All University of Basel articles
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NewsProtection for newborns: New treatment aims to prevent meningitis without antibiotics
One of the leading pathogens responsible for meningitis cases in newborn babies is the K1 form of the E. coli bacterium. Now, researchers have developed a triple-pronged approach that seeks to prevent transmission to newborns.
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NewsClimate change weakens the purification function of lakes
Lakes play a vital filtering role in the ecosystem: they remove excess nitrogen from the water. An international research team has now shown that climate change could weaken this natural purification process. This would have consequences extending all the way to coastal marine ecosystems.
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NewsHow the immune system battles lifelong viral infections acquired at birth
Millions of people worldwide carry viral infections they acquired at birth, often for life. For a long time it was assumed that the immune system hardly fights these pathogens. Researchers show that the body’s defenses do indeed act against the virus.
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NewsScientists uncover how pathogens switch on their virulence
A research team has uncovered how a key protein switches on the machinery that enables Leptospira pathogens to survive and cause disease. The findings provide new insights into how pathogens regulate their virulence and may open new avenues for therapeutic interventions.
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NewsScientists unlock magnetic secrets of bacteria with built-in compass
Some bacteria are miniature masters of navigation: A built-in “compass” made of magnetic nanoparticles helps them to reliably find the optimal habitat. Researchers have now unlocked the magnetic properties of individual bacteria — an important step toward harnessing the potential for technology.
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NewsWhen a virus releases the immune brake: New evidence on the onset of multiple sclerosis
A study investigating the links between Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis shows that EBV can interfere with the control of B cells. One viral protein mimics a crucial “approval” signal that B cells usually require from other immune cells. Self-reactive B cells can then survive even when they should be shut down.
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NewsNew test shows which antibiotics actually work
Drugs that act against bacteria are mainly assessed based on how well they inhibit bacterial growth under laboratory conditions. A critical factor is whether the active substances actually kill the pathogens in the body. Researchers have presented a new method for measuring how effectively antibiotics kill bacteria.
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NewsA fatal mix-up: How certain gut bacteria drive multiple sclerosis
If gut bacteria are too similar to the protective layer of nerves, they can misdirect the immune system and cause it to attack its own nervous system. This mechanism can accelerate the progression of multiple sclerosis.
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NewsStudy reveals how bacteria resist hostile attacks from rival bacteria
When attacked by bacteria from a different species, Pseudomonas rapidly assembles the type VI secretion system (T6SS) – to inject its aggressor with a toxic cocktail. A new study probes how Pseudomonas can strike back when it has already been hit by a deadly cocktail itself.
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NewsDiphtheria toxin fragment harnessed to fuse lipid vesicles at neutral pH
Researchers have discovered a novel way to fuse lipid vesicles at neutral pH. By harnessing a fragment of the diphtheria toxin, the team achieved vesicle membrane fusion without the need for pre-treatment or harsh conditions, opening the door to new applications.
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NewsBacteria reveal how climate-damaging nitrous oxide forms in the ocean
Marine microorganisms produce large amounts of nitrous oxide, a highly potent greenhouse gas. Researchers investigated the exact processes involved during an expedition to the Pacific. The results are important for climate modeling.
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NewsSwiss genome of the 1918 influenza virus reconstructed
Researchers have decoded the genome of the virus responsible for the 1918–1920 influenza pandemic in Switzerland, revealing that it had already developed key adaptations to humans at the outset of the deadliest influenza pandemic in history.
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NewsSurvival trick: Pathogen taps iron source in immune cells
The body defends itself against pathogens by depriving them of vital iron. However, researchers have discovered that Salmonella bacteria specifically target iron-rich regions within immune cells to replicate, evading the immune defense.
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NewsSlow-growing bacteria respond more sensitively to their environment
A new study reveals that the responsiveness of bacterial cells to environmental stimuli is directly linked to their growth rate: the slower cells grow, the more sensitively they respond. This increased sensitivity can give the cells a crucial survival advantage.
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NewsBacteria: Recording gene activity more efficiently
Researchers have presented a step-by-step protocol for creating single bacterial transcriptomes with MATQ-seq. The protocol also includes the experimental and computer-aided analysis of the data.
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NewsDamaged but not defeated: Bacteria use nano-spearguns to retaliate against attacks
Scientists used state-of-the-art microscopy technology to mimic a nano-speargun, the type VII secretion system, used as a bacterial pinpoint counterattack tactic in response to cell envelope damage against rival bacteria.
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NewsSophisticated early warning system: How bacteria respond to threats
Recent research has found that exogenous petidoglycan fragments of Vibrio cholerae and other multidrug-resistant pathogens are able to trigger 3D biofilm formation as an universial danger response.
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NewsRed Queen arms race over millions of years preserves genetic diversity in water flea
Host/parasite arms races can occur without interruption over many millions of years, a much longer period than previously thought, according to scientists who compared the genetic material of millimeter-sized water fleas infected by a parasitic bacterium.
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NewsLung organoids unveil secret of how pathogens infect human lung tissue
Using human lung microtissues, researchers have uncovered the strategy used by a dangerous pathogen to invade the lungs. Pseudomonas aeruginosa targets specific lung cells and has developed a sophisticated strategy to break through the lungs’ line of defense.
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News'Failed drug' could offer new approach to Epstein-Barr virus and resulting diseases
Researchers have found that the Epstein-Barr virus triggers infected cells to ramp up the production of an enzyme known as IDO1, a discovery that offers a promising starting point for putting the brakes on EBV.