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Researchers discover how a respiratory bacterium obtains essential lipids from the human body and targets fat-rich tissues

Researchers have discovered how Mycoplasma pneumoniae obtains essential lipids from the human body and targets fat-rich tissues. The bacterium uses the P116 protein to capture cholesterol and other lipids, allowing it to survive and colonize tissues beyond the lungs.

SourceInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau (Sant Pau Research Institute)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2026

Motion capture: In world 1st, M. mobile’s motility apparatus clarified

Scientists have uncovered the molecular structure of Mycoplasma mobile's twin motors that power its gliding ability, using cryo-electron microscopy. The complex structure reveals a new mechanism by which energy from ATP hydrolysis is converted into motility.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2025
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

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City microbes surviving on disinfectants, research reveals

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.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalMicrobiome·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 17, 2024

Seeing antibiotics in action inside a pathogenic bacterium

Researchers observe atomic-level structural changes in bacterial ribosomes and their response to antibiotics, shedding light on mechanisms of action and potential off-target effects. The study provides new insights into the complex interactions between ribosomes and other cellular complexes.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature·DateSep 28, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Bacteria cause problems for genetic research

Researchers at Linköping University discover that bacteria, not human cells, are responsible for the detection of epigenetic mark 6mdA. The team finds multiple methods used to detect 6mdA produce false positive results due to bacterial contamination and technical issues.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 18, 2020

Pneumonia: Treatment with vaccines instead of antibiotics

Researchers discovered specific immune cells called B cells play a crucial role in eliminating mycoplasma bacteria from the lungs. Vaccines may be developed to elicit antibody responses protecting against infection, offering an alternative to antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateNov 21, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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Scientists reveal hidden structures in bacterial DNA

Researchers created a three-dimensional map of Mycoplasma pneumoniae's circular chromosome, revealing a previously unknown layer of gene regulation. The study found that the tiny bacterium's genome is organised into distinct structural domains, each containing genes turned on or off in a coordinated way.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 23, 2017

Investigators identify new pneumonia epidemic in Beijing

Researchers found Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in over half of hospitalized children with pneumonia in Beijing, predicting an ongoing epidemic. The study may help clinicians slow the spread of the disease.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateMar 31, 2016

Engineering bacteria to design vaccines

The EU-funded MycoSynVac project combines gene engineering and biotechnology to design a novel veterinary vaccine chassis based on Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This chassis will be used to create specific vaccines against two highly detrimental pathogens, as well as for cell therapy and infectious lung disease treatment.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·DateMay 8, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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Team determines structure of toxin in respiratory infections

The molecular structure of the cytotoxin from Mycoplasma pneumoniae has been determined, which could lead to the development of effective drugs and vaccines to neutralize its injurious effects. The discovery is a significant breakthrough in understanding respiratory infections such as asthma.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2015

Going against the flow

Scientists have identified three proteins - GapA, CrmA and Mgc2 - essential for the gliding mechanism of Mycoplasma gallisepticum. This discovery could lead to developing a vaccine by targeting non-motile, non-pathogenic bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalVeterinary Research·DateNov 18, 2014

Deadly bird parasite evolves at exceptionally fast rate

A devastating bird disease caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum has spread rapidly across North America, with the bacteria evolving at a faster rate than previously estimated. The microbe has lost over 50 genes, including those that make up its immune system, since making the switch to its new host.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateFeb 9, 2012

Chopping and changing in the microbial world: How mycoplasmas stay alive

Researchers at Vetmeduni Vienna identified a novel mechanism by which Mycoplasma agalactiae switches its surface protein genes. The so-called phase variation is caused by alterations in short DNA sequences controlled by an enzyme called recombinase. This process enables the organism to avoid host defense mechanisms during infection.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateSep 8, 2010
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

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Bacterial infections in premature babies more common than previously realized

A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found that 23% of neonates born between 23 and 32 weeks gestation have positive umbilical blood cultures for genital mycoplasmas, a frequent cause of congenital fetal infection. These infections are associated with increased risk of neonatal systemic inflammatory resp...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJan 7, 2008

Bacterial infection may cause or worsen asthma attacks in children

A recent study suggests that mycoplasma bacterial infections may cause or exacerbate asthma attacks in children. The research found that nearly half of children experiencing their first asthma attack were infected with mycoplasma. Testing for mycoplasma infection in asthmatic children could help prevent future attacks.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 30, 2004