Articles tagged with Microorganisms
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 genetically modified a probiotic yeast to reduce its virulence in immunocompromised patients. The modified yeast was found to be less likely to cause infection, with improved survival rates in animal models.
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.
Researchers discover that resistant soybean varieties actively recruit beneficial soil microorganisms to suppress the devastating soybean cyst nematode. These microbes can be transferred to soil to help defend susceptible soybeans, providing a promising new approach for sustainable crop protection.
Microbiologists Nicola Holden and Gil Domingue discuss the raw milk debate, highlighting the lack of meaningful differences between pasteurized and raw milk. They stress the need for improved consumer protection through clearer product labeling and regulation enforcement.
Researchers found that microbes can use mercury sulfide nanominerals as an energy source, releasing volatile elemental mercury into the air. The study estimates that this process could release hundreds of tons of mercury per year, comparable to cement production.
Researchers at Rutgers University created a new metric called the Ecological Network Balance Index to track how gut bacterial communities shift between health and disease. The index consistently separated healthy individuals from patients with multiple diseases, including colorectal cancer.
A global team of scientists, led by University of Houston microbiologist Madhan Tirumalai, has identified the critical role of biofilms in human space exploration. Biofilms could influence astronaut health, drug delivery and space agriculture, while also posing risks to astronaut health.
A global study found that a group of bacteria, CAG-170, consistently appeared in high numbers in the gut microbiomes of healthy individuals. This species has the capacity to produce Vitamin B12 and break down carbohydrates, suggesting it plays a crucial role in maintaining human health.
A new study suggests some early life forms evolved to use oxygen hundreds of millions of years before the Great Oxidation Event, potentially delaying oxygen's accumulation in the atmosphere. This discovery adds to our understanding of aerobic respiration and its evolution on Earth.
Blautia luti produces formic acid as an electron taxi, bypassing the energetically costly production of hydrogen. The bacterium detoxifies formic acid via a special metabolic pathway, linked to sugar breakdown and acetic acid production.
A new computational tool called PRISM (Precise Identification of Species of the Microbiome) has been developed to settle the controversy over whether microorganisms truly reside in tumors. The tool uses rapid screening and machine-learning models to distinguish genuine microbial signals from artifacts.
Researchers have discovered that endophytic bacteria can coexist with plant cells without harming them, triggering the production of previously unattainable compounds. This method has the potential to expand the diversity of obtainable plant-derived compounds for various industries.
A study published in Science of The Total Environment found that e-cigarette exposure alters gut microbiota composition and affects neurobehavior in zebrafish. The researchers observed disruptions in the gut microbiome, with reduced microbial network stability and altered community composition, suggesting potential health risks.
Researchers found that six species exhibited little to no evidence of phylosymbiosis, while five closely related bovids showed patterns consistent with the concept. Drier environments may reveal phylosymbiosis due to reduced microbial diversity.
Researchers found that biochar produced at high temperatures can effectively immobilize cadmium in soil, while low-temperature biochar may increase metal uptake by crops. The study highlights the importance of considering biochar production temperature and microbial interactions for effective heavy metal remediation.
A massive US-wide project is cataloging the soil microbiome, discovering over 1,000 new bacterial strains and unlocking secrets of ecological functions and antimicrobial resistance. The BioDiversity and Informatics for Genomics Scholars consortium spans 40+ sites across the country, leveraging long-read sequencing technology.
Researchers found coral reefs impose daily rhythms on nearby microbes, reshaping their composition and abundance. This daily pattern is stronger than seasonal differences, suggesting time of day is a critical factor in studying reef-associated microbial communities.
A new international study discovers that combining biochar with straw can reduce carbon emissions, boost soil health, and encourage microbes to work together. The research bridges Moscow and Guangzhou, delivering one of the clearest pictures yet of how organic amendments shape the hidden world beneath our feet.
Research reveals that single-celled organisms are among the first to colonize newly formed lava environments, thriving in scarce water and nutrient conditions. As diversity stabilizes over time, rainwater plays a critical role in shaping microbial communities, suggesting an unexpected link between weather phenomena and life on Earth.
Researchers have discovered a novel natural compound, β-glucose-bound hydroxy mycosporine-sarcosine, produced by thermophilic cyanobacteria that can provide UV protection. The compound's unique biosynthesis pathway and chemical modifications contribute to its enhanced antioxidant potential.
Flinders University experts have built a world-first prototype open-access repository cataloguing microbes and natural compounds linked to positive health outcomes. The Database of Salutogenic Potential highlights the benefits of diverse environmental microbiomes and natural biochemical products in promoting health and resilience.
Research suggests soil microbial communities are a top predictor of childhood allergic disease rates, with certain assemblages appearing linked to better health outcomes. The study found that specific soil microbes promote health, while others negatively impact disease prevalence.
Researchers have discovered that certain gut bacteria with similar structures to the protective layer of nerves can misdirect the immune system and cause it to attack its own nervous system. This mechanism accelerates the progression of multiple sclerosis.
A study found that a global pandemic is quietly wiping out sea urchins around the world, with populations nearing local extinction in the Canary Islands. The 2022-2023 mass mortality event affected the entire population of the species across the archipelago, causing a 74% decrease in La Palma and a 99.7% decrease in Tenerife.
Researchers have developed a new test that uses microbes to determine the age of termite droppings, allowing for rapid on-site infestation assessments. The study found that the amount of DNA from E. coli bacteria in the pellets decreases significantly over time, with a nearly 190-fold drop by the 12-month mark.
A new study by Montana State University professor Eric Boyd explores how Yellowstone's earthquakes impact microbial life and the planet's earliest ecosystems. The research reveals that earthquakes allow fresh minerals to be exposed, replenishing the energy source for microbes, which could provide insights into life on other planets.
A new paper outlines a global coalition dedicated to conserving microbial biodiversity, which accounts for 99% of life on Earth. The Microbial Conservation Specialist Group will develop Red List-compatible metrics, pilot restoration projects, and promote public awareness to ensure microbes are recognized as essential to planetary health.
The AMR portal connects bacterial genomes, resistance phenotypes, and functional annotations, providing a central hub for global AMR research. It brings together experimental and computational data types, allowing researchers to investigate how genetic variants translate into antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers have developed a molecular test capable of detecting three major pathogenic fungi at once, with a much quicker turnaround than traditional methods. The test bypasses the slow culture process by detecting genetic material directly, eliminating errors and reducing laboratory risk.
Researchers have mapped the full structure of bacteriophage Bas63 using cryo-EM, revealing unique decoration proteins and a rare whisker and collar structure. The detailed structural information will enable rational phage design and engineering efforts for specificity and target regions.
Researchers have identified a novel principle in biology that mathematically explains why the growth of organisms slows as nutrients become more abundant. The global constraint principle unifies two classic biological laws and provides a fresh perspective for looking at growth across all forms of life.
Scientists have created a comprehensive picture of bacterial stator evolution, revealing how these ancient proteins propelled bacteria 3.5-4 billion years ago.
A new method enables scientists to read the genomes of individual cells and viral particles in the environment more quickly and efficiently. The approach, known as environmental microcompartment genomics, increases throughput by an order of magnitude and provides unique insights into the diverse world of marine viruses.
A literature review of cheese fermentation and ripening identified five underused, evidence-based measures to improve efficiency and sustainability in cheese production. By exploiting whey and encapsulating lactic acid bacteria, dairies can reduce waste and optimize production processes.
Lehigh University researchers are collaborating with Dow on a three-year NSF-funded project to understand the chemistry behind full degradation of these polymers. The goal is to develop strategies for selective mixing of microbial communities to target different parts of the polymer for complete breakdown.
Salk Institute researchers have determined the structure of HIV's integrase protein during its newly discovered function, enabling the development of better HIV therapeutics. The study reveals a surprising flexibility in the protein's architecture, which can interact with both DNA and RNA, paving the way for new integrase-targeting drugs.
Scientists found that breathing dusty air from the Salton Sea can alter the lung microbiome and trigger immune responses in mice. The study suggests that chronic exposure to such dust could have significant health effects, including asthma.
A healthy microbiome promotes overall well-being, influencing areas like cognition, mood, immunity, and disease susceptibility. By incorporating proven dietary interventions, regular exercise, stress reduction, and adequate sleep, individuals can harness their microbiome for optimal health.
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to global challenges through applied microbiology. The awards celebrate excellence across various domains, including drug discovery and sustainable agriculture.
Researchers analyzed feces samples from 11 herbivore species in Namibia's Etosha National Park to understand how environmental factors shape their gut microbiomes. The study found five types of bacteria serving as environmental indicators, which could help monitor ecosystem changes and animal adaptation.
At least eight bat species frequent pig farms in Northern Italy due to lack of physical barriers, increasing risk of coronavirus transmission. Researchers used a multi-disciplinary approach to study the interfaces between bats and pigs.
A new study by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture reveals that water quality can significantly impact the type of microbial populations in poultry drinking water lines and litter. The study found a Bacillus species with probiotic properties was more prevalent in biofilms from poultry houses with normal sulfur-iro...
Researchers optimized lab culture conditions to boost levels of low-abundance chlorinated compounds in slime mold cells, identifying CDF-2 and CDF-3 as potent antibiotics against Gram-positive bacteria. The compounds' similar molecular structure suggests a critical role in protecting against harmful bacteria.
Researchers at the University of Houston discovered that T. phoenicis can enter dormancy to evade detection, highlighting the resilience of spacecraft-associated microbes and raising concerns about planetary protection. The findings may lead to better detection methods and more effective sterilization strategies in various industries.
Research reveals that Bifidobacterium breve in pregnant mothers regulates the placenta's hormone production, reducing complications and improving fetal growth. The study opens up a new approach to assessing pregnancy health through gut microbiome analysis.
Researchers have resurrected ancient microbes stuck in permafrost for up to 40,000 years, which can break down organic matter and release carbon dioxide. The study's findings suggest that thawing permafrost could lead to a vicious cycle of greenhouse gas emissions, with significant implications for the Arctic and global climate.
Researchers argue that AI can strengthen pandemic preparedness by detecting emerging diseases earlier. By combining data from humans, animals, and the environment, AI can reveal patterns and provide insights into potential pathogens.