Articles tagged with Biofilm Infections
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers from USF have isolated a natural product chemical from an Antarctic sponge that can eliminate over 98% of MRSA cells. The extract, named darwinolide, has shown promise in treating biofilm-based infections, which are resistant to current antibiotics.
A potential drug therapy developed at the University of Pittsburgh has proven effective against bacterial biofilms and a deadly respiratory virus simultaneously. The eCAP was 50 times more effective at fighting the biofilm than traditional treatment, and reduced viable virus particles by over 150-fold in RSV-infected airway cells.
A new study reveals that bacteria in biofilm form are stronger than single-celled bacteria and outcompete them for nourishment. This challenges the traditional view of bacterial infections and highlights the importance of treating biofilms as a distinct entity.
Salmonella bacteria have a unique molecular switch called SsrB that allows them to switch from actively causing disease to lurking in a chronic but asymptomatic state called a biofilm. This switch enables the bacteria to survive inside macrophage vacuoles and then form biofilms, which can be resistant to host defenses and antibiotics.
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.
Researchers have identified a new way in which methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) exploits the body's own immune system to persist in infected tissues. By understanding this process, new treatments may be developed to reduce complications from infection after prosthetic surgery.
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.
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.
Researchers from the University of Birmingham and NIHR SRMRC investigated the antibacterial activity of acetic acid against key burn wound colonising organisms. They demonstrated that low concentrations of acetic acid can kill bacteria, including those resistant to antibiotics.
A University of Maryland-led team has discovered an enzyme that breaks the signaling pathway of biofilms, a complex web of fibers that protects bacteria from threats. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments to prevent biofilm-related complications and reduce hospital equipment failures.
New antimicrobial material could be used as a topical antibacterial treatment and disinfectant, effectively killing biofilms and promoting healing in chronic wounds.
The researcher will lead a collaboration to develop nanotechnology-based therapeutic platforms that can treat biofilm infection in chronic wounds. The goal is to create minimally invasive treatments with fast recovery times and fewer side effects.
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.
A novel liquid-infused polymer technology has been developed to prevent bacterial biofilm formation on medical surfaces, reducing the risk of infections. The technology uses a combination of silicone oil and polymer to create a slippery surface that repels bacteria, making it suitable for use in medical devices.
Researchers found that MRSA biofilms form in joint fluid, making infections resistant to antibiotics. Pre-treatment with an enzyme can inhibit biofilm formation and increase bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics.
Researchers found that low-dose antibiotics can strengthen bacterial biofilms, leading to chronic lung, sinus, and ear infections in children. The study suggests developing routine screening methods to test the effects of antibiotics on biofilms.
Researchers discovered Staphylococcus aureus creates biofilm streamers using a biological glue, which can rapidly clog up medical devices. The bacteria's ability to form these slimy structures is crucial in understanding the mechanism of infections associated with medical devices.
Duke University engineers have developed a new urinary catheter design that can eliminate nearly all hard-to-kill biofilm from the catheter's walls using physical deformation. The design features an inflation channel that forces the thin wall into the urinary tract, leaving the outer dimensions intact.
A new study examines Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and finds that bacterial fibers, such as common pilus, play a crucial role in its ability to cause infection and form biofilms. The research also highlights the importance of understanding the virulence traits shared between APEC and human ExPEC strains.
A study published in Infection and Immunity found that Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria persist on surfaces for far longer than previously thought, posing a risk of infection to individuals in settings like schools and healthcare facilities.
Chronic wounds affect millions of Americans at a high cost. Researchers found that reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels can break the cycle of unhealing wounds. Antioxidant treatments can also reverse chronicity by disintegrating bacterial biofilms, leading to healthier tissue and wound healing.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have developed an antibody that prevents Candida albicans from binding to heparin, stopping biofilm formation in a rat model. The study suggests that standard anticoagulants may facilitate biofilm formation by microbes, highlighting the need for new prevention strategies.
Anand Srinivasan receives fellowship support from the American Heart Association to create a new chip-based platform for testing antibacterial and antifungal treatments for infective endocarditis. The technology can quickly test thousands of microbial biofilm samples, potentially saving lives.
Researchers used bacteriophages to attach to and kill bacteria that form biofilms on implanted devices, reducing antibiotic-resistant infections. The technology shows promise for combating antibiotic-resistant infections and developing bacterial sensing devices.
Researchers discovered that Salmonella biofilms can survive in extremely dry conditions, preserving the bacteria in a protective coating. This finding highlights the need for improved sanitation and new strategies to reduce biofilm formation on equipment, potentially decreasing the likelihood of foodborne outbreaks.
Researchers found that E. coli flagella can act as biological grappling hooks, reaching deep into nanoscale crevices and latching the bacteria in place. This ability to stick to any surface at all allows bacteria to survive on medical implants.
A $1.7 million grant will fund research on biofilm formation in dental stomatitis, a fungal infection affecting 50-75% of denture wearers. The study aims to determine the role of biofilms in disease development and develop novel immunotherapies targeting biofilm growth.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed new polymers resistant to bacterial attachment, reducing biofilm formation and infection rates. The breakthrough could lead to a significant reduction in hospital infections and medical device failures, with initial results showing up to 96.7% reduction in bacteria.
A team of researchers at Michigan State University has identified the secret to the deadly 2011 E. coli outbreak in Germany, attributing its lethality to biofilm formation. By targeting this mechanism, the researchers aim to potentially tame the killer bacteria.
Researchers have developed a new fluorescent labeling strategy that enables the examination of bacterial biofilm structure, leading to potential drug targets. The study has provided new insights into the development of complex structures and may pave the way for new approaches to fighting infectious disease.
A new medical imaging device has been developed to diagnose and treat chronic ear infections by detecting biofilms behind the eardrum. The device uses optical coherence tomography and can identify biofilms in patients with chronic infections, but not those with normal ears.
Scientists at the University of York discovered that bacteria release long protein chains to form biofilms on implanted devices, making infections difficult to treat. This understanding could lead to new treatments and prevention methods for cardiac device infections.
Researchers develop a new antimicrobial coating for urinary catheters, reducing bacterial attachment and infection risk. The coating could prolong catheter life, save NHS millions, and minimize patient complications.
Researchers at Cardiff Metropolitan University found that manuka honey can destroy fully-formed S. pyogenes biofilms in vitro and prevent initial bacterial binding to wound tissue. The study suggests that manuka honey may be effective in controlling chronic wounds by inhibiting biofilm formation.
A study by Penn State researchers found Fusarium fungus in nearly 70% of sink drains, posing a significant health risk. The fungus can cause opportunistic and fatal infections, particularly among individuals with compromised immune systems.
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.
A new combination therapy has been developed to target fungal infections in implanted medical devices, effectively clearing biofilm-based infections. The therapy inhibits a protein called Hsp90, rendering antifungals effective against biofilms, offering hope for patients with device-related infections.
A UI biologist found that Candida albicans can form two types of biofilms: a traditional pathogenic one and a second sexual one. The discovery reveals that 90% of cells colonizing humans make resistant, non-sexually competent biofilms. A minority of cells form highly permeable and penetrable biofilms that support mating
Researchers have discovered that Candida albicans produces two distinct types of biofilms: a traditional pathogenic one and a second sexual type. The majority of cells forming these biofilms are sexually incompetent, but a minority are sexually competent and form highly permeable biofilms.
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.
Researchers have discovered a new method to fight bacterial infections associated with contact lenses, breaking apart molecular scaffolding that encases bacteria and reducing infection rates by 79.2%. The treatment has promising early results for treating microbial keratitis, cystic fibrosis, and severe burns.
A new study finds that Candida albicans responds to pheromones from multiple species, not just its own, leading to same-sex mating and biofilm formation. This adaptability could increase drug resistance or altered pathogenic properties, making it a potential target for infection prevention strategies.
Researchers from NIH have discovered a specific protein, PSM-beta, that biofilms use for growth, detachment and dissemination. Interfering with this protein could provide a way to stop the spread of biofilm-associated infection.
Researchers have identified bacterial products that enable Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms to detach from surfaces, leading to infection. Inhibiting these mechanisms could provide a new approach to preventing biofilm-associated infections.
A UCLA-led research team found that bacteria can stand upright and 'walk' during biofilm formation, allowing them to explore surfaces more effectively. This unique behavior is enabled by type IV pili appendages and plays a critical role in bacterial detachment from surfaces.
Researchers found that bacterial communication promotes persistence and resistance to antibiotics in ear infections caused by multiple bacteria species, particularly Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis. Disrupting this communication could lead to effective treatments for chronic ear infections.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada provides two-year funding to Innovotech to expand the applications of its Agress seed treatment and plant spray, aiming to increase crop yields and improve quality while minimizing environmental impact. The funding will also support regulatory approval submissions for Agress.
A new study found that typhoid fever bacteria form persistent communities on gallstones, making carriers particularly hard to treat. The infection is transmitted through fecal-oral contact and can lead to hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide each year.
Researchers have discovered the bacterial protein VpsT as the key player in biofilm formation by Vibrio bacteria. This breakthrough provides new opportunities to disrupt biofilm creation and combat enteric disease, with potential applications for therapeutic interventions.
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.
Scientists discovered a single compound that impairs both bacterial infection and biofilm formation, offering new hope for treating UTIs. The compound targets amyloids, which also contribute to Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces rhamnolipids to form a biofilm shield that kills white blood cells, evading the immune system and antibiotic treatment. This 'launch a shield' response could lead to novel antimicrobials for treating antibiotic-resistant infections.
A CU-Boulder study found that 30% of showerheads harbor significant levels of Mycobacterium avium, a pathogen linked to pulmonary disease. The researchers discovered biofilms on the inside of showerheads containing high loads of M. avium and related pathogens.
Innovotech's bioFILM PA test helps doctors select effective antibiotic treatment for serious, chronic infections. The test has shown positive results in selecting proper antibiotic treatment for patients with Cystic Fibrosis and other chronic infections.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have identified a key regulatory gene network that plays a crucial role in the spread of common and deadly yeast infections. The study reveals how the Zap1 protein regulates biofilm matrix production, which helps pathogens thrive and resist treatment.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have identified a novel regulatory gene network that plays a crucial role in the spread of invasive yeast infections. The study reveals that Zap1 protein regulates the production of biofilm matrix, promoting infection and drug resistance.
Researchers at USC School of Dentistry and Viterbi School of Engineering developed a non-thermal plasma dental probe that destroys bacterial colonies and disinfects hard-to-reach areas. The tool uses pulsed power to create a room temperature plasma with antibacterial properties.
Researchers have identified the DegU protein as crucial for bacterial decision-making in biofilms. This protein enables individual bacteria to switch between different physiological processes, such as movement and biofilm production, in response to environmental conditions.
Researchers in Colorado discovered a way to disrupt Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation by targeting protein and DNA with specific enzymes. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment strategies for infections caused by this bacteria, which are prevalent in burns, wounds, and cystic fibrosis patients.
Bacteria in biofilms evolve to become more resilient with age, resisting antibiotics and outcompeting younger cells. This study provides evidence of natural selection in a single species bacterial biofilm, offering insights into the emergence of dominant microbial populations.