All Research News articles – Page 29
-
NewsConnection among gut fungi, genetics and disease risk in humans identified
A novel genome-wide association study sheds light on the human genetic determinants of the fungal component of the human microbiome and their relation to chronic disease.
-
NewsHeme-based sulfide sensing in bacteria: a new target for antibiotics
Heme binding to a bacterial transcription factor is critical for hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) signaling, a new study reveals. Heme binding promotes the reaction of H₂S with the transcription factor, leading to structural changes that can regulate stress tolerance in bacteria.
-
NewsFighting extinction, coral reefs show signs of adapting to warming seas
By studying how six months of elevated ocean temperatures would affect a species of coral from the northern Red Sea, scientists found that although these organisms can certainly survive in conditions that mimic future warming trends, they don’t thrive.
-
NewsGame-changing biotech for engineering pathogen-resistant crops
Researchers have identified an ancient protein that has the potential to help defend plants against tens of thousands of different bacteria and other pathogens. Dubbed “SCORE”, this receptor detects cold-shock protein—variations of which are found in more than 85% of known bacteria, as well as fungi and insects.
-
NewsBroccoli seeds can spread resistance to multiple fungicides
Researchers who screened commercial broccoli seeds for Alternaria brassicicola, a fungal pathogen, found that seeds can harbor A. brassicicola and can spread resistance to multiple fungicides. Based on the findings, the researchers developed a faster way for detecting and monitoring fungicide resistance.
-
NewsGray seals perplex scientists with lack of response to flu infection
Something strange happens when two kinds of seals living in the waters around Cape Cod get infected with influenza – harbor seals get sick but gray seals don’t. This perplexing phenomenon led scientists to investigate if a difference in a piece of the immune system called cytokines could be responsible for this difference.
-
NewsDesert soils emit greenhouse gases in minutes — even without live microbes
A groundbreaking study reveals that desert soils can emit powerful greenhouse gases within minutes of being wetted—even in the absence of microbial life. It challenges long-standing assumptions that soil microbes are solely responsible for post-rain “pulse emissions” of gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and nitric oxide (NO).
-
NewsDNA analysis shows colorectal cancer has unique microbial fingerprint
Colorectal cancer is unique in having its own microbial ‘fingerprint’ – according to new research that could help doctors better understand how this cancer develops, how aggressive it might be, and even how a patient might respond to treatment.
-
NewsAre probiotics worth the cost to prevent infection after a colon removal surgery?
A study found that taking an 8-strain probiotic daily may reduce the risk of pouchitis, a common inflammatory condition that occurs after colon removal surgery for ulcerative colitis, but the treatment may not be worth the cost depending on a patient’s likelihood of flare-ups.
-
NewsNew papers reveal how gut-brain interactions shape eating behaviors
Researchers found that stress from life circumstances can disrupt the brain-gut-microbiome balance. This disruption may alter mood, decision-making, and hunger signals — increasing the likelihood of craving and consuming high-calorie foods.
-
NewsPretreatment methods deploying microbes bring second-gen biofuels from oilcane closer to commercialization
In collaboration with other Bioenergy Research Centers (BRCs), researchers at the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) are developing industrially feasible techniques for second-generation biofuel production from oilcane, an oil-rich variety of sugarcane, to help meet our growing societal demand for fuels. Source: April Wendling/CABBI CABBI ...
-
NewsAntibody-making cells reveal new function in response to flu infection
A study has uncovered a new function of the immune cells that are known for making antibodies. Researchers determined that, in response to flu infection, a specialized set of B cells produce a key signaling molecule that the immune system needs to develop a robust, long-term response to fight off infections.
-
NewsStress-tolerant corals could help buy time for reefs in a warming world
New research demonstrates how corals that naturally thrive in extreme environments could be used in restoration efforts to protect vulnerable reef systems.
-
NewsReview explores critical role of microbiome in cancer development and treatment
The human microbiome plays a pivotal role in cancer initiation, progression, and treatment response, according to a major review article published in the open-access journal iMeta. The study, led by an international team of researchers, details how bacteria, viruses, and fungi interact with tumors and the immune system to either promote or inhibit cancer growth.
-
NewsOne dose of antibiotic treats early syphilis as well as three doses
Researchers have found that a single injection of the antibiotic benzathine penicillin G (BPG) successfully treated early syphilis just as well as the three-injection regimen used by many clinicians. These findings from a late-stage clinical trial suggest the second and third doses of conventional BPG therapy do not provide a health benefit.
-
NewsThe cling of doom: How staph bacteria latch onto human skin
Scientists have discovered the strongest natural protein bond ever recorded, explaining how Staphylococcus aureus clings so tightly to human skin and pointing to new ways to fight antibiotic resistance.
-
NewsBacteria that ‘shine a light’ on microplastic pollution
Researchers have developed a living sensor that attaches to plastic and produces green fluorescence. In an initial test on real-world water samples, the biosensor could easily detect environmentally relevant levels of microplastics.
-
NewsBacteria rewire digestive systems to turn plant waste into power
A new study shows that Pseudomonas putida, a common soil bacterium, completely reorganizes its metabolism to thrive on complex carbons from lignin. By slowing down some metabolic pathways while accelerating others, the bacterium manages to extract energy from lignin without exhausting itself.
-
NewsClinical study shows that nasal spray containing azelastine reduces risk of coronavirus infection by two-thirds
In addition to showing a marked reduction in coronavirus infections, the azelastine group also displayed fewer symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections, a lower overall number of confirmed respiratory infections, and, unexpectedly, a reduced incidence of rhinovirus infections, another major cause of respiratory illness.
-
NewsStudy suggests link between hepatitis B immunity and lower risk of developing diabetes
A research study shows that overall HBV immunity is linked with a 15% lower risk of diabetes, with higher protection in younger people and those with higher immunity shown by higher antibody levels.