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
Novel 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.
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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.
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Scientists 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.
NewsPlant-based wound dressing fights infection before it takes hold
A new dressing made from plant-based materials can deliver antibiotics directly to wounds during critical early stages of infection, according to researchers. The study is the first to use this family of sustainable furan-based polymers for infection-fighting wound dressings.
NewsHepatitis E viruses mutate early during infection
In order to better understand which changes occur during the initial weeks of Hepatitis E infection, researchers specifically focused on this early phase.
NewsNew study reveals how birth method and antibiotics may shape babies’ gut bacteria
A new systematic review has found that both the way a baby is born and exposure to antibiotics around the time of birth could be linked to differences in the development of the infant gut microbiome. Exclusively breastfeeding babies may reduce these differences.
NewsAnother tick-borne disease to avoid: anaplasmosis in Canada
Move over, Lyme disease — there’s another tick-borne disease to worry about in Canada. Anaplasmosis, the second most common tick-borne disease in the country, can cause a range of health issues, including myocarditis, as a practice article shows.
NewsWhen a lip ulcer isn’t what it seems: Rare case of syphilis mistaken for mouth injury
Any lip ulcer that is painless, firm, and persists beyond two to three weeks should prompt syphilis testing, even if the presentation does not fit the typical genital picture, warn scientists presenting an unusual case study.
NewsNew clues raise hopes for better treatment of RSV in babies
Future therapies for respiratory syncytial virus must target both the virus and its immune response to ensure babies get the best possible outcomes, finds a new study that developed a lab model of baby lungs to show why RSV makes infants so much sicker than adults.
NewsFirst clinical proof of concept for ibuprofen as an adjunctive treatment for tuberculosis
Scientists have published the results of a phase IIa pilot clinical trial assessing ibuprofen as a host-directed therapy in patients with pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (pre-XDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB).
FeaturesSoil microbes and the hidden network connecting plants, animals, and humans
Coevolution has shaped Earth’s ecosystems for over a billion years. However, climate change and unprecedented anthropogenic activities have placed immense pressure on the soil ecosystem over the past few decades.
NewsHelpful microbes could battle pathogens in our hospitals and schools - with the help of AI to make it work
Helpful microbes that combat harmful pathogens could be the answer to rising antimicrobial resistance, particularly within built environments such as hospitals, homes and schools, says a new review.
NewsGut bacteria linked to malnutrition may pass to younger generations
A new study suggests that an intestinal disorder linked to malnutrition and stunted growth may be transmitted from one generation to the next via the small intestinal microbiome.