bacterial NADase enzyme activity interact to determine disease severity. People with the risk variant of STING have a higher risk of life-threatening conditions, while those with the protective variant are less affected.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 16, 2023

How the hospital pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii quickly adapts to new environmental conditions

Researchers find that Acinetobacter baumannii can achieve significant functional modifications in protein complexes over short evolutionary time spans, particularly in hair-like cell appendages. This diversity may affect the pathogen's interaction with its environment and inform personalized therapies.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 4, 2023

Building models to predict interactions in plant microbiomes

Plant microbiomes have the potential to make agriculture more sustainable, but understanding their complex interactions is crucial. Researchers have developed models that use metabolic capabilities of bacteria to predict how these microbial communities compete or cooperate.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 6, 2023

Identifying the gut bacteria that threaten neonatal babies

A recent study has identified the specific gut bacteria that pose a threat to neonatal babies, particularly those with necrotising enterocolitis. Researchers analyzed genomic similarities in Clostridium perfringens and found a set of strains with lower disease-causing capacity, lacking genes responsible for toxin production.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2023

Scientists discover microbes in the Alps and Arctic that can digest plastic at low temperatures

Researchers have identified microorganisms in the Alpine and Arctic regions capable of degrading biodegradable plastics at 15°C, including polyethylene, polyester-polyurethane, and polybutylene adipate terephthalate. The discovery could reduce costs and environmental burden associated with enzymatic recycling processes.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2023

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria contaminates whole ICU - study

A study published in The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific found that carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) contaminated the entire ICU, with samples detected on bed units, ventilators, and equipment. The researchers highlight the urgent need for targeted infection prevention and control measures to stem the global...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·TypeObservational study·DateMay 9, 2023

NUS researchers uncover new differences in bacteria’s sugar coat to aid pneumococcal vaccine development

Researchers from NUS Medicine discovered that specific CPS structures and sugar combinations help Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the human respiratory tract. The study sheds light on the importance of CPS structure in bacterial survival, which will inform future vaccine development.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 17, 2023

Newly discovered probiotic could protect Caribbean corals threatened by deadly, devastating disease

Researchers have identified a probiotic that can protect Caribbean corals from stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD), a deadly and rapidly spreading affliction. The probiotic treatment has been shown to stop or slow the progression of the disease in infected coral fragments, offering an antibiotic-free alternative.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2023

Bacterial signaling across biofilm affected by surface structure

The study found that antibiotics slow down biofilm growth and QS molecule production across both strains, with surface type having a significant effect on the non-mucoid strain. The patterned structure was associated with longer latencies before expression of QS molecules were at their peak.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

Nature's nutcracker can crush pesticide residue

Researchers at Aarhus University have found an enzyme, C-P lyase, in E. coli bacteria that can degrade highly stable chemicals, including pesticides like RoundUp. The enzyme uses energy from ATP to open and close a 'nutcracker' mechanism that traps and breaks down troublesome chemicals.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

NUS researchers find differential impacts of Blastocystis strains on gut health

Researchers identified two Blastocystis strains, ST4 and ST7, with contrasting effects on the gut microbiome, promoting or disrupting a healthy balance. The study's findings suggest that geographical prevalence may influence the strain's impact on intestinal disease.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalTheranostics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 12, 2023

Have model organisms evolved too far?

A new study found that E. coli K-12 has accumulated numerous genetic changes compared to its original isolated bacteria, making it less suitable as a model organism. This discovery highlights the rapid evolution of bacterial genomes and challenges the long-standing use of a single strain in research.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalMicrobial Genomics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2023

Two previously unknown bacterial species identified from patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers have isolated two new bacterial species from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which break down the protective mucus layer of the gut. The bacteria, Allobaculum mucilyticum and Allobaculum fili, are highly efficient at degrading intestinal mucus, leading to potent immune responses.

SourceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

New study puts gut microbiome at the center of Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis

A recent study published in Nature Communications has found a significant imbalance in the gut microbiome of individuals with Parkinson's disease. The researchers discovered that over 30% of micro-organisms and bacterial genes tested had altered abundances, indicating a widespread imbalance in the microbiome.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2023

A breakthrough in bacterial vaginosis treatment for women’s health

Researchers at Harvard University developed a Human Vagina Chip to study the effects of microbiome on vaginal health. The chip replicated the human vaginal tissue microenvironment, including its microbiome, and showed that certain strains of bacteria can help maintain an acidic environment and reduce inflammation.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalMicrobiome·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 28, 2022

When tapas can cause harm: large listeriosis outbreak in Spain

A large listeriosis outbreak in southern Spain was linked to contaminated stuffed pork, which led to a public health alert and the implementation of post-exposure prophylaxis for pregnant women. The outbreak resulted in 207 confirmed cases and five miscarriages, highlighting the risk of Listeria contamination in ready-to-eat foods.

The new compound that destroys the MRSA superbug

Scientists at the University of Bath have discovered a novel polyamine that destroys MRSA superbug Staphylococcus aureus by disrupting its cell membrane, rendering it susceptible to antibiotics. The compound is also effective against biofilm and has shown promise as a potential new treatment option for antibiotic-resistant infections.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022