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Study reveals how bacteria assemble their envelope

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have discovered a key process for how gram-negative bacteria attach their outer membrane to the cell wall. The study found that protein PA2854 performs a chemical reaction linking the outer membrane to the cell wall, a crucial step in maintaining the bacterium's health.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 15, 2026

Golden Gate method enables rapid, fully-synthetic engineering of therapeutically relevant bacteriophages

Researchers from New England Biolabs and Yale University have developed a first fully synthetic bacteriophage engineering system using the High-Complexity Golden Gate Assembly platform. This method simplifies strain engineering techniques, allowing for rapid creation of tailored therapeutic strains to overcome antibiotic resistance.

SourceNew England Biolabs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2026

Two-drug combination shows promise in helping heal chronic wounds

Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered a new treatment approach using a two-drug combination that is 10,000 times more effective than single-drug antibiotics in killing bacterial cells in lab tests. This promising method could help shorten treatment time and reduce toxicity in patients with chronic wound infections.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2025

When bacteria remember

Researchers have discovered that Pseudomonas aeruginosa can functionally organize itself into diverse populations using epigenetic memory. This diversification allows the pathogen to adapt to changing conditions in the human body and evade the immune system, making infections difficult to treat.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2025

Following the tracks of an extremely adaptive bacterium

The study identified two new families of natural compounds, syrilipamides and secimides, produced by the bacterium. These molecules show remarkable toxicity against competing microorganisms, particularly fungi and amoebae. The discovery also highlights the importance of the SecA enzyme in expanding the chemical repertoire of Pseudomona...

Two-step method to prevent biofilm regrowth is a SLAM dunk

A new study presents a two-step method to effectively dismantle bacterial biofilms and prevent regrowth. By using self-locomotive antibacterial microbubblers (SLAM) followed by a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and peroxyacetic acid, researchers were able to prevent the regrowth of biofilms on surfaces, including medical instruments.

Common lung bacteria team up to evade immune defenses

A study found that co-infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Mycobacterium abscessus suppresses immune responses, leading to worsened lung function decline in patients with cystic fibrosis and COPD. The presence of both bacteria together reduces the production of key immune signalling molecules, effectively dampening the body's inflam...

SourceInstitute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)·JournalVirulence·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2025

Antibiotics of the future are prone to bacterial resistance

Recent studies have found that new antibiotics are prone to rapid development of resistance, even before they are widely used. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of these treatments in the long run. To address this issue, researchers call for a shift in antibiotic development prioritizing novel modes of action and responsible...

SourceHUN-REN Szegedi Biológiai Kutatóközpont·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2025

Structural biology analysis of a Pseudomonas bacterial virus reveals a genome ejection motor

The study describes the full molecular structure of the phage DEV, which infects and lysates Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. The researchers discovered a genome ejection motor that pulls the DNA out of its head after infection, with conserved design principles across all Schitoviridae phages.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2024

The effect of combinations of antibiotics and natural products on the antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Researchers tested seven antibiotics in combination with various natural compounds, finding synergistic effects against multidrug-resistant bacteria. The study suggests combining antibiotics with plant extracts or phytochemicals could be a promising strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Infectious Diseases Journal·DateMay 27, 2024

Common wristbands ‘hotbed’ for harmful bacteria including E. coli, staphylococcus

A study by Florida Atlantic University found that nearly all wristbands (95%) are contaminated with harmful bacteria, including E. coli and staphylococcus. The study suggests using metal types like gold and silver, which had little to no bacteria, and recommends regular sanitizing of wristbands, especially after gym activities.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAdvances in Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2023

Keanu Reeves - the molecule

Researchers at Leibniz-HKI discovered keanumycins in bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas, effective against plant fungal diseases like grey mould rot and human-pathogenic fungi like Candida albicans. The natural product could be an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Warning over antibiotic-resistant bacteria

A study by Anglia Ruskin University has identified potentially dangerous Pseudomonas bacteria in 21% of wild bird faeces collected from locations near the River Cam. The bacteria, which can be passed on to humans through cross-contamination, were resistant to multiple antibiotics.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateNov 17, 2021

Novel approach leads to potential sepsis prevention in burn patients

Researchers discovered a potential new treatment for preventing sepsis in burn patients by using the secretions of probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus gasseri to combat antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The study found that applying these secretions to the wound inhibited bacterial growth and prevented biofilm development.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·DateSep 3, 2019

Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis

A new study from McGill University Health Centre finds that newborn screening for cystic fibrosis results in better nutrition, fewer hospitalizations, and lower rates of infection. Children diagnosed through newborn screening are also diagnosed at an earlier age and benefit more from new treatments.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalJournal of Cystic Fibrosis·DateMay 4, 2016

Blunting rice disease

Researchers at the University of Delaware have discovered a naturally occurring microbe that inhibits the devastating fungus known as rice blast, inducing a defense response in rice plants. The beneficial soil microbe, Pseudomonas chlororaphis EA105, reduces fungal growth by 76% and lesion size.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalBMC Plant Biology·DateJun 2, 2014

3-D printed microscopic cages confine bacteria in tiny zoos for the study of infections

Scientists create tiny houses for bacteria using a novel 3D printing technology, enabling precise control over bacterial interactions and growth. The method reveals that certain bacterial communities become more resistant to antibiotics when contained together, providing new insights into infection mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2013

BWH researchers discover new vaccine candidate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have discovered a new vaccine candidate for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium that causes severe lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. The vaccine is based on a new mechanism of immunity mediated by T helper 17 (Th17) cells and has been shown to protect mice from lethal pneumonia.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 6, 2012