Articles tagged with Microorganisms
A large clinical study found that patients who consumed more sweets while taking antibiotics experienced a greater loss of microbiome diversity, with a 24% drop in bacterial diversity for every 100-gram increase in sweets. Preserving microbiome diversity has been linked to improved clinical outcomes for cancer patients.
Researchers have developed a method to enrich plant-based foods with essential amino acids using microorganisms, making them more nutritious for humans and animals. This method has the potential to alleviate malnutrition in low-income countries and reduce nitrogen emissions from agriculture.
A KAIST research team has developed a genetic switch that works in both bacteria and yeast, allowing for controlled production of a green pigment in both microbes. The hybrid promoter system can be used to select the microbe best suited for producing a target compound, reducing the need for redesigning control elements.
Mizzou researchers have developed an AI tool called MeLSI that can identify specific microbes driving key biological changes in the gut microbiome, which may indicate early warning signs of disease. The tool has shown promising results in detecting meaningful patterns in microbiome data that conventional methods miss.
Scientists have created the first global atlas of single-cell microbes living in the aphotic ocean, revealing unexpected functions and capabilities among deep-sea microorganisms. The new database, GORG-Dark, contains over 9,600 genomes from individual microbial cells collected across a broad range of depths and locations.
Scientists have engineered a nonpathogenic E. coli bacterium to carry a phage that specifically targets salmonella, resulting in a protective lining against infections. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for other diseases, particularly those with high global disease burdens.
Researchers discovered a remarkable nitrogenase in the deep-sea archaeon Methanocaldococcus infernus, capable of fixing nitrogen at temperatures above 90°C. The enzyme's exceptional stability allowed scientists to study its structure and function, providing new insights into the nitrogen fixation process.
Researchers found that a deep-sea protein, PoXeR, adapts to extreme pressure by forming a trimeric structure, which provides structural stability. The protein's ability to withstand pressure could lead to the development of light-responsive protein materials and improve understanding of how life adapts to deep-sea conditions.
Researchers found changes in infants' skin microbiome before symptoms of eczema and food allergies appeared. The study suggests skin microbiome composition could help identify children at risk earlier, potentially serving as early biomarkers.
The International Society of Microbiota has partnered with the Global Grants for Gut Health program to expand funding opportunities for Japanese early-career researchers. The new partnership will bring $100,000 in funding to Tokyo, highlighting the global significance of microbiome research in Japan.
Researchers found altered gene expression in wharf roach guts after consuming expanded polystyrene, but no significant impact on lifespan. The gut microbiome showed little change, but rare microbes were detected in EPS-fed specimens. This highlights the need to manage EPS waste carefully and prioritize coastal cleanup efforts.
A new enzyme, named Pac-Man enzyme, has been discovered in bacteria that can break down certain polyesters and bioplastics, providing a potential solution to plastic pollution. This discovery suggests that microorganisms can adapt to plastic degradation more rapidly than previously thought, offering a turning point in the plastisphere.
A new study reveals that the loss of kelp forests has a significant impact on microbial levels, leading to changes in ecosystem functioning and potentially affecting human services such as nutrient retention and carbon storage. The research highlights the importance of considering the microbial component in understanding ecosystem change.
Researchers at Umeå University have mapped interactions between 36 representative gut bacterial species, revealing that inhibitory effects dominate, while cooperative mechanisms also exist. The study provides a comprehensive dataset for understanding gut microbiome composition and dynamics.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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...
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.