All articles by Linda Stewart – Page 4
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NewsFungi–biochar partnership boosts soil health and crop growth under cadmium stress
A study reports that combining arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) with biochar can reshape soil microbiomes, reduce cadmium uptake, and dramatically improve plant growth, offering a sustainable strategy for restoring farmland contaminated with heavy metals.
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NewsRoutine Helicobacter pylori screening does not significantly reduce upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients after a heart attack
Routine Helicobacter pylori screening did not significantly reduce the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients hospitalised for myocardial infarction (MI), according to new research.
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NewsConnection among gut fungi, genetics and disease risk in humans identified
A novel genome-wide association study sheds light on the human genetic determinants of the fungal component of the human microbiome and their relation to chronic disease.
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NewsHeme-based sulfide sensing in bacteria: a new target for antibiotics
Heme binding to a bacterial transcription factor is critical for hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) signaling, a new study reveals. Heme binding promotes the reaction of H₂S with the transcription factor, leading to structural changes that can regulate stress tolerance in bacteria.
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NewsFighting extinction, coral reefs show signs of adapting to warming seas
By studying how six months of elevated ocean temperatures would affect a species of coral from the northern Red Sea, scientists found that although these organisms can certainly survive in conditions that mimic future warming trends, they don’t thrive.
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NewsGame-changing biotech for engineering pathogen-resistant crops
Researchers have identified an ancient protein that has the potential to help defend plants against tens of thousands of different bacteria and other pathogens. Dubbed “SCORE”, this receptor detects cold-shock protein—variations of which are found in more than 85% of known bacteria, as well as fungi and insects.
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CareersMeet the Advisory Groups: Our Q&A with Karin Goodburn
The Microbiologist chats with AMI’s Food Security Advisory Group member Karin Goodburn, Director General of the Chilled Food Association in the UK.
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NewsBroccoli seeds can spread resistance to multiple fungicides
Researchers who screened commercial broccoli seeds for Alternaria brassicicola, a fungal pathogen, found that seeds can harbor A. brassicicola and can spread resistance to multiple fungicides. Based on the findings, the researchers developed a faster way for detecting and monitoring fungicide resistance.
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NewsGray seals perplex scientists with lack of response to flu infection
Something strange happens when two kinds of seals living in the waters around Cape Cod get infected with influenza – harbor seals get sick but gray seals don’t. This perplexing phenomenon led scientists to investigate if a difference in a piece of the immune system called cytokines could be responsible for this difference.
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NewsDesert soils emit greenhouse gases in minutes — even without live microbes
A groundbreaking study reveals that desert soils can emit powerful greenhouse gases within minutes of being wetted—even in the absence of microbial life. It challenges long-standing assumptions that soil microbes are solely responsible for post-rain “pulse emissions” of gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and nitric oxide (NO).
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NewsDNA analysis shows colorectal cancer has unique microbial fingerprint
Colorectal cancer is unique in having its own microbial ‘fingerprint’ – according to new research that could help doctors better understand how this cancer develops, how aggressive it might be, and even how a patient might respond to treatment.
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NewsBiodegradable PET alternative bioproduced at unprecedented levels
The PET-alternative PDCA is biodegradable and has superior physical properties. A team of bioengineers has engineered E. coli bacteria to produce the compound from glucose at unprecedented levels and without byproducts — and opened up a realm of possibilities for the future of bioengineering.
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NewsProtein discovery gives new hope for longer COVID protection
Scientists have discovered that the body’s immune system strongly reacts to an internal protein from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, which mutates less frequently than the surface-spike protein currently targeted by vaccines.
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NewsResearchers develop first-of-its-kind RNA tool to advance cancer and infectious disease research and treatment
Scientists have developed a powerful tool capable of scanning thousands of biological samples to detect transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) modifications — tiny chemical changes to RNA molecules that help control how cells grow, adapt to stress and respond to diseases such as cancer and antibiotic‑resistant infections.
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NewsAre probiotics worth the cost to prevent infection after a colon removal surgery?
A study found that taking an 8-strain probiotic daily may reduce the risk of pouchitis, a common inflammatory condition that occurs after colon removal surgery for ulcerative colitis, but the treatment may not be worth the cost depending on a patient’s likelihood of flare-ups.
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NewsNew papers reveal how gut-brain interactions shape eating behaviors
Researchers found that stress from life circumstances can disrupt the brain-gut-microbiome balance. This disruption may alter mood, decision-making, and hunger signals — increasing the likelihood of craving and consuming high-calorie foods.
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NewsPretreatment methods deploying microbes bring second-gen biofuels from oilcane closer to commercialization
In collaboration with other Bioenergy Research Centers (BRCs), researchers at the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) are developing industrially feasible techniques for second-generation biofuel production from oilcane, an oil-rich variety of sugarcane, to help meet our growing societal demand for fuels. Source: April Wendling/CABBI CABBI ...
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NewsAntibody-making cells reveal new function in response to flu infection
A study has uncovered a new function of the immune cells that are known for making antibodies. Researchers determined that, in response to flu infection, a specialized set of B cells produce a key signaling molecule that the immune system needs to develop a robust, long-term response to fight off infections.
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NewsInfectious disease modelling teams invited to strengthen global response to highly pathogenic avian influenza
An international modelling challenge is calling on experts across disciplines to help tackle one of Europe’s most pressing health threats: highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The initiative, which is now open for applications, seeks to improve outbreak modelling readiness and to foster international collaboration among researchers and decision makers.
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NewsStress-tolerant corals could help buy time for reefs in a warming world
New research demonstrates how corals that naturally thrive in extreme environments could be used in restoration efforts to protect vulnerable reef systems.