All articles by Linda Stewart – Page 13
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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.”
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NewsAntimicrobial resistance in foodborne bacteria remains a public health concern in Europe
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in common foodborne bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter continues to be a public health concern across Europe, according to a new joint report from EFSA and ECDC.
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NewsComplexity key to preventing infection after heart surgery
Research indicates that uniform materials could be the culprit behind deadly infections that can occur when using synthetic materials for cardiovascular grafts.
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NewsLower tillage boosts the soil’s natural phosphorus cycle - cutting the need for costly fertilizer inputs
Long-term tillage reduction helps to restore the soil’s natural phosphorus cycle, supporting more sustainable nutrient management with less reliance on costly and finite fertilizer inputs, according to a new study published in Sustainable Microbiology.
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NewsMacrophage immune cells need constant reminders to retain memories of prior infections
Researchers have discovered that immune cells known as macrophages remain poised to fight repeat infections due to the persistent presence of signaling molecules left behind during previous infections.
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NewsPower grids to epidemics: study shows small patterns trigger systemic failures
Why do some systems collapse suddenly after what seems like a minor disturbance? In nature, a local disease outbreak can quickly escalate into an epidemic. New research suggests that in many cases, the key isn’t the entire system – but its smallest building blocks.
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NewsBooster jabs reduce the risks of COVID-19 deaths, study finds
Booster vaccines reduced the risk of COVID‑19–related hospitalisation and death, according to a new study of over 3 million adults who had the autumn 2022 vaccine in England.
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NewsCOVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy may help prevent preeclampsia
A new multinational study has found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, particularly when combined with a booster dose, significantly reduces the risk of preeclampsia, a serious and potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication.
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NewsDebilitating virus can spread in cool weather, increasing health risk in Europe
Chikungunya virus, a debilitating tropical disease caused by infected mosquito bites, poses a greater health threat in Europe than previously thought because it can be spread when air temperatures are as low as 13 degrees Celsius.
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NewsMicrobes harvest metals from meteorites aboard space station
Microorganisms can harvest crucial minerals from rocks and could provide a sustainable alternative to transporting much-needed resources from Earth. Researchers have studied how those microorganisms extract platinum group elements from a meteorite in microgravity, with an experiment conducted aboard the International Space Station.
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NewsHow bacteria may promote breast cancer
Researchers have discovered how certain pathogenic bacteria in gut and breast tissue can promote breast cancer development and progression by hijacking a key metabolic enzyme known as spermine oxidase (SMOX).
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NewsScientists develop first-of-its-kind antibody to block Epstein Barr virus
Using mice with human antibody genes, scientists have developed new genetically human monoclonal antibodies that prevent two key antigens on the surface of the Epstein Barr virus (EBV) from binding to and entering human immune cells.
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NewsStrategic changes in water treatment could prevent disease outbreaks
A breakthrough new study shows how strategic changes in water treatment effectively treated a deadly outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease. For the first time, the study provides evidence of an outbreak being stopped by introducing disinfection to previously untreated groundwater.