Research – Page 14
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NewsNovel enzyme found in gut bacteria could revolutionize prebiotic research
Researchers have discovered a new β-galactosidase enzyme in a human gut bacterium that breaks down and synthesizes previously unexplored glycans, which have prebiotic capabilities to improve gut health.
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NewsDermatophytes adaptation to the human host exemplified by Microsporum canis
Through comparative genomic analyses, researchers investigated the evolutionary mechanisms that underpin gene expansions to enable dermatophytes, such as Microsporum canis to transition from animal to human hosts.
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NewsGreat whale pee funnel carries nutrients thousands of miles, boosting phytoplanktons
A new study shows that whales carry huge quantities of nutrients horizontally, across whole ocean basins, from rich, cold waters where they feed to warm shores near the equator where they mate and give birth.
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NewsBacteria and minerals work together to detoxify arsenic in contaminated soils
New research shows that the interaction between arsenic-oxidizing bacteria and goethite, a common Fe mineral, significantly accelerates the conversion of arsenic from its highly toxic form, arsenite [As(III)], into the less harmful arsenate [As(V)].
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NewsEarly-life gut microbes may protect against diabetes, research in mice suggests
A research discovered that the colonization of a fungus called <i>Candida dubliniensis</i> in the early life gut microbiome of mice, is able to promote growth of pancreatic beta cells in the presence of macrophages to restore blood insulin level and improve metabolic functions, thus reducing risks of type 1 diabetes.
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NewsPurified immunoglobulin F(ab′) 2 prevents lethal staphylococcal enterotoxin B intoxication in mice and rhesus monkeys
Purified F(ab′)2 fragments are an effective antidote to lethal SEB doses in mice and rhesus monkeys, and therefore might be a favorable candidate for treating patients with severe SEB intoxication, a new study suggests.
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NewsTranscription factor PoMbp1 promotes the growth of Pleurotus ostreatus by regulating polysaccharide utilisation
A study investigating the growth and development of Pleurotus ostreatus has found that PoMbp1 contains an APSES domain and localizes to the nucleus, indicating it belongs to the fungal-specific APSES transcription factors family.
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NewsAntimicrobial resistance in soil bacteria without the use of antibiotics
Overuse of antibiotics is currently the primary reason for the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), but researchers have shown that AMR can be found in soil bacterial communities due to microbial interactions too, driven by a species of predatory bacteria.
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NewssiRNA-AGO2 complex inhibits bacterial gene translation: a novel therapeutic strategy for superbug infection
Scientists have demonstrated that exosomes can serve as delivery vehicles to introduce AGO2-loaded siRNA into the cytoplasm of bacteria, and in turn down-regulated gene expression of the mRNA that shares sequence complementarity to the siRNA.
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NewsScietnists probe Rhytismataceae on twigs of Rhododendron
Following a study of fungal specimens collected from the twigs of Rhododendron species in China, three new genera were proposed and 21 species residing in 11 genera of Rhytismataceae were delimited, which include 18 new species and three new combinations.
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NewsEffects of electroacupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine on gut microbiota and metabolomics in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Studies have highlighted a link between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and gut microbiota. A prospective study aimed to evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine on gut microbiota and metabolomics in ALS patients.
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NewsNovel insights into Candida glabrata in pregnant women’s reproductive tracts in Hainan
A study of Candida glabrata in pregnant women with vaginal discomfort at Haikou Maternal and Child Health Hospital found that 64.5% of the 594 yeast isolates (383 isolates) showed resistance (R) or intermediate (I) phenotypes to at least one of four commonly used antifungals.
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NewsTen new species of Leucoagaricus and Leucocoprinus from Beijing
A systematic survey of large fungi in urban green spaces in Beijing collected 88 specimens of Leucoagaricus and Leucocoprinus for morphological and multi-gene phylogenetic analysis. It found that 10 represent new species.
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NewsFewer than half of parents think they have accurate information about bird flu
Most parents say they don’t know if there have been cases of bird flu in their state, and less than half feel that they are able to find accurate and current information about it, according to a new national US poll.
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NewsNew study links sleep debt and night shifts to increased infection risk among nurses
A new study examining the effects of sleep patterns and shift work on the immune system has found that sleep debt and night shifts increase the risk of several common infections in nurses.
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NewsBacterial ‘jumping genes’ can target and control chromosome ends
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism that transposons, or “jumping genes” use to survive and propagate in bacteria with linear DNA, with applications in biotechnology and drug development.
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NewsTB vaccine candidate provides ‘elite’ protection
A tuberculosis vaccine candidate under development shows complete protection and superior immune response in nonhuman primates compared to the existing BCG vaccine.
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NewsA 'Trojan Horse' approach to develop new antimalarial drugs
Researchers have discovered a key process whereby malarial parasites take up a human blood cell enzyme, which could provide a new approach for antimalarial treatment.
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NewsMethod detects signs of life in ancient rocks - such as Mars samples
A new instrument was successfully developed to detect microbial lifeforms in ancient Earth rocks analogous to those found on Mars rocks, as a biohazard precaution measure when Mars rock samples are brought to Earth.
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NewsDamaged but not defeated: Bacteria use nano-spearguns to retaliate against attacks
Scientists used state-of-the-art microscopy technology to mimic a nano-speargun, the type VII secretion system, used as a bacterial pinpoint counterattack tactic in response to cell envelope damage against rival bacteria.