One health
Communicable diseases remain one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. There are disparities in the numbers of individuals affected by disease between low-and-middle-income countries and those in developed nations. Microbes will play in important role in drug discovery: producing anticancer drugs and antimicrobials. Applying One Health principles, to understand the interaction of pathogens and the human host, development of diagnostics, treatments, and disease prevention, applied microbiologists can shape global health and wellbeing outcomes.
News
Data may reveal the hidden communication of pathogenic fungi
Researchers creating the first comprehensive fungal EV atlas will investigate vesicles produced by fungi belonging to the Candida, Aspergillus and Cryptococcus genera, while also working to standardise the methods used for their isolation and analysis.
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NewsWHO Member States continue negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing Annex
WHO Member States have advanced negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) annex, while agreeing that continued discussions are needed to finalize a framework that supports a faster, more effective and equitable response to future pandemics.
NewsHow bacteria sacrifice themselves to render antibiotics ineffective
Bacteria can defend themselves against antibiotics with the help of an enzyme released by dying cells, reveals a study that helps scientists understand the survival mechanisms of bacteria and to improve the effectiveness of antibiotics.
NewsNew approaches against fungal infections discovered
Researchers have used state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopy to decode the structure of a key fungal transporter - the UapA transporter of the model fungus Aspergillus nidulans.
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News
Cyanobacterial toxins can be inhaled
Research on Southwest Florida cyanobacterial blooms shows that the toxins they produce are aerosolized, potentially being inhaled by people far from contaminated water bodies.
News COVID-19 booster strategies provide lasting immunity
Smaller doses of COVID-19 booster vaccines can provide long-lasting immunity, helping to reduce costs and improve access to vaccination, according to research. The findings could also inform vaccine dosing and options during future pandemics.
NewsPartners launch development of a portable rapid diagnostic system for Ebola virus disease
Professor Yasutoshi Kido of the Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University (OMU), in collaboration with K.K. DNAFORM and the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is developing a portable rapid diagnostic system for Ebola virus disease (EVD) caused by Bundibugyo virus (BDBV). ...
NewsDrug-resistant gonorrhea on the rise in Europe, ECDC warns
An increasing number of European countries have detected gonococcal strains resistant to the antibiotic ceftriaxone, the first-line drug to treat gonorrhea infection.
NewsROS–Jak2/Stat3 signaling drives HBV-induced liver inflammation
Scientists investigated the mechanisms underlying HBV-induced liver inflammation and identified a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent signaling cascade that activates the Jak2/Stat3 pathway, thereby triggering hepatic inflammatory responses.
FeaturesAdvancing animal disease outbreak management in support of a One Health approach
Animal health is often overlooked, with global expenditure reaching just a fraction (around 0.4 percent) of total human health spending, yet it is a crucial component of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) One Health approach. The One Health initiative highlights the commonalities between human, animal and environmental health and aims ...
NewsNovel pathway suggests gut microbiome could be harnessed to lower blood pressure
The gut microbiome could potentially be harnessed to help lower blood pressure, according to a new study that identifies a previously unknown gut microbiota-bile acid signaling pathway targeting hypertension.
NewsSweeteners shown to slow growth of important gut bacteria in lab tests
Researchers have shown how commonly-used sweeteners slow the growth of certain gut bacteria. One sweetener in particular – combined with the anti-depressant duloxetine - significantly impaired two important gut bacteria linked to regulating blood sugar and gut health.
NewsAntibiotic resistant gene found in Australian soil
A new study reveals a hidden source of antibiotic resistance. The novel gene found in contaminated freshwater NSW sediment provides bacteria with resistance to polymyxin - a critical last line antibiotic, used when others stop working.
NewsHow did the COVID-19 pandemic shift seasonal surges of other respiratory diseases?
A new analysis explores what underlies shifts in the timing of seasonal surges of respiratory diseases, as well as shifts in surges of heart-related deaths, that occurred after the COVID-19 pandemic began.
NewsScientists find hidden individuality in viral infections
An international team of researchers developed a new way to uncover hidden differences in how viruses infect and destroy individual microbial cells—solving a biological puzzle that has persisted for more than 80 years.
NewsResearchers launch global initiative to study disappearing heritage diets
The world’s ‘heritage’ diets could hold vital clues to better health. Researchers from 12 countries have launched the World Diet Initiative, a global effort to document and study these diets before this knowledge is lost.
NewsAt-home, lab-quality HIV tests awarded $1.3 million for development
A new two-year, $1.3 million award will help researchers advance a proof-of-concept work toward commercialization of at-home HIV tests sensitive enough for early diagnosis comparable to—or exceeding—lab standards.
NewsResearch team receives $10 million NIH grant to study how animals fight infection
Researchers have built a collection of living cells from over 100 animal species to explore innate immune diversity. They have received a 5-year, $10 million grant to utilize this ‘cellular zoo’ to determine how diverse animals recognize and fight virus infections.
NewsResearchers link gut microbe to cancer-fighting immune response
A new study is the first to show metabolites produced by certain bacteria in the gut can positively impact the body’s immune response to cancer.
NewsFirst-of-its-kind computer model of bacterial biofilms could support antibiotic resistance research
Faster and more effective ways to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa could be on the cards thanks to a first-of-its-kind 3D computer model which shows how the bacterium grows and reshapes its protective layer and spreads to new surfaces.
NewsEmerging tick-borne virus raises concern
A study shows how a family of tick-borne viruses known as orthonairoviruses can evade immune defenses, offering important insights into emerging infectious disease threats and the potential pandemic risk posed by these viruses.
NewsClinical trial aims to break the cycle of recurrent urinary tract infections with bacteria’s natural enemies
Researchers’ data-driven microbiological and phage therapy approaches may help move phage therapy beyond case-by-case experimental use toward a strategy that is predictable, measurable and clinically interpretable.
NewsGenetically engineered Bifidobacterium shows potential for oral delivery of cancer vaccines
A novel oral vaccine platform using genetically engineered Bifidobacterium could enhance anti-tumor immunity. In an exploratory phase I clinical study, the vaccine was well tolerated and generated immunologic and clinical findings that warrant further investigation.