All Editorial articles – Page 3
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NewsFrequent infections in nursery help toddlers build up immune systems
Young children who attend nursery get sick more often than those who don’t, but they will go on to have fewer illnesses during early school years, finds a new review of evidence by a group of parent-scientists.
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NewsFood scientists develop new antimicrobial for cleaning and sanitizing dry-food processing equipment
New research describes a novel chemical mixture for sanitation in low-moisture environments. Scientists found that a formulation containing cyclomethicone combined with vinegar-based acetic acid was the most effective against Salmonella and Cronobacter bacteria.
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NewsMulti-strain probiotic therapy shows promise in preventing bacterial vaginosis recurrence
A global team of experts has identified a promising new approach to prevent recurrence of bacterial vaginosis (BV). In a phase 1 randomized clinical trial, researchers found that a short course of a multi-strain probiotic restored protective bacteria to the vagina, significantly reducing disease recurrence.
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NewsStudy shows breath test can confirm bacterial infection
A study shows how molecules that are only broken down by infecting bacteria, and not by gut bacteria, can be used to confirm infection. By enriching these molecules with a naturally occurring carbon isotope, the researchers found that carbon dioxide produced when they break down is easily detected in a breath test.
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NewsTarget behind cancer drug shown to help fight influenza in mice
A protein already targeted by FDA-approved cancer drugs may also help the body fight influenza. A study found that Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1), best known for helping tumors evade immune attack, instead helped immunocompromised mice clear flu-infected lung cells and survive infection.
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NewsBird flu risk to Danish cattle – new tool can warn farmers before infection spreads
Researchers have developed a tool that can predict where and when the risk of infection is highest. The tool is based on infection data from the U.S. outbreaks and adapted to a Danish context.
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NewsNew drug candidate extremely effective against H. pylori bacterium
Researchers have discovered that metronidazole targets two central protective proteins of Helicobacter pylori: an enzyme responsible for detoxifying harmful reactive oxygen species and a protein that repairs damaged proteins.
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NewsScientists uncover how HPV-positive cancers hide from the immune system — and how to make them visible again
A new study solves a major mystery in cancer immunology by uncovering how HPV hides cancer cells from the immune system by using MARCHF8 to destroy MHC-I, which serves as a warning flag for the immune system.
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NewsBiochar’s climate benefits may reverse over time in acidic soils, new study finds
A study reveals that biochar can both decrease and increase emissions of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, depending on how long it has been in the soil. The findings highlight the importance of considering long-term impacts when evaluating climate solutions.
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NewsNovel biosensing platform enables fingertip blood-based micro-volume t-cell immune monitoring
A new platform, known as Tip Optofluidic Immunoassay Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (TOI-IGRA), could revolutionize how people monitor their immune health. The platform allows for the precise quantification of pathogen-specific T-cell responses using a mere 15-25 μL of fingertip blood.
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NewsPrototype breath tests spot bacterial infections in minutes
Researchers have adapted the long-used breath test for Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that causes a common stomach infection, expanding the technology’s capabilities to detect a broader range of bacterial infections.
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NewsUniversity of Warwick receives £1.2 million donation to advance antimicrobial resistance research
The University of Warwick has announced that it has received a £1.2 million donation to further antimicrobial resistance research from alumnus Dr David Stirling (PhD Biosciences, 1974-78). The generous contribution forms part of Warwick’s Set the Pace philanthropic campaign.
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NewsA newly identified disease of corn and sorghum may be mistaken for iron deficiency
A newly identified bacterial disease affecting corn and sorghum can closely resemble iron deficiency, potentially leading farmers to apply costly nutrient treatments that do not address the underlying problem.
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NewsLong-term biochar use reshapes soil carbon storage through microbial pathways
A new long-term study reveals that biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from crop residues, can significantly enhance soil carbon storage, but its effectiveness depends strongly on land use and soil type.
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NewsFantastic fungi found with ability to freeze water
An international group of researchers has discovered the identity of fungal proteins that can catalyze ice formation at high subzero temperatures. One potential application of this discovery could be to engineer weather.
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NewsScientists discover a bacterium that protects against long Covid
Scientists have discovered the key role played by a bacterium, Dolosigranulum pigrum, that is naturally present in the respiratory microbiome. When present in greater numbers, these bacteria are associated with a reduction in the persistence of symptoms characteristic of long Covid.
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NewsEngineered bacteria deliver cancer drug directly inside tumors in mice
New research suggests that Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) may be engineered with anticancer agents to treat cancerous tumors in mice. Researchers used EcN as a base for synthesizing Romidepsin (FK228), an FDA-approved drug with anti-tumor agents.
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NewsTrace levels of food pathogen do not always translate to health risk, says study
Ultra-sensitive food safety tests may drive food waste and unavailability with limited public health benefit, according to a study. These food safety measures and ultra-sensitive tests may drive edible food being thrown away, excessive packaging, and extra costs for consumers.
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NewsInappropriate antibiotic use for COVID-19 is linked to resistance
Taking azithromycin for as little as one day triggers antibiotic resistance in the respiratory tract, according to a first-of-its kind look by scientists at the changes that occur in the microbiome of hospitalized patients who were treated for COVID-19.
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NewsNew single‑cell technique reveals how tuberculosis‑like bacteria alter human cells
Researchers have developed a new technique to measure the content of individual human cells infected with bacteria that model tuberculosis – and it is already revealing biological changes that conventional analysis would miss.