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No more copy-pasting: DNA base editing for better Lactobacillus strains

A Kobe University team developed a DNA base editing technology that enables precise control over microorganism genetic content without using template DNA from other organisms. They successfully applied this technique to industrially important Lactobacillus strains, creating safer probiotics for people with type 2 diabetes.

SourceKobe University·JournalApplied Microbiology and Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2025

Antibiotics of the future are prone to bacterial resistance

Recent studies have found that new antibiotics are prone to rapid development of resistance, even before they are widely used. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of these treatments in the long run. To address this issue, researchers call for a shift in antibiotic development prioritizing novel modes of action and responsible...

SourceHUN-REN Szegedi Biológiai Kutatóközpont·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2025

PNU researchers reveal cutibacterium acnes as a potential cause of lichen striatus hypopigmentation

A study by Pusan National University researchers found a significant association between Cutibacterium acnes and lichen striatus hypopigmentation, suggesting the potential for targeted therapy to reduce LS duration and hypopigmentation. The research team identified other likely candidates in skin microbiota imbalance.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 2024

Bacteria discreetly dwelling in throat revealed to be primary source of Strep A transmission

Research reveals that asymptomatic throat carriage of Streptococcus pyogenes is the primary source of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections in high-risk communities. This discovery challenges previous understanding of GAS transmission and has significant implications for public health approaches, vaccine development, and future research.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2023

Microscopic syringes for stressed out strep

Bacteria have found a way to survive stressful environments by producing microscopic syringes called Streptomyces phage tail-like particles (SLPs) that are located inside the cell. These SLPs interact with cellular systems involved in cell wall synthesis and protein translation, providing resistance against osmotic stress.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalmSphere·DateMay 25, 2023

New insights into bacterial antibiotic resistance

A team from the University of Tsukuba has discovered characteristics of proteins in bacteria that convey antibiotic resistance, providing insights into their function and role. These proteins, known as ARE-ABCFs, work in synergy with other resistance mechanisms to convey extremely high levels of antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMay 24, 2023

Two previously unknown bacterial species identified from patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers have isolated two new bacterial species from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which break down the protective mucus layer of the gut. The bacteria, Allobaculum mucilyticum and Allobaculum fili, are highly efficient at degrading intestinal mucus, leading to potent immune responses.

SourceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

New weapon targets antibiotic resistance

A new class of light-activated hemithioindigo molecules developed by Rice University scientists kill specific Gram-positive bacteria and their biofilms. The molecules induce reactive oxygen species that chemically attack and destroy drug-resistant cells, offering a safer alternative to conventional antibiotics.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

NUS scientists engineer probiotic to prevent infection of large intestine

Researchers from NUS Medicine developed a probiotic that detects antibiotic-induced microbiome imbalance and regulates bile salt metabolism to prevent Clostridioides difficile infection. The probiotic significantly reduced CDI in laboratory models, demonstrating a 100% survival rate and improved clinical outcomes.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2022

SMART researchers discover unique lysin capable of killing deadly multidrug-resistant bacteria

SMART researchers identified a novel phage lysin, Abp013, with promising antimicrobial ability against Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The study demonstrated Abp013's ability to effectively target complex bacterial environments and could advance treatment methods for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalAntibiotics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2022

Hydrogen sulfide critical to innate ability of bacteria to survive antibiotics

Researchers discovered that blocking bacterial H2S biogenesis strengthens antibiotics by inhibiting persister formation and biofilm growth, offering a novel alternative to traditional antibiotic discovery. The study suggests using small molecule potentiators to enhance the effect of major classes of clinically important antibiotics.

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

Ludwig Cancer Research study reveals how certain gut bacteria compromise radiotherapy

Researchers found that two families of gut bacteria interfere with radiotherapy in mice, reducing the effectiveness of treatment. The study identified a short-chain fatty acid called butyrate as the key compound responsible for this effect, which interferes with the activation of cytotoxic T cells and dendritic cells.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJan 26, 2021

Potential drug against antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers developed AB569, a combination of acidified nitrite and disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, which killed Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The agent was found to be nontoxic to human cells at bactericidal concentrations, suggesting a potential therapeutic agent for ...

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 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

Research brief: Surface protein editing in bacteria

University of Minnesota researchers have identified a novel circuit in the cell membrane that signals changes to bacterial surface adhesive proteins. This intramembrane signaling system appears to provide a 'fail-safe' mechanism to edit surface proteins and enable bacteria to adhere and colonize different body surfaces.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience Signaling·DateMay 7, 2019

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

Immunotherapy for deadly bacteria shows early promise

Researchers at Lehigh University have designed a small-molecule compound to decorate the surface of Gram-negative bacteria and trigger an immunological response. The compound targets pathogenic bacteria in two distinct ways, generating a promising lead for immunotherapeutic agents against deadly, antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

SourceLehigh University·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateJul 5, 2018

New compound effective against drug-resistant pathogens, could lead to new antibiotics

Researchers at North Carolina State University have synthesized a new compound inspired by a natural product that is effective against drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA. The molecule, JJM-35, has been shown to be up to 50 times more effective than the original natural product against several bacterial strains.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 30, 2018

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

Antibiotic breakthrough: Team discovers how to overcome gram-negative bacterial defenses

Scientists have developed a new broad-spectrum antibiotic that can target gram-negative bacteria, which are increasingly resistant to most available antibiotics. The breakthrough was achieved by modifying a drug that kills only gram-positive bacteria and discovered key traits required for access to the bacterial cell.

Unique strain of lactic acid bacteria in Buryat milk is found

Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University have isolated a unique strain of lactic acid bacteria, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis 194, from Buryat milk that possesses a wide range of antimicrobial action against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The strain also shows antifungal properties, making it a promising candida...

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalJournal of Microbial & Biochemical Technology·DateDec 6, 2016