All articles by Basil Fok – Page 4
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NewsNew discovery and grant to accelerate Strep A vaccine efforts
With a large sum of research funding and multinational contributions, the world’s only Strep A human challenge model will be used to resolve logistical issues and speed up the development of a successful Strep A vaccine.
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NewsNovel enzyme found in gut bacteria could revolutionize prebiotic research
Researchers have discovered a new β-galactosidase enzyme in a human gut bacterium that breaks down and synthesizes previously unexplored glycans, which have prebiotic capabilities to improve gut health.
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NewsDermatophytes adaptation to the human host exemplified by Microsporum canis
Through comparative genomic analyses, researchers investigated the evolutionary mechanisms that underpin gene expansions to enable dermatophytes, such as Microsporum canis to transition from animal to human hosts.
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NewsEarly-life gut microbes may protect against diabetes, research in mice suggests
A research discovered that the colonization of a fungus called <i>Candida dubliniensis</i> in the early life gut microbiome of mice, is able to promote growth of pancreatic beta cells in the presence of macrophages to restore blood insulin level and improve metabolic functions, thus reducing risks of type 1 diabetes.
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NewsSulfur-reducing bacteria team-up to break down organic substances in the seabed
Researchers have decoded the molecular strategies employed by the underappreciated sulfate-reducing bacteria, <i>Desulfobacteraceae</i>, which is capable of breaking down organic carbon in the oxygen-limited seabed.
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NewsTB vaccine candidate provides ‘elite’ protection
A tuberculosis vaccine candidate under development shows complete protection and superior immune response in nonhuman primates compared to the existing BCG vaccine.
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NewsA 'Trojan Horse' approach to develop new antimalarial drugs
Researchers have discovered a key process whereby malarial parasites take up a human blood cell enzyme, which could provide a new approach for antimalarial treatment.
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NewsMethod detects signs of life in ancient rocks - such as Mars samples
A new instrument was successfully developed to detect microbial lifeforms in ancient Earth rocks analogous to those found on Mars rocks, as a biohazard precaution measure when Mars rock samples are brought to Earth.
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NewsDamaged but not defeated: Bacteria use nano-spearguns to retaliate against attacks
Scientists used state-of-the-art microscopy technology to mimic a nano-speargun, the type VII secretion system, used as a bacterial pinpoint counterattack tactic in response to cell envelope damage against rival bacteria.
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NewsNew antibodies show potential to defeat all SARS-CoV-2 variants
Researchers discovered that a paired combination of antibodies binding to the two domains of the SARS-CoV-2 viral particle showed promising results in elimination of all virus variants caused in the COVID-19 pandemic.
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NewsResearchers see breakthrough in efficient biofuel production
Researchers have found ways to limit the toxicity to microbes generated by the biofuel butanol through fermentation of plant biomass, by manipulating the structure of microbe cell membrane at atomic level.
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NewsScientists reveal anti-bacterial role of plant metabolite
A study shows that a plant metabolite, erucamide, is able to target and disrupt a protein assembly of Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, thus inhibiting their virulence. Understanding the metabolite’s molecular mechanisms could protect crops from infection.
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NewsResearchers develop innovative tool for rapid pathogen detection
A powerful pipeline was developed for more efficient and accurate primer design in qPCR that accelerates the diagnostic tests for infectious diseases and facilitates researches in rapidly evolving pathogens.
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NewsStudy uncovers how low-carb diet drives colorectal cancer development
A new study suggests that a low-carbohydrate diet promotes the growth of a strain of E. coli that produces DNA-damaging colibactin, which drives genetic mutations and predisposes tumour development.
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NewsA surprising link between Crohn’s disease and the Epstein-Barr virus
A longitudinal study has revealed strong and surprising evidence showing that exposure to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can lead to a higher risk of Crohn’s disease. Researchers are now trying to find out the mechanistic actions in their associations.
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NewsResearcher measures microplastics’ massive changes in microbes
A new ecological research is underway to investigate the impact of microplastics on aquatic microbial communities in the Virginia Tech Duck Pond.
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NewsCambridge initiative to address risks of future engineered pandemics
Management strategies are initiated by University of Cambridge to address the challenges and preventive measures required in response to a potential engineered pandemic threat in the future.
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NewsScientists track pneumonia-causing bacteria as they infect the blood stream
A new study has shown various dissemination patterns can be adopted by Klebsiella pneumoniae that causes systemic infection, i.e. bacteremia.
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NewsNew test identifies prior infection by zika virus and all four dengue virus serotypes
An alternative approach is developed to detect and distinguish between antibodies induced by the dengue and zika virus in blood samples. The strategy can be used to orient public health policy and evaluate the efficacy of dengue vaccines.
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NewsA new test will make it possible to detect the parasite responsible for trichomoniasis more quickly and inexpensively
A sensitive, cheap and rapid test is developed to detect the parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis, which causes one of the world’s most common sexually transmitted infections, using an innovative approach that targets highly specific molecules with short nucleic acid sequences.