Latest news
‘Raman barcodes’ can distinguish 20 SARS-CoV-2 variants
Viruses may carry a molecular ‘barcode’ hidden not just in their genetic sequence, but in the way their RNA folds and vibrates. Researchers have used Raman spectroscopy to distinguish 20 SARS-CoV-2 variants and subvariants, pointing towards a potentially faster way to screen emerging viral strains.
Scientists ‘crank up’ cells’ natural defence against viruses
Researchers have found a way to amplify one of the body’s natural antiviral defence pathways, making cells significantly more resistant to infection. By boosting signalling through the protein ISG15, the approach could lead to host-directed treatments that remain effective even as viruses mutate.
Research to uncover hidden life cycle of bacteriophages
Some bacteriophages can quietly replicate inside bacteria for generations without killing their hosts, making these infections difficult to detect with standard methods. A new research project will investigate this hidden life cycle and explore whether understanding it could help scientists engineer more effective phage therapies against drug-resistant infections.
Advanced air purification fails to reduce surgical infections
Cleaner operating-room air may not be enough to prevent surgical infections. In a study of more than 110,000 procedures, advanced air-purification systems did not reduce infections, complications or deaths, suggesting hospitals may gain more by targeting direct contamination of surgical wounds.
Cranberry juice may be a boon for oral hygiene
Pure cranberry juice may do more than add a tart kick to the holiday table. In a small human study, it slowed dental plaque growth and reduced acid production, suggesting the fruit’s natural compounds could help protect tooth enamel.
Like humans, some primates become cautious of germs in the wake of a viral outbreak
Researchers found that macaque monkeys who had lived through a deadly disease outbreak became significantly more cautious about food that appeared contaminated, even though they did not know how the disease had spread. The findings suggest that pathogen-avoidance behavior can be shaped by experience, offering clues about the evolutionary roots of disgust.
Scientists ‘crank up’ cells’ natural defence against viruses
Researchers have found a way to amplify one of the body’s natural antiviral defence pathways, making cells significantly more resistant to infection. By boosting signalling through the protein ISG15, the approach could lead to host-directed treatments that remain effective even as viruses mutate.
Advanced air purification fails to reduce surgical infections
Cleaner operating-room air may not be enough to prevent surgical infections. In a study of more than 110,000 procedures, advanced air-purification systems did not reduce infections, complications or deaths, suggesting hospitals may gain more by targeting direct contamination of surgical wounds.
Cranberry juice may be a boon for oral hygiene
Pure cranberry juice may do more than add a tart kick to the holiday table. In a small human study, it slowed dental plaque growth and reduced acid production, suggesting the fruit’s natural compounds could help protect tooth enamel.
Perpetual Next signs agreement to accelerate the roll-out of standardized biomethanol plants
Perpetual Next have signed a License and Engineering Agreement with Air Liquide Engineering and Technologies for the supply of syngas-to-methanol technology for Perpetual Next’s first biomethanol facility, with an option to extend across other biomethanol sites.
AFYREN and Terrial renew their partnership for French-manufactured potash fertilizers
AFYREN and Terrial today announce the renewal of their strategic partnership with the signing of a new multi-year fertilizer supply contract, worth several tens of millions of euros This long-term contract strengthens both companies’ commitment to making French agriculture more sustainable and less dependent on international fertilizer markets.
Sharpening an essential tool for biotechnology
Scientists develop a database of validated guide RNAs to improve engineering of microbes for manufacturing applications.
Plasmonic coating on bacterial surfaces paves the way for rapid sepsis diagnosis
Researchers have developed a label-free surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) analysis technology that rapidly detects extremely low concentrations of viable bacteria by directly growing plasmonic metal nanostructures on and around bacterial cells.
New platform reveals broad viral exposure histories in pigs
Pigs can retain antibody traces of past viral encounters, yet conventional tests usually examine only a limited number of viruses at a time. Researchers have developed a platform that uses 36,416 short protein fragments from 140 swine-associated viruses to screen many antibody responses in parallel.
One-step rapid syphilis test detects infection earlier, researchers report
A new rapid test detects lower levels of the two types of antibodies the body makes to fight syphilis bacteria and respond to disease-related cell damage, potentially leading to earlier interventions and fewer appointments for patients.
Research to uncover hidden life cycle of bacteriophages
Some bacteriophages can quietly replicate inside bacteria for generations without killing their hosts, making these infections difficult to detect with standard methods. A new research project will investigate this hidden life cycle and explore whether understanding it could help scientists engineer more effective phage therapies against drug-resistant infections.
Can better gut health help patients with ovarian cancer tolerate chemotherapy?
A new clinical trial is testing whether probiotics can help patients with ovarian cancer better tolerate chemotherapy. The trial will look at whether probiotics can help reduce treatment side effects and improve quality of life. Researchers will also study how changes in the gut microbiome may be linked to treatment response.
U-M-led consortium to receive up to $52 million in NIH funding to study why viral respiratory infections affect children differently
A Michigan Medicine-led research consortium has secured approval for up to $52 million in federal funding to launch a multicenter study examining why some young children recover fully from viral lower respiratory tract infections while others develop severe illness or lasting problems such as asthma.