Articles tagged with Microorganisms
Researchers will investigate how mutation rates evolve across species, with potential insights into cancer progression and antibiotic resistance. The study aims to understand how reproductive modes alter mutation rates, which could inform broader understanding of evolution and adaptation.
A three-year field study found that deeper straw incorporation reduced maize ear rot and mycotoxin contamination while improving soil health and microbial communities. The study suggests that optimizing straw management strategies could turn a familiar practice into a more effective tool for soil health and food safety.
A study found that a set of corn root bacteria exhibited significantly different behavior when grown on the plant compared to laboratory conditions. The researchers identified thousands of proteins changing when placed in their natural habitat, highlighting the importance of studying microbes in their natural setting.
Researchers have discovered compact viral RNA elements that can stabilize mRNA, increasing protein production. These elements, called tailons, work by extending the poly(A) tail of mRNA, slowing its degradation. This breakthrough offers a simple way to develop longer-lasting and more efficient mRNA technologies for various applications.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that astronauts experience changes in their gut bacteria shortly after leaving Earth and gravity behind. The researchers found increased protein fermentation, which may contribute to constipation, and suggest potential interventions for future long-duration space missions.
A novel LFIA based on selenium nanoparticles reveals long-term dynamics of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, showing accelerated antibody decline in patients with neurological and hematological diseases. The detection platform enables automated result readout and scalable monitoring for large populations.
Researchers at Tulane University discovered that vesper bats have two distinct copies of genes producing antibodies, which helps them recognize and fight infections. This finding opens up new areas of study on the evolution of immunity and how animals respond to diseases.
A multidisciplinary study has identified a novel biofilm regulatory protein called Biofilm Architecture Regulator (BatR) and its role in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. The discovery may lead to new targets for anti-infective treatments, including those for people with cystic fibrosis.
Researchers develop synthetic microbial communities to degrade persistent herbicides, improving degradation rates by 1.5-3 times compared to individual strains or natural attenuation. The approach promotes more complete mineralization of pollutants and resilience in complex soil environments.
Researchers found that alternating periods of nutrient-rich conditions and starvation can stabilize a self-destructive survival strategy in yeast, allowing it to persist for hundreds of millions of years. This theory suggests that changing environments play a crucial role in shaping the evolution of complex ecological strategies.
A new liquid-based platform called 'floatony' can form and maintain complex three-dimensional microbial structures while preserving molecular diffusion, spatial structures, and cell mobility. This approach could offer new ways to study gut microbiota, biofilms, and other spatially organized microbial communities.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a method to systematically develop novel probiotic and prebiotic combinations to maintain gut health and treat gastrointestinal diseases. The approach uses machine learning and automation to explore complex interactions between microbes, nutritional sources, and the environment.
Researchers are studying foul-smelling substances to understand what attracts the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, to its favorite meal - open wounds. The goal is to develop better lures for trapping this serious threat to the livestock industry.
A UMaine-led research team has been awarded the inaugural DOE Genesis Mission to develop AI-powered models that simulate the impact of microbes on underground chemical reactions. The project aims to improve predictions in groundwater management, environmental remediation, and energy infrastructure planning.
Researchers discovered that fructooligosaccharide induces the selective enrichment of Anaerotruncus colihominis, a UA-degrading bacterium, via modulation of the gut microbiota. This interaction alleviates oxidative damage to the kidney and offers a new therapeutic rationale for prebiotic-based management of hyperuricemia
The Osaka Metropolitan University, K.K. DNAFORM, and INRB have developed a portable rapid diagnostic system for Ebola virus disease caused by Bundibugyo virus. The system utilizes the GenPad POCT platform and can be used near outbreak sites without power infrastructure.
A new study published in Nature Communications finds that a protein called saxiphilin can neutralize the potent neurotoxin saxitoxin, preventing and even reversing paralytic shellfish poisoning. The discovery could have important public health implications as saxitoxin accumulates in shellfish and causes poisoning when consumed.
Researchers explored how AI and metabolic modeling can inform effective biocontrol strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance in built environments. Microbial biocontrol using 'good' microbes has shown promise, but inconsistent outcomes are due to various factors, including genetic differences and environmental stressors.
Researchers uncover how a family of tick-borne viruses, known as orthonairoviruses, evade the immune system by manipulating cellular communication pathways. This study highlights a significant pandemic risk posed by these viruses and emphasizes the need for continued surveillance and preparedness.
A KAIST research team analyzed key challenges in commercializing biomanufacturing and proposed an AI-based strategy to address them. The study suggests a phased approach to simplify production processes and expand into high-value markets first.
A new study published in Biochar shows that combining green manure with biochar can improve soil quality, support maize yield, and reduce dependence on nitrogen fertilizer. The research found that soil microbial diversity emerged as a central driver of improved soil quality.
Researchers found bacteria can forcefully eject cells from communities as a survival mechanism, utilizing self-generated hydrogels. This ability allows biofilms to disperse and colonize new areas, potentially aiding in the elimination of harmful bacterial communities without antibiotics.
A new study published in Environmental and Biogeochemical Processes shows that changing soil water levels can disrupt the balance between two key steps of nitrification, a central process in the soil nitrogen cycle. Soil moisture and nitrogen availability jointly control the microbial 'handoff' in agricultural soil nitrogen cycling.
A nationwide study across China reveals that fungal species with broad geographic distribution are the dominant drivers of soil carbon decomposition. These widespread saprotrophic fungi play a crucial role in shaping future carbon dynamics under climate change.
Two studies found that certain fungal species in the gut play a key role in immune dysregulation and pediatric allergic diseases, positioning the infant mycobiome as a promising target for therapies. Infants' early-life antibiotic use may have a direct impact on these fungi, leading to immune dysregulation and allergic asthma.
Researchers found that over-the-counter probiotics contain only 36 unique species of bacteria, with most common species being forms of Lactobacillus. The analysis suggests a lack of consistency in the combination of species used to support gut health and vaginal health claims.
Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo found that postbiotic foods can improve gum health in adults with mild gingivitis, reducing gum bleeding and inflammation. The study suggests a simple way to support oral health without altering oral care habits.
A new culturomics-driven biobank, the Microbial Biobank of Acid Mine Drainage (mbAMD), has been established to decode the survival secrets of extreme acid mine drainage microbes. The collection contains 652 isolates spanning 42 species, including 21 novel taxa, and covers 86.7 percent of the global AMD core microbiome.
Professor Saeedi's appointment reflects ISM's commitment to advancing microbiota research toward clinical translation and precision medicine. He will contribute to identifying emerging scientific priorities and promoting the integration of microbiome science with aging biology, metabolism, cardiovascular medicine, and precision health.
Researchers discovered a structural adaptation supporting the survival and mobility of a Dead Sea single-celled organism in harsh environments. The archaeal filament, powered by a membrane-anchored protein motor, is stiffened and strengthened with a unique outer sheath structure to facilitate movement in viscous conditions.
A UCF researcher is investigating how probiotics can treat damage from acid reflux disease, which affects one-fourth of Americans and increases the risk for esophageal cancer. Early results show a reduction in Barrett's esophagus and delayed cancer development.
Researchers tracked microbial community shifts across six sites over four years and discovered that each site had its own stable microbial community. These communities were organized around two broad groups of microbes, with stable microbes maintaining core processes and responsive microbes capitalizing on new opportunities.
The center will develop new phage-based treatments for antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, predicting which phage to use for which patient and designing more effective phages. The goal is to generate unprecedented data and train AI models to identify the right phage for any patient's infection.
Researchers investigated the interplay between host and gut microbiota in selenium metabolism, finding that gut microbiota transform selenium into metabolites influencing utilization, detoxification, and excretion. The study also revealed that Se intake affects bacterial diversity and that gut microbes produce unique selenometabolites.
A new mathematical model developed by Arizona State University researchers estimates how much of the calories people absorb from food, considering the role of gut microbes. The model, DAMM, suggests that short-chain fatty acids produced by gut microbes contribute to an average of about 140 calories per day.
Researchers highlight the promise of using human monoclonal antibodies to treat patients more effectively and tackle antimicrobial resistance. mAbs can be designed to target only the disease-causing bacteria, thereby protecting the microbiome.
Researchers found that the gut responds to protein deficiency by activating a fast neural circuit and a slower hormonal signal, which selectively changes dietary priorities. The study reveals a previously unknown gut-brain signaling system that rapidly alters feeding behavior in animals.
A pilot study discovered over 100 different algae species in German farmland, with blue-green and green algae prevalent during summer, and yellow-green algae during spring and autumn. The research highlights the importance of soil algae in maintaining soil health and fertility.
A PolyU research team discovered that low concentrations of bacterial toxins in urban air can trigger nearly 20% of inflammatory responses, while drug-resistant fungi may spread through everyday breathing or skin contact. The study highlights the need to identify and control these highly toxic trace components to effectively reduce hea...
Researchers found a diverse bacterial ecosystem in seagrass habitats that was disrupted by increased water temperature, leading to reduced seagrass biomass and tolerance to climate change. The study highlights the importance of considering microbial communities in understanding marine plant responses to environmental stress.
Researchers can now build and combine large DNA pieces, redesigning microbes as efficient cell factories for producing complex products like medicines and chemicals. This technology enables sustainable manufacturing, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology, and accelerates microbial cell factory development.
A mass mating event among yeast strains revealed specific preferences for partner selection. The study showed that yeast tend to choose partners that produce fitter offspring, with successful pairs exhibiting reduced genetic distance. This suggests an ancient and fundamental mechanism for mate choice in sexual reproduction.
Researchers found that soil fungi are essential for native forest re-growth and ecosystem health on Palmyra Atoll. The symbiotic relationship between Pisonia trees and fungal partners is critical for the atoll's unique ecosystem.
Researchers are close to building a 'virtual gut' capable of predicting responses to diet, drugs, and microbiome-based therapies. A new review outlines an analytical framework for host-microbiome multi-omics studies, covering preprocessing, feature selection, data integration, predictive modeling, and evaluation.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have found that terrestrial hot spring microbiomes can transform industrial CO2 waste into biomass and other valuable compounds. This discovery could enable the production of value-added products directly from CO2-rich waste streams, reducing emissions while generating economic value.
A new study reveals that more than 95% of prokaryotic microbe species carry genes with the potential to degrade natural or synthetic plastic polymers. The research identifies over 600,000 microbial proteins capable of breaking down plastics, with biodegradation potential strongly influenced by local ecological conditions.
Researchers at DTU have developed a new method to identify bacteria capable of producing vitamin B2 in soya drinks. A bacterium from bumblebee guts was found to thrive in plant-based dairy alternatives and produce the nutrient in high quantities.
Researchers identify previously unknown microbe living in close partnership with another organism inside stromatolites, providing insights into how complex life began. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of eukaryotes and the emergence of mitochondria.
Researchers found that microorganisms in the plastisphere have more functional genes to survive under extreme ocean conditions. They can absorb nutrients effectively and utilize alternative energy sources like anoxygenic photosynthesis.
A Northwestern University study finds that disinfectants like chlorhexidine linger on surfaces for longer than previously known, allowing microbes to build tolerance. Chlorhexidine-tolerant bacteria were also detected spreading through touch and airborne dust across hospital rooms.
A new study suggests that climate change will shift the balance of macromolecules in phytoplankton from proteins to carbohydrates and lipids, with a 20% increase expected by 2100. This could lead to an unbalanced diet for marine life, with implications for ocean health and human consumption.
Two junior research groups at Leibniz-HKI are combining robotics and genetics to discover new antifungal agents against Fusarium. By integrating automated screening experiments and genetic analysis, they aim to identify potential drug candidates and uncover the genetic basis of Fusarium virulence.
Researchers discovered subtle changes in the blood can reveal early signs of cognitive decline caused by chemicals produced by gut bacteria. A blood test may one day transform how we detect dementia, potentially identifying people at risk years before symptoms appear.
Researchers found that early pregnancy probiotics containing Clostridium butyricum significantly reduced the recurrence rate of spontaneous preterm delivery, a major cause of neonatal illness and death. The study suggests that probiotic therapy may offer a simple strategy to prevent premature births in women at high risk.
A $2M USDA grant funds research on bird flu's infectivity in the air, with goals of preventing or mitigating future outbreaks. Nonthermal plasma technology has been shown to deactivate airborne virus particles.
Researchers at The University of Osaka discovered that the cyanobacterial circadian clock is controlled by factors intrinsic to one protein, which remains stable under different conditions. This finding offers significant insight into how living organisms measure time.
A recent study found that gypsum can support microbial life even in the most extreme environments. This discovery has significant implications for understanding potential biosignatures on Mars, which could help scientists identify signs of past or present life on the Red Planet.
Researchers discovered 30 bacterial species that break down biodegradable plastic, revealing speed and factors influencing degradation. The study highlights the importance of understanding microbial communities and plastic chemistry in plastic biodegradation.
Oysters have been found to coordinate with microbes to regulate chemistry and support shell calcification, highlighting potential partnerships for resilience in a changing ocean. This discovery may also provide insights into how microbes contribute to resilience in other organisms.
Researchers at King's College London discovered that certain genetic features of gut bacteria predict long-term survival after fecal transplants. These stable gene groups are linked to traits that help good bacteria compete and survive, and may be used as a source of future drugs.