Lesions of Doom – How a Parasitic Bacterium Disrupts Blood Vessels in the Human Body
Scientists gain insights into how pathogenic bacteria of the genus Bartonella give rise to lesions in the human body, opening new avenues in modern medicine….
Bacteria
Microbiologists Discover Bacteria That Feed on Metal, Ending a Century-Long Search
Finding ends a century-long search for microbes that live on manganese. Caltech microbiologists have discovered bacteria that feed on manganese and use the metal as…
Viral Dark Matter Exposed in Pioneering Research
Metagenome Database Detects Phage-Derived Antibacterial Enzyme Scientists demonstrate that the information about host bacteria-bacteriophage (phage) associations derived from world’s first metagenome analysis is useful for…
Mystery Solved: Why Food Poisoning Bacteria Are So Good at Swimming Through Your Gut
Researchers have solved the mystery of why a species of bacteria that causes food poisoning can swim faster in stickier liquids, such as within guts….
Bacterial Predator Could Help Reduce COVID-19 Deaths – “Potential Game Changer”
A type of virus that preys on bacteria could be harnessed to combat bacterial infections in patients whose immune systems have been weakened by the…
“Fascinating Machines of Death” – The Latest Research on Bacterial Toxins
Research finds mechanism by which bacterial toxis evolve ability to cause new illnesses. The coronavirus pandemic is a daily reminder of the consequences brought by…
From Jekyll to Hyde: Genetic Mutation That Makes E. Coli Deadlier Pinpointed
Scientists identify an important protein that increases “bacterial virulence,” when mutated, changing harmless bacteria to harmful ones. As far as humans are concerned, bacteria can…
New Killing Mechanism Discovered in Potent Natural Antibiotic – Hailed a “Game Changer”
Scientists at the University of Liverpool and University of Utrecht have taken another step forward on their quest to develop a viable drug based on…
Discovery of Complex Nanometric Geometric Shapes on Dragonfly Wings Improves the Efficiency of Antibacterial Surfaces
Universitat Rovira i Virgili researchers have developed a nanometric-scale theoretical model to create structures that kill bacteria by using elastic forces. The results of this…
Superworms Digest Plastic: Superpower Made Possible by Bacterial Sidekicks
Resembling giant mealworms, superworms (Zophobas atratus) are beetle larvae that are often sold in pet stores as feed for reptiles, fish and birds. In addition…
Beneath the Ocean’s Surface, a Virus Is Hijacking the Most Abundant Organism on Earth
Rice scientists analyze structure, mechanism of phage protein that steals electrons. Beneath the ocean’s surface, a virus is hijacking the metabolism of the most abundant…
A Rising Tide of Marine Disease? How Parasites Respond to Global Warming
Warming events are increasing in magnitude and severity, threatening many ecosystems worldwide. As the global temperatures continue to climb, it also raises uncertainties as to…
Meningococci Bacteria Use a Small Protein With Big Pathogenic Impact
Meningococci are bacteria that can cause life-threatening meningitis and sepsis. These pathogens use a small protein with a large impact: The RNA-binding protein ProQ is…
Dual-Mechanism “Poisoned Arrow” Developed to Defeat Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
A dual-mechanism antibiotic kills Gram-negative bacteria and avoids drug resistance. Poison is lethal all on its own — as are arrows — but their combination…
Improved Tracking of Salmonella Food-Poisoning Outbreaks With New DNA Test
The test may rapidly and sensitively distinguish subtypes of Salmonella, reports The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics. Researchers report the development of a sensitive and specific…
MIT Study: Viral Contamination of Medicine at Drug Manufacturing Plants
Report offers guidelines to help prevent viruses from tainting biopharmaceutical drugs. Over the past few decades, there have been a handful of incidents in which…
Syphilis Alters Its Genetics to Evade the Immune System
By shuffling DNA in and out of one gene, syphilis stays a step ahead of the immune system to resist eradication. The bacterium that causes…
Shocking Research Shows That Antibiotic Use May Increase Risk for Opioid Abuse
When Sierra Simpson was in college, she was sick for a year with recurring fevers and vomiting. Her doctors couldn’t figure out what she had….