Articles tagged with Microbiota
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.
Crop residues serve as a key microbial ecosystem, contributing to both crop health and disease susceptibility. The microbiomes of crop residues may play a crucial role in innovative disease management strategies.
Researchers compared Lisbon lemon and Washington Navel orange trees using metabolomics and microbiome technologies to understand HLB's impact on root systems. The study found differences in metabolite levels and beneficial bacteria between the two varieties, which may inform preventative and treatment measures.
A team of researchers in China has developed a new algorithm to compare metagenomes, allowing for more accurate understanding of microbiome diversity. The Dynamic Meta-Storms (DMS) algorithm compares metagenomes at the species level, considering physical and genetic details, as well as evolutionary relationships.
Researchers found that children with mild to moderate asthma who experienced worsening symptoms had distinct bacterial groups in their upper airways, while those with well-controlled asthma had different bacteria. Altering the airway microbiome could potentially help patients with asthma.
Researchers found a microbiome signature associated with endometrial cancer risk, particularly in postmenopausal women, and verified established risk factors including obesity and high vaginal pH. The study aims to develop a screening tool for early detection of endometrial cancer.
A new essay in PLOS Biology argues that poverty compromises health by creating unequal access to beneficial microorganisms. People living in low-income communities lack essential factors promoting healthy microbiomes, leading to poor health outcomes such as obesity and mental health disorders.
A new coral disease has been found to alter the community of microbes on host corals, and measuring these changes may be a useful tool for monitoring coral health. The disease, known as 'grey-patch disease', was characterized by the growth of cyanobacteria, forming a biofilm that overgrew live coral tissue.
Researchers from Graz University of Technology develop biological methods to improve storage of apples and sugar beet, reducing losses due to spoilage. The combined use of hot water treatment and biocontrol organisms significantly increases shelf life and reduces post-harvest pathogens.
A study found that shark skin microbiomes resist infection and maintain native bacterial communities even after injury. Regional differences were also detected in the microbial communities across different locations.
Researchers identify TIMP-1 and D-lactic acid as potential biomarkers for preterm birth risk in resource-poor areas. The study aims to develop a cost-effective, point-of-care diagnostic test to assess the presence of known risk factors.
Researchers at EMSL and JGI selected proposals to study the impact of warming on soil microbial responses, algal photosynthesis, and plant-microbe interactions. The studies aim to understand how underground processes influence global nutrient cycles, with potential implications for climate change feedbacks.
Research found that common mouth bacteria responsible for acute periodontitis fared better when paired with bacteria and other microbes from outside the mouth, including those found in the colon or dirt. This suggests that not all relationships within a microbiome are cooperative, and some may have 'high fences' and share sparsely.
A study by Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare found that large amounts of certain bacteria from outdoors may protect children from asthma. High diversity of microbes is important in protecting against asthma, but certain soil microbes provide more effective protection.
Researchers at Penn State found that harmless bacteria form biofilms that shelter Listeria monocytogenes in apple-packing facilities. This discovery may lead to alternative strategies for controlling foodborne pathogens.
A novel mechanism has been discovered that explains how specific types of cervicovaginal microbiome can protect women against chlamydial infection. The research found that certain bacteria in the vagina can produce D-lactic acid, which down-regulates cell cycling and blocks the entry of Chlamydia trachomatis into human cells.
Researchers identified a core microbiome in common dairy cows, which dictates productivity and methane emissions. By manipulating this microbiome, scientists may develop more eco-friendly agriculture practices.
A team of scientists from the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory developed a new technique called BONCAT to isolate active microbes in soil samples. This breakthrough could enable researchers to better understand terrestrial ecosystems, improve drought-resistance in crops, and sustainably produce fuels.
Researchers discover distinct skin microbiome in frog populations with and without ranavirus outbreaks, suggesting a protective role of skin bacteria. Further study is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this relationship.
Research found significant differences in oral microbiota between caries-active boys and girls, with Actinobaculum, Veillonella parvula, and Lactococcus lactis dominating in girls. These findings suggest a gender-specific role of these microorganisms in shaping the cariogenic microbial environment.
Patients with severe asthma have reduced microbiome diversity, highlighting a potential relationship between neutrophils and the microbiome. This finding may lead to new targeted asthma therapies by better understanding the link between these two factors.
A University of Oklahoma-led study mapped the global diversity and biogeography of activated sludge microbiomes, identifying a core of about 28 bacterial strains. This comprehensive effort provides new insight into the fundamental structure and function of these microbial communities.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown triterpene biosynthetic network in plant roots that shapes specific root microbiota. This network produces compounds with growth-promoting and antibiotic activities towards different microbiome taxa, supporting its role in cultivating favorable root communities.
A joint study reveals that plants utilize their root-derived chemicals to shape and maintain diverse microbial communities. The findings provide a gateway to engineering plant root microbiota in major crops, potentially leading to improved productivity and sustainability.
Soil microbiome plays crucial role in woodland health, influencing pathogens that affect holm oak and improving trees' resilience. The study found that beneficial microorganisms like Trichoderma can help prevent oomycete pathogens, while mycorrhizae abundance leads to reduced defoliation.
Researchers found indica rice varieties had more bacteria associated with nitrogen metabolism, leading to higher nitrogen-use efficiency. The study established a model using random-forest machine-learning approach and identified NRT1.1B as key factor in root microbiota composition.
A University of Seville study reveals the existence of microscopic life in saline soil, highlighting its potential to inform climate change predictions. The research identifies key factors influencing microbial communities, including salinity, pH, and metals.
A recent study published in Phytobiomes Journal found that corn's bacterial communities play a significant role in its health and performance. The research, led by Dr. Jason Wallace, monitored the active bacteria on the leaves of 300 diverse lines of corn and discovered little relationship between the bacteria and corn genes.
A University of Maryland School of Medicine study has identified seven bacteria associated with increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth, while higher levels of a natural antimicrobial peptide may lower this risk. The findings hold promise for early diagnosis and prevention of premature births, particularly in African American women.
A new study found seven bacteria and immune factors in the vagina and cervix that increase or decrease the risk of spontaneous preterm birth, particularly in African-American women. Higher levels of β-defensin-2 lowered the risk of sPTB associated with cervicovaginal microbiota.
Researchers found that microbes on clownfish change when they live with anemones, suggesting a key role in the symbiotic relationship. The study also reveals that clownfish urinate on anemones, which helps them grow and thrive.
The study found that the microbial communities of corals' calcium carbonate skeletons showed greater richness compared to tissue and mucus microbiomes. This suggests that co-evolution between corals and their microbiomes occurred over time, with specific groups of microbes evolving together more recently.
New research reveals that breastmilk and saliva interact to regulate the oral microbiome of newborn babies, boosting innate immunity. The combination releases antibacterial compounds that inhibit the growth of both harmless and harmful microorganisms.
Researchers used a microfluidic platform to screen the oral microbiome of Siberian brown bears and identified an antibiotic-producing strain of Bacillus pumilus that kills Staphylococcus aureus. The study also uncovered a mechanism by which Bacillus resists this antibiotic, suggesting its potential for discovering novel antibiotics.
A large population-based study identified variations in the tongue microbiota among community-dwelling elderly adults in Japan, showing an association with tooth conditions. The study found that a specific group of commensal bacteria were more predominant in those with fewer teeth and dental caries.
Researchers studied the skin microbiome of eastern massasauga snakes to understand how environmental microbial communities promote disease resistance. Infection with snake fungal disease alters the bacterial and fungal diversity of infected snakes, making them more susceptible to the pathogen.
Researchers found that germ-free mice exhibited reduced inflammation and atrophy compared to specific pathogen free mice, while probiotic administration improved epithelial thickness. Probiotics also reduced the severity of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in mice.
A new study reveals that fertilizing plants can destroy the beneficial microbiomes on their leaves, making them more susceptible to disease. Researchers found that low doses of beneficial microbes are often more effective in protecting plants from infection than higher doses.
A study combining metabolomics and microbiome data identifies distinct patterns in patients with ME/CFS, allowing for 84% accurate prediction of the disorder. The findings provide a promising lead towards developing lab tests and potential therapies.
The University of Louisville will receive a five-year, $11.2 million federal grant to establish an interdisciplinary research program focused on the microbiome, inflammation, and disease development. Researchers will study various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, periodontitis, and neurological disorders.
A study from Michigan State University reveals the postmortem microbiome provides crucial insights into public health, with consistent patterns regardless of factors like sex or ethnicity. The research also suggests that the microbiome can be used to assess health conditions, such as heart disease, in living populations.
Research reveals vampire bats' reliance on their genome and microbiome for survival on a low-energy diet. The study shows that the bat's microbiome helps compensate for the lack of vitamins and fatty substances in their blood-based diet.
The study found that silver-nitrate/fluoride-varnish treatment reduced tooth decay in children aged 2-14. However, the treatment did not significantly alter the natural oral microbiome.
Researchers found that the microbes surrounding plant roots prefer a diet rich in organic acids, with sugars being preferred early in the growth cycle. This discovery could help scientists identify ways to enhance soil microbiome for improved carbon storage and plant productivity.
Researchers analyzed wheat microbiome under conventional, no-till, organic, and reduced chemical inputs management strategies, finding strong effects on microbial communities by wheat plant organ and age. The study provides foundational data for generating synthetic microbiomes to improve crop yields and disease resistance.
Researchers found that flies can carry hundreds of different species of bacteria, including those harmful to humans. They propose using germ-free flies to pick up latent microbiomes and sequence them for early warning systems, useful in agriculture and public health surveillance.
A multi-institutional research center has been awarded by the NIH to study ME/CFS, a debilitating disease affecting millions of Americans. The research aims to understand and develop treatments for this complex condition by analyzing patient data and microbiome changes.
Researchers used twin study to investigate role of genes and oral microbiome in cavity formation, finding that dietary and hygiene habits play a significant role. The study also revealed a link between specific bacteria and sugar consumption, with certain species associated with more cavities.
A study of 188 Hadza hunter-gatherers reveals that their diet affects the composition of their gut microbiome. The researchers found that traditional diets rich in plants and hunting were associated with higher levels of beneficial bacteria, while Western diets were linked to reduced diversity.
A team of scientists from the University of Plymouth is developing potential new antimicrobials produced by the microbiome of deep-sea sponges. They have already cultured over 100 novel bacterial strains, some of which can kill MRSA, and are on the lookout for other applications in cancer, immune deficiency, and wound healing.
Researchers propose applying ecological theories to improve microbial technology development, aiming for more effective and sustainable agriculture. By identifying underlying ecological mechanisms, treatment communities can be designed to be robust and persistent.
Research found that cohabitating couples share similar skin microbiomes, especially on their feet, and that biological sex can be identified based on certain body regions
A study of predominantly African-American women found that decreases in vaginal microbiome diversity between the first and second trimesters are associated with preterm birth. Researchers hope to design targeted therapies focused on the microbiome to prevent early delivery.
Researchers tracked bacterial diversity in a hospital over 12 months, finding constant flow of microbes between patients, staff, and surfaces. The study reveals how human skin-associated microbes replace construction bacteria upon hospital opening.
Cosmetic makers are researching skin bacteria and active ingredients to promote helpful microbes and discourage harmful ones, but a baseline picture of a healthy skin microbiome is lacking. Companies have already marketed bacteria-based product lines, despite limited knowledge of the skin microbiome.
A UTHealth study has found that a pill form of treatment for Clostridium difficile infection can be as effective as traditional methods, with an 83% cure rate among participants. The pill form uses freeze-dried microbiota and could make treatment more convenient for patients and physicians.
A KAUST-led research team found that certain bacteria in corals' microbiomes can adapt to higher water temperatures and provide protection against bleaching. The study suggests that these symbiotic relationships could be vital for corals' survival in a rapidly warming ocean.
A study of 2,000 pregnant women found that certain bacterial species in the cervix were associated with a lower risk of preterm birth, while others increased the risk. The findings offer new hope for preventing prematurity and its devastating consequences.
A new study found that women with a Lactobacillus-dominated microbiota in their uterine cavity had significantly lower rates of implantation, pregnancy, and live birth compared to those with non-Lactobacillus-dominated microbiota. This research suggests that the endometrial microbiome may play a crucial role in reproductive success.
The Department of Energy's PNNL is conducting two ongoing research efforts exploring the properties of soil. MinT initiative focuses on microbes in soil, while IPASS studies fundamental processes affecting carbon, nitrogen and water through plant ecosystems.