All university of exeter articles
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NewsScientists uncover how bacterial resistance to synergistic drug treatments is arising
Scientists investigating the potential of combined and more powerful drug treatments have found that antimicrobial resistance to these is arising via the vitamin B2 synthesis pathway.
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NewsPlague transmission may have begun a century before the Black Death, study shows
Evidence from 13th-century chroniclers and physicians indicates plague may have been involved in epidemics a century before the Black Death, a new study shows. Source: Dschingis Khan und seine Erben (exhibition catalogue), München 2005, p. 253 Conquest of Baghdad by the Mongols 1258. Right part of a double-page ...
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NewsStudy shows some species are susceptible to broad range of viruses
A study of fruit flies shows some species are highly susceptible to a wide range of viruses. But fly species that were resistant to one virus were generally resistant to others – including very different types of virus.
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NewsOral microbiome may affect cognitive function as we age
The microbial ecosystems within our mouths may affect our cognitive function as we age, according to a study. Interventions such as prebiotics, including dietary nitrate, have potential for delaying cognitive decline.
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NewsExeter launches second round of global funding to tackle antifungal drug resistance
A University of Exeter funding scheme designed to combat the global challenge of fungal antimicrobial resistance (fAMR) has announced a new call for applications.
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NewsSpecialist under-ice species at risk as Arctic warms
’Specialist’ lifeforms that live under Arctic sea ice are at risk as the ice retreats, new research shows. Scientists studied microscopic organisms in four environments – open ocean, river mouths, coasts and under sea ice – in the sea off northern Canada.
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NewsBacteria breakthrough could accelerate mosquito control schemes
Mosquito larvae grow faster if they’re exposed to particular bacteria, according to a new study that could help global health programmes.
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NewsKeeping fewer friends protects ageing monkeys from diseases
New research shows becoming less sociable protects older monkeys from getting ill.
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NewsScientists have successfully bred corals to improve their heat tolerance
A new study has shown that selective breeding can lead to a modest rise in coral heat tolerance. The study documents the world’s first effort to selectively breed adult corals for the ability to survive intense marine heatwaves.
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NewsPlankton bloom off Madagascar linked to drought in South Africa
Researchers show that dust from drought-stricken Southern Africa caused a bloom of marine phytoplankton off the southeast Madagascar coast from November 2019 through February 2020.
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News‘Invisible forest’ of algae thrives as ocean warms
An ‘invisible forest’ of phytoplankton is thriving in part of our warming ocean, new research shows. The study examined phytoplankton at the ocean surface and the ‘subsurface’ – a distinct layer of water beneath – to see how climate variability is affecting them.
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NewsIntensive farming could raise risk of new pandemics
Intensive livestock farming could raise the risk of new pandemics, researchers have warned. A study examines the effect of social and economic factors – which are often overlooked in traditional assessments.
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NewsThe world’s most powerful anti-fungal chemistries cause fungal pathogens to self-destruct
Scientists have discovered that the most widely-used class of antifungals in the world cause pathogens to self-destruct. The research could help improve ways to protect food security and human lives.
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NewsAlgae could replace animal-derived protein for building muscle
A new study demonstrates that the ingestion of two of the most commercially available algal species are rich in protein which supports muscle remodeling in young healthy adults.
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NewsAncient DNA reveals how a chicken virus evolved to become more deadly
Scientists have used ancient DNA to trace the evolution of Marek’s Disease Virus (MDV), showing how viruses evolve to become more virulent and could lead to the development of better ways to treat viral infections.
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NewsZinc shows promise as surprising emerging treatment for vaginal yeast infections
New research could one day pave the way for the treatment of vaginal yeast infections, by shedding new light on how microbes in the body absorb zinc.
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NewsAntibiotics can help some bacteria survive for longer
Scientists have found a surprising effect of some antibiotics on certain bacteria – that the drugs can sometimes benefit bacteria, helping them live longer.
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CareersPhage against the dying of the light - bacteriophages have been sparking a buzz for over a century now
Tom Ireland’s latest book The Good Virus reveals the rollercoaster history of bacteriophages - and why these prolific entities could offer fresh hope in a time of surging antimicrobial resistance.
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NewsImmune systems develop ‘silver bullet’ defences against common bacteria
Immune systems develop specific genes to combat common bacteria such as those found in food, new research shows.
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NewsPublic embrace phages as antibiotic alternative
The public are in favour of the development of bacteria-killing viruses as an alternative to antibiotics – and more efforts to educate will make them significantly more likely to use the treatment, a new study shows.