All Research News articles
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NewsMeasles immunity 90% in BC’s Lower Mainland
In British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, 90% of people have detectable antibodies against measles, indicating high vaccine coverage and population protection, according to a new study.
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NewsTwo-dose recombinant shingles vaccine is effective even accounting for prior receipt of live shingles vaccine
A target trial emulation was conducted to assess the effectiveness of recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) accounting for prior receipt of live zoster vaccine (ZVL) and immunocompetence. The results suggest individuals vaccinated with ZVL should be revaccinated with two doses of RZV.
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NewsToxoplasmosis: how the pathogen exploits its own envelope
Researchers have developed a novel imaging technique that allows reliable visualization of the process of endocytosis in Toxoplasma for the first time. The material enters the pathogen through a micropore in its cell membrane.
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NewsSped-up evolution may help bacteria take hold in gut microbiome
A genetic mechanism inserts mutations into key DNA hotspots that enable bacteria to adapt to new environments, a new study finds.
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NewsScientists develop safer and more sustainable antimicrobials to prevent infection of cow udders
A new study has unveiled an alternative class of potent antimicrobial compounds that could be used in the agriculture industry to combat multi-drug-resistant bacteria that cause bovine mastitis.
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NewsExpanding the genetic toolkit: nitrogen-response promoters developed for Bacillus licheniformis
Promoters are crucial expression elements in synthetic biology, and Bacillus licheniformis serves as an excellent chassis cell for industrial production, but is restricted by a lack of nitrogen source-responsive promoters.
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NewsMolecular bodyguard helps infections persist
Researchers have identified a key molecular player that helps bacteria survive the hostile environment inside the body. Their study reveals how the protein RfaH acts as a protective shield for bacterial genes — and points to new strategies for fighting persistent infections.
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NewsEarth’s oxygen boom: a fresh perspective for a billion-year-old problem
A new study examines nickel and urea in early microbial habitats, showing how ancient cyanobacteria adapted to their chemical surroundings. By recreating Archean conditions in the lab, researchers uncovered clues about the delicate balances that shaped early cyanobacterial life.
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NewsHow microbial strain variations influence neurobehavior
Microbial single nucleotide variations influence host cognitive behavior by regulating metabolism, a new study of merino sheep reveals.
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NewsStudy finds HEPA purifiers alone may not be enough to reduce viral exposure in schools
In a secondary analysis of a study of 200 classrooms, researchers found respiratory viral exposures were still high in those with HEPA purifiers, suggesting additional interventions are needed.
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NewsPoultry growers: Have you checked your water lines lately?
Water quality could impact the kind of microbial populations in poultry drinking water lines and lead to the buildup of a biofilm that can harbor pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella, according to a new study.
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NewsProtein condensates determine a cell’s fate, yeast study reveals
To ensure they have all the information they need, molecules from throughout a cell gather and form aggregates that can have different consistencies: regions called “condensates”. Researchers have discovered how condensates contribute to cellular information exchange in yeast cells.
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NewsResearchers uncover hidden plant–microbe strategy that boosts crop growth under nutrient stress
Scientists discovered that when soil microbes compete with each other in the rhizosphere, they release a well-known compound called glutathione. This compound enhances plant growth under sulphur-deficient conditions.
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NewsBiochar and plants join forces to clean up polluted soils and boost ecosystem recovery
A review explores how combining biochar with rhizoremediation, a nature-based process that uses plant roots and beneficial microbes to break down pollutants, can greatly enhance soil restoration. Biochar acts as both a catalyst and a habitat for microbes.
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NewsInspection confirmed mould damage in schools does not increase students’ risk of developing asthma
A recent study found that mould damage in school buildings does not increase the risk of asthma among students. The study included 110 Finnish primary and secondary schools, and the health of 30,000 students was tracked using national health registers over a 16-year period.
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NewsMore than a feeling: Could a healthier gut improve mental health?
A new review finds strong causal evidence that gut microbes can change brain chemistry, stress responses and behaviours in animal models; and evidence that probiotics, diet changes, and faecal microbiota transplants improve mood and anxiety.
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NewsNew global burden of disease study: Mortality declines, youth deaths rise, widening health inequities
The world faces an emerging crisis of higher death rates in adolescents and young adults in North America and Latin America due to suicide and drug and alcohol consumption, and in sub-Saharan Africa due to infectious diseases and unintentional injuries.
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NewsParasite paparazzi take millions of photos of secret malaria proteins
Using millions of microscope images magnified up to 130,000 times, researchers have unraveled the structure of two key proteins in the malaria parasite. With this knowledge, scientists are developing new vaccines that block the transmission of parasites via mosquitoes.
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NewsSlime mold metabolites are a promising, eco-friendly repellent of root-knot nematodes
A team of researchers has discovered 14 compounds secreted by slime molds that repel root-knot nematodes (RKNs) - worm-like parasites of the genus Meloidogyne - and could be the source of new, non-toxic anti-RKN pesticides.
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NewsRare bacterium ‘plays dead’ to evade detection in NASA clean rooms
A rare novel bacterium found in an unexpected environment may be evading detection by “playing dead”. Discovered in NASA spacecraft assembly clean rooms, Tersicoccus phoenicis could have major implications for planetary protection and clean room sterilization practices.