All University of Oxford articles
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NewsSugar-mimicking molecule central to virulence of a common crop disease, study finds
A strain of Pseudomonas syringae manipulates plants by producing a substance called glycosyrin to suppress the immune response. New research shows that glycosyrin does this by mimicking galactose, acting like a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
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NewsResearchers announce breakthrough in next-generation polio vaccines
Researchers have taken a major step towards producing a more affordable and lower-risk polio vaccine using virus-like particles (VLPs). These particles mimic the outer protein shell of poliovirus, but are empty inside.
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NewsBacteria evolved to help neighboring cells after death, new research reveals
A study has shown that a type of E coli bacteria produces an enzyme which breaks the contents of their cells down into nutrients after death. The dead bacteria are therefore offering a banquet of nutrients to the cells that were their neighbours when they were living.
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NewsCompound derived from Brazilian plant acts against parasite that causes visceral leishmaniasis
A compound derived from Nectandra leucantha, a tree native to southern Brazil (local names canela-seca or canela-branca), has the potential to be used to treat visceral leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease.
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NewsRoyal Veterinary College awarded international grants to advance research into cattle vaccines
The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has been awarded two pump-prime grants from the International Veterinary Vaccinology Network (IVVN) to advance crucial research into Bovine Babesiosis and Bovine Tuberculosis vaccines to support cattle welfare.
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NewsRepeated outbreaks of coffee wilt disease threatens our daily brew
A new study reveals that the fungal pathogen Fusarium xylarioides continues to pose a significant threat to coffee production and incomes across sub-Saharan Africa.
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NewsOcean density identified as a key driver of carbon capture by marine plankton
Changes in ocean density have a significant impact on the rate at which marine plankton incorporate carbon into their shells, with profound implications for carbon cycling and the ocean’s ability to absorb atmospheric CO2 in response to climate change.
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NewsScientists uncover structure of hemezoin crystals crafted by malaria parasite
A new study reveals in unprecedented detail the structure of crystals that the malaria parasite builds in order to survive. The new findings could lead to improved antimalarial medications.
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NewsNew study traces impact of COVID-19 pandemic on global movement and evolution of seasonal flu
Seasonal flu showed a ‘remarkable’ bounce back to pre-pandemic levels once international air travel resumed, according to a new study. Regions with fewer COVID-19 restrictions were associated with sustained flu virus transmission.
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NewsNovel antibody platform tackles viral mutations
Scientists have developed an innovative antibody platform aimed at tackling one of the greatest challenges in treating rapidly evolving viruses like SARS-CoV-2: their ability to mutate and evade existing vaccines and therapies.
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NewsAnt queens cannibalise their sick offspring- then ‘recycle’ them
Instead of nurturing their sick young, ant queens eat their infected offspring at the first sign of illness then ‘recycle’ them into producing new eggs.
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NewsReport recommends ‘highly ambitious enterprise’ to create world-leading UK Microbiome Biobank
A new report calls for a ’highly ambitious enterprise’ to create a microbiome biobank that will contribute significantly to the advancement of science and its application to human health.
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NewsPrioritizing the elderly for COVID-19 boosters reduces overall deaths
When COVID-19 booster vaccines are in short supply, prioritizing the elderly over other age groups for booster vaccination results in the lowest loss of life, reports a new study.
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NewsGlimpse into the nanoworld: microscope reveals tiniest cell processes
Researchers have succeeded in developing a microscope with resolutions better than five nanometres (five billionths of a metre) - roughly equivalent to the width of a hair split into 10,000 strands.
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NewsAncient Antarctic microorganisms are aggressive predators
Antarctic dwelling single-celled microorganisms called archaea can behave like parasites, new research shows.
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NewsNew study highlights scale and impact of long COVID
A wide range of biological mechanisms are involved in long Covid, including persistence of the original virus in the body, disruption of the normal immune response, and microscopic blood clotting, even in some people who had only mild initial infections.
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NewsTrees reveal climate surprise – bark microbes remove methane from the atmosphere
Tree bark surfaces play an important role in removing methane gas from the atmosphere, according to a new study.
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NewsSmall animals acquire genes from bacteria that can produce antibiotics
A group of small, freshwater animals protect themselves from infections using antibiotic recipes “stolen” from bacteria, according to new research.
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NewsAI able to identify drug-resistant typhoid-like infection from microscopy images in matter of hours
Artificial intelligence (AI) could be used to identify drug resistant infections, significantly reducing the time taken for a correct diagnosis, researchers have shown. An algorithm can be trained to identify drug-resistant bacteria correctly from microscopy images alone.
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NewsWild chimpanzees seek out medicinal plants to treat illness and injuries
The study combined behavioral observations of wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) with pharmacological testing of the potentially medicinal plants they eat.