All Editorial articles – Page 27
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NewsWhat we know and what we need to know about Antarctic marine viruses
Antarctic marine viruses, while proven to be important players in the ecosystem, are not completely understood. In a new paper, researchers aim to fill in the gap between what is known and what is unknown, with a primary focus on RNA viruses, the influence of climate change and their implications.
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NewsA triple-threat iron supplement that also improves gut health
A new iron supplement combines iron, prebiotics and probiotics. In trials, the treatment successfully restored blood iron levels in anemic mice without initiating an inflammatory response or throwing off the balance of the gut microbiota.
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NewsResearch alert: Bacterial chatter slows wound healing
Researchers have discovered a previously unrecognized mechanism by which Staphylococcus aureus delays wound healing. The study finds that quorum sensing is a key driver of delayed healing in wounds infected by S. aureus.
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NewsCombination of pre- and probiotics offers superior anti-inflammatory benefits compared with omega-3 or prebiotic alone
A new study has found that combining certain types of dietary supplements is more effective than single prebiotics or omega-3 in supporting immune and metabolic health, which could lower the risk of conditions linked to chronic inflammation.
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NewsBiologist links stable gut bacteria to healthy childhood growth
New research reveals that the stability of gut bacteria in early life plays a critical role in whether children thrive or struggle with undernutrition – a global health challenge affecting millions.
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NewsDiscovery of hundreds of new human gut viruses provides a new approach to studying the gut microbiome
Hundreds of new viruses living inside bacteria within our gut have been discovered in an international study. These bacteriophages could eventually be used to reshape the gut microbiome, potentially influencing gut health and the progression of various disease states.
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NewsIn chromosome of key biotech bacterium, different setups bring different strengths
New research has found that the effectiveness of biotech bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens’ virulence varies, depending on how its chromosome is arranged.
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NewsHuman Organ Chip technology sets stage for pan-influenza A CRISPR RNA therapies
Human lung alveolus chip infection model enables investigation of viral replication, inflammatory responses, and genetic off-target effects of a novel pan-influenza CRISPR therapy.
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NewsFriendly soil microbes can boost protein in staple crops
Researchers investigated how a bacterium naturally found in the soil that is beneficial to human health can enhance the levels of the amino acid and antioxidant ergothioneine in spring wheat.
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NewsIUCN members choose science and ethics in landmark vote on synthetic biology
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has hailed the adoption of Motion 87, supporting the responsible, evidence-based use of synthetic biology, at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi as a historic milestone for global conservation policy.
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NewsBiochar shows big promise for climate-friendly soil management
Turning agricultural and organic waste into biochar could help store more carbon in the soil and slow climate change, according to a new study. Recent findings show that biochar improves soil health, boosts microbial diversity, and captures carbon.
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NewsBreakthrough in coronavirus fight: scientists develop powerful bispecific inhibitor to combat a wide range of coronaviruses
Researchers have discovered a powerful bispecific inhibitor capable of combating all existing human-pathogenic coronaviruses, including those resistant to existing treatments like Paxlovid.
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NewsSynthetic biology reprograms plant–microbe partnerships for resilient agriculture
By integrating engineering principles with plant biology, a new review highlights how redesigned genetic pathways and plant-based biosensors can deepen understanding of plant responses to both harmful and beneficial microbes.
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NewsResearchers discover method to combat antibiotic treatment failure
Researchers explored ways to alter our own immune cells to help antibiotics work more effectively. They identified a small molecule that alters the body’s immune cells, forcing them to ’wake up’ dormant bacteria and make them more vulnerable to antibiotic treatment.
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NewsPropionate from gut bacterium Akkermansia mitigates liver fibrosis
A recent study has identified the gut commensal bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK) as a potent modulator of liver fibrosis. AKK alleviates hepatic fibrosis by promoting propionate-driven antioxidant defense across the gut–liver axis.
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NewsPollutants absorbed by protozoa move through food chain affecting organ growth
A new study reveals that tiny aquatic organisms can pass a dangerous mix of microplastics and heavy metals up the food chain, disrupting organ development and hormone balance in higher-level species.
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NewsGut microbiota disruption predicts severe steatosis in MASLD patients
A new study links gut dysbiosis with severe steatosis in metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). In a 61-patient cohort, those with the inflammation-linked Bact2 enterotype developed severe steatosis at lower thresholds.
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NewsAlgae and water fleas in lakes: Light color influences food webs
Phytoplankton are the basic food source for many aquatic organisms. A new study shows that the light spectrum is more important for these microalgae and for lake ecosystems than previously assumed.
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NewsWetland plant-fungus combo cleans up ‘forever chemicals’ in a pilot study
From a greenhouse study, researchers report that moisture-loving yellow flag irises and fungi on their roots are a promising combination for PFAS removal. As part of a constructed wetland, this pair could effectively treat contaminated wastewater.
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NewsFertilizer boosts soil’s ability to lock away carbon
The 180-year experiment at Rothamsted — the world’s longest-running agricultural trial — has revealed that long-term application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilisers can significantly increase the amount of carbon stored in farmland soils, helping to mitigate climate change.