All articles by Basil Fok – Page 8
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NewsThe secret ‘sex lives’ of bacteria: Study challenges old ideas about how species form
Researchers discovered that microbial species form and maintain their distinct identities through unique way of genetic material exchange, especially via homologous recombination, apart from the common asexual reproductive method.
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NewsGeorgia certified malaria-free by WHO
After 9 years of declaration for zero indigenous cases of malaria and being recognised by the WHO, Georgia has finally been certified malaria-free and is willing to commit to remain the current status.
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NewsUltrasensitive test detects, serially monitors intact virus levels in patients with COVID-19
A highly sensitive approach, adapted from cancer vesicles detection, was discovered to be able to detect SARS-CoV-2 viral particles in fluid samples of patients with acute COVID-19 infections.
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NewsGlobal research on hydrothermal pretreatment: A green leap for biorefineries
From a global analysis of the research in hydrothermal pretreatment, a bibliometric study highlights its use as the future of biorefineries for sustainable biomass conversion.
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NewsFinal synthetic yeast chromosome unlocks new era in biotechnology
A team of researchers has successfully synthesised the very first yeast chromosome using specialised genome-editing technique that provides insights for synthetic biology and biomanufacturing fields.
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NewsStructural insights reveal potential drug target in trypanosome parasites
A research group has recently characterised the structural differences between human and trypanosomal nuclear cap-binding complex, a key player in cellular RNA metabolism, for future drug development of trypanosomal diseases.
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NewsLooking to Kenya’s Lake Victoria for what may come for Lake Erie
Scientists conducted a genetic survey on cyanobacteria in the Winam Gulf of Kenya’s Lake Victoria, which serves as a model for the cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanHABs) in Lake Erie under the warming climate.
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NewsShip sliming study could enable lower costs and emissions in ocean transport
A model was recently developed to find out the correlation between the speed and extent of biofilm growth and the shear stress of the ship hull. Thus, it helps save fuel consumption by preventing fluid friction from slime fouling.
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NewsShorter, smarter, safer: Short-course antibiotics can revolutionize healthcare
Researchers suggest that short-course antibiotic treatment could be the next game-changing strategy to treat ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in various economic settings. It provides a cost-effective and practical approach that benefits both patients and the healthcare systems.
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NewsA Marburg virus outbreak was confirmed in Tanzania
WHO has announced that an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Tanzania has been confirmed, with 25 suspected cases. Outbreak control measures have been established since the announcement.
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NewsGlobal trust in science remains strong after pandemic
A post-pandemic global survey reveals that the general public remains to perceive scientists as trustworthy. They are also encouraged to actively engage in public communication and address the areas researches should prioritize in.
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NewsScientists uncover structure of critical component in deadly Nipah virus
Through the structural and functional study of the deadly Nipah virus, a research team has identified a crucial viral component, viral polymerase complex, within its multiplication machinery, with which a part of the enzyme could potentially serve as a therapeutic target.
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NewsResearch team receives $1.5 million to study neurological disorders linked to long COVID
A significant grant was awarded for an upcoming research of cellular and molecular mechanisms in the neurological challenges posed by long COVID-19.
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NewsResearch using non-toxic bacteria to fight high-mortality cancers prepares for clinical trials
A promising research study in treating high mortality late-stage cancers with a non-toxic bacterial therapy - BacID - has proven to be safe and more targeted. The newly developed treatment would undergo clinical trials with cancer patients in 2027.
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NewsSophisticated early warning system: How bacteria respond to threats
Recent research has found that exogenous petidoglycan fragments of Vibrio cholerae and other multidrug-resistant pathogens are able to trigger 3D biofilm formation as an universial danger response.
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NewsDecoding HIV genomic tactics in viral replication
Research on HIV-1 unravels the viral and host translational regulations during viral replications through the identification of RNA structures and previously unrecognized genetic elements - this could bring potential therapeutic interventions to counter the viral manipulations.
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NewsAntibiotic treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis found to be safe and effective in clinical trial
Two clinical trials were conducted to successfully test an oral antibiotic levofloxacin for the preventive treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).
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NewsThe hunt narrows for Ebola virus hosts
A cholesterol-trafficking receptor, Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1), was identified for more efficient surveillance of host reservoirs of filoviruses, including Ebolaviruses. It narrows down the host species of the virus and links to the geographic information of pathogen emergence.
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NewsPediatric investigation study examines the diagnostic potential of microbial cell-free DNA testing
A research study has found that plasma-based microbial cell-free DNA testing served as a safer and faster alternative to conventional microbiological diagnostic tests for pediatric ear, nose and throat (ENT) infections.
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NewsBacterial small noncoding RNA promotes gut colonization by regulating sialic acid metabolism
A novel 3′ UTR-derived small noncoding RNA was discovered to regulate metabolism of N-acetylneuraminic acid in Salmonella enterica pathogenesis.