All Umeå University articles
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NewsNew molecules can offer breakthrough in fight against antibiotic resistance
Researchers have shown how TriPcides can target the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, including antibiotic‑resistant strains such as MRSA. The compounds disrupt the bacteria’s ability to cause infection and can also kill dormant bacterial cells, which are often difficult to treat with existing antibiotics.
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NewsWhy antibiotics may soon fail to curb the plague bacterium - and where we can find new strategies
A new review shows that while most infections caused by the Yersinia plague bacterium can currently be treated with antibiotics, concerns about rising antimicrobial resistance mean that we need to come up with new ways to disarm the bacteria instead of killing them.
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NewsNew research reveals cell proteins that drive severe viral infections
Researchers have identified two human cell proteins, NUP98 and NUP153, that play a crucial role in how viruses such as tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), West Nile virus, and dengue virus replicate in the body.
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NewsThree-dimensional microscopy reveals how tick-borne virus replicates
Researchers show how tick‑borne viruses remodel human cells into virus factories, using an advanced microscopy method. The findings provide new insight into how the virus replicates and matures, knowledge that may become important for future treatments against TBE.
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NewsA bacterial toxin can counteract colorectal cancer growth
A toxin secreted by cholera bacteria can inhibit the growth of colorectal cancer without causing any measurable damage to the body. Systemic administration of the purified bacterial substance changes the immune microenvironment in tumours.
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NewsNew research decodes the bacterial “zip code” of colorectal cancer for prediction and survival
A recent study shows that bacteria living inside colorectal tumors form distinct ecosystems that are closely linked to how the disease progression and patient outcomes.
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NewsClimate change may increase the spread of neurotoxin in the oceans
Climate-driven oxygen loss in the Black Sea thousands of years ago triggered the expansion of microorganisms capable of producing the potent neurotoxin methylmercury. That is shown in a new study which suggests that similar processes could occur in today’s warming oceans.
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NewsMolecular bodyguard helps infections persist
Researchers have identified a key molecular player that helps bacteria survive the hostile environment inside the body. Their study reveals how the protein RfaH acts as a protective shield for bacterial genes — and points to new strategies for fighting persistent infections.
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NewsCell death in microalgae resembles that in humans
For the first time, researchers have observed the same type of programmed cell death in microalgae as in humans. The discovery shows that this central biological process is older than previously thought.
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NewsStudy reveals the microbial battlegrounds within estuaries - and the part played by microplastics
Estuaries are known hotspots for biodiversity and are turbulent mixing zones where freshwater and seawater microbes confront one another. Source: Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite captured this true-color image of the Baltic Sea ...
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NewsCultured mini-organs reveal the weapons of aggressive Shigella bacteria
Thanks to lab-grown miniature intestines, researchers have successfully mapped how aggressive Shigella bacteria infect the human gut. The study opens the door to using cultured human mini-organs to investigate a wide range of other serious infections.
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NewsNew discovery explains why men are more affected by severe COVID-19
Researchers have found another piece of the puzzle that explains why there are differences in immune responses in women and men when they get sick with COVID-19. This discovery has implications for treatment strategies for severe COVID-19.
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NewsDiscovery opens up for new ways to treat chlamydia
Researchers have discovered a type of molecule that can kill chlamydia bacteria but spare bacteria that are important for health.
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NewsDiscovery of bacteria’s defence against viruses becomes piece of the puzzle against resistance
A new study shows that the emergence of resistance can be understood in the mechanism of how bacteria build up defences against being infected by viruses.
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NewsZika uses human skin as ‘mosquito magnet’ to spread virus further
A new study shows that the Zika virus causes metabolic changes in human skin that essentially transforms it from a protective barrier to a magnet for mosquitoes.
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NewsNanoplastics can impair the effect of antibiotics
Researchers investigating how some of the most common nanoplastics interact with tetracycline found significant accumulation of the antibiotics on the surfaces of the nanoplastic particles.
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NewsResearch on calcium transport can fight bacteria and provide safer food
Researchers have revealed details on how bacteria use calcium to regulate vital processes, in a way that differs from human cells. This breakthrough is significant in the fight against antibiotic resistance and for increasing safety in food production.
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NewsStudy unveals a novel protective mechanism in bacterial cell wall
Researchers from Umeå University, Sweden, and Cornell University, USA, have discovered a widespread mechanism in bacteria that enhances the bacteria’s defense against environmental threats. Source: Umeå University Sara Hernandez and Laura Alvarez, two of the researchers behind the study in the lab. The discovery, which may be ...
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NewsBetter together: Gut microbiome communities’ resilience to drugs
Many human medications can directly inhibit the growth and alter the function of the bacteria that constitute our gut microbiome. EMBL Heidelberg researchers have now discovered that this effect is reduced when bacteria form communities.
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NewsAntibiotic usage can damage the protective mucus layer in the gut
Researchers have found that a history of repeated antibiotic use causes defects in the normally protective mucus barrier of the gut, due to antibiotic-driven alterations in the microbiota.