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
Unsafe water still drives global diarrheal disease burden
A new study, analysing data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 database, found that deaths and disability-adjusted life years linked to unsafe water have declined sharply over the last three decades. Nevertheless, the burden remains concentrated in low socio-demographic index regions.
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NewsGlobal port microbiomes reveal hidden biosecurity signals
By analyzing more than 16 million 16S rRNA gene sequences from 1,045 port water samples collected in 23 cities across five continents, a study has found clear biogeographic patterns, a core set of dominant bacterial genera, and widespread potential pathogens.
NewsOrdinary enzyme evolves into a ‘control switch’ revealing a new weak spot in tuberculosis
A protein that acts as a ‘control switch,’ preventing Mycobacterium tuberculosis from accessing the energy sources it needs to survive, has been identified by researchers. The discovery points to a specific vulnerability in the bacterium that could be targeted by new TB treatments.
NewsResearcher wins $5.6M NIH Avant Garde Award to prevent HIV, Hepatitis C and overdose
An innovative project will use AI-powered “digital twins” to help public health agencies better prevent HIV, hepatitis C and overdose among people who use drugs.
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News
Why do viruses not kill the mosquitoes that transmit them?
A new study reveals the mechanism that allows viruses such as chikungunya or dengue to be harboured in mosquitoes without killing them, thus facilitating their transmission.
NewsProtective human antibodies target West Nile and related viruses
New research defines vulnerable sites on West Nile virus that could inform vaccine development, and highlight antibody candidates with prophylactic and therapeutic potential. They may also guide interventions for a wider group of encephalitic orthoflavivirus infections.
NewsA two-pronged vaccine approach to prevent genital herpes
Researchers have taken a significant step toward a genital herpes vaccine that in preclinical models prevented infection. This study extends the original “prime and pull” approach by developing a new nanoparticle that effectively induces local immunity.
OpinionWhy cruise ships remain vulnerable to viral outbreaks - and how new technologies could help
A dream holiday can quickly become a public health challenge when thousands of people share the same dining rooms, elevators and living spaces. Recent viral outbreaks on cruise ships have shown just how vulnerable these floating cities remain to infectious diseases.
NewsAntibiotic use for uncomplicated diverticulitis remains widespread despite guideline shifts
A retrospective cohort study found that antibiotic prescribing rates for outpatient cases of uncomplicated diverticulitis remain above 95%, despite guidelines from 2015 recommending more selective use.
NewsAlgae microbots take aim at bladder cancer
Tiny algae-based robots guided by magnets could improve bladder cancer treatment by boosting delivery of chemotherapy drugs into tumours. Tracked using real-time imaging, the miniature robots help drugs penetrate deep into tumour tissue while limiting damage to healthy cells.
NewsUrgent hot tub health warning as Britain prepares to sizzle
As Britain prepares to sizzle with temperatures expected to reach 37°C in some areas over the next four days, water experts are warning that a potentially deadly disease can thrive in hot tubs, pools and other domestic water devices.
NewsLow risk of global spread of Ebola disease, analysis suggests
Researchers identified and analysed all known Ebola disease cases outside Africa to assess the risk of undetected Orthoebolavirus transmission outside Africa and to put it into context with possible border and travel policies.
NewsHow H5N1 bird flu hid unrecognized for weeks in dairy cattle
A new study reveals why H5N1 influenza infection looked so different in dairy cows, offering a framework for spotting new host species quickly. Instead of affecting the lungs, it caused severe infection in the cows’ udders, largely sparing the lungs.
NewsOropouche virus has already infected more than 5 million people in Brazil, study suggests
The recent Oropouche virus outbreak in 2023 has drawn attention in Brazil and other Latin American countries because of its scale and rapid spread. Researchers estimate that since 1960, the virus has infected approximately 9.4 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean.
NewsNew study shows near-complete reduction of cervical cancer deaths among HPV-vaccinated adolescents in England
A new study suggests the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine may be responsible for a near-complete protective effect against death from cervical cancer among women under 30 in England who received the vaccine between 12-18 years old.
NewsReservoir of drug-resistant germs IDed in national surveillance collaboration
Researchers who screened more than 2,000 samples across 42 states say there is a rapidly evolving, plasmid-driven epidemic of community-associated multidrug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae across the United States.
NewsNasal photodisinfection cuts surgical infections in complex brain surgery by 78%
A pilot involving 189 patients using nasal photodisinfection prior to complex brain procedures performed through the nose has led to a 78% reduction in surgical site infections (SSIs) and recorded no cases of meningitis.
NewsSweeping product analysis reveals path to more effective probiotic supplements
Probiotic supplements in drugstores contain microbes sold for specific health purposes despite limited understanding of their connections to their marketed use. But scientists have assembled computer models that could lead to more effective products to shape our microbiomes to improve health.
NewsKey facts about Hantavirus and Ebola virus disease
Ebola and hantavirus have made headlines in recent weeks as they pose serious threats to public health. Two succinct articles provide information about each disease for clinicians.
NewsAI reveals unexpected source of antibiotic candidates in prion proteins
Prion and prion-like proteins may hide short peptides, named “prionins,” that can kill bacteria, suggesting proteins best known for their role in neurodegeneration may contain molecular features linked to immune defense, according to new research.
NewsOndine to showcase new research combining light therapy and chlorhexidine to enhance infection prevention
Ondine Biomedical, a global leader in photodisinfection technologies for the prevention and treatment of viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, will present new research highlighting advances in its technology.
NewsThe nose knows: Electric schnoz can smell when your food’s gone bad
A new “electronic nose” can detect the scents associated with spoiled food much more accurately than the human nose. It can also sniff out the presence of common food allergens, like walnuts and peanuts, which can be deadly for those with sensitivities.
NewsEbola virus hides in the central nervous system, according to new research
Ebola virus can survive unnoticed in the human body for months or even years, hiding in areas with little immune surveillance like the central nervous system. Using a cerebral organoid model, researchers have gained valuable insights into the mechanisms of Ebola virus persistence.