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How bacteria hunt bacteria

Researchers studied bacterial predation behavior in Myxococcus xanthus, revealing a mix of direct contact and protein-based killing methods to tackle different prey types. The findings provide insights into dynamic interactions in bacterial communities, paving the way for future antibacterial strategy development.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateFeb 16, 2021

Boron nitride nanofilms for protection from bacterial and fungal infections

Researchers at NUST MISIS have developed antibacterial nano-coatings based on boron nitride that are highly effective against microbial pathogens, including up to 99.99% efficacy against E. coli bacteria. The coatings work by releasing the antibiotic gentamicin locally, reducing the need for high doses and minimizing side effects.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 20, 2020

Bacteria-shredding tech to fight drug-resistant superbugs

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new technology to destroy bacteria and bacterial biofilm without harming good cells, offering a potential solution to the deadly problem of antibiotic resistance. The technology uses precision-engineered liquid metals to physically rip bacteria to shreds and smash through the biofilm wher...

SourceRMIT University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 13, 2020

Membrane intercalation enhances photodynamic bacteria inactivation

Researchers have developed a new assembly that enhances photodynamic inactivation of bacteria, achieving significantly improved efficiency against gram-negative E. coli. The assembly combines a photosensitizer and a membrane-intercalating peptide, resulting in nearly 0% survival rate of E. coli upon light irradiation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 6, 2019

New study unravels protection mechanism in bacteria

A recent study by the University of Birmingham has identified a key pathway involved in protecting bacteria against antibiotics. The researchers discovered that phospholipids are transported towards the outer membrane through a series of proteins, which could lead to the development of new antibiotic treatments.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 3, 2019

Systems biology of antibiotics

Dr. Ana Rita Brochado's research focuses on gram-negative bacteria, which are difficult to treat due to their complex cellular envelope. Her work has shown that certain bacterial strains can be effectively combated using antibiotic combinations and food compounds, like vanillin.

Bacteria causing infections can be detected more rapidly

A team of researchers at POSTECH has developed a fluorescent probe called BacGo that can detect Gram-positive bacteria precisely and promptly. The probe is more sensitive than the traditional Gram staining method, which has several limitations, including slow detection and limited selectivity against Gram-positive bacteria.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 6, 2019

Drug diversity in bacteria

Bacteria can create a wide range of derivatives from simple basic structures through mechanisms similar to pharmaceutical research. This diversification allows them to counteract unknown competitors and exhibit a wide range of biological activity.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 25, 2019

Know your enemy

Gram-negative bacteria build their outer membrane using a glycolipid called lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which can be weakened by preventing its transport. Researchers in the Kahne Lab have developed a quantitative method to monitor LPS transport rates, revealing crucial new details about its molecular mechanisms.

SourceHarvard University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 9, 2018

The importance of asymmetry in bacteria

A team of researchers from Newcastle University discovered the MlaA protein, which removes lipids from the outer membrane to increase permeability for toxic compounds. This process could be exploited by drugs to decrease bacterial virulence and enhance antibiotic effectiveness.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateOct 16, 2017

New treatment options for type 2 diabetes

Researchers have found that bacterial cell wall constituents can cause abnormal clotting, leading to inflammation in Type 2 diabetes. A new treatment option involves using LPS-binding protein (LBP) to reverse this process, offering a new approach to treating the disease.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 29, 2017