Bacteriology
Articles tagged with Bacteriology
NUS scientists unveil a faster way to “train” bacteria for complex tasks, like munching plastics
Researchers at NUS create Lytic Selection and Evolution (LySE) platform, harnessing modified bacteriophage to rapidly create and test genetic changes. After five cycles, plastic degradation improved by over 50%, demonstrating a faster and more controllable method for training bacteria to consume plastics.
Researchers identify natural compound that disarms drug-resistant bacteria
A naturally occurring fatty acid called geranylgeranoic acid (GGA) has been discovered to disrupt the ability of MRSA bacteria to stick to human molecules and detect their environment, making it harder for them to cause disease. Researchers tested GGA in mice and found it prevented skin lesions and reduced infection severity.
Gut microbiota impacts resistance to bacterial pneumonia: Study
Researchers found that antibiotics disrupt gut microbiota, suppressing protective immune system pathways and increasing severity of A. baumannii pneumonia. The study highlights the gut-lung connection as a potential therapeutic target for hospital-acquired lung infections.
Detailed map of life-threatening Vibrio bacteria reveals new target for treatment
Scientists have mapped the structure of Vibrio bacteria with unprecedented detail, revealing a new target for treatment. The findings could provide a solution to life-threatening infections linked to antibiotic resistance.
New lactic acid bacteria for plant-based yogurt alternatives
Researchers at DTU discover three types of lactic acid bacteria that can effectively produce plant-based yoghurt alternatives, inhibiting harmful bacteria and breaking down sugars. The bacteria also improve the product's texture and extend shelf life.
Tiny plankton have big impact on harmful algal bloom predictions
Researchers at Hiroshima University have developed a new approach to predicting harmful algal blooms by coupling three models and accounting for plankton species interactions. This improved forecasting can help prevent economic losses and protect fish stocks in countries like Chile, which has been hit hard by these blooms.
Rethinking the gut microbiome: Health is not about staying the same
Phase I study for human monoclonal antibody for Lyme disease demonstrates safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics
A Phase I clinical trial of a human monoclonal antibody for Lyme disease demonstrates its safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics. The treatment, TNX-4800, provides lasting serum concentrations and has the potential to offer passive immunity against the disease.
The Crop Journal study provides new strategy to break resistance-yield trade-off in rice by pathogen-inducible gene expression
A genetic strategy is introduced to break the trade-off between rice disease resistance and yield by utilizing a pathogen-inducible promoter. The approach enables broad-spectrum disease resistance without compromising plant growth and yield.
Air surveillance reveals hidden reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes
A review by an international team of researchers highlights that air monitoring is essential for global public health strategies, as airborne antibiotic resistance genes can spread silently between humans, animals, and the environment.
Viruses ‘eavesdrop’ on each other – but it can backfire
Research reveals that viruses can eavesdrop on each other using chemical signals, which may not always benefit the listener. This 'cross-talk' between species can lead to incorrect decision-making by the eavesdropper.
Ocean bacteria team up to break down biodegradable plastic
Researchers discovered 30 bacterial species that break down biodegradable plastic, revealing speed and factors influencing degradation. The study highlights the importance of understanding microbial communities and plastic chemistry in plastic biodegradation.
Antibiotic resistance can vary depending on where the bacteria live
Research shows that bacteria harbor resistance genes may respond differently to antibiotics under non-standard conditions. This affects treatment efficacy and contributes to understanding antimicrobial resistance development and spread. Understanding these variations is crucial to combat global public health threats.
Stay or stray? Scientists discover why some gut microbes persist after fecal transplants
Researchers at King's College London discovered that certain genetic features of gut bacteria predict long-term survival after fecal transplants. These stable gene groups are linked to traits that help good bacteria compete and survive, and may be used as a source of future drugs.
UF research finds a gentler way to treat aggressive gum disease
Researchers have discovered that Porphyromonas gingivalis, a keystone pathogen driving gum disease, carries an internal genetic brake controlling its aggression. By locking this brake in place, future treatments could silence the pathogen while leaving beneficial bacteria untouched.
How bacteria can reclaim lost energy, nutrients, and clean water from wastewater
Emerging microbially-powered technologies can convert up to 35% of wastewater's chemical energy into electricity and extract valuable nutrients. This approach could power agriculture, global sanitation and its own treatment, while reducing pollution and overcoming regulatory obstacles.
Frontiers in Science Deep Dive webinar series: How bacteria can reclaim lost energy, nutrients, and clean water from wastewater
Researchers explore how METs convert organic waste into electricity, fuels, fertilizers, and usable water. Pilot deployments demonstrate its potential to reclaim energy from 359 billion cubic meters of wastewater annually.
CDI scientists home in on acinetobacter baumannii's resistance evolution
A team of CDI scientists has identified the genetic basis of Acinetobacter baumannii's resistance to Cefiderocol, a last-line antibiotic. The study provides insights into the evolution of resistance and highlights the need for integrated surveillance strategies to prevent further resistance.
Novel vaccine protects against C. diff disease and recurrence
A novel vaccination approach cleared harmful gut bacterium Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) in an animal model of infection. The experimental vaccine protected against illness, death, tissue damage and infection recurrence through mucosal immunization.
Stiff gels slow germs: New study maps hydrogel properties that control bacterial growth
Researchers have identified optimal conditions for bacterial growth on hydrogels, finding that firmer, lower water content materials consistently slow bacterial expansion. The study's findings also reveal a selective mechanism at work, where negatively charged gels repel bacteria harbouring negatively charged groups.
Bacterial hitchhikers can give their hosts super strength
A Dartmouth study found that plasmids can form tight clusters within bacterial communities, making them resistant to antibiotics and clinical treatments. This phenomenon introduces a new avenue for bacterial infections to become more difficult to treat.
Next generation genetics technology developed to counter the rise of antibiotic resistance
Researchers developed a novel CRISPR-based technology called pPro-MobV that can remove antibiotic-resistant elements from bacterial populations. The new tool uses gene-drive thinking and has the potential to combat antibiotic resistance in healthcare settings, environmental remediation, and microbiome engineering.
Plastic pollution promotes hazardous water conditions, new study finds
A new study by University of California San Diego researchers found that fossil fuel plastics can amplify harmful algae blooms by killing off zooplankton, leading to an increase in algal concentrations. In contrast, biodegradable plastics had a smaller impact on zooplankton and algal communities.
Vaping zebrafish suggest E-cigarette exposure disrupts gut microbial networks and neurobehavior
A study published in Science of The Total Environment found that e-cigarette exposure alters gut microbiota composition and affects neurobehavior in zebrafish. The researchers observed disruptions in the gut microbiome, with reduced microbial network stability and altered community composition, suggesting potential health risks.
NUS Medicine study reveals how antimicrobial resistance spreads from gut bacteria to potentially dangerous hospital superbugs
Researchers at NUS Medicine discovered that genetic vectors can efficiently spread antibiotic resistance within the gut, enabling even highly virulent bacteria to acquire drug resistance. This finding sheds light on the emergence of 'superbugs' in healthcare settings.
Infant gut bacteria may be the key to preventing asthma and allergies
Researchers have identified a previously unknown mechanism that can reduce the risk of allergies and asthma in children. Certain bifidobacteria produce a substance called 4-hydroxyphenyl lactate (4-OH-PLA), which dampens immune responses to allergens, reducing the production of IgE antibodies.
Not only toxic but also a nutrient: guanidine as a nitrogen source
Cyanobacteria can absorb and break down guanidine, using it as their sole nitrogen source, according to a new study. The ability to utilize guanidine is an advantage for colonization, despite its previous classification as a toxic substance.
A tug-of-war explains a decades-old question about how bacteria swim
Bacteria move through liquids using propellerlike tails called flagella, which alternate between clockwise and counterclockwise rotation. Researchers propose a tug-of-war mechanism instead of the traditional equilibrium 'domino effect' model, where proteins lining the tail exert pressure on their neighbors.
Life on lava: How microbes colonize new habitats
Research reveals that single-celled organisms are among the first to colonize newly formed lava environments, thriving in scarce water and nutrient conditions. As diversity stabilizes over time, rainwater plays a critical role in shaping microbial communities, suggesting an unexpected link between weather phenomena and life on Earth.
Gut bacteria have evolved rapidly to digest starches in ultra-processed foods
A UCLA study found that gut microbes are evolving differently in industrialized and non-industrialized parts of the world. Gene variants associated with starch digestion have
Raw materials from CO
Researchers have created a novel synthetic enzyme that efficiently converts CO2 into formic acid, opening up new possibilities for biotechnological production of valuable chemicals and fuels. The enzyme, FAR, tolerates high concentrations of formate and is stable in both living cells and cell-free systems.
Nobel Prize-awarded material that puncture and kill bacteria
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new material that uses metal-organic frameworks to physically injure and kill bacteria, preventing biofilm formation without antibiotics or toxic metals. This innovation eliminates the risk of antibiotic resistance and has potential applications in various industries.
Fishing for phages in Lund University’s Botanical Gardens
The discovery of five new bacteriophages in Lund University's Botanical Gardens' ponds has significant implications for phage research and treatment of bacterial infections. The newly-discovered phages were isolated using a motile E. coli strain, which was specifically designed to attract the viruses.
New collection of bacteria-eating viruses to tackle hospital superbug
Researchers have catalogued a new collection of bacteria-eating viruses to combat the growing threat of hospital superbug Klebsiella pneumoniae. The open-source phage library offers scientists a valuable resource to develop new treatments and improve understanding of phages and bacteria interactions.
A new gateway to global antimicrobial resistance data
The AMR portal connects bacterial genomes, resistance phenotypes, and functional annotations, providing a central hub for global AMR research. It brings together experimental and computational data types, allowing researchers to investigate how genetic variants translate into antimicrobial resistance.
A promising avenue for improving antibiotic efficacy
Researchers at Institut Pasteur found that aminoglycosides use sugar transporters to enter bacteria, increasing their effectiveness and potentially reducing the need for high doses. By doubling the number of transporters, they improved antibiotics' penetration rate and efficacy in even the most resistant E. coli strains.
How are metabolism and cell growth connected? — A mystery over 180 years old
Researchers have identified a novel principle in biology that mathematically explains why the growth of organisms slows as nutrients become more abundant. The global constraint principle unifies two classic biological laws and provides a fresh perspective for looking at growth across all forms of life.
Secrets of microbial motion: How bacteria swash, glide and shift gears to survive
Researchers at Arizona State University discovered two new forms of bacterial movement: swashing and shifting strategies. Bacteria can move across moist surfaces using currents created by fermentation, while other types use the type 9 secretion system to glide across surfaces.
Evolving antibiotic resistance under pressure
Researchers used an experimental evolution approach to map genetic mutations in A. baumannii treated with tigecycline and colistin, confirming and extending existing knowledge on major mechanisms of resistance. The study's findings aim to develop genomics-based predictions of drug resistance and susceptibility.
New study shows invasive Group A Streptococcus outcomes shaped by treatment strategies, not species lineage
Researchers found that early clindamycin administration significantly improved recovery rates in patients with invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infections. The study also showed that M1uk strain does not worsen prognosis in critically ill adults, but prompt treatment remains crucial.
Five science-backed ways to make cheese production greener
A literature review of cheese fermentation and ripening identified five underused, evidence-based measures to improve efficiency and sustainability in cheese production. By exploiting whey and encapsulating lactic acid bacteria, dairies can reduce waste and optimize production processes.
Meerkats get health benefit from mob membership
Research discovered that meerkat's social group membership has the greatest influence on their gut microbiome, even more than age, sex, or environmental conditions. The study found that social interactions lead to the sharing of beneficial gut bacteria, which is vital for an animal's immunity and overall fitness.
Uncovering tuberculosis bacterium’s “heartbeat,” opening door to new treatments as U.S. cases rise
A molecular system called PrrAB helps the TB bacterium generate energy and breathe, making it a promising target for new treatments. Researchers have identified an experimental compound DAT-48 that kills several strains of TB, including clinical ones, with potential synergy when combined with existing drugs.
Ateneo scientists research potential anti-ulcer vaccine
Researchers from Ateneo de Manila University have identified key proteins produced by Helicobacter pylori that can trigger a strong immune response. By analyzing these proteins using immunoinformatics, the team has pinpointed potential vaccine targets to prevent stomach ulcers and cancer.
Poultry growers: Have you checked your water lines lately?
A new study by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture reveals that water quality can significantly impact the type of microbial populations in poultry drinking water lines and litter. The study found a Bacillus species with probiotic properties was more prevalent in biofilms from poultry houses with normal sulfur-iro...
University of Houston scientists learn that rare bacterium ‘plays dead’ to survive
Researchers at the University of Houston discovered that T. phoenicis can enter dormancy to evade detection, highlighting the resilience of spacecraft-associated microbes and raising concerns about planetary protection. The findings may lead to better detection methods and more effective sterilization strategies in various industries.
Changes in gut microbiota influence which patients get AIG-related neuroendocrine tumors
Researchers found that specific bacteria, such as Haemophilus parainfluenzae and Fusobacterium species, are associated with AIG-related neuroendocrine tumors. The study suggests that changes in host metabolism occur before alterations in the gastric microbiota, potentially creating a microenvironment that favors tumor growth.
Little-known strep bacteria behind growing number of severe infections
A new study reveals rising rates of invasive SDSE infections across Australia, particularly among older Australians and those from remote regions. The research highlights disparities in health outcomes between regions and populations, emphasizing the need for improved surveillance and prevention strategies.
Map of bacterial gene interactions reveals potential drug targets
Researchers have developed a new technique called Dual transposon sequencing to rapidly identify genetic interactions in bacteria. This method reveals vulnerabilities that could be targeted by future antibiotics.
$2 million to decode bacteria’s role in fighting disease
The University of California - Riverside is receiving a $2 million grant to investigate how gut microbes interact with their human hosts to influence health. The research aims to create next-generation probiotics that strengthen the gut microbiome, improve vaccine effectiveness, and prevent infections.
Special lactic acids reduce antibiotic resistance in infants
Researchers at DTU have discovered a way to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria by nourishing special bifidobacteria that is naturally occurring in the gut. Special lactic acids produced by bifidobacteria play a key role in keeping antibiotic-resistant bacteria at bay.
Can microbes be the good guys? New study reveals Hollywood’s blind spot
A new review in Microbial Biotechnology highlights microbes as allies in various industries, from food fermentation to biofuels. Films such as French Kiss and The Martian showcase microbes as positive forces, challenging the traditional villain stereotype.
Review explores critical role of microbiome in cancer development and treatment
The human microbiome influences cancer growth and treatment outcomes through specific microbial signatures, metabolites, and biomarkers. The review highlights emerging interventions such as probiotics and engineered microbial therapies to improve precision oncology and non-invasive diagnostics.
Scientists discover how cells use a secret weapon to fight off some pathogens
Researchers discovered that mitochondria use folate to prevent infection by competing with invading pathogens. In a study on Toxoplasma gondii, scientists found that the parasite grew more slowly when mitochondrial metabolism consumed folate, a critical nutrient for its survival.
Bacteria strains infecting cattle and humans in US are highly similar
Research reveals Salmonella Dublin, a cattle and human pathogen, is increasingly resistant to antibiotics, with similar genetic makeup across animal, human, and environmental samples. The study's findings highlight the need for a One Health approach to control its spread and evolution.
Scientists find a microbial molecule that restores liver and gut health
Researchers found that a compound produced by Lactobacillus bacteria can reverse liver and gut damage caused by aflatoxin exposure. The molecule, 10-hydroxystearic acid, activated PPARα signaling to repair liver tissue and support gut health.
Portable spectroscopy enables detection of vaginal microbes
Researchers use surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to analyze vaginal fluid biochemical fingerprints, detecting specific bacterial species like Lactobacillus iners. The portable device produces comparable results to high-end lab equipment, suggesting its potential for point-of-care monitoring.
Copper antimicrobials can drive antibiotic resistance in bacteria, but there’s a fix, scientists say
Researchers found that heavy use of copper antimicrobials can drive antibiotic resistance in bacteria, but switching to copper with other measures can help mitigate this effect. Copper-resistant bacteria also become resistant to antibiotics, suggesting a common evolutionary pathway.
Small protein, big impact: Insights into how bacteria stabilize a key outer membrane complex
Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology reveal the essential role of LptM in maturing and stabilizing the LptDE complex, a key component of Gram-negative bacteria's outer membrane. This finding provides fundamental insights that may support antibiotic design and advances understanding of bacterial virulence.