All USA & Canada articles
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NewsMutation could facilitate H5N1 bird flu virus infection and potential transmission in humans
A recent study reveals that a single mutation in the H5N1 bird flu virus that has recently infected dairy cows in the U.S. could enhance the virus’ ability to attach to human cells, potentially increasing the risk of passing from person to person.
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NewsEnterococcus helps E. coli ‘armor up’ in dog, poultry co-infections
A new study finds that two subtypes of pathogenic E. coli produce 5 to 16 times more protective capsular “slime” when Enterococcus faecalis is present.
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NewsBacterial ‘biopesticide’ against malaria mosquitoes successful in early field tests
An experimental bacteria-derived biopesticide is highly effective in killing malaria-carrying mosquitoes, including those that have developed resistance to chemical pesticides, according to initial field tests.
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NewsDo soil microbes affect flowers’ ability to attract bees?
New research reveals that certain soil microbes can help plants grow bigger flowers, therefore attracting more bees.
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NewsHow a middle schooler found a new compound in goose feces
Middle schoolers through a partnership with a local univeristy, collected and analyzed environmental samples to find new antibiotic candidates. One unique sample, goose feces collected at a local park, had a bacterium that showed antibiotic activity.
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NewsCovid-19 virus can damage the retina - even without severe respiratory disease
An experimental study in mice shows that SARS-CoV-2 infection can damage the retinas, with long-term implications for vision.
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NewsFungal structures could be deployed in aerospace industry
Manufacturing a material that mimics mushrooms and other fungal structures could provide opportunities in any number of areas, ranging from aerospace engineering to clothing production.
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NewsStudy untangles how COVID-19 wreaks widespread damage in the body
A new study sheds light on the pathways that drive organ damage and death in severe COVID-19 and helps explain why survivors of the disease can experience long-term complications.
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NewsPeat-bog fungi produce substances that kill tuberculosis-causing bacteria
An analysis of fungi collected from peat bogs has identified several species that produce substances toxic to the bacterium that causes the human disease tuberculosis.
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NewsPregnancy enhances natural immunity to block severe flu
Scientists discover a natural flu defense mechanism that activates in the nasal cavity during pregnancy.
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NewsHow did human brains get so big? The answer could be in our gut
Microbes supporting the production of more metabolic energy could be key to the evolution of large brains, according to a study that shows gut microbes from different animal species shape variations in their biology.
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NewsA new approach to predicting malaria drug resistance
Researchers analyzed the genomes of hundreds of malaria parasites to determine which genetic variants are most likely to confer drug resistance.
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NewsNanorobot hand made of DNA grabs viruses for diagnostics and blocks cell entry
A tiny, four-fingered ‘hand’ folded from a single piece of DNA can pick up the virus that causes COVID-19 for highly sensitive rapid detection and can even block viral particles from entering cells to infect them.
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NewsNewly designed nanomaterial shows promise as antimicrobial agent
Newly developed nanocrystals show potential as antimicrobial agents that are stable, effective and easy to produce.
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NewsMouse gut fungus reveals secrets of symbiosis and allergy
A fungus discovered in the mouse stomach may hold a key to fungal evolution within the gastrointestinal tract, according to new research. The finding suggests that preclinical studies until now have overlooked a major influencer of mouse physiology.
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NewsCervical cancer deaths in young women plummet after introduction of HPV vaccine
Cervical cancer deaths have plunged dramatically among women under age 25, and researchers believe this is likely due to HPV vaccination.
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NewsZoonotic transmission of Covid has led to infections in more than 30 mammalian species
Zoonotic transmission of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been found to result in infections in more than 30 mammalian species, according to a study published in Zoonoses journal.
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NewsWorried about a pregnant woman’s stress and mental health? Her saliva may hold the key.
New research has found that the number and type of microbes present in the saliva of pregnant women differ according to whether they are experiencing life stress and symptoms of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
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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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NewsResearchers develop a simple lab-free test to detect bacteria in fluids from water to urine
A novel new test for bacteria in fluids makes it as easy as observing a colour change to confirm the presence of disease-causing pathogens, promising much easier diagnostic tests and greater food safety.
