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Cholera studies reveal mechanisms of biofilm formation and hyperinfectivity

Researchers have made significant strides in understanding the mechanisms of cholera biofilm formation and hyperinfectivity. Biofilms are found to be highly infectious due to primed virulence factors, with bacteria already producing toxins before infection occurs.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2020

Bacteria form biofilms like settlers form cities

Researchers used super-resolution imaging and a computational algorithm to study how bacteria multiply and grow into dense biofilms. They found that growth patterns are analogous to urbanization, with individual bacteria forming 'cities' that merge and expand over time.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 13, 2020

Random gene pulsing generates patterns of life

Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that random gene pulsing plays a key role in establishing spatial structures during biofilm development. This process allows for the distribution of cell states within a population, enabling the formation of complex patterns.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2020
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Study shines light on spread of Candida auris

Researchers develop model to investigate Candida auris spread, finding it grows faster and colonizes skin exceptionally well. The study establishes a new strategy to prevent biofilm formation, which may lead to new strategies to target the pathogen.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSphere·DateJan 22, 2020

Researchers uncover early adherence step in intestinal transit of Shigella

A recent study at Massachusetts General Hospital has uncovered evidence of fimbriae that aid adherence to epithelial cells, an important step in the start of a shigellosis infection. The research team used in vivo-like culture methods and human intestinal organoids to confirm their findings.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalmSphere·DateDec 4, 2019

Nanostructures help to reduce the adhesion of bacteria

Researchers found that nanostructured surfaces reduce bacterial adhesion, making it harder for Staphylococcus aureus bacteria to form biofilms and resist antibiotics. The study suggests optimizing surface topography can minimize bacterial attachment and prevent biofilm formation.

SourceSaarland University·JournalNanoscale·DateOct 10, 2019
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.

Light and nanotechnology combined to prevent biofilms on medical implants

A team of researchers at ICFO have devised a novel technique to prevent biofilm formation on surgical implants by using gold nanoparticles to convert light into heat, killing bacteria. The method has shown promising results in preventing the formation of bacterial biofilms and eliminating the need for antibiotic treatments.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 23, 2019

Germ-fighting catheter coating may help prevent infections

Researchers at Brown University have developed a germ-fighting catheter coating that can kill MRSA bacteria and prevent biofilm formation. The coating, which releases the drug auranofin, has shown promising results in lab tests, inhibiting MRSA growth for up to 26 days.

SourceBrown University·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateMar 7, 2019

How antibiotics help spread resistance

Researchers found that certain antibiotics can alter the way bacteria divide and interact with each other, leading to increased competence and the spread of antibiotic-resistant genes. Biofilms play a crucial role in this process, allowing cells to secrete higher concentrations of a peptide that triggers quorum sensing.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 27, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Researchers discover how fatal biofilms form

Biofilms are a huge medical problem due to their difficulty in treating bacterial infections. Researchers at Yale University have found a key mechanism for biofilm formation, enabling the study of this process in a controlled way.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 5, 2018

The fate of plastic in the oceans

Researchers discovered that microplastics form stable aggregates with biogenic particles, such as plankton and faecal material, which can sink into deeper water layers. The presence of biofilms on microplastics also facilitates aggregation, potentially affecting the transport and distribution of microplastics in the oceans.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·DateAug 29, 2018

Making intricate images with bacterial communities

Researchers from Stanford University have developed a technique called biofilm lithography to create intricate designs with bacterial communities. The method involves shining blue light on bacteria that secrete a sticky protein, resulting in sharp images of patterns such as polka dots and circuits.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2018

Biologists discover bacteria's 'sense of touch'

Researchers at Indiana University discovered bacteria's 'sense of touch' by observing how they detect and cling to surfaces. The study revealed the role of ultra-thin hair-like appendages called pili in forming biofilms, which contribute to up to 65% of human infections.

SourceIndiana University·JournalScience·DateOct 26, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Chemical coatings boss around bacteria, in the bugs' own language

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a way to control bacterial growth using chemical coatings that communicate with bacteria in their own language. The coatings can inhibit or promote bacterial growth as needed, making them useful for applications such as hospital surfaces and industrial equipment.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMay 30, 2017

Biofilm discovery suggests new way to prevent dangerous infections

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have made a breakthrough in understanding how bacterial biofilms form, suggesting a new approach to preventing these deadly infections. By developing coatings for medical devices that block the trigger mechanism, biofilm-related hospital-borne infections could be sharply reduced.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 2017

Investigators identify optimal conditions for growth of Legionella bacteria

Researchers found that Legionella pneumophila grows well in warm tap water installations with ample dissolved organic matter, supporting biofilm formation. The study suggests that microgram-per-liter concentrations of biodegradable compounds can induce bacterial growth on surfaces, promoting proliferation of the bacteria.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJan 6, 2017

Molecular troublemakers instead of antibiotics?

Researchers at Kiel University have identified natural proteins that can disrupt bacterial communication and prevent biofilm formation. These 'molecular troublemakers' have potential applications in medicine and biotechnology, particularly against antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

SourceKiel University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJul 29, 2016
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.

Genes found in H. pylori that influence biofilm formation

A study published in the Journal of Bacteriology found that two genes, ArsS and ArsR, play a crucial role in regulating biofilm formation in H. pylori. The researchers created strains with mutations in these genes and observed that they formed thicker and more rapid biofilms.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateJul 18, 2016

OCT may speed detection of pneumonia-related bacteria in ICU patients

Researchers used OCT to visualize and assess biofilm on intubated endotracheal tubes in vivo, detecting the presence of pneumonia-related bacteria. The study showed that OCT can measure biofilm thickness and gather information about its extent, potentially leading to reduced infection rates.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJan 4, 2016
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.

Superbug colony behaviors revealed in time lapse video

Researchers observe 'comet-shaped' structures forming on agar plates, indicating active motility in MRSA, a spherical bacterium with no propulsive tail or appendages. This discovery could have implications for future clinical treatments and open up new avenues of research into Gram-positive bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateDec 18, 2015

New technique could prevent dangerous biofilms on catheters

Researchers develop a new technique to prevent dangerous biofilms on catheters by coating them with an activator that hinders Staphylococcus aureus from forming biofilms. This approach could lead to a major reduction in hospital-acquired disease and death, saving thousands of lives annually.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateNov 17, 2015

New technique could prevent biofilms on catheters and medical implants

Researchers have discovered a new technique that can prevent biofilms on catheters and medical implants by coating them with tissue plasminogen activator. This method has the potential to reduce hospital-acquired infections and save thousands of lives annually.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 30, 2015
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.

Natural plant chemicals could help fight tooth decay, study shows

A study published in Chemical Communications suggests that a natural plant chemical called trans-chalcone can help prevent tooth decay. By blocking the action of an enzyme that allows bacteria to thrive, researchers found that trans-chalcone prevents the formation of plaque and biofilms around teeth.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalChemical Communications·DateMay 20, 2015

Naturally occurring amino acid could improve oral health

Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that L-arginine can break down dental plaque, a biofilm that contributes to cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. This naturally occurring amino acid may provide an alternative to current antimicrobial treatments, which can affect taste and stain teeth.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 7, 2015

Compound from soil microbe inhibits biofilm formation

Researchers discovered a compound produced by Pseudomonas protegens that prevents Bacillus subtilis from forming biofilms at low concentrations, blocking spore formation as well. This finding may lead to creating healthy microbial soil communities and boosting agricultural yields.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateMar 30, 2015

Salivary mucins play active role to fight cavities

Researchers found that salivary mucin MUC5B limits biofilm formation by keeping S. mutans suspended in the liquid medium, preventing cavities. Boosting native defenses may be a better way to fight dental caries than relying on exogenous materials.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateNov 11, 2014
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.

New insights in survival strategies of bacteria

Researchers at VIB/VUB have created a detailed three-dimensional image of the pores through which curli building blocks cross the bacterial cell wall, shedding light on biofilm formation. This breakthrough could lead to the development of small molecules that inhibit unwanted biofilm growth and pave the way for new applications in fiel...

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature·DateSep 14, 2014

Inhibition of oral biofilm and cell-cell communication using natural-products derivatives

Researchers have identified six natural-products derivatives that can inhibit oral biofilm formation and quorum sensing in three indigenous oral Gram-positive bacteria. These compounds, structurally similar to S-ribosyl homocysteine, reduce bioluminescence in a Vibrio harveyi QS reporter, indicating inhibition of AI-2 based QS.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateMar 20, 2014

Improper use of biocides in food production may endanger public health

A study found that sublethal doses of biocides can enhance antibiotic resistance in bacteria, forming harmful biofilms and increasing survival rates. This poses a risk to public health and highlights the need for proper guidelines on biocide use in food production.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJan 6, 2014
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.

Drug may guard against periodontitis, and related chronic diseases

Researchers found that Oxantel inhibits biofilm formation by targeting an enzyme crucial for bacterial growth, offering a potential therapy for periodontitis. Periodontitis is linked to various health risks, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateNov 8, 2013

Secrets of bacterial slime revealed

Researchers discovered a molecular switch regulating biofilm formation, which could help identify new antibiotics and prevent biofilms from forming. The study sheds light on how bacteria shield themselves in a slimy protective layer to evade attacks.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 12, 2013

Findings could be used to engineer organs

Researchers found that cell death leads to wrinkles in biofilms, while stiffness affects wrinkling patterns. They created artificial wrinkle patterns in bacteria to verify their findings, shedding light on the mechanics of cell, tissue and organ formation.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 19, 2012

New coating evicts biofilms for good

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new coating called SLIPS that can prevent the formation of biofilms on surfaces. The technology, which is smooth and slippery due to an immobilized liquid layer, has been shown to reduce the formation of disease-causing bacteria by up to 96%.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 30, 2012
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.

How does dolomite form?

A team of researchers discovered that dolomite crystals form under specific conditions in biofilms created by marine bacteria. The study provides new insights into the reconstruction of fossil dolomite deposits and their connection to past environmental conditions.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalGeology·DateJun 7, 2012

Novel tuberculosis research technology published in JoVE

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a novel way to culture tuberculosis bacteria, which could lead to new treatments and insights into its extraordinary resilience against environmental stresses. The bacteria's ability to form biofilms is thought to be a key factor in its resistance to treatment.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateFeb 15, 2012

Mighty mesh

Biofilms expand by swelling and then spreading due to the force generated by the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM increases osmotic pressure within the biofilm, causing it to absorb water from its surroundings and swell. This process allows the biofilm to grow and spread horizontally.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2012
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

More power to the cranberry: Study shows juice better than extracts at fighting infections

A new study by researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute shows that cranberry juice is more effective than proanthocyanidin extracts in preventing biofilm formation, a precursor to urinary tract infections. The study found that cranberry juice completely prevented biofilm formation, while extracts showed limited ability to reduce it.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalFood Science and Biotechnology·DateOct 28, 2011

Syracuse University biologist discovers key regulators for biofilm development

The study reveals a complex cascade of enhancer binding proteins (EBPs) that initiates the formation of biofilms. Bacterial cells require cooperative behavior similar to higher organisms, and understanding this process is crucial for developing new ways to prevent and treat infected surfaces.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 24, 2011

Potential new strategy to reduce catheter blockage

Researchers from the University of Brighton are exploring a new approach to prevent catheter blockage by inhibiting the rise in urinary pH. The study found that biofilm-forming ability may not be the primary factor in catheter blockage, but rather the formation of crystals that can cause blockages.

SourceMicrobiology Society·DateApr 12, 2011
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.

Cranberry juice shows promise blocking Staph infections

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have found that cranberry juice cocktail significantly reduces the ability of certain bacteria to form biofilms on surfaces. This study has potential applications in developing new antibiotics and making medical devices more resistant to bacterial adhesion.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·DateSep 1, 2010

NSF funds infection-resistant orthopedic research

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology are developing novel methods to prevent bacterial infections in orthopedic implants, such as inkjet printing of drug-eluting micropatterns. This technology aims to overcome the challenge of biofilm formation and promote rapid bone healing.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateJul 20, 2010
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Researchers discover new ways to treat chronic infections

Researchers at Binghamton University identified three key regulators required for biofilm formation, which could lead to new treatments for chronic infections. Biofilms are implicated in over 80% of chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases, and conventional antimicrobial treatments are often ineffective.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 18, 2009

United we stand; divided we fall

Researchers observed paracrine signaling in Bacillus subtilis, a novel mechanism for maintaining two differentiated cell populations within a bacterial community. This discovery opens doors to developing strategies to reverse differentiation in antibiotic persister cells.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 14, 2009

Texas A&M researchers examine 'invading' bacteria in DNA

Researchers at Texas A&M University have found that certain types of bacteria integrate invading DNA into their genetic makeup to increase their chances of survival. This process allows the bacteria to produce diverse progeny, which is essential for dispersal and adaptation to new environments.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalMicrobial Ecology·DateJun 2, 2009

'Zinc zipper' plays key role in hospital-acquired infections

A team of University of Cincinnati researchers has found that zinc plays a crucial role in the formation of biofilms that cause hospital-acquired infections. By removing zinc from bacterial cells, they were able to prevent biofilm formation and growth, offering new hope for preventing these infections.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2008
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Finely tuned WspRs help bacteria beat body by building biofilm

Researchers have identified a finely tuned control system in Pseudomonas bacteria that enables them to form biofilms, which contribute to chronic infections. The WspR enzyme plays a crucial role in this process, and its regulation helps balance the production of c-di-GMP.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 24, 2008

Diversity promotes cooperation among microbes

Researchers found that diverse cooperators evolved to use different nutrient resources, reducing competition and increasing biofilm success. This diversity leads to smaller cheats populations and larger biofilm groups.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 23, 2006
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.