All articles by Linda Stewart – Page 4
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News Natural dye produced by Amazonian fungus can be used in cosmetics
A red extract made from Talaromyces amestolkiae was tested in the bases of potential products, including face cream, shampoo, and gel sticks, for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
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NewsPig farm ammonia pollution may indirectly accelerate climate warming, new study finds
A new study shows that ammonia released from intensive livestock farms can significantly increase nearby soil emissions of nitrous oxide, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change and ozone depletion.
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NewsStudy reveals how gut bacteria and diet can reprogram fat to burn more energy
A new study shows that a low‑protein diet activates a precise set of gut microbes that send chemical signals throughout the body, prompting fat tissue to burn energy instead of storing it. The findings uncover a previously unknown biological pathway linking diet, the gut microbiome and metabolic health.
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NewsScientists identify more effective way to detect poultry viruses in live markets
Scientists have found that viruses circulating in live poultry markets can be detected more effectively by sampling the surrounding environment than by testing individual birds. The study shows that environmental sampling can uncover a broader range of poultry viruses.
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NewsNitrous oxide, a product of fertilizer use, may harm some soil bacteria
While some nitrous oxide is produced naturally at the plant root, agricultural practices can increase its levels. While it has long been believed that nitrous oxide doesn’t meaningfully interact with living organisms, a new paper shows that it may in fact shape microbial communities.
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NewsStudy warns of underrecognized Lassa Fever threat with global implications
A new study shows an urgent need for improved detection and treatment of Lassa fever. The study in Liberia found a high prevalence of Lassa fever among febrile admissions: 11% of patients with fever had Lassa fever despite not being suspected clinically.
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NewsModified biochar helps compost retain nitrogen and build richer soil organic matter
A new study reports that specially engineered biochar can significantly improve compost quality by reducing nitrogen loss and accelerating the formation of stable humic substances. The findings offer a promising strategy for transforming organic waste into more effective fertilizers while lowering environmental emissions. Composting plays a critical ...
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NewsFrom gut to lung: A microbial signal that strengthens early immune defense
Researchers report that a gut microbiota–derived metabolite can directly shape immune responses in bacterial pneumonia. Using a Klebsiella pneumoniae infection model, the team demonstrated that butyric acid restores the function of CX3CR1-positive natural killer cells.
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NewsHow periodontitis-linked bacteria accelerate osteoporosis-like bone loss through the gut
Researchers reveal that salivary bacteria from gum disease alter gut metabolism, driving osteoclast activity and systemic bone loss. They analyzed salivary microbiota from individuals with advanced periodontitis and compared them with samples from periodontally healthy donors.
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NewsGut microbiome connected with heart disease precursor
Before the onset of cardiovascular disease symptoms, people often develop dyslipidemia, or abnormal levels of lipids in the blood. Microbiologists have identified microbial taxa more likely to be found in people with dyslipidemia than in people with healthy levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.
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NewsAntibacterial coatings with short-term effect may fail over longer periods of time
Researchers have shown that antibacterial coatings which initially appear highly effective at destroying bacteria may lose their performance over time. Therefore, long-term testing is essential for developing the best antibacterial materials.
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NewsTargeting the gut–lung microbiome to reduce infections in severe pancreatitis
Researchers report new clinical evidence that a fungal probiotic may reduce hospital-acquired infections in patients with severe acute pancreatitis. Patients receiving Saccharomyces boulardii alongside standard enteral nutrition experienced significantly fewer infections than those receiving nutrition alone.
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NewsResearchers identify ‘neuroimmune signature’ that can predict viral hepatitis complications
A network of genes linked to the nervous and immune systems can predict cancer risk and even explain symptoms such as fatigue and depression resulting from viral hepatitis infection.
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NewsScientists develop shape-shifting scaffold that fights infection and rebuilds bone
Scientists have developed a body-temperature–responsive, 3D-printed shape-memory scaffold coated with a metal–polyphenol network to treat infectious bone defects. It is designed to adapt to irregular bone defects while providing antibacterial activity, immune regulation, and osteogenic support.
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News Thermo Fisher Scientific launches new color-based culture media to help detect Candida infections faster
Thermo Fisher Scientific today announced the launch of Thermo Scientific™ Brilliance™ Candida 2 Agar and Spectra™ Candida Agar, new color-based (chromogenic) culture media to help laboratories quickly detect and differentiate clinically important Candida species.
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NewsBacteria found in mouth and gut may help protect against severe peanut allergic reactions
One of the big mysteries in food allergy is why two people with similar levels of peanut specific antibodies can react so differently. A new study shows for the first time how gut bacteria break down parts of an allergenic food and influence how a person reacts to peanuts.
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NewsGrowing buildings in space: researchers test fungi as construction material for moon, Mars
A NASA-funded project will investigate whether certain fungi can be combined with regolith — loose rock and soil found on the surface of the moon and other planets — to create materials that could one day support construction in places other than Earth.
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NewsStudy finds natural fungal supplement improves COVID-19 vaccine response
Researchers have found that a natural fungal supplement taken at the time of COVID-19 vaccination reduced short-term vaccine side effects and helped antibodies last longer in people who had not previously been exposed to the virus.
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NewsProlonged drought linked to instability in key nitrogen-cycling microbes in Connecticut salt marsh
A prolonged drought in southeastern Connecticut reduced the stability of microorganisms responsible for a critical step in the nitrogen cycle in a coastal salt marsh, according to new research.
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NewsNew tool reveals the secrets of HIV-infected cells
Scientists have developed a novel tool—named HIV-seq—for profiling the features of rare HIV-infected cells from people with HIV. Using the new tool, they’ve found key differences in people’s HIV-infected cells before versus after starting antiretroviral therapy.