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Lung microbiome can predict future changes in lung function after transplantation

Researchers at Medical University of Vienna discovered that certain microbiome profiles following lung transplantation can provide prognostic information for future changes in lung function. Machine Learning analyzed multiomics data, including the microbiome, lipidome, and metabolome, to predict lung function deterioration.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateFeb 7, 2022

Cancer treatment: a berry from Brazil helps out

A Brazilian berry has been found to enhance the effectiveness of a popular cancer treatment by modifying the gut microbiome. Researchers discovered that castalagin, a polyphenol from the camu-camu fruit, improves immunotherapy response in mice with resistant cancers.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2022
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Cover crops help squash squash their pathogens

A recent study found that cover cropping can reduce the population of Pseudomonas syringae, a common bacterial pathogen affecting agricultural crops. The researchers also discovered an increase in beneficial microbes such as Sphingomonas and Methylobacterium, which have been used as biocontrol agents against pathogens.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2022

First virus infection linked with infections later in life, study finds

Research found that viral infections in newborns affect immune system development and microbiome composition, increasing risk of respiratory infections later in life. Early-life viral encounters may set the tone for subsequent non-beneficial host-microbe interactions, affecting long-term respiratory health.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2022
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.

Human gut bacteria have sex to share vitamin B12

Beneficial gut microbes transfer genes to acquire vitamin B12, increasing their ability to survive. This process, called bacterial sex, allows them to form a tube that DNA can pass through to another cell, demonstrating the horizontal gene exchange among microbes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2022

Seed microorganisms override soil microorganisms when colonizing plants

Researchers found that seed microorganisms have more staying power than soil microorganisms when colonizing plants. The study suggests that modifying the seed microbiome could lead to more sustainable agriculture and increased crop yields and quality.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

Common drugs affect our gut microbiome differently, with good and bad impacts on health

Research shows that common medicines have distinct effects on gut bacteria, with some having beneficial and others detrimental impacts. The study found associations between certain medications and changes to the gut microbiome, particularly with statins and gastric acid medication.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateDec 9, 2021
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.

When bees get a taste for dead things

Researchers discovered that these 'meat-eating' bees have a unique gut microbiome enriched with acid-loving bacteria, similar to those found in vultures. The bees' ability to eat dead bodies is surprising, but they can also store honey and have special chambers for meat storage.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalmBio·DateNov 23, 2021

Systemic lupus erythematosus linked to altered gut microbiome

A recent study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases reveals a link between systemic lupus erythematosus and an altered gut microbiome. Researchers at Osaka University identified two species of Streptococcus bacteria significantly increased in SLE patients, which can affect the body's functions by altering plasma metabolites. T...

SourceOsaka University·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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Setting the teeth on edge: Identifying the risk factors for tooth loss

A study published in International Journal of Environment and Public Health Research reveals that oral bacteria, specifically P. gingivalis and Lactobacillaceae families, are associated with periodontitis. Genetic differences among hosts contribute to susceptibility to pathogens, but the oral microbiome plays a more significant role in...

SourceOkayama University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 2, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black

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Raining microbes? New study finds rain-borne bacteria colonize plants

Scientists found that rain-borne microbes can successfully colonize plants' aboveground microbial communities, protecting them from stressors. The study suggests that rain is a potentially important reservoir for phyllosphere bacteria, which could be used to improve plant health.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

Research enhances understanding of switchgrass, an important bioenergy crop

A recent study investigated the relationship between switchgrass and soil microbes, revealing that each cultivar harbors a unique community of bacteria and fungi. The research found that root characteristics, such as length and diameter, differ among cultivars and may influence soil microbiomes.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateJul 6, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

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Plant-microbe homeostasis: A delicate balancing act

Research finds that a balance between immune-suppressive and non-suppressive bacterial strains in the plant microbiota is crucial for maintaining microbe-plant homeostasis. This balance allows plants to promote growth while preventing excessive defense, reducing disease susceptibility.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalNature Plants·DateMay 24, 2021

Ravi Sheth wins Hertz thesis prize for revolutionizing microbial research

Ravi Sheth, a 27-year-old Hertz Fellow, won the 2020 Hertz Thesis Prize for his groundbreaking work in understanding and engineering complex microbial communities. He developed new tools to quantify how microbiomes change over space and time, revealing universal principles that apply to other physical systems.

SourceFannie and John Hertz Foundation·DateMay 3, 2021
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.

Northern Star Coral study could help protect tropical corals

A new study on the Northern Star Coral reveals its ability to recover from laboratory-induced stress, shedding light on coral resilience. Researchers found that coral with algal symbionts recovered their mucus microbiomes more consistently and quickly.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalmSystems·DateApr 13, 2021

Soil microbes left behind during decades of corn breeding

A new study found that decades of corn breeding led to a degradation of sustainable nitrogen-fixing microbes in the soil, contributing to increased greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers recreated the history of corn breeding from 1949 to 1986 and found modern corn varieties recruit fewer beneficial microbes than earlier varieties.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateMar 16, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Floral probiotics reduce apple disease

Researchers found that treating apple flowers with specific bacteria strains reduced fire blight symptoms, altering floral microbiomes and disease rates. The study suggests that flowers may be a key site for biocontrol interventions, offering a new approach to managing this damaging disease.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateMar 9, 2021

Researchers use new tool to study stress in root-colonizing bacteria

Researchers at Utah State University used a new tool to study the effects of stress on Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6, a health-promoting bacterium found in dryland wheat roots. The study found that stress can cause compositional changes in the bacteria's outer membrane vesicles, which may be leveraged for crop benefit.

SourceUtah State University·DateFeb 23, 2021

Why people overuse antibiotics

A Rutgers study reveals widespread antibiotic overuse due to misconceptions and pressure from patients, leading to drug-resistant bacteria and harm to the microbiome. The study also finds that older physicians are more likely to prescribe antibiotics, while misinformation among the public perpetuates unnecessary use of antibiotics.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBioEssays·DateJan 27, 2021

Microbiome Search Engine 2 helps researchers explore microbiome space

The new search engine enables researchers to compare different samples with the same function in various microbiomes, aiding disease diagnosis and treatment. MSE 2 includes an extended database of over 260,000 samples, providing a bird's eye view of the microbiome data space

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalmSystems·DateJan 22, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

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Seeds transfer their microbes to the next generation

Researchers at Stockholm University found that oak acorn microbes are inherited by seedlings, promoting growth and protecting against diseases. This discovery opens up new possibilities for breeding super plants with improved genes and microbial communities.

SourceStockholm University·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateJan 21, 2021

Antibiotics for C-sections effective after umbilical cord clamped

A large study challenges the conventional practice of administering antibiotics before C-section incisions, finding them equally effective when given after clamping. This discovery may benefit newborns' developing microbiomes, potentially affecting immune system development and future health.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAntimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control·DateDec 21, 2020

Microbes and plants: A dynamic duo

Certain bacteria living in sorghum roots work together with the plant to reduce drought stress, leading to overall plant success. The microbiome plays a critical role in determining crop productivity, and manipulating it may hold the key to developing crops that can thrive in harsh conditions.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateDec 9, 2020
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.

Research demonstrates microbiome transmissibility in perennial ryegrass

Research demonstrates that a stable bacterial microbiome exists within surface-sterilized perennial ryegrass seeds, which almost disappears as the plant matures but returns in a new generation of seed. The microbiome is influenced by soil type and can be used to track the movement of bacteria from parent to seed.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateOct 14, 2020
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.

Penis microbiota predicts if a man's female partner will develop bacterial vaginosis

A study published in Frontiers found that men's penile microbiota can predict with high accuracy whether their female partner will develop bacterial vaginosis. The researchers analyzed the microbiota of 168 Kenyan couples and found a direct correlation between the composition of a man's microbiome and the occurrence of BV in his female...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateAug 4, 2020

HKU study reveals the hidden fight within corals

Researchers used a new method to understand how corals' symbiotic algae respond to warmer temperatures. They found thermally tolerant algae adopt a 'shelter-in-place' strategy, storing fats and carbohydrates to persist through stress.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJul 8, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Genetic variation may affect bacterial composition and healing of wounds

A study found that genetic variation affects the types of bacteria that infect wounds and the healing process. The researchers identified specific genes associated with microbiome diversity in chronic wounds, which could lead to predictive biomarkers and targeted therapies for patients at risk of persistent infections.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 18, 2020

Competition between holobionts in coral reefs

A study reveals that holobionts, including viruses and microbes, interact through a distinct microbiome at the coral-algal interface. This interaction determines the outcome of competition between corals and turf algae, leading to shifting reef ecosystems.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2020

The microbiome controls immune system fitness

The study found that the microbiome exerts a continuous effect on conventional dendritic cells, which are key players in the immune response. In their basal state, these cells require microbiome-derived signals to prime for future responses against pathogens.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalCell·DateMay 11, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Premature birth linked to the mother's vaginal microbiome

Researchers found that women who deliver prematurely have a more diverse vaginal microbiome, especially in the first trimester. This link highlights specific bacteria associated with premature birth, which could aid future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateApr 8, 2020
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 uncover the Moscow subway microbiome

A group of ITMO University researchers analyzed the Moscow Subway and found a microbiome similar to that of New York's public transportation. The study used high-throughput DNA sequencing and discovered identical types of bacteria, including Dietzia, Brevundimonas, and Pseudomonas.

SourceITMO University·JournalComputational and Structural Biotechnology Journal·DateFeb 13, 2020

Right beneath the skin we all have the same bacteria

A new study found that the same bacteria are present in the dermis layer of skin across all ages and genders, contradicting the long-held assumption that each person's microbiome is unique. This discovery has significant implications for understanding skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalmBio·DateFeb 12, 2020

Bacterial influencers -- rhizosphere microbiome mediates root metabolite exudation

Researchers discovered that the rhizosphere microbiota can shape and control root exudation through a systemic root-to-root signalling mechanism. This process, termed Systemically Induced Root Exudation of Metabolites (SIREM), triggers the secretion of acylsugars in the whole root system.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 7, 2020
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.

Inspiring STEM careers through a hands-on Everglades microbiome study

A pilot project with high school students in Florida's Everglades inspired a hands-on learning experience in microbiology. The students collected soil samples and analyzed DNA sequences, leading to the publication of their data in a reputable scientific journal.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Microbiome·DateJan 23, 2020