All The Microbiologist articles in Web Issue – Page 15
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NewsLeafcutter ants recognize and fight pathogen with social immunity
Various characteristics of social immune memory were observed in colonies of Atta sexdens (lemon leafcutter ants) exposed to different pathogenic fungi. Such information is useful for future development of appropriate pest control.
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NewsPlastic-degrading enzymes from landfills
Researchers identified and analysed the structure and predicted functions of potential plastic-degrading enzymes in collected landfills sample from around the world, in an effort to reduce plastic pollution.
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NewsFDA-approved dialysis drug may help fight against antimicrobial resistance
In account of the imminent threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a study revealed that the FDA-approved sevelamer, which is used to treat chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis, is successful in the removal of other off-target antibiotics (vancomycin and daptomycin) from the gut.
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NewsProfessor Sabiha Essack wins Christiana Figueres Policy to Practice Award
Professor Sabiha Essack, the South African Research Chair in Antibiotic Resistance and One Health, Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, has been awarded the Christiana Figueres Policy to Practice Award.
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NewsAfro-Caribbean Commercial Science Network (ACCSN) named as winner of Dorothy Jones Diversity and Inclusion Achievement Award 2024
The Afro-Caribbean Commercial Science Network (ACCSN), founded by Daniel Similaki, has been named as this year’s winner of the Dorothy Jones Diversity and Inclusion Achievement Award 2024.
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NewsRed coral colonies survive a decade after being transplanted in the Medes Islands
The red coral colonies that were transplanted a decade ago on the seabed of the Medes Islands have survived successfully. They are very similar to the original communities and have contributed to the recovery of the functioning of the coral reef.
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NewsBacteria invade brain after implanting medical devices
Researchers have discovered that bacteria can invade the brain after a medical device is implanted, contributing to inflammation and reducing the device’s long-term effectiveness.
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NewsScientists discover protein key to bacteria’s survival in extreme environments
A new discovery sheds light on how certain bacteria – including strains that cause food poisoning and anthrax – form spores for survival.
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NewsRice research team creates universal RNA barcoding system for tracking gene transfer in bacteria
An interdisciplinary group of researchers at Rice University has developed an innovative RNA “barcoding” method to track gene transfer in microbial communities, providing new insights into how genes move across species.
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NewsNew ‘shy’ fungus found in old-growth forest
Although fungi of the genus Piloderma are common, scientists have now discovered five previously unknown species. One of these is one of the most widely distributed species in Northern Europe, while another is found only in old-growth forests.
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NewsImmature platelet fraction offers clinical predictor for enhanced platelet recovery in patients with dengue fever
Immature platelet fraction (IPF) is recognized as a marker for thrombopoiesis, but a new study indicates that IPF% can be utilized as a predictor of platelet increase in patients with dengue infection.
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NewsTunnel-building virus: How Zika transmits from mother to fetus
For the first time, researchers demonstrated the component involved in the tunneling nanotubes built by Zika virus to infect placental cells, an infection mechanism which is unique to the Zika virus alone.
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NewsWithout oxygen: How primordial microbes breathed
Scientists decode the fundamental mechanisms of a cell respiratory enzyme in ancient bacterial cells, with potential applications in removing greenhouse gases and drug development against pathogens.
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NewsNewly identified bacterial protein helps design cancer drug delivery system
Researchers have identified a previously unknown bacterial protein, the unique structure of which acts as an actin homolog that can be used to design protein nanoparticles for the targeted delivery of anticancer drugs to tumors.
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NewsResearchers demonstrate new technique for boosting plant growth with bacteria
A single combined delivery system incorporating multiple active ingredients, including plant growth-promoting bacteria and agrochemicals, is developed to ensure beneficial bacterial survival and improve plant growths.
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NewsMagnetic microalgae on a mission to become robots
A team of researchers has developed a green algae-based biohybrid micro swimmer covered with magnetic material, whose swimming ability is largely unaffected by the coating.
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NewsResearch uncovers new strategy to reduce tissue damage from flesh-eating bacteria
A new study reveals a novel approach to mitigating tissue damage caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, the flesh-eating bacterium responsible for severe infections such as necrotizing fasciitis.
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NewsAdd some spice: Curcumin helps treat Mycobacterium abscessus
Researchers have found that adding curcumin boosts the efficacy of bedaquiline, an antimycobacterial used to treat tuberculosis, in combating M. abscessus infections. Curcumin is the compound that gives turmeric its characteristic bright orange color.
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NewsHelicobacter pylori treatment practices in the Asia-Pacific region
Researchers conducted an online survey of clinicians in the Asia-Pacific region to investigate treatment policies for H. pylori and confirmed that there is a growing consensus of the importance of primary and secondary prevention against H. pylori.
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NewsCurrent antivirals likely less effective against severe infection caused by bird flu virus in cows’ milk
Scientists found that in a preclinical model, two FDA–approved flu antivirals generally did not successfully treat severe H5N1 infections. Meanwhile, the route of infection, whether through the eye, the nose or the mouth, significantly impacts effectiveness.