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Global travellers vulnerable to drug-resistant bacteria - study

A recent study reveals that international travellers are highly susceptible to virulent strains of drug-resistant bacteria, often acquiring multiple types during a single trip. Researchers found that 70% of European volunteers colonised with MDR-GN bacteria, highlighting the need for improved infection control measures.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·DateFeb 23, 2021

Gulls, sentinels of bacteria in the environment

Researchers found gulls carrying resistant strains of Campylobacter and Salmonella, causing gastroenteritis in humans. The study highlights the importance of wildlife fauna as a reservoir for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, emphasizing the need for a one health approach.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateFeb 10, 2021
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.

Livestock workers face high MRSA risk

Research by Michigan State University finds that livestock workers are at high risk of acquiring antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The study highlights the importance of good hygiene practices and policies in minimizing the spread of livestock-associated MRSA.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 28, 2021

Gene-editing produces tenfold increase in superbug slaying antibiotics

Researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to increase formicamycin production in Streptomyces formicae bacteria, which could lead to new antibiotics against MRSA. The over-producing strain can be used to purify enough formicamycins to study their mode of action and development as antibiotics.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateJan 12, 2021

New bacterial culture methods could result in the discovery of new species

Researchers developed new bacterial culture approaches, isolating 254 strains from the Tabernas Desert, including 60% previously unreported and possibly new bacteria species. The study highlights the potential for simple strategies to obtain higher microbial diversity from extreme environments.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJan 5, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

When strains of E.coli play rock-paper-scissors, it's not the strongest that survives

Researchers at UC San Diego found that weaker E.coli strains outcompete stronger ones in a microbial game of rock-paper-scissors, challenging the traditional notion that strength prevails. The study's findings have implications for understanding microbiome imbalances and potentially developing new life-saving treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 9, 2020

Hungry plants rely on their associated bacteria to mobilize unavailable iron

Researchers found that plant-secreted coumarins elicit nutritional assistance from bacterial commensals under iron limitation. Adding synthetic communities of root-associated bacteria improves plant performance on unavailable iron, but not with readily available iron.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateNov 2, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Severe form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease linked to a strain of mouth bacteria

A strain of oral bacteria has been found to be associated with severe ulcerative colitis. The discovery offers new avenues for research into the prevention and treatment of IBD. Researchers believe that targeting the oral cavity could help reduce the load of the bacteria, potentially leading to new therapies.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalMicrobial Genomics·DateOct 28, 2020

UOG monitors Guam for two of USDA's Priority Pests of 2021

The University of Guam is surveying and monitoring invasive pests of solanaceous crops, including Tuta absoluta, a moth that can destroy entire crops, and Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2, a bacterial wilt that infects through the roots. The work aims to prepare the island for management if these pests arrive.

SourceUniversity of Guam·DateOct 8, 2020
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.

How helper bacteria protect white button mushrooms

Helper bacteria, such as Mycetocola tolaasinivorans, protect white button mushrooms from the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas tolaasii by enzymatically disabling its toxin and motility. This mechanism involves a lactonase enzyme that linearizes the tolaasin toxin into a non-toxic structure.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

A new tool for modeling the human gut microbiome

Researchers create device to grow highly oxygen-intolerant bacteria in lab studies, revealing protective effects on human colon. They found that Faecalibacterium prausnitzii produces butyrate, which reduces inflammation and calms immune response.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMed·DateAug 6, 2020

Which bacteria truly qualify as probiotics?

Four simple criteria have been established to accurately use the term 'probiotic': purity, safety, clinical trial support, and maintenance of viability in products. This clarity will provide consumers with better transparency about expected benefits and allow them to make informed choices.

SourceInternational Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJul 27, 2020
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.

How does cooperation evolve?

A study by Max Planck Institute researchers found that multicellular clusters can promote cooperative interactions between organisms, leading to a previously unknown mechanism driving the evolution of mutual aid. This discovery challenges the traditional view of evolution as a competition for resources.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 23, 2020

From Jekyll to Hyde: New study pinpoints mutation that makes E. coli deadlier

Scientists have identified a specific protein mutation in E. coli that increases bacterial virulence, leading to increased resistance to antibiotics and antibacterial substances. The mutation affects the lipopolysaccharide transporter, causing the bacteria to produce more outer membrane vesicles and become more deadly.

SourceOkayama University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 25, 2020

Gut bacteria may modify behavior in worms, influencing eating habits

A new study found that specific gut bacteria in worms can modify their behavior, directing them to choose certain food sources. The bacteria influence neural circuit activity by producing chemicals like tyramine, which increase tolerance for certain smells.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 2020
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.

Humans have beneficial bacteria uniquely adapted for life in our noses

A study published in Cell Reports suggests that lactobacilli have a niche in the human nose and may play a role in preventing chronic nasal and sinus inflammation. Researchers developed a proof-of-concept nasal spray that delivered lactobacillus to the nose, colonizing healthy volunteers' upper respiratory tracts without adverse effects.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 26, 2020

New dataset helps tomato growers reduce spread of bacterial canker

A new dataset and diagnostic platform have been developed to help tomato growers detect and prevent bacterial canker, a disease caused by Clavibacter michiganensis. The platform uses genetic regions specific to the pathogen, reducing false positives and making it easier for growers to screen infected plant and seed materials.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytopathology·DateMay 11, 2020
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.

Lactic acid bacteria present in kimchi cabbage and garlic carry out the fermentation

Researchers identified the origin source of lactic acid bacteria responsible for kimchi fermentation, revealing that ingredients such as ginger and red pepper do not contribute to fermentation. The study found three unique fermentative microbes specific to each ingredient, resulting in distinct flavor profiles.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalFood Chemistry·DateApr 17, 2020

Drinking green tea may help with food allergies

Research at Shinshu University found that green tea consumption increases Flavonifractor plautii bacteria in the gut, leading to a suppressed Th2 immune response to food allergies. This study suggests that drinking green tea may be a potential anti-allergy probiotic.

SourceShinshu University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateApr 8, 2020
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.

Bacterial protein fragment kills lung cells in pulmonary fibrosis, study finds

Researchers at University of Illinois and Mie University discover salt-loving bacteria secret a peptide that rapidly kills lung cells, leading to acute exacerbation. The finding offers a potential new target for treating pulmonary fibrosis, a disease affecting millions worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 24, 2020

Study results will inform immunization programs globally

The study found good protection against meningococcal disease in vaccinated individuals, but no overall reduction in bacterial carriage. The findings highlight the importance of individual vaccination and identify high-risk behaviors associated with bacterial transmission.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 22, 2020
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.

Empowering mucosal healing with an engineered probiotic

Researchers developed an engineered probiotic that promotes mucosal healing and reduces inflammation in IBD patients. The 'Probiotic Associated Therapeutic Curli Hybrids' (PATCH) approach uses genetically programmed bacteria to create a biocompatible, mucoadhesive coating that facilitates healing.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2019

How diversity of respiratory quinones affects microbial physiology

Researchers discovered a fear-greed tradeoff in bacteria that use ancient respiratory quinones for aerobic respiration, leading to oxidative stress and growth limitations. The study provides fundamental insights into microbial bioenergetics evolution and potential strategies for modulating bacterial growth and survival.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2019

Trials promise good news for countries with dengue and Zika virus

Researchers have found an effective and environmentally sustainable way to block the transmission of dengue virus using a new strain of Wolbachia bacteria. In trials carried out in Malaysia, the strain reduced cases of dengue by 40% and established itself even in hot temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 21, 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.

Bacteria contradict Darwin: Survival of the friendliest

A new study at the University of Copenhagen reveals that bacteria prioritize cooperation over competition, leading to stronger and more resilient communities. This discovery challenges Darwin's theory of evolution and has significant implications for biotechnology and disease treatment.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateOct 11, 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.

Engineered viruses could fight drug resistance

MIT researchers developed engineered bacteriophages that can kill different strains of E. coli by making targeted mutations in a viral protein. The new approach creates a large number of phage variants and tests them against resistant strains, showing promise for overcoming multidrug resistance.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateOct 3, 2019

Protozoans and pathogens make for an infectious mix

A team of researchers discovered that single-celled organisms like protozoa can protect pathogenic bacteria and prime them for human infection. The bacteria are expelled into the environment after being ingested by protozoa and become more infectious in humans, potentially threatening public health.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·DateOct 1, 2019

The effects of variation in T6SS and bacteria on competition in host environment

Researchers found that strains predicted to be more sensitive to T6SS were able to coexist with aggressor strains, challenging the traditional assumption of a 'winner-take-all' result. The study suggests that genetics and environmental factors play a significant role in determining competition outcomes.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateSep 17, 2019

It takes a 'consortium': Researchers develop metabolic engineering technique

Scientists have developed a new metabolic engineering technique that enables cells within microbial consortia to regulate their own composition through autonomous cell-to-cell communication. The approach utilizes the universal QS signal AI-2, allowing for tunable growth rates and improved coordination among subpopulations.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 11, 2019

New bacterial strain linked to scarlet fever, sore throat and sepsis

A new strain of group A streptococcus bacteria, M1UK, has been identified as the dominant cause of Strep A infections in England and Wales since 2010. The strain produces more toxin than existing strains, potentially leading to increased cases of invasive infections.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateSep 10, 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.

Sustainable battery separators

Researchers developed a single-layer separator using bacterial cellulose nanofiber, achieving 80% capacity retention after 1,000 cycles. The new separator's cycle-life is superior to commercial multilayer separators with a more sustainable manufacturing process.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2019

A comprehensive catalogue of human digestive tract bacteria

A comprehensive catalogue of human digestive tract bacteria has been identified, revealing novel interactions and associations between bacterial strains and health outcomes. The study provides a foundation for future research into the mechanisms underlying microbiome dynamics and their impact on human health.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 2, 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.

Genetic redundancy aids competition among bacteria in symbiosis with squid

Researchers at Penn State have discovered that the genomes of luminescent bacteria contain two copies of a gene required for the type VI secretion system (T6SS), which is used to kill neighboring cells. Disabling either copy of the gene still allows the T6SS system to function, but not both, revealing functional redundancy.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateAug 15, 2019

Scientists find powerful potential weapon to overcome antibiotic resistance

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine find that adding rhamnolipids enhances the potency of aminoglycoside antibiotics against Staph infections, including MRSA. The study suggests a new strategy to overcome antibiotic resistance and has implications for treating various bacterial species.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateAug 14, 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.

Helping bacteria be better friends

Scientists at the Wyss Institute successfully manipulated four bacterial strains to exhibit beneficial interactions and balance in complex environments. By modifying their genomes, they encouraged the bacteria to adopt a live-and-let-live approach, promoting resilience and diversity within the consortia.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalmSystems·DateAug 14, 2019