All UK & Rest of Europe articles – Page 2
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NewsMaternal weight may influence microbiota signalling in amniotic fluid
New research investigates how maternal factors during pregnancy affect small particles produced by the body’s microbiota, giving insights into a new way to monitor maternal and fetal health during pregnancy.
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NewsPlant viruses open new routes for gene editing
A new study has developed potyvirus-derived vectors for delivering CRISPR RNA (crRNA) guides in Lachnospiraceae bacterium ND2006 Cas12a (LbCas12a)-expressing plants, expanding virus-induced gene editing from tobacco rattle virus (TRV) to tobacco etch virus (TEV), turnip mosaic virus (TuMV), and lettuce mosaic virus (LMV).
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NewsResearchers produce biodegradable bioplastic from potato starch using a modified bacterium
A new study has produced a biodegradable bioplastic from unprocessed potato starch in a single 24-hour step, establishing that the bacterium Bacillus subtilis is a robust platform of great industrial interest for producing polyhydroxybutyrate from a low-cost agricultural by-product.
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NewsPathogens survive conditions on extraterrestrial locations
Microorganisms from our planet could survive on celestial bodies where water is present, such as Mars, reveals a study focusing on simulated space conditions. Our immune system reacts less effectively to pathogens that have undergone such a simulated space journey.
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NewsCohabitating people share about a quarter of their gut and oral microbiota
People who live together share more oral and gut microbes with each other than with other people in their communities, according to a study. Researchers also found a link between more transmissible microbes and health, particularly type 2 diabetes.
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NewsResearch forecasts global antimicrobial resistance threats for the next two decades
New research has analysed antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on a global scale to predict how resistance patterns could evolve by the year 2050, identifying around 210 resistance traits that could pose the greatest future risk.
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NewsFermentation science may offer new route to better lower-alcohol wine
In addition to finding ways to ferment grape juice without producing as much alcohol, one scientist is exploring novel yeasts and methods to overproduce aromas to compensate for their eventual loss when reducing alcohol through grape juice dilution.
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NewsCapacity of certain unicellular organisms to stick together may be key to animal evolution
Researchers have found that after feeding a specific bacteria to a certain unicellular relative of animals, the single cells began to stick to one another, revealing a possible mode by which our ancestors began to evolve into animals billions of years ago.
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NewsMolecular anchors on gut phages may open new avenues for therapeutic development
A new study has identified phage surface proteins acting as molecular anchors. These proteins confer phages with the ability to attach to human cells. Using genetic engineering, the researchers transferred these adhesion proteins onto the surface of another phage that otherwise lacked this ability.
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NewsThousands of young people to be offered two-dose MenB vaccine ahead of autumn
Thousands of young people across England will get protection against meningococcal B disease (MenB) through a one-off vaccination programme launching ahead of the 2026 academic year.
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NewsGenomic analysis redefines the origin of eukaryotic cells
A new genetics study using the MareNostrum supercomputer redefines the genetic origin of the last common ancestor of all eukaryotes, highlighting the contribution of novel bacteria and even giant viruses in the emergence of eukaryotic cells.
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NewsLouse-borne relapsing fever: How the pathogen evades the immune system
A research team has now identified and characterized five closely related proteins that are crucial for the survival of Borrelia recurrentis in the human body. These so-called Chi proteins appear to have evolved from a common ancestor and are therefore considered homologous.
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NewsFasting-mimicking diet reduces gum disease inflammation
A new study highlights how lifestyle modifications could be important alongside plaque control in managing gum disease. While fasting has been linked to reduced inflammation around the body, this is the first to establish a relationship with gum disease too.
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NewsDegradable sensors reveal hidden soil secrets
New degradable sensors being developed by soil scientists track biological activity in soil by having a degradable substrate that is nibbled on by microbes.
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NewsWhen motion prevents order: scientists probe self-organising activity
Pack enough string-like objects together, and they will begin to align with one another. But replace the strings with worms or bacteria living in your gut, and this self-organisation becomes much more difficult. Researchers have demonstrated that activity can fundamentally alter one of the most important phase transitions in soft matter physics.
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NewsSlow down, microbes: When wheat learns to protect the nitrogen
Wheat plants can do more than grow grain. Research shows that their roots release natural compounds that slow down soil microbes and keep nitrogen in the soil potentially cutting losses, greenhouse gas emissions and costs for farmers.
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NewsScientists probe antiviral molecules in bacteria that target bacteriophages
Researchers have examined the antiviral molecule daunorubicin, produced by Streptomycetes, and decoded its mode of operation against viruses. They now describe this mechanism, which primarily targets a specific group of viruses – namely bacteriophages.
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NewsThe evolution of individual species can shape entire species communities
A study demonstrated that the evolution of a single species can alter the composition of an entire species community. The study monitored a microbial community composed of 23 bacterial species for four years. Researchers analysed the community’s species composition and changes in bacterial genomes.
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NewsFrom pest to useful tool: How wax moth larvae can help reduce animal testing in research
A new study indicates greater wax moth larvae show great potential as a robust and ethically acceptable in vivo model for studying pathogenic bacteria.
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NewsAntibiotics drive resistance in waterways - even after they break down
Antibiotics continue to drive resistance to bacteria, even after they are broken down in wastewater treatment plants and discharged into rivers and seas, new research published on World Oceans Day has shown for the first time.