Articles tagged with Microorganisms
Research from the University of Reading found that sinks and P-traps harbor a surprising number of fungal organisms, including black moulds and relatives of baker's yeast. The study showed that these microorganisms can tolerate high temperatures, low pH, and low nutrients, making them a potential risk to health in certain environments.
Research from Aarhus University found that melting glaciers release around 10,000 microorganisms per millilitre of meltwater, leading to estimated annual releases of over 100,000 tonnes of carbon-dense microorganisms to surrounding ecosystems.
A new study reveals that microfibers in the Mediterranean Sea are home to over 2,600 bacterial species, including Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a potentially deadly bacterium. The presence of these bacteria poses a significant threat to human health and aquatic ecosystems.
A post-pandemic outbreak of a drug-resistant fungus in Brazil was linked to the misuse of medications and full ICUs. The study found that 90% of infected patients had strains resistant to fluconazole and echinocandins, leading to high mortality rates.
Researchers develop a new method to track disease-carrying mosquitoes by ingesting harmless DNA particles, providing unique fingerprints of information. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize mosquito-borne disease surveillance and tracking, offering insights into mosquito movement and hotspots.
Steaming hay kills harmful microorganisms, but damages proteins making them less digestible for horses. This can lead to impaired muscle development and nutrient deficiencies, affecting growth and coat health. Horses can be enriched with protein-rich feedstuffs to mitigate this risk.
Researchers at Max-Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology have deciphered the biosynthesis of benzobactins, a class of natural compounds with special biological activity. The study reveals that these compounds are widespread in diverse bacteria and could be excellent candidates for future drug therapy.
A new technique combines holographic microscopy with deep learning to follow individual microscopic organisms in the ocean. The method allows for continuous measurement and quantification of micro-zooplankton and feeding events, revealing key interactions between species.
A new study has identified a specialized and distinctive type of microglia with enhanced antioxidant function in the ischemia/reperfusion injured brain, linked to stroke. The presence of Peroxiredoxin-1 protects against acute I/R injury, reducing microglial cell death and inflammatory responses.
Researchers find that airborne chemical methyl bromide is a compelling indicator of biological activity on other planets. Its detectability increases around M dwarf stars, making it an attractive target for future missions to search for extraterrestrial life.
Researchers develop autonomous navigation strategies for microswimmers, allowing them to navigate optimally in complex environments. These strategies utilize external stimuli, such as light, to guide the microswimmers and improve their performance.
Researchers propose nitrous oxide as a potential biosignature for exoplanets, detectable by the James Webb Space Telescope. They modeled N2O production on Earth-like planets and found it could be comparable to CO2 or methane in star systems like TRAPPIST-1.
Researchers have discovered that small eddies, swirling at the edges of massive ocean currents, are a key source of nutrients for phytoplankton. These nutrient-rich eddies help maintain healthy populations of phytoplankton, which are essential for carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change effects.
Scientists have discovered several rare microorganisms, including Legendrea loyezae and Lacerus, which were previously unknown to science. The discovery expands our understanding of the tree of life and highlights the importance of microscopic life.
Researchers have isolated a new fungus, Beauveria caledonica, that can be used for biological control of banana borers and Fusarium wilt, two major threats to tropical and subtropical crops. The fungus produces a secondary compound called oosporein, which intensifies its action against the disease.
Scientists at the University of California San Diego have developed a new biodegradable polyurethane material that can break down in seawater, reducing plastic pollution. The material was tested in marine environments and found to be degraded by microorganisms, which consume the chemicals as nutrients.
Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new method to detect intraspecies genomic diversity, or microdiversity, of uncultivated bacteria. This approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of microbial ecology and evolution, as previously overlooked variations are now being studied.
A novel method developed by Brazilian researchers can analyze bacterial samples without isolating live bacteria, making it easier to detect antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae. The technique was tested on 873 samples and found that 51% were sensitive to antibiotics, while 17% were resistant.
A new study by Rice University biologist Tom Miller explores the role of fungi in determining the range limits of plants in Texas. The research reveals that fungal partnerships improve drought tolerance and could potentially extend the range of grasses in response to climate change.
Researchers have genetically engineered yeast to produce vindoline and catharanthine, the precursors to vinblastine, a widely used anti-cancer drug. This breakthrough may lead to new sources of these compounds and reduce dependence on plant farming and logistics challenges.
Researchers simulated a superheated steam dishwasher, finding it kills 99% of bacteria on a plate in just 25 seconds. The technology could also effectively remove food debris with shock waves, making it ideal for restaurants, hotels, and hospitals.
A new biological sensor developed by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has successfully detected hidden rot in potato tubers, one of Israel's chief export industries. The sensor can detect disease before visible symptoms appear, allowing for early identification and prevention of rot and food loss.
A study by Tel Aviv University researchers found a unique oral microbiotic signature in the saliva of veteran soldiers with PTSD, which may help diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder objectively. The study also showed that people with PTSD exhibit the same picture of bacteria in their saliva as those who have experienced combat stres...
A team of researchers at the University of Hawaii collected over 3,000 microbial samples from Waimea Valley's watershed, discovering that microbes follow the food web and are maintained within soil and stream water. The study also found that local distribution of a microbe predicts its global distribution.
A new study from the University of Illinois found that dog gut bacteria can change rapidly after introducing a new diet, with microbial turnover occurring in under a week. The research also confirmed previous findings on the health benefits of high-fiber diets over high-fat and high-protein diets.
Research suggests that climate change may lead to the proliferation of pathogenic fungi in drying soils, which could pose a significant public health threat. The study's findings are being used to inform policymakers on the potential risks of global climate change on soil fungal communities in the US Southwest.
CoVaRR-Net is investing $6.9 million in 15 research projects focused on understanding Omicron subvariants and finding solutions to curb their spread. The studies will explore various aspects of variants, including viral transmission between animals and people, new variant mutations, and the impact of social factors on Indigenous Peoples.
A team of researchers developed a low-energy and efficient way to harvest and concentrate valuable chemicals from microalgae, which can be grown on waste materials. This membrane-based process enables continuous extraction and concentration of secreted metabolites, paving the way for large-scale bio-factories.
New research found that coinfection with influenza A virus can significantly suppress SARS-CoV-2 replication in the lung. This effect can persist even after clearance of influenza A virus, suggesting potential factors that restrict SARS-CoV-2 growth.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 surrogates can survive on meat products in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 30 days. The study used chicken, beef, pork, and salmon, as well as viruses with spikes similar to those on SARS-CoV-2.
Gut bacteria produce inositol lipids, vital for cellular processes in humans, and these substances impact the symbiosis between bacteria and their hosts. The discovery sheds light on how gut bacteria thrive in their human hosts.
A mouse study found significant changes in the infant gut microbiome associated with maternal oxycodone exposure. These bacterial changes are linked to alterations in metabolic pathways, suggesting a potential connection between prenatal opioid exposure and long-term health consequences.
A study found that indoor pollutants and human activities impact home biology and chemistry. Researchers detected diverse molecules from skin care products, food, and feces in a test home, with human-derived metabolites dominating the microbiome.
Researchers developed a scalable process for a biodegradable coating that protects against pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms, transportation damage, and reduces weight loss in avocados by 50%. The coating can be rinsed off with water and degrades in soil within three days.
A new study published in mSystems demonstrates that a surface sampling method can detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces, improving environmental surveillance in public health labs.
A recent study has found that ocean plastic may be a source of novel antibiotics, with researchers isolating five antibiotic-producing bacteria from plastic debris. The isolated bacteria showed promise against commonly used and resistant bacterial strains, providing hope for an alternative solution to the growing antibiotic crisis.
Researchers found that chemical pre-treatment can help microorganisms break down plastics more quickly. The process makes carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen from the plastic's molecular structure more accessible for bacteria to use as food.
Researchers discovered over 1,200 RNA viruses linked to carbon absorption on the ocean floor. The study suggests engineered viruses could be used as 'knobs' to control carbon storage, potentially slowing climate change.
A study published in eLife has shown that fast-growing bacteria can resist antibiotics by displaying higher ribosome expression, allowing them to avoid macrolide accumulation. This finding highlights a new survival strategy for bacteria and offers potential avenues for developing improved antibiotic compounds.
A recent study published in eLife found that wildlife living in urban environments have picked up some gut bugs from humans, leading to a 'humanization' of their microbiota. The researchers analyzed gut microbiomes in distantly related vertebrates from urban and rural areas and discovered significant differences between the two.
Researchers identified a blood biomarker that predicts severe Crohn's disease and is detectable up to seven years prior to diagnosis. The biomarker neutralizes protective effects of a cytokine, leading to intestinal damage and weakening the immune system.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have made important discoveries on the crucial role of malnutrition in global tuberculosis, highlighting how gut infections impair treatment outcomes. A new funding partnership will train Tanzanian postdoctoral researchers to work specifically on this intersection.
A UFZ research team has developed a new method called 'mass transfer with a loop' to stabilize microbial communities in bioreactors. This approach prevents the loss of crucial microorganisms, which are essential for various biotechnological processes, by synchronizing their composition and functions.
Researchers have developed a theoretical model explaining how water mould spores move and change direction, revealing a breaststroke-like motion for turning. The study provides insights into the biophysical nature of these microorganisms, which could lead to new avenues in physics research.
A new study suggests that supplementing a diet with Ascidiacea, also known as sea squirts, reverses some main signs of aging in animal models. The researchers found that plasmalogens, vital to body processes, decrease with age and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Seagrasses release massive amounts of sugar into their soils, storing up to 35 times more carbon than forests. Microbes thrive on the sucrose despite phenolics inhibiting metabolism, and beneficial relationships between plants and rhizosphere microorganisms are found.
Researchers have found a group of deep-sea bacteria that stick to plastic, allowing them to 'hitchhike' across the ocean and potentially enhancing microbial connectivity. These bacteria were discovered in the North-East Atlantic and include strains previously isolated from shipwrecks and extreme environments.
Researchers develop new procedure to study microorganisms in shallow-water hydrothermal systems, using incubators on the sea floor to study dynamic communities. They reveal key roles in carbon fixation and adaptation under changing conditions.
New research suggests diverse microbial life existed on Earth at least 3.75 billion years ago, dating back to a time when the planet was still forming. The study, led by UCL researchers, analyzed ancient rock formations and found evidence of complex structures that could not have been created through chemical reactions alone.
Researchers have discovered that bacteria can convert methane into electricity, with 31% efficiency, providing a potential breakthrough for renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in contaminated water sources.
Researchers have engineered probiotic bacteria to produce the dopamine precursor L-DOPA, a potential treatment for Parkinson's disease. The new approach eliminates side effects and reduces treatment complications, offering a promising alternative to existing treatments.
Researchers discover medusavirus undergoes four stages of maturation within host cells, with unique particle structures and DNA-protein exchange mechanisms. The findings provide new insights into giant viruses' biology and behavior.
Colorado State University researchers have developed a system that creates renewable energy while diverting waste from landfills, producing valuable products like sustainable aviation fuel and cleaning solvents. The ReSOURCE system can offset the carbon dioxide equivalent of 6.2 million cars a year.
A University of Illinois review examines how food deserts, poor diet, and racial disparities affect bile acids, gut microbes, and cancer incidence. The study suggests that Western diets contribute to the development of colorectal cancer, particularly among Black Americans.
Researchers have identified Velamenicoccus archaeovorus, an ultramicrobacterium that devours Methanosaeta cells in sewage treatment plants, leading to a new understanding of biomass conversion and recycling in deep sediments. The giant protein encoded by the gene enables it to dissolve cells.
Genetic testing of saliva samples has been shown to be more quick and sensitive than nasal swab testing for detecting SARS-CoV-2 virus, with implications for improving public acceptance of COVID-19 testing and reducing healthcare worker risks
Researchers have discovered that sea sponges themselves produce biologically active compounds, including terpenes with potential malaria-fighting properties. This finding represents a 'fundamental shift' in the field and opens up new avenues for drug discovery using animals as vessels.
A new color catalog of icy planet surface signatures has been created to aid in the search for life on frozen worlds. The catalog, based on microorganisms found in subarctic conditions, provides a tool for comparing Earth's biological microbes with those on other planets.
Scientists propose a new mechanism by which oxygen accumulated in the atmosphere, shifting the planet out of its low-oxygen equilibrium. Interactions between certain marine microbes and minerals in ocean sediments may have prevented oxygen consumption, setting off a self-amplifying process.
An international research team analyzed the microbial community living on the carapaces of deep-sea squat lobsters, finding a diverse microbiome that likely provides benefits to both organisms. The microbes utilize energy-rich chemical compounds, while the squat lobsters may use them as a source of nutrients or have them remove toxic s...