All articles by Linda Stewart – Page 10
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NewsHoly Grail: One vaccine may provide broad protection against many respiratory infections and allergens
In a new study in mice, researchers have developed a universal vaccine formula that protects against a wide range of respiratory viruses, bacteria and even allergens.
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NewsPersonalized predictions of probiotic and prebiotic therapy success by computer models
A new study demonstrated that computer models of gut metabolism can predict which probiotics will successfully establish themselves in a person’s gut and how different prebiotics affect production of health-promoting short-chain fatty acids.
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NewsNew findings on infection with the Epstein-Barr virus
Researchers have identified genetic and non-genetic factors that help the body fight the Epstein-Barr virus. Using a new technique, they were able to estimate the amount of EBV in the blood and find correlations in large health data sets – for example, an increased viral load in people with HIV infections, but also in smokers.
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NewsNew insights into how bacteria control DNA synthesis open the door to next generation antimicrobials
A new study combines structural biology, biophysical characterisation and functional assays to delineate how the bacterial transcriptional regulator NrdR’s quaternary structure responds to different nucleotide states and how these changes affect its regulatory activity.
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NewsMissed opportunity: Study shows low vaccination rates among expectant mothers in Norway against COVID-19 and influenza
A study of over 50,000 pregnant women in Norway during the 2023/24 influenza season found that only 29.9% were vaccinated against influenza and 12.1% against COVID-19 during pregnancy, remaining far below recommended targets.
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NewsNewly discovered virus linked to colorectal cancer
Researchers have discovered a previously undescribed virus in a common gut bacterium, Bacteroides fragilis. The virus appears more frequently in patients with colorectal cancer.
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NewsNew review points to faster, safer vaccine development
A new review examines viral mimic systems that reproduce key features of dangerous pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, without the ability to replicate or cause disease. These systems allow researchers to study infection safely, quickly, and in a wider range of laboratories.
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NewsResearchers discover how tuberculosis bacteria use a “stealth” mechanism to evade the immune system
New research reveals that mycobacteria release tiny packages called extracellular vesicles that fuse with the membranes of immune cells. These vesicles contain specialized lipids—fatty molecules—that make the cell membrane more rigid.
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NewsPrenatal infection increases risk of heavy drinking later in life
Exposure to infection and other immune stress in the womb increases the likelihood of alcohol misuse in adulthood, a risk that may be reduced through prenatal antioxidant treatment, a new study shows.
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NewsResearchers discover novel bacteria in Florida’s stranded pygmy sperm whales
Researchers have identified three previously unknown genotypes of Helicobacter bacteria living inside stranded pygmy sperm whales. The study represents the first documented occurrence of these unique Helicobacter genotypes – now designated Kogia Helicobacter 1, 2 and 3 – in pygmy sperm whales.
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NewsScientists discover ‘bacterial constipation’, a new disease caused by gut-drying bacteria
Scientists have found two gut bacteria working together that contribute to chronic constipation. The duo, Akkermansia muciniphila and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, destroy the intestinal mucus coating essential for keeping the colon lubricated and feces hydrated.
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NewsHope for global banana farming in genetic discovery
Scientists have pinpointed crucial genetic resistance to fight a fungal disease which threatens the global banana supply in a wild subspecies of the fruit. The team have identified the genomic region that controls resistance to Fusarium wilt Sub Tropical Race 4 (STR4).
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NewsA break in a longstanding mystery about origin of complex life
One of our microbial ancestors was part of a group called the Asgard archaea, which today live primarily in the deep sea and other oxygen-free spaces. Now scientists have found that some Asgards use, or at least tolerate oxygen.
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NewsMissing microbes in UK infant gut and probiotics highlighted by global microbiome atlas
A global atlas mapping two key gut bacteria in infants around the world has uncovered a treasure trove of bacterial strains adapted to the infant gut and not found in commercial probiotic products. It lays the foundation for more effective, tailored infant probiotics.
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NewsAncestral motif enables broad DNA binding by NIN, a master regulator of rhizobial symbiosis
Researchers investigated the molecular mechanisms whereby the transcription factor NODULE INCEPTION (NIN) - crucial for rhizobial symbiosis - can bind a broader spectrum of DNA sequences than its close homologs, using the legume Lotus japonicus (Miyakogusa) as a model system.
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NewsA ring to transcribe them: The unique path of poxviruses
A study shows for the first time the mechanical elegance with which the viral protein VITF-3 controls the transcription process. Vaccinia viruses, the most widely studied model viruses from the poxvirus family, were examined at the molecular level.
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NewsInvasive death cap mushrooms are changing their chemistry
Scientists have just published new research about the chemistry of death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) - the species is not only spreading rapidly as an invasive fungal species in the United States, but the move across continents has changed the chemistry of the species.
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NewsNovel vaccine protects against C. diff disease and recurrence
A novel vaccination approach cleared the harmful gut bacterium Clostridioides difficile in an animal model of infection. An experimental vaccine administered to the mucosal lining of the colon protected against illness, death, tissue damage and infection recurrence.
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NewsExposing a hidden anchor for HIV replication
Scientists investigating HIV have revealed a previously unknown role for the viral protein integrase, which helps HIV insert itself into human DNA. A new study provides the first direct evidence that integrase plays a critical structural role earlier on in HIV’s life cycle — when the virus matures into an infectious force.
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NewsGlobal scientific paper establishes first consensus definition of gut health
A global group of 13 scientists and clinicians is helping establish clarity by publishing a consensus definition of gut health. They define gut health as “a state of normal gastrointestinal function without active gastrointestinal disease and gut-related symptoms that affect quality of life.”