All Asia & Oceania articles
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NewsHow an immune cell receptor dampens the fight against fungal infection
People are constantly exposed to fungal spores, including those of Aspergillus fumigatus, but individuals with weakened immune systems may develop life-threatening infections. In a recent study, researchers clarified the mechanisms by which the dendritic cell immunoreceptor (Dcir) suppresses neutrophil activity during infection with A. fumigatus.
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NewsYour genes could prune your gut bugs and protect you from disease
Researchers uncover genetic peptides that shape gut bacteria and protect against obesity and diabetes, revealing gut health is influenced by more than just diet and opening doors to personalised treatments.
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NewsMaternal gut microbiome composition may be linked to preterm births
Researchers have found that the presence of certain bacteria in the maternal gut microbiome during early pregnancy is linked to a higher risk of preterm birth. The study reports that one particular species, Clostridium innocuum, contains a gene that can degrade estradiol—an important pregnancy hormone.
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NewsWorld-first koala chlamydia vaccine approved
In a world first, a vaccine has been approved to protect Australia’s endangered koalas from infection and death caused by chlamydia.
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NewsGiant DNA discovered hiding in your mouth
Researchers have made a surprising discovery hiding in people’s mouths: Inocles, giant DNA elements that had previously escaped detection. These appear to play a central role in helping bacteria adapt to the constantly changing environment of the mouth.
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NewsNovel Bocaparvovirus identified in goats in China
Researchers identified a novel Bocaparvovirus in goat fecal samples using metagenomic techniques, with detection in goats from 3 regions in China: Sichuan, Hunan and Chongqing.
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NewsPediatric investigation study re-examines chikungunya in neglected pediatric victims
Researchers and policymakers must recalibrate their outlook on pediatric chikungunya to develop effective control measures, a new paper warns.
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NewsStudy reveals how dengue rewires the immune system, reshaping vaccine response
Just as a computer’s operating system can be rewritten after a major update, dengue infection can ‘re-programme’ the body’s immune system, leaving a long-lasting genetic imprint that influences how people respond to future infections—an effect not seen with vaccination.
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NewsStudy shows how diet and gut microbiota can counter the baby blues
Microbiome diversity and relative abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria were associated with high levels of depressive mood. But a diet rich in fermented foods, soy products, mushrooms, and seaweed may help regulate the gut environment and contribute to preventing depression.
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NewsPeanut shell biochar composite shows promise for removing antibiotic-resistant bacteria from aquaculture wastewater
Researchers have developed a novel, low-cost catalyst that efficiently removes antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) from aquaculture wastewater, offering a potential new solution to one of today’s most pressing environmental and public health challenges.
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NewsFrailty fuels gut imbalance and post-surgery gastrointestinal risks
Scientists found that residual intra-abdominal microbes, especially in frail patients, drive gastrointestinal complications after bladder cancer surgery.
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NewsDe-mystifying common misconception about the prevalence of Legionella bacteria
There is a common misconception that Legionella is only found in air conditioners and water towers - however, a new study has found people are likely exposed to the bacteria through other sources, including through soil.
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NewsScientists unveil viral mechanism behind nasopharyngeal cancer spread
Researchers have discovered that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common human virus closely linked to nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), can change the 3D structure of the human genome inside cancer cells, much like assembling building blocks.
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NewsFungi–biochar partnership boosts soil health and crop growth under cadmium stress
A study reports that combining arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) with biochar can reshape soil microbiomes, reduce cadmium uptake, and dramatically improve plant growth, offering a sustainable strategy for restoring farmland contaminated with heavy metals.
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NewsHeme-based sulfide sensing in bacteria: a new target for antibiotics
Heme binding to a bacterial transcription factor is critical for hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) signaling, a new study reveals. Heme binding promotes the reaction of H₂S with the transcription factor, leading to structural changes that can regulate stress tolerance in bacteria.
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NewsGame-changing biotech for engineering pathogen-resistant crops
Researchers have identified an ancient protein that has the potential to help defend plants against tens of thousands of different bacteria and other pathogens. Dubbed “SCORE”, this receptor detects cold-shock protein—variations of which are found in more than 85% of known bacteria, as well as fungi and insects.
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NewsBiodegradable PET alternative bioproduced at unprecedented levels
The PET-alternative PDCA is biodegradable and has superior physical properties. A team of bioengineers has engineered E. coli bacteria to produce the compound from glucose at unprecedented levels and without byproducts — and opened up a realm of possibilities for the future of bioengineering.
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NewsProtein discovery gives new hope for longer COVID protection
Scientists have discovered that the body’s immune system strongly reacts to an internal protein from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, which mutates less frequently than the surface-spike protein currently targeted by vaccines.
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NewsResearchers develop first-of-its-kind RNA tool to advance cancer and infectious disease research and treatment
Scientists have developed a powerful tool capable of scanning thousands of biological samples to detect transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) modifications — tiny chemical changes to RNA molecules that help control how cells grow, adapt to stress and respond to diseases such as cancer and antibiotic‑resistant infections.
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NewsStress-tolerant corals could help buy time for reefs in a warming world
New research demonstrates how corals that naturally thrive in extreme environments could be used in restoration efforts to protect vulnerable reef systems.