The Living Dead
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NewsNew breakthrough uncovers how to kill ‘zombie’ TB cells resistant to antibiotics
Researchers exposed a library of over 500,000 genetically modified tuberculosis bacteria to two commonly used antibiotics. By analysing the survivors, they pinpointed genes whose disruption significantly reduced the number of surviving persisters.
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NewsNew fungal species named in honour of Sir David Attenborough making zombies of cave spiders
A study to investigate the identity of a fungus found on a spider during filming of the BBC Winterwatch series in Northern Ireland has confirmed it as a novel species that manipulates its host by compelling it to migrate and die in exposed situations.
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NewsSea zombies: Viruses keep the most common marine bacteria in check
The ocean waters surrounding the German island of Helgoland provide an ideal setting to study spring algae blooms, a focus of research at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology since 2009. Source: Jan Brüwer/Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology Sunset over the island of Helgoland in ...
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NewsTeen acne treatment can have knock-on impact on gut microbiome and maturing skeleton
Long-term use of systemic antibiotics to treat adolescent acne can perturb the gut microbiome, leading to altered profiles of circulating bile acids that reduce osteoblast function and bone mass accrual, researchers show.
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NewsCytoskeleton septins act as cell defence to block bacteria incursion
Researchers have identified a previously unknown, natural, defense mechanism that protects cells from Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, as revealed in a study published in Cell Reports.
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NewsDeadly bacteria show thirst for human blood
Some of the world’s deadliest bacteria seek out and feed on human blood, a newly-discovered phenomenon researchers are calling “bacterial vampirism”.
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NewsWorld’s oldest cheese found with ancient mummies reveals origins of kefir
For the first time, scientists have successfully extracted and analyzed DNA from ancient cheese samples found alongside the Tarim Basin mummies in China, dating back approximately 3,600 years, suggesting a new origin for kefir cheese.
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FeaturesShining a light on microbes from the past with molecular paleomicrobiology
Is there a way to objectively address the history of microorganisms?
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CareersUncovering the secrets of the mummy
To his great surprise, microbiologist Frank Maixner found himself turning his scientific skills to mummy research. He reveals what the latest techniques are revealing about ancient humans, the history of malaria and the Medici family.
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NewsPuppeteer fungus directs ‘summiting’ of zombie flies
Scientists have uncovered the molecular and cellular underpinnings behind the ability of the parasitic fungus Entomophthora muscae’s ability to manipulate the behaviour of fruit flies.
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NewsMalaria pathogen found in mummified soft tissue in Medici tomb
The pathogen of the deadliest form of the disease has been identified in mummified soft tissue belonging to members of the Florentine dynasty.