Latest news
New method reveals how virus particles can build themselves, molecule by molecule
Researchers have captured the step-by-step assembly of individual virus-like particles, revealing how simple molecular interactions can reliably build these complex biological structures. The process works rather like finding a route through a maze in which only the productive turns lock into place.
Your gut makes a molecule that fights a leading cause of food poisoning
Researchers have discovered that a molecule called indole can inhibit the growth of Campylobacter jejuni, a leading cause of food poisoning worldwide. Their study builds on years of research aimed at understanding how C. jejuni manages to thrive in the gut and cause disease.
Deleting yeast DNA to save lives
People with weakened immune systems and some other conditions can experience an overgrowth of Candida yeasts, leading to a type of infection known as candidiasis. It might be possible to save these patients by using CRISPR to delete the very genes that let infectious Candida resist treatment - but which genes are responsible?
How a pathogen turns flowers into leaves
Scientists have found how a protein produced by bacteria disrupts the mechanism that controls flower development in plants, turning reproductive organs into leaf-like structures. These findings shed light on a plant disease that is expected to spread as climate change expands the range of its insect vectors in northern latitudes.
Was Nîmes depopulated by the Plague of Cyprian?
Analyses of the carbonate deposits in the aqueduct featuring the famous Pont du Gard shed light on the water supply of the ancient city of Nîmes - and support the theory that the city was depopulated by the plague.
Gut microbiome features predict devastating disease affecting preemies
In a discovery that challenges long-standing assumptions about necrotizing enterocolitis, researchers have identified previously unknown predictors for the disease. They found that bacteria-infecting viruses and bacterial antibiotic resistance genes in the gut microbiomes of babies are additional harbingers of necrotizing enterocolitis.
New method reveals how virus particles can build themselves, molecule by molecule
Researchers have captured the step-by-step assembly of individual virus-like particles, revealing how simple molecular interactions can reliably build these complex biological structures. The process works rather like finding a route through a maze in which only the productive turns lock into place.
How a pathogen turns flowers into leaves
Scientists have found how a protein produced by bacteria disrupts the mechanism that controls flower development in plants, turning reproductive organs into leaf-like structures. These findings shed light on a plant disease that is expected to spread as climate change expands the range of its insect vectors in northern latitudes.
Was Nîmes depopulated by the Plague of Cyprian?
Analyses of the carbonate deposits in the aqueduct featuring the famous Pont du Gard shed light on the water supply of the ancient city of Nîmes - and support the theory that the city was depopulated by the plague.
Sharpening an essential tool for biotechnology
Scientists develop a database of validated guide RNAs to improve engineering of microbes for manufacturing applications.
Green hydrogen production and storage using alcohols, iron, and baker’s yeast
A new recyclable system uses baker’s yeast to store H₂ in organic molecules and iron ions to release it when needed - offering a promising route toward more sustainable hydrogen production and storage.
Creating yeast strains that aren’t picky eaters
Scientists have engineered yeasts that can simultaneously use different sugars in biomass crops.
Multiplexed saliva-based immunodiagnostics for assessing anti-flavivirus immunity
Researchers have unveiled a saliva-based assay that rapidly, accurately, and noninvasively assesses flavivirus immunity by measuring multiple antibody classes in saliva.
Intermediate nitrification/denitrification bioreactor closes a gap
Researchers present a method for nitrification and denitrification of septic effluent comprising an intermediate nitrification/denitrification bioreactor which builds on concepts currently used in the design of full‑scale wastewater treatment plants.
Engineering bacterial surfaces with glucan nanofilms creates a potent vaccine platform against invasive fungal infections
A research team has developed a synthetic bacterium-based vaccine platform that uses engineered bacterial surfaces to assemble glucan nanofilms for enhanced antifungal immunity against pathogens such as Candida albicans.
Deleting yeast DNA to save lives
People with weakened immune systems and some other conditions can experience an overgrowth of Candida yeasts, leading to a type of infection known as candidiasis. It might be possible to save these patients by using CRISPR to delete the very genes that let infectious Candida resist treatment - but which genes are responsible?
Major investment to unlock the potential of protist research
A new collaboration will tackle major technical challenges currently limiting protist genomics, helping to unlock the potential of protist research for biomanufacturing, sustainable agriculture and environmental applications.
What low vaccination rates in the US could mean for flu season 2026
Experts reveal what to expect this flu season, when to get the flu shot, how to recognize flu symptoms, how to treat it, and what the newly approved mRNA flu vaccine means for the public.