Latest news
One of Earth’s most abundant organisms is surprisingly fragile
A group of ocean bacteria long considered perfectly adapted to life in nutrient-poor waters may be more vulnerable to environmental change than scientists realized. The bacteria, known as SAR11, dominate surface seawater worldwide and can make up as much as 40% of marine bacterial cells.
Researchers uncover hidden toxin risks during nutrient-starved algal blooms
Researchers have shown that extended nutrient deprivation can significantly increase toxin content per cell in the benthic dinoflagellate Prorocentrum lima, even when cell numbers remain relatively stable. Toxin risk may increase quietly under nutrient-poor conditions without obvious bloom expansion.
New research finds crosstalk inside cells helps pathogens evade drugs
Biologists have uncovered a new mode of communication inside cells that helps bacterial pathogens learn how to evade drugs. Their findings describe how these mechanisms drive antimicrobial resistance in Listeria monocytogenes, the foodborne bacteria that causes listeriosis.
How bacteria in the mouth may offer new clues to cognitive dysfunction in people with schizophrenia
An association between oral microbiota and cognitive performance in schizophrenia has been reported by researchers. The study shows that lower oral microbial diversity is associated with poorer cognitive function, with specific predicted microbial metabolic pathways potentially linked to this relationship.
Natural sunscreen compounds show potential to support skin health and blood pressure
Researchers have discovered that natural ‘sunscreen’ compounds found in algae and cyanobacteria may also support skin and heart health.
Gut bacteria may tip the balance between feeding tumors and fueling immunity
A new study reveals how bacteria in the gut can help determine whether the amino acid asparagine from the diet will feed tumor growth or activate immune cells against the cancer.
One of Earth’s most abundant organisms is surprisingly fragile
A group of ocean bacteria long considered perfectly adapted to life in nutrient-poor waters may be more vulnerable to environmental change than scientists realized. The bacteria, known as SAR11, dominate surface seawater worldwide and can make up as much as 40% of marine bacterial cells.
Researchers uncover hidden toxin risks during nutrient-starved algal blooms
Researchers have shown that extended nutrient deprivation can significantly increase toxin content per cell in the benthic dinoflagellate Prorocentrum lima, even when cell numbers remain relatively stable. Toxin risk may increase quietly under nutrient-poor conditions without obvious bloom expansion.
New research finds crosstalk inside cells helps pathogens evade drugs
Biologists have uncovered a new mode of communication inside cells that helps bacterial pathogens learn how to evade drugs. Their findings describe how these mechanisms drive antimicrobial resistance in Listeria monocytogenes, the foodborne bacteria that causes listeriosis.
PIXL Max: Automated colony picker breaks records for speed and accuracy
With the latest innovation from the team at Singer Instruments, a new standard for speed and repeatability in microbial colony pickers has been achieved through the integration of cutting edge AI technologies.
NexaBiome accelerates development of novel diabetic foot treatment with Scottish Enterprise funding
UK biotechnology company NexaBiome Life Sciences Ltd has received continued funding from Scotland’s national economic development agency, Scottish Enterprise, to accelerate its breakthrough bacteriophage technology for the treatment of diabetic foot infections (DFIs).
UK Centre for Mould Safety launches national training academy
The UK Centre for Mould Safety (UKCMS) National Training Academy has today opened its doors to upskill and improve competence, consistency and safety across all industries that serve homes and buildings, in a drive to support public health outcomes.
From biocidal coatings to medicines: A nanocomposite sting for microorganisms
A surface capable of responding to chemical signals generated by microorganisms and automatically producing biocidal substances – a description of how the B-STING silica nanocomposite works. The new material acts as a nanofactory of reactive oxygen species, activating only when necessary.
Nasal vaccine combats bird flu infection in rodents
Researchers have developed an intranasal H5N1 vaccine that elicited strong immune responses when tested in hamsters and mice and prevented infections in exposed animals. The team also confirmed their vaccine remained effective regardless of prior flu exposure.
A rapid test using a mobile phone will be able to identify the most severe cases of imported malaria within minutes
A new malaria tool uses a mobile phone to combine rapid diagnostic tests with video analysis and is capable not only of detecting the infection in under six minutes but also of predicting which patients may develop severe forms of malaria.
Nipah virus outbreak: Risk of global threat is low, say experts
The Global Virus Network is monitoring reports of a Nipah virus outbreak in India and emphasizes that such cases, while very concerning and serious, are not unexpected or unprecedented.
£2.8 million research project to combat one of the world’s most urgent health threats
An ambitious new £2.8 million international programme will aim to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across East Africa. It will examine how environmental, social and economic factors influence the spread of drug-resistant infections in East African communities.
Institut Pasteur issues statement on U.S. administration’s attacks against biomedical research, global public health action and vaccination
For several months now, the current U.S. administration has consistently attacked and endeavored to weaken biomedical research and public health action in the United States and worldwide with unparalleled vigor, the Institut Pasteur has said in a new statement.