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An enzyme neutralizes pathogens by cleaving a bacterial toxin

Scientists at Leibniz-HKI discovered an enzyme called BurK that cleaves the toxic molecule malleicyprol in human pathogenic bacteria. This mechanism regulates toxin levels and renders it harmless to humans, offering a potential therapeutic approach for antibiotic-resistant infections.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 17, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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Scientists reveal new toxin that damages the gut

Researchers at La Trobe University have discovered how enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) bacteria use a molecular toxin called EspC to destroy gut cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of targeted drugs to combat EPEC infections and their devastating consequences, including severe dehydration and death.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalGut Microbes·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2025

New approach could treat anthrax beyond the “point of no return”

Researchers at University of Pittsburgh developed a new treatment approach for anthrax by reactivating the ERK pathway with a combination of growth factors. This method shows promise for treating the disease beyond its typical point of no return, offering hope for patients diagnosed late in the illness.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMar 28, 2025

New research reveals venomous findings in non-animals

A recent study published in MDPI reveals that plants, fungi, bacteria, protists, and even some viruses employ venom-like mechanisms to solve critical problems. The research expands our understanding of venom beyond animal organisms, highlighting its broader evolutionary significance.

SourceLoma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center·JournalToxins·DateMar 25, 2025
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Brain inflammation alters behaviour according to sex

Researchers found that neuroinflammation in the hippocampus significantly alters motivation and behaviour in mice, particularly in females. This study suggests that treatments targeting hippocampal neuroinflammation could help reduce cognitive and behavioural symptoms in diseases such as Alzheimer's and Depression.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2024

Common food poison toxin speeds colon cancer spread

A study led by UF Health Cancer Center researchers found that a toxin in the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni accelerates the spread of colorectal tumors. The findings could lead to new tools for detecting metastatic colorectal cancer early, ultimately helping determine patients who need more aggressive treatments.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2024

Scientists discover how specific E. coli bacteria drive colon cancer

Researchers have found that specific E. coli bacteria in the gut promote colon cancer by binding to intestinal cells and releasing a DNA-damaging toxin called colibactin. This binding is made possible by bacterial pili and adhesins, which can be targeted to prevent tumor development.

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2024

New bacterial toxins discovered: A key to fighting infections

Researchers have identified a new group of bacterial toxins that can destroy cells of bacteria and fungi without harming other organisms. The study reveals how these toxins are used by bacteria to compete with other microbes, offering exciting possibilities for clinical and biotechnological applications.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2024
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Identification of novel toxins using machine learning

A recent study uses machine learning to analyze 950 microbial genomes, identifying 2,194 potential toxins that could be used as new antimicrobials or biotechnological tools. The researchers also discovered four new toxins with enzymatic activities against different molecules.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 6, 2024
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New class of antimicrobials discovered in soil bacteria

Researchers have identified a novel class of antimicrobial toxins, dubbed umbrella toxins, produced by soil bacteria Streptomyces. These toxins are large protein complexes that specifically target other Streptomyces species, making them a promising lead in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2024

Identify, engage, assassinate: How seahorse-like toxins kill insects

Researchers have identified and detailed the structure of Mcf1, a bacterial toxin that kills insects by disrupting essential proteins in their cells. The discovery has implications for developing new organic pest control agents and may also shed light on human diseases.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024

Single-celled kamikazes spearhead bacterial infection

Research reveals that a small subset of bacterial cells produces deadly toxins while sacrificing themselves for the benefit of their comrades. The bacteria use a temperature-sensitive genetic switch to synchronize toxin production with cell enlargement, ensuring an efficient strategy for infection.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2024

Germs can offset the effect of cancer therapy

Sezáry syndrome patients face a vicious circle where cancer and treatment weaken the immune system, allowing bacteria like S. aureus to thrive. Eliminating these bacteria may make cancer cells more susceptible to anti-cancer drugs.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalBlood·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024
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Roots of Bloody Mary

Scientists have identified a bacterial strain that can break down the toxic tomatine in tomato roots, providing new understanding of how soil microbes interact with plants. This discovery could lead to the development of new bioactive compounds for human applications.

SourceKyoto University·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

Synthetic peptide to kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers at IISc designed a short peptide that targets topoisomerases in disease-causing bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant species. The peptide effectively killed bacterial cells and reduced infection in animal models, providing leads for combination therapy with existing antibiotics.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalEMBO Reports·DateJul 20, 2023
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Caterpillar venom study reveals toxins borrowed from bacteria

Researchers at The University of Queensland have discovered the venom of asp caterpillars contains toxins similar to those produced by disease-causing bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. These toxins can punch holes in cells, making them a potential source for targeted cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2023

A single molecule upsets symbiosis

A recent study has shown that the mutual symbiosis between bacteria and fungi can be fragile, as a specific protein maintains the balance. When this protein is absent, the bacteria are trapped within fungal hyphae and die.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2023
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Perfect ‘pathogen’ storm: Vibrio bacteria, Sargassum and plastic marine debris

Researchers discovered Vibrio pathogens can stick to microplastics, adapting to plastic, and have aggressive behavior, forming biofilms and causing infections. The study highlights the risks of Sargassum-plastic marine debris interactions, with potential for opportunistic pathogens and disease transmission.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalWater Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2023

New cell-killing toxin discovered in an environmental pathogen

Researchers have discovered the molecular structure of a new toxin class, Ssp, capable of entering and killing human cells. The discovery offers insights into developing targeted inhibitors to combat infections caused by Serratia marcescens, a pathogen with high antibiotic resistance.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2023
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

A new treatment for multidrug-resistant bacteria

Researchers at Aalto University developed a drug that undercuts antibiotic resistance by blocking key toxins involved in the infection process. The treatment sequesters toxins and disrupts biofilms, making bacteria more vulnerable to antibiotics. Initial results show promising protection against bacterial infections.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 18, 2023

New research shows that bacteria get “hangry," too

Researchers discovered genetically identical bacterial cells have different functions, with some producing toxins. Nutrient-rich conditions reduce toxin levels and bad actor cells. This finding could lead to alternative antibiotic treatments for animals and humans.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Microbiology·DateApr 3, 2023

Membrane discs as antitoxins

Researchers have developed nanodiscs based on the cell membranes of human red blood cells, which can effectively neutralize bacterial toxins. These nanodiscs, called RBC-NDs, are biocompatible and non-toxic, making them potentially useful as nanovaccines.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

In the end, it’s the individual advantage that counts

Researchers found that bacteria's cooperative behavior helps in the short term but fails to protect them from predators. However, individual defense through filament formation proves successful and stabilizes bacterial population densities.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalThe ISME Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2023
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

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

New bacterial therapy approach to treat lung cancer

Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a preclinical evaluation pipeline for characterization of bacterial therapies in lung cancer models. They combined bacterial therapies with other modalities of treatment to improve treatment efficacy without any additional toxicity.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 23, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Molecules found in mucus could prevent cholera infection

MIT researchers have identified molecules found in mucus that can block cholera infection by interfering with the genes that cause the microbe to switch into a harmful state. The protective molecules, known as glycans, prevent Vibrio cholerae from producing the toxin that usually leads to severe diarrhea.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateDec 12, 2022

Some forms of childhood malnutrition, stunting may be preventable with vaccines

Researchers found that a vaccine against the toxin produced by E. coli protects infant mice from intestinal damage, suggesting it could boost global efforts to combat childhood malnutrition. Vaccinating kids against E. coli diarrhea may prevent long-term effects like stunting and micronutrient deficiencies.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

Toxins force construction of ‘roads to nowhere’

Researchers discovered that toxins produced by Vibrio bacteria hijack cell processes, redirecting key proteins into "roads to nowhere". This abnormal filament formation wastes cell resources and raises questions about its potential role or necessity.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 18, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Mechanism of bacterial toxins in deadly attacks

Researchers uncovered the sophisticated mechanism of bacterial Tc toxin's action by utilizing cryo-EM and protein NMR 3D snapshots. The subunits assemble like a syringe, triggering the release of toxic enzymes that disturb cytoskeleton regulation, leading to paralysis.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 3, 2022

Bacteria’s hidden weapon: Toxins locked inside a capsule secured by a cork

Researchers have gained a deeper understanding of how bacteria use the type VI secretion system to develop toxins for battle. The discovery reveals that toxins are encapsulated in a capsule secured by a cork-like plug, which can be released upon mechanical force.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Losing amphibian diversity also means losing poison diversity

Research by UC Berkeley biologists highlights the importance of conserving harlequin toad diversity due to the loss of potential pharmaceuticals. A review of 113 species found that only 16 have been studied for toxins, and many are in decline or extinct.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalToxicon X·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 2, 2022
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Botox injections may reduce anxiety

Researchers found that Botox-treated patients reported anxiety significantly less often than those undergoing different treatments for similar conditions. The data used was from the FDA's Adverse Effect Reporting System and showed a 22-72% lower risk of anxiety for four out of eight conditions and injection sites.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 21, 2021

Genes may affect the level of harmful bacterial toxins in the bloodstream

A recent study has discovered genetic markers associated with high levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the blood, a toxin linked to sepsis and cardiovascular diseases. The research also found a connection between LPS levels and blood coagulation disorders, such as thromboembolism and stroke.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 25, 2021
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.

A bacterial toxin turning cells into swiss cheese

Researchers from Kanazawa University purified and characterized Monalysin, a pore-forming bacterial toxin, to study its interaction with the innate immune system. The study revealed that activated Monalysin forms pores in cell membranes, leading to cell death, and that it preferentially inserts into curved parts of membranes.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateJun 23, 2020

Revealed: The secret superpower that makes C. difficile so deadly

Researchers identified a new way C. difficile causes severe disease by triggering an immune response through Th17 cells, explaining why patients with inflammatory bowel disease are more susceptible to severe infections and increasing mortality rates.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 23, 2019

Folding poisons

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have discovered that Clostridium difficile toxins penetrate intestinal cells by exploiting a protein called TRiC. Blocking or inhibiting TRiC can prevent cell poisoning, offering potential new strategies for combating these bacterial infections.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2018
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Bacterial toxins wreak havoc by crippling cellular infrastructure

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered how bacterial toxin ACD cripples cellular infrastructure by modifying actin protein, affecting muscle contraction, cell division, and immune response. The study could lead to better tactics to fight antibiotic-resistant bugs.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 3, 2018

Tiny gels sop up intestinal toxins

Researchers have developed a microgel scavenger that targets intestinal toxins, reducing inflammation and supporting natural gut flora. The new therapy has the potential to treat conditions caused by bacterial infections, such as C. difficile-induced colitis.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 20, 2018

Bacterial toxins made in the gut

Austrian scientists identify critical enterotoxin tilivalline and its potent metabolite tilimycin, produced by penicillin-resistant bacteria. The discovery provides insights into antibiotic side reactions and potential new approaches for producing anticancer drugs.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 25, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Strep spreads by harnessing immune defenses of those infected

Researchers at NYU Langone Health discovered that Streptococcus pneumoniae secretes pneumolysin toxin to exploit host immune defenses. This helps the bacteria survive on human airways and exit the body, ultimately spreading to a new host.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJan 11, 2017

Team finds mechanism of toxin's inflammatory effect on lungs

A study reveals that Mycoplasma pneumoniae CARDS toxin triggers excessive inflammation by activating NALP3, leading to tissue injury and airway narrowing. The discovery could lead to the development of therapeutic strategies to improve health in individuals with airway diseases.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalmBio·DateDec 29, 2014
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.