Food security – Page 7
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NewsRhizosphere metabolites influence the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in soil-plant systems
A study sheds new light on the complex mechanisms by which plants and their associated microorganisms contribute to the migration of ARGs through the environment, offering important implications for food safety and public health.
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NewsNearly 1 in 5 urinary tract infections linked to contaminated meat
A new study estimates that nearly one in five urinary tract infections in Southern California may be caused by E. coli strains transmitted through contaminated meat – and people living in low-income neighborhoods are at the greatest risk.
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NewsAn edible fungus could make paper and fabric liquid-proof
Researchers report a way to waterproof materials using edible fungus. In a proof-of-concept study, the fungus grew an impervious film on common materials such as paper, denim, polyester felt and thin wood, revealing its potential to replace plastic coatings with sustainable materials.
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NewsCommon source, common food vehicle: investigations of recurring Salmonella Strathcona outbreaks in Europe since 2011
Across 17 countries and over a time span of 14 years, 662 cases of the rare Salmonella type have been identified – and linked to small tomatoes from Sicily.
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NewsCrop-killing pathogen found to disable plant ‘alarm system’
An international team has discovered that the pathogen Phytophthora infestans - which caused the Irish potato famine - employs special enzymes, called AA7 oxidases, to disable the plants’ early warning system, weakening their defenses before they can respond.
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NewsScientists turn algae and crop waste into valuable fuels and nanomaterials
Researchers have developed a clean and efficient process to transform microalgae and agricultural residues into a range of high-value products, including biofuels, bio-adsorbents, and fluorescent carbon nanodots.
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News1000-litre ‘corn-to-carrier’ demo turns stover into 10.6 g L⁻¹ microbial lipids
Researchers have shown that last autumn’s corn stalks can be transformed into a palm-oil-like fat suitable for aviation biofuel or cosmetics without the energy-guzzling steps that have kept lignocellulosic biorefineries on the drawing board.
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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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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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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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OpinionCould livestock-originated probiotics replace synthetic antibiotics for livestock?
In many developing countries, the use of antibiotics in both humans and animals is often indiscriminate and poorly regulated. Could livestock-originated probiotics be a suitable replacement?
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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.
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NewsCompound from Antarctic microorganism can be used to produce food, cosmetics, and medicine
A bioactive compound produced by the microorganism Bacillus licheniformis, found on Deception Island in Antarctica, has properties that qualify it for use in producing food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biodegradable materials.
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NewsNew study reveals diverse threats from Avian E. coli
New research has determined why various strains of Avian Pathogenic E. coli behave so differently. The study analysed a colibacillosis outbreak in turkeys in the UK, and found a strain called ST-101 was the dominant cause of the outbreak, accounting for nearly 60% of cases.
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NewsStructural diversity of pyripyropenes via biosynthetic gene cluster design and heterologous expression in Aspergillus nidulans
Researchers have designed a reconstituted biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) for producing structurally diversified deacetylated pyripyropenes, using the native pyripyropene A BGC from the wild-type strain Aspergillus fumigatus Af 293 as a template.
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NewsValorization of soybean-processing wastewater sludge via black soldier fly larvae: performance and bacterial community dynamics
A new study indicates that the valorization of soybean-processing-sourced sludge via black soldier fly larvae was achieved via functionally important BSFL intestinal microbiota, providing an efficient recycling approach for similar waste streams.
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NewsRoot chemistry determines how antibiotic resistance spreads from manure to crops
Researchers found that the rhizosphere, the narrow soil zone surrounding plant roots, is a major hotspot for the accumulation of manure-derived ARGs. Across eight common crops, ARG abundance in rhizosphere soil was on average 1.24 times higher than in bulk soil.
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NewsScientists develop safer and more sustainable antimicrobials to prevent infection of cow udders
A new study has unveiled an alternative class of potent antimicrobial compounds that could be used in the agriculture industry to combat multi-drug-resistant bacteria that cause bovine mastitis.
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NewsFrom glucose to gourmet: engineered bacteria churn out key food additive
Researchers used E. coli as the chassis to produce inosinic acid (IMP), a popular umami enhancer. By reprogramming the metabolic flux network of E. coli and introducing amino acid mutations in the key enzymes in the synthesis pathway, the yield was significantly increased.
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NewsPoultry growers: Have you checked your water lines lately?
Water quality could impact the kind of microbial populations in poultry drinking water lines and lead to the buildup of a biofilm that can harbor pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella, according to a new study.