Articles tagged with Microorganisms
A toxic molecule from bacteria causes massive tissue damage in humans but promotes organ development in a tiny Pacific Ocean squid. This discovery challenges long-held perceptions of microbes and their role as pathogens, highlighting the importance of context-dependent relationships between bacteria and host organisms.
Researchers have detected high levels of triclocarban in Maryland streams, with concentrations up to 5.6 micrograms per liter. Further studies are needed to understand the impact on aquatic life and potential human exposure.
Scientists have found microscopic life in ancient glacier ice, sparking interest in survival mechanisms of small cells under harsh conditions. The discovery opens up new avenues for research into growing previously unculturable organisms and understanding the limits of microbial life.
Researchers discover tiny microbes in ancient Greenland glacier that are smaller than common bacteria and can survive extreme conditions. These ultra-small cells have been found to be among the uncultured majority of microbes on Earth and hold secrets to their survival mechanisms.
A facultative symbiont is identified in pea aphids associated with host plant specialization, increasing fecundity on clover and failure to survive on alfalfa. Genetic data suggests the aphid genome, not symbiont, causes specialization.
Jennie Hunter-Cevera is a renowned microbiologist who has made significant contributions to the field through her innovative techniques for isolating and screening microorganisms. Her work has led to the discovery of new species, enzymes, and products, including antimicrobial, anticancer, and novel herbicidal properties.
A multinational team of scientists has found microscopic life colonized in ancient volcanic lava dating back nearly 3.5 billion years. The discovery was made in the Barberton Greenstone Belt, a location that was previously thought to be inhospitable for life.
A research team found mineralized tubes and DNA associated with microbial activity in ancient basaltic glass samples, suggesting that microbes colonized the early oceanic crust. The discovery provides clues to the origin of life on Earth.
Researchers at U-M and Amherst College used chemical signatures of water to identify areas with microbial gas deposits, a relatively inexpensive analytical tool compared to other methods. This method has potential not just in Michigan but also globally for finding natural gas resources.
The discovery of 1.2 million new genes in Sargasso Sea microbes has significant implications for carbon sequestration and alternative energy production. The genes are part of the larger Genomics: GTL program, which aims to develop innovative solutions to address national energy needs.
Scientists discovered bacteria in deep drill holes on Earth, suggesting similar conditions exist on Mars. The findings imply that microorganisms can thrive in extreme environments, increasing the chances of life existing beyond our planet.
A newly discovered bacterium, Polaromonas naphthalenivorans strain CJ2, has been found to break down naphthalene and other toxins in coal tar contamination. The discovery was made using a new technique called stable isotopic probing (SIP), which allowed researchers to identify the microbe's DNA signature.
Researchers discovered previously unknown fungi groups thriving beneath the snow, recycling carbon and nitrogen, and potentially impacting CO2 levels. The findings prompt a reevaluation of snow-covered regions as 'sinks' for CO2.
Researchers are studying the ecological worlds inside ticks to learn more about tick-borne diseases. The study aims to understand how non-pathogenic microbes displace pathogenic ones, potentially decreasing disease transmission to humans and animals.
The Prevnar vaccine, developed at the University of Rochester, has shown remarkable real-world effectiveness in reducing invasive pneumococcal infections by 69% among children under two years old. This translates to approximately 20,000 fewer cases of infection each year in the United States.
Researchers found that ethylene is vital for plant protection against microorganisms, enabling plants to detect and respond to infections. Modified ethylene-insensitive tobacco plants were more susceptible to diseases due to the lack of ethylene's protective mechanism.
Researchers found microorganisms in seafloor samples from the Juan de Fuca plate, suggesting a microbial incubator of global proportions. The discovery challenges current understanding of oceanic crust and its potential for supporting life.
Researchers at UC Riverside have isolated microorganisms that can degrade up to 90% of the toxic pesticide endosulfan in 15 days. The strains, Fusarium ventricosum and Pandoraea sp., have potential applications for detoxifying contaminated soils and water bodies.
The symposium explored microbial forensics, a discipline combining public health epidemiology and law enforcement to investigate biocrimes. Key findings include recommendations for future action to address biocrimes posing threats to public health and stability.
Researchers discover new life forms living in extreme environments, such as gold mines and volcanic rocks, providing clues to the origins of life on Earth and potentially on Mars. These microorganisms may be using nuclear energy or toxic waste as fuel, shedding light on the diversity of possible fuel sources for life.
Researchers have discovered a novel protein, Ang4, produced by Paneth cells in the intestinal lining that can kill certain types of gut microbes. This finding suggests that Ang4 may play a crucial role in maintaining gut health and preventing infection.
Researchers have found a novel group of bacteria in tropical ocean sediments that produce molecules with potential in treating infectious diseases and cancer. The discovery has opened up a new source for drug discovery, with thousands of strains available.
Researchers have identified two microorganisms, Fusarium and Pandoraea spp., that can degrade the toxicity of endosulfan, a persistent organic pollutant. This breakthrough offers a potential solution for detoxifying contaminated sites, reducing toxic residues in soil.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst study reveals that microorganisms in Boston Harbor sediments can break down PAHs using sulfate, potentially reducing the need for expensive remediation strategies. The findings suggest that natural activity can clean up contaminated harbors without active environmental protection.
A research team from Purdue University and the University of British Columbia has identified a bottleneck in the degradation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a persistent and hazardous industrial chemical. By breeding bacteria to overcome this hurdle, the team hopes to develop an environmentally friendly solution for cleansing the ...
A team of researchers has discovered that methane-producing microorganisms use a 'pressure valve' mechanism to regulate energy consumption. By allowing hydrogen ions to leak through the cell membrane at high concentrations, the bacteria minimize energy loss and maintain optimal conditions for growth.
A new genetically engineered mouse model shows how pieces of captured germs are carried to the surface of dendritic cells via long tubules. This process improves the efficiency of the immune response by alerting T cells to kill invading germs.
The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the proteome of D. radiodurans, revealing new insights into its remarkable ability to withstand radiation and degrade radioactive materials. The research used advanced mass spectrometry techniques to identify over 1,900 proteins in the bacterium.
Researchers developed Microbial Anti-attachment Technology (MAT), reducing bacteria attachment by 50-58% compared to traditional soaps. The technology uses three cosmetic ingredients to deposit a thin film on skin, blocking bacteria-binding sites and altering surface properties.
Recent URI study reveals two oceanic provinces of deeply buried microbial activity, with high activity found along continental margins where methane and sulfate intersect. Microbial respiration rates differ vastly between open-ocean and continental margin environments.
Researchers at UMass Amherst found that certain microorganisms can transform organic matter commonly found in marine environments into electrical energy. This breakthrough has implications for developing technologies to decontaminate polluted water and sediment, as well as powering subsurface devices.
Researchers aim to develop new enzymes and biodegrade toxic contaminants using cold-loving microbes. They plan to build a regional biotech industry and preserve fragile environments.
Brookhaven National Laboratory scientists have developed strains of bacteria that can live in harsh environments and convert ordinary coal to a cleaner resource. These microbes remove sulfur and heavy-metal contaminants from coal, producing fewer environmentally undesirable by-products when burned or converted into fuel.
A team of MIT researchers led by Susan Murcott aims to provide clean drinking water for people in developing countries. They have developed a system that can remove particles and microorganisms from water, which is crucial for preventing waterborne diseases in rural areas like Nepal.
Researchers suggest that subglacial lakes in Antarctica may support unique microbial life forms. The lakes' extreme conditions could provide insights into the origins of life on Earth. Scientists are now planning international cooperation to explore these hidden ecosystems.
The Purdue-based center will focus on bioremediation and phytoremediation to clean up pollution. It will work with state governments, local communities, and industry to revitalize polluted sites using cost-effective natural remediation technologies.
A Stanford research team aims to understand how C. crescentus's genes communicate with one another, exploring its potential as a bioremediation agent. The goal is to create a comprehensive 'owner's manual' for the bacterium, which can help DOE meet its challenges in toxic waste cleanup and energy production.
Researchers propose that early animal life evolved to thrive in unique Cambrian environments with microbial mats. This new perspective suggests alternative evolutionary explanations for the development of strange morphologies, such as those seen in helicoplacoids, the earliest known echinoderms.
A researcher has developed a new detector that can identify airborne anthrax and other biological particles in under 30 minutes. The device uses lasers and acoustic sensors to detect the presence of microorganisms, offering significant improvements over existing methods.
A new food packaging technique using argon gas has been shown to extend the shelf life of foods by 25% and improve their overall quality, with some products seeing a 40-50% improvement. Argon replaces nitrogen, which causes food to oxidize and spoil, making it a safe and effective way to preserve food.
A team of researchers, led by Keith Cooksey from Montana State University, is on a mission to find microorganisms that can naturally lower carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants. They plan to use the heat-loving microbes found in Yellowstone National Park's hot springs to scrub CO2 from industrial exhaust.
Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory have discovered that microorganisms can break down urea and promote the formation of calcite, trapping radioactive strontium-90. This process could be used to contain contaminant until it decays away, potentially providing a cheaper and safer alternative to surface extraction.
Scientists discovered that microorganisms in basalt rock can reduce toxic hexavalent chromium to less toxic forms, especially in the presence of volatile organic compounds. The researchers found that certain bacteria, such as Arthrobacter oxydans, play a key role in this process.
A Kansas State University food microbiologist has developed a method to kill E. coli bacteria on meat using microwave and acid treatments. The approach involves dipping the meat in an 80 degrees Celsius solution of lactic acid for a few seconds, followed by short pulses of microwave treatment.
A critical chemical reaction previously thought to support microbial life deep below Earth's surface is now considered highly unlikely. Microorganisms are likely living on organic matter associated with rock, not hydrogen, according to researchers.
Researchers at Savannah River Technology Center found metal-munching bacteria thriving in sterile storage pond environments, threatening long-term nuclear fuel rod integrity. This ill-timed discovery comes as a global downturn in nuclear reprocessing leads to extended storage periods.