All Microbial Genetics articles
-
News Ribosome profiling identifies thousands of new viral protein-coding sequences
With the help of a technique called Massively Parallel Ribosome Profiling (MPRP), scientists have identified more than 4000 open reading frames (ORFs) across 679 human-associated viral genomes.
-
NewsScientist awarded $500,000 Gruber Genetics Prize for pioneering discoveries in bacterial immune systems
The 2025 Gruber Genetics Prize is being awarded to geneticist and molecular biologist Rotem Sorek, Ph.D., of the Weizmann Institute of Science, for his discoveries in the immune system of bacteria.
-
NewsWily parasite kills human cells and wears their remains as disguise
The single-celled parasite Entamoeba histolytica gains resistance to the human immune system by ingesting proteins from the outer membranes of human cells and placing them on its own outer surface, a new study finds.
-
NewsBacteria: Recording gene activity more efficiently
Researchers have presented a step-by-step protocol for creating single bacterial transcriptomes with MATQ-seq. The protocol also includes the experimental and computer-aided analysis of the data.
-
NewsDesigner microbe shows promise for reducing mercury absorption from seafood
Scientists who inserted DNA-encoding methylmercury detoxification enzymes into the genome of an abundant human gut bacterium found it detoxified methylmercury in the gut of mice and dramatically reduced the amount that reached other tissues.
-
NewsBacteria deployed as living test tubes to study human gene mutations
Bioengineers have developed a new simple approach to rapidly check on human gene changes and also screen chemicals as potential drugs by turning everyday bacteria into living test tubes.
-
NewsScientists repurpose gene editing tool to help uncover hidden microbial diversity
Pioneering research has repurposed a gene editing tool to help shed light on the true biodiversity present in natural environments. The study could help pave the way for more productive soils and improved health.
-
NewsNo more copy-pasting: DNA base editing for better Lactobacillus strains
Scientists were able to edit the DNA of Lactobacillus strains directly without a template from other organisms. This technique is indistinguishable from natural variation and enabled them to create a strain that doesn’t produce diabetes-aggravating chemicals.
-
NewsResearchers discover large dormant virus can be reactivated in model green alga
Scientists have not only found a virus in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii but discovered the largest one ever recorded with a latent infection cycle, meaning it goes dormant in the host before being reactivated to cause disease.
-
NewsBreakthrough gene therapy offers hope for rare, deadly heart disease in young men
Researchers have designed a gene-therapy strategy that could transform the treatment of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy type 5 (ARVC5), a rare and deadly heritable disease that particularly affects young men.
-
NewsAntimicrobial resistance is a side effect of bacterial clockwork mechanism
Could a gene regulatory network in gut microbes have evolved its elaborate and tightly regulated molecular machinery only to pump out antibiotics indiscriminately? Researchers have shown that this is an auxiliary function.
-
NewsResearchers design genetic tools to develop vaccines more efficiently for African swine fever virus (ASFV)
A synthetic genomic-based reverse genetics tool has been developed for African swine fever virus (ASFV) that helps vaccine development to reduce the economic losses. The system may also be adapted to other emerging viral threats.
-
NewsCanada is slowest in reporting bird flu – but COVID shows we can do better
A global study was conducted to measure the reporting speed of pandemic-causing bird flu H5N1 in different countries, among which Canada surprisingly came in last, addressing the need for improvements in the current monitoring procedures.
-
NewsEvaluating DNA impurities in recombinant adeno-associated virus
A new study indicates that DNA impurities derived from plasmid and host cell DNA are encapsulated into recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) capsids as single-stranded DNA.
-
NewsGreen recipe: Engineered yeast boosts D-lactic acid production
An optimal combination of genetic “recipe” in a yeast strain achieves high yields of D-lactic acid production from methanol, advancing eco-friendly and sustainable biomanufacturing.
-
NewsUpdated guidelines for pediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection
In light of the rise in antibiotic resistance, new guidelines are released with detailed recommendations of diagnosis and treatment strategies for pediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP), along with the means to manage severe complications.
-
NewsHidden threat: The evolving fungus that spreads through cats and humans
Researchers have developed a better understanding about the molecular basis of the Sporothrix species in virulence and evolution, amid the largest sporotrichosis epidemic in Brazil. The identification of the genetic markers helps to enhance fungal surveillance and strengthen disease control.
-
NewsResearchers discover Achilles heel of Lyme disease pathogen
Researchers discovered and investigated an unique enzyme used in the pathway specific to Borrelia burgdorferi, the parasite that causes Lyme disease. The enzyme serves as the ideal genus-specific target for therapeutic intervention.
-
NewsRice research team creates universal RNA barcoding system for tracking gene transfer in bacteria
An interdisciplinary group of researchers at Rice University has developed an innovative RNA “barcoding” method to track gene transfer in microbial communities, providing new insights into how genes move across species.
-
NewsNew ‘shy’ fungus found in old-growth forest
Although fungi of the genus Piloderma are common, scientists have now discovered five previously unknown species. One of these is one of the most widely distributed species in Northern Europe, while another is found only in old-growth forests.