Escherichia Coli
Articles tagged with Escherichia Coli
Europe advances genomic surveillance of CCRE with landmark multi-country study
New study shows cranberry juice may boost UTI antibiotics
A recent study found that cranberry juice enhanced the antibiotic activity of fosfomycin against 72% of uropathogenic E. coli strains, while suppressing resistance-related mutations. The findings suggest that natural compounds in cranberry juice may be a useful frontier in fighting antibiotic resistance.
Engineered bacteria deliver cancer drug directly inside tumors in mice
Researchers engineered Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 bacteria to produce anticancer agent Romidepsin, which was released from the bacteria and effectively targeted cancer cells in mouse models. The study establishes a solid foundation for bacteria-assisted tumor-targeted therapy, paving the way for future advancements in cancer treatment.
Research guides response to unprecedented 2023 E. coli outbreak affecting Calgary kids
A large E. coli outbreak in Calgary daycare centers resulted in 285 children becoming infected, with daily laboratory monitoring and treating dehydration preventing complications and potentially saving lives. The study found that this approach reduced the number of children who developed life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome.
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.
Rhododendron-derived drugs now made by bacteria
Kobe University scientists have engineered bacteria to produce a group of compounds with promising pharmacological activities. The breakthrough uses a rational design strategy to create a platform for industrial production of drug candidates.
Molecular knitting machine for bacterial capsules in 3D
Scientists at HZI have developed a new technique to visualize the complex process of bacterial capsule production. They used cryo-electron microscopy to study the Wza-Wzc transport channel, which is responsible for knitting the sugar cloak that protects bacteria from the environment and immune cells.
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.
Lifesaving breakthrough in bacterial behavior
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery about how bacteria swim upstream to cause infections, pointing to new designs for biomedical devices that can prevent contamination. The study found that wider channels with faster counterflows are more prone to invasion, but sharp corner designs can inhibit bacterial growth.
For certain life-essential proteins in E. coli, repair is more likely
A new study found that proteins containing a widespread structural motif are more likely to misfold in E. coli. Essential proteins with the motif are more likely to be rescued by chaperones, suggesting an evolutionary mechanism to repair them.
Advanced disease modelling shows some gut bacteria can spread as rapidly as viruses
A new study has found that certain strains of E. coli, commonly found in the human gut, can spread at an alarming rate, comparable to viral outbreaks like swine flu. This breakthrough could inform public health measures and prevent treatment-resistant infection outbreaks.
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.
Biodegradable PET alternative bioproduced at unprecedented levels
A Kobe University team has engineered E. coli bacteria to produce the compound pyridinedicarboxylic acid (PDCA) from glucose at unprecedented levels, surpassing previously reported concentrations. The breakthrough enables the clean and efficient synthesis of a biodegradable PET alternative with superior physical properties.
‘Major leap in bioelectronic sensing’: Rice researchers turn bacteria into tiny pollution detectors
Researchers at Rice University have engineered E. coli to act as living multiplexed sensors, detecting multiple environmental toxins simultaneously by converting biological responses into readable electrical signals. The system can detect combined hazards more efficiently and accurately, with potential applications in biocomputing.
Researchers explore ways to better safeguard romaine supply
A new study by Cornell University researchers suggests that a combination of efforts, including postharvest techniques and proper cold storage temperatures, can minimize the risk of human health from E. coli outbreaks in romaine lettuce. The study found that contaminated irrigation water is a significant contributor to contamination.
Multiresistant intestinal bacteria: Displacement through food competition
A study by HZI researchers showed that specific strains of E. coli can displace multi-resistant bacteria from the gut, potentially preventing infections and containing their spread. The strains, which were tested in a mouse model, also proved effective against other resistant strains when combined with Klebsiella oxytoca.
Electricity-generating bacteria may power future innovations
Researchers discovered how certain bacteria breathe by generating electricity, using a natural process that pushes electrons into their surroundings. This finding could enable new developments in clean energy and industrial biotechnology.
Scientists reveal new toxin that damages the gut
Researchers at La Trobe University have discovered how enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) bacteria use a molecular toxin called EspC to destroy gut cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of targeted drugs to combat EPEC infections and their devastating consequences, including severe dehydration and death.
Precision medicine could be possible in the fight against antibiotic resistance
Researchers created a bacterial evolutionary map that tracks plasmid gene exchange and identifies barriers to treatment. The study reveals new insights into the co-evolution of plasmids and E. coli strains, paving the way for targeted therapies against antibiotic-resistant infections.
E. coli strain in Egyptian dairy products also found in Japan school outbreak
Research finds over 25% of Egyptian milk and dairy products contain E. coli, with one strain causing a Japanese school outbreak; experts hope for effective treatment and prevention methods.
Ventilation fans can significantly lower the risk of inhaling bacteria particles after toilet flushing
Researchers found that squat toilets release higher concentrations of bacteria than bidet toilets, but ventilation fans significantly lower these levels. Installing efficient exhaust fans can effectively reduce bioaerosol concentrations and exposure risks for the public.
Extreme rain heightens E. coli risks for communities of color in Texas
Research led by the University of Michigan reveals that extreme rainfall disproportionately increases E. coli concentrations in recreational waters of communities of color in Texas, particularly those with higher percentages of Black residents in the north and east, and predominantly Latino communities in the south and west.
Tiny dancers: Scientists synchronise bacterial motion
Researchers at Delft University of Technology discovered that E. coli bacteria can synchronise their movements by trapping individual cells in micro-engineered cavities and coupling them through narrow channels. The team observed coordinated bacterial motion and found that the synchronized movement adhered to universal mathematical rules.
Enterococcus helps E. coli ‘armor up’ in dog, poultry co-infections
A new study finds that Enterococcus faecalis produces protective capsular slime when present with certain strains of pathogenic Escherichia coli, making E. coli more resistant in low-iron environments. This discovery could lead to the development of targeted therapies for specific dog and poultry infections.
Bacteria ditch tags to dodge antibiotics
Researchers found that bacteria like E. coli assemble new ribosomes with altered tags, making them more resistant to antibiotics streptomycin and kasugamycin. This novel mechanism of antibiotic resistance could have significant implications for the fight against global antimicrobial resistance.
Self-medicating gorillas and traditional healers provide clues for new drug discovery
Four plants eaten by western lowland gorillas in Gabon, also used by local traditional healers, show antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Researchers identify four plant species with promising targets for treating multidrug-resistant infections.