Articles tagged with Microorganisms
A Montana State University research team, led by graduate student Lisa Keller, has published a groundbreaking paper on how certain bacteria thrive in extreme environments. The discovery challenges current understanding of microbial survival and sheds light on ancient lifeforms' adaptation to Earth's progressive oxygenation.
Researchers found that an endophytic fungus boosts poplars' natural defenses and those induced by insect damage, altering the plant's chemical defense profile and supporting it with a self-produced defense substance. The fungus also influences interactions between insect populations living on trees.
Dr. Jonathan Cox warns of the dangers of raw sewage in UK coastal waters, highlighting the risk of gastrointestinal, respiratory, and skin infections to vulnerable groups. He advocates for checking water quality before visiting beaches and praises efforts like the Safer Seas and Rivers Service to combat pollution.
Professor Uauy brings extensive experience in wheat genetic research and genomics to lead the institute's ambition to deliver Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet. His vision for plant science will ensure global agricultural challenges are addressed through interdisciplinary science.
A comprehensive global study reveals pesticides are a major contributor to the biodiversity crisis, affecting over 800 species of plants, animals, fungi, and microbes. The research highlights the need for policies and practices to reduce pesticide use, including regenerative agriculture and Integrated Pest Management.
The study reveals seven subgenera and 23 sections of Thaxterogaster, including newly described species. Species tend to be ecologically highly specialized, with nine species found in temperate or subalpine regions.
Researchers identified ten new Geoglossomycetes species and confirmed four known ones through genetic analysis and ecological comparisons. The study also shed light on the sexual morph characteristics of two major genera, Geoglossum and Trichoglossum.
A study published in iScience reveals that bacterial species are transferred between both individuals during sexual intercourse, and these species can be traced to a partner's unique genital microbiome. This discovery may provide a new tool for identifying perpetrators of sexual assault.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a low-cost technology using curcumin to curb bacterial resistance. The study shows that photodynamic inactivation can trigger deleterious reactions within bacteria, killing them and reducing the number of antibiotic-resistant strains.
Daniel Armstrong, a renowned UTA chemist, has been honored with the prestigious 2025 Pittcon Analytical Chemistry Award for his pioneering work in analytical chemistry. His research focuses on developing new approaches to identify chiral disease biomarkers, peptide epimers, and isotopic compounds.
A new Weizmann Institute study identified all proteins in a stool sample – those from the microbiome, human body, and food – revealing secrets of the intestines and their impact on human disease. The method, dubbed IPHOMED, decodes microbiome activity by showing which proteins come from bacterial strains and amounts.
Researchers propose a new framework describing living matter as a double cascade spanning 18 orders of magnitude in space and time, with critical points marking the emergence of self-replicating machines and complex societies.
Research from RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences found that infant gut bacteria are associated with food sensitivities and allergies, particularly to eggs. The study suggests that probiotic supplements, such as Bifidobacterium, may help prevent food allergies in at-risk infants.
A natural compound derived from gut-friendly bacteria significantly slows vitiligo progression and may restore pigmentation in mice. The findings could offer hope to millions affected by the autoimmune disease, which causes visible patches of skin discoloration and carries profound emotional and physical consequences.
A new fungal species, Hypoxylon luteogranulatum, has been discovered in Thailand with unique chemical traits and ecological significance. The species is closely related to Daldinia but exhibits distinct morphological and biochemical characteristics.
This study reveals twelve novel species of hyphomycetous fungi on medicinal plants in Southwestern China. The new species include several previously unknown fungal taxa, providing comprehensive illustrations and notes for each taxon.
Research reveals that bacteria form species through a process called homologous recombination, which exchanges genetic material across the entire genome. This exchange acts as a cohesive force, keeping members of the same species similar and maintaining distinct species boundaries.
A study identified unique microbiome signatures associated with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), allowing for precise diagnoses and new therapeutic approaches. These signatures predict bacterial metabolites and are linked to the development of NAFLD, providing insights into disease mechanisms.
Concordia researchers propose a novel method using ultrasound-guided microbubbles to stimulate critical cytokine secretion in T cells, potentially re-activating them and increasing the release of proteins needed to fight cancer. The approach could complement existing treatments and improve outcomes.
A new study has found that diversified cropping systems can increase nitrogen supply in the soil, but do not lead to increased soil carbon levels. The study, published in Nature Sustainability, used stable carbon isotopes to analyze soil core emissions and found that decomposition rates were higher in longer rotations.
A study published in Pediatric Investigation found that microbial cell-free DNA testing predicted infectious organisms consistent with traditional culturing tests in 26.9% of pediatric patients, but its utility was variable due to factors like antibiotic exposure and contamination.
Researchers unveiled an innovative system that outperforms conventional filtration methods by combining microbial electrochemical technologies with enhanced biodegradation processes. The biofilter demonstrates significant removal of pharmaceuticals and herbicides, altering their chirality to influence toxicity and biodegradability.
A study led by Dr. Yi Li and colleagues identified 6 new species of Cortinarius fungi from subtropical China, increasing the region's known species count. The discoveries were supported by phylogenetic data and morphological observations.
The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson laboratory is working on discovering new ways to neutralize harmful microorganisms using copper. The researchers aim to understand how copper kills bacteria by flooding their environment with excess copper, tricking them into building essential proteins with the wrong materials.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University identified clogging in a geothermal well due to accidental venting, highlighting the need for regular inspection and monitoring of water quality. The study emphasizes the importance of geochemical analysis of groundwater for stable and widespread use of aquifer thermal energy storage systems.
Heavy-ion irradiation improves FR901379 synthesis in Coleophoma empetri, with high-yield mutants exhibiting distinct morphology and fermentation characteristics. The use of nonhomologous end-joining deficient strain increases diversity of mutagenesis libraries.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that bacteria used to produce Gruyère, Emmental, and Sbrinz cheese show signs of ancient domestication. The researchers analyzed genetic and phenotypic characteristics of the bacterial strains over a 50-year period, finding low genetic diversity and high stability of traits specific to...
Engineered yeast cells can form cooperative groups that perform complex tasks and self-regulate in response to external signals. This approach enables precise production of therapeutic compounds, reducing waste and increasing treatment efficacy.
Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered that deep-sea hydrothermal vent bacteria can reduce nitrous oxide through an efficient energy metabolism mechanism. The study found that denitrification genes are negatively regulated by transcriptional regulators, suggesting a potential approach to mitigate climate change.
Researchers discovered a set of genes in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum that enable it to stably attach to host tissue, revolutionizing our understanding of microbiome colonization. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of targeted probiotics and improved gut health.
Researchers have identified a link between bacteria and kidney stone formation, finding that low levels of E. coli and Lactobacillus promote or prevent kidney stone development. The study suggests that the urinary tract is not sterile and that antibiotic misuse can skew the microbiome towards stone-promoting bacteria.
Researchers found a powerful antioxidant in Deinococcus radiodurans that combines with manganese to protect against radiation damage. The discovery could lead to synthetic antioxidants tailored for human needs, protecting astronauts and preparing for radiation emergencies.
Research reveals that certain soil microbes can enhance flower size, resulting in increased bee visitations, but high colonization levels may lead to smaller flowers. The study focuses on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associations with plant roots and their impact on floral traits and pollinator interactions.
Ver-A exhibits broad-spectrum antifungal activity, inhibiting the sexual mating of sugarcane smut spores at a concentration of 8 μg/mL. The compound also shows efficacy in controlling sugarcane smut disease by disrupting the expression of genes involved in pheromone synthesis and mating type recognition.
Under-ice species in the Arctic are facing significant threats as sea ice melts at a faster rate than anywhere else on Earth. Researchers studying microbial organisms in four environments found that the under-ice mix of species was the least diverse, composed mainly of specialist plankton and microbes adapted to harsh conditions.
In-shell pecans are susceptible to pathogens due to soil contact with wildlife and livestock. A recent study found that hot water treatment significantly reduced Shiga toxin-producing E. coli populations on pecans, regardless of treatment time, and prevented cross-contamination.
Eighteen microbiologists propose a global science-based task force to develop and implement microbiological solutions grounded in ecological knowledge. Microorganisms can capture carbon, break down pollutants, produce biofuel, and strengthen ecosystems, offering numerous potential solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Researchers have cataloged the microbiome of US rivers, finding high levels of antibiotic resistance genes near wastewater treatment plants. The study also reveals that microbes play a significant role in shaping river health and can predict water quality under current and future scenarios.
SwRI researchers developed a tool to model environments expected on icy moons, accounting for organics and predicting conditions for microbial life. The project aims to constrain environmental factors and provide valuable information about ocean worlds.
Scientists at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have identified S-adenosyl-L-methionine as the unexpected donor of methyl groups in mercury transformation. The discovery could aid in developing effective environmental remediation strategies to address methylmercury poisoning, which can cause severe neurological damage.
Scientists at Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ have discovered chimney-shaped vents on the Dead Sea floor, emitting shimmering fluid. The chimneys are similar to black smokers but originate from surrounding aquifers, providing a new tool for predicting sinkhole formation.
Researchers identified two microbe strains capable of degrading petroleum hydrocarbons, holding promise for treating contaminated marine oil spills. These microorganisms also exhibit potential to reduce the toxicity of oily wastewater, offering a sustainable solution for environmental remediation.
Scientists have discovered a new genus, Neodiderma, with 11 new species within the Didymiaceae family. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that Neodiderma represents a transitional group between Didymiaceae and Physaraceae.
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2024 have been named, including the One Health Microbiome Center at Penn State and researchers Dr. François Thomas and Dr. Helen Onyeaka.
A new study reveals that human waste, both treated and untreated, is responsible for the microbial impairment in Delaware's inland waterways. The researchers found a majority of microbial signatures in the water matched a human waste signature, indicating infrastructure issues with septic systems may be to blame.
Leading scientists issue a unified call to action, emphasizing the importance of deploying microbiome technologies to address climate change. The authors advocate for a global science-driven task force to expedite the implementation of these solutions, warning that inaction will exacerbate the climate crisis.
Scientists are urging global leaders and industries to deploy microbial solutions to combat climate change. The initiative aims to expedite the use of microbiome technologies to capture carbon, reduce greenhouse gases, and restore ecosystems.
A KAIST research team has successfully produced a microbial-based plastic that is biodegradable and can replace existing PET bottles. The team used metabolic engineering to develop a microbial strain that efficiently produces pseudoaromatic dicarboxylic acids, which are better suited for producing polymers than traditional methods.
Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered a combination of green algae and yeast that enhances wastewater treatment efficiency. The mixture boosts the growth environment, uptake of ammonium and phosphate ions, making it an effective solution for wastewater treatment facilities.
A recent study published in the journal Microbiome found that lifestyle factors, such as diet and smoking habits, significantly impact the composition of beneficial bacteria in the mouth. The research team analyzed saliva samples from individuals representing different subsistence strategies in Nepal and discovered a correlation betwee...
Scientists report a rare fungal pathogen, Sporopachydermia lactativora, causing the first recorded case of fungemia in China. The fungus is resistant to echinocandins, increasing treatment challenges.
Thirteen new species of Ramaria fungus were identified in Shanxi Province, northern China, through multigene phylogenetic analysis. The species are characterized by intricately branched and vividly colored basidiomata, and were described and illustrated in the study.
Researchers found that the presence of a fungus increases the pH of the soil, promoting growth of beneficial bacteria. This interaction could lead to sustainable agricultural practices by harnessing microbial interactions to combat plant diseases.
A group of McMaster researchers have discovered that phages can form into three-dimensional flower-like shapes, making them 100 times more efficient at finding bacterial targets. This breakthrough has significant implications for the detection and treatment of diseases, as it enables the creation of novel antimicrobial materials.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered a new predatory bacterium, Aureispira, that uses grappling hooks and cannons to capture prey. The bacterium's molecular structures resemble those of pirate tools, allowing it to entangle and kill its victims quickly.
A new study has identified novel strains of microbes that have adapted to use limited resources in cities, including those found in Hong Kong's subways and skin. These microbes can metabolize manufactured products, posing health risks if they are pathogenic.
A study published in eLife reveals that larger arthropods like woodlice and beetles play a crucial role in leaf litter decomposition across diverse habitats and seasons. Decomposition rates are influenced by climate, leaf quality, and decomposer abundance, with macrofauna dominating decomposition in hot, dry regions.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered significant differences in bacterial metabolites between women with endometriosis and healthy controls, suggesting a non-invasive diagnostic test. A novel therapy based on the metabolite 4-hydroxyindole may also prevent endometriosis progression.
Researchers found that extreme temperatures and humidity projected for the Amazon under climate change may increase methane-producing microorganisms in flooded areas and reduce methane uptake in upland forests by 70%. This could lead to a shift in the balance of greenhouse gas emissions, with significant global impacts.
A study on Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks in Shaanxi province found high microbial diversity, including pathogenic bacteria like Rickettsia and Coxiella. The findings suggest potential for disease transmission to humans and animals.