All The Microbiologist articles in Web Issue – Page 34
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NewsZika uses human skin as ‘mosquito magnet’ to spread virus further
A new study shows that the Zika virus causes metabolic changes in human skin that essentially transforms it from a protective barrier to a magnet for mosquitoes.
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NewsNew fungal species named in honour of Sir David Attenborough making zombies of cave spiders
A study to investigate the identity of a fungus found on a spider during filming of the BBC Winterwatch series in Northern Ireland has confirmed it as a novel species that manipulates its host by compelling it to migrate and die in exposed situations.
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NewsStudy reveals how microbes help detoxify our atmosphere
A new study from the Greening Lab reveals at an atomic level how microbes consume carbon monoxide present in the atmosphere. They use a special enzyme, called the CO dehydrogenase, to extract energy from this universally present but highly toxic gas.
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NewsWHO verifies Niger as the first country in the African Region to eliminate onchocerciasis
Niger has met the criteria for onchocerciasis elimination, making it the fifth country globally and the first country in Africa to be acknowledged by WHO for interrupting transmission of the parasite Onchocerca volvulus.
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News New tool can detect fast-spreading SARS-COV-2 variants before they take off
By analysing millions of viral genome sequences from around the world, a team of scientists has uncovered the specific mutations that give SARS-CoV-2 a ‘turbo boost’ in its ability to spread.
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NewsFungal protein yields new ways to modulate cell activity remotely
A new study introduces tools that remotely and non-invasively communicate with and control the activity of engineered cells once they’ve entered the body. It focuses on a fungal protein the team have developed called Melt, which can be toggled by temperature.
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NewsGuinea eliminates human African trypanosomiasis as a public health problem
The World Health Organization (WHO) has congratulated Guinea for eliminating the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis as a public health problem. This is the first neglected tropical disease to be eliminated in the country.
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NewsPapers outline 4 advances for inactivating infectious viruses and bacteria
Four papers provide insights into novel antiviral compounds and methods to inactivate infectious viral particles and bacteria.
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NewsA common mouth and gut bacterium may be linked with increased stroke risk
A common bacterium usually found in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, Streptococcus anginosis, may be abundant in the guts of people with stroke and is associated with a worse prognosis and increased risk of death, according to a preliminary study.
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NewsTopical mupirocin lowers lupus inflammation - by targeting staph
A new trial of a topical skin treatment for cutaneous lupus erythematosus is based on the discovery that these rashes are often colonized with a common skin bacterium, Staphyloccous aureus, which contributes to inflammation in the rashes.
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NewsStudy yields new insights into the immunomodulatory properties of russula polysaccharides
A new study investigates the structural characteristics and immunomodulatory activities of polysaccharides extracted from Russula vinosa Lindblad using KOH, highlighting the potential of these polysaccharides for applications in pharmaceuticals and functional foods.
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NewsJapan’s ‘soft’ but not ineffective approach to public health during the COVID-19 pandemic
Researchers found that risk perception and infection prevention behaviors rose during Japan’s COVID-19 state of emergency. After it was lifted, hygienic behaviors persisted, but dread risk perception declined.
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NewsStudy finds three new safe, effective ways to treat drug-resistant tuberculosis
An international clinical trial has found three new safe and effective drug regimens for tuberculosis that is resistant to rifampin, the most effective of the first-line antibiotics used to treat TB.
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NewsNew microscopy technique reveals dynamic E coli membrane stiffness
Researchers have created a new technique, high-speed in-line force mapping (HS-iFM), to acquire dynamic, mechanical force measurements at the speed and resolution required for living biological samples.
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FeaturesBridging the gap: mouse breath research to advance infectious disease diagnostics
The role of VOCs in health and disease is garnering increasing attention, particularly in their use as biomarkers for a wide range of medical conditions.
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NewsA novel approach to mapping and engineering enzymes for enhanced plastic recycling
Researchers have successfully engineered PETases, enzymes that are capable to depolymerize commercial plastic - polyethylene terephthalate (PET), through the innovative landscape profiling of enzymes’ genetic sequences and subsequently engineered them.
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NewsResearchers identify genetic ‘fingerprint’ to predict drug resistance in bacteria
To avoid antibiotic overuse and allow precise bacterial infection treatment, particularly against bacteria with multidrug resistance, a diagnostic tool was developed that identifies the pattern of DNA repair deficiencies acting as the bacterial antibiotic resistance ‘fingerprint’.
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NewsTB or not TB? A new clinician decision support tool for tuberculosis
A risk assessing tool was recently developed to evaluate the likelihood of tuberculosis (TB) infections using previous patient data with or without TB. Such clinical decision support tool would allow safer and more efficient patient deisolation procedures and ensure smoother clinician workflows.
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NewsCould faecal microbiota transplantation help patients heal after stem cell transplantation?
A study, from a part of an ongoing clinical trial, has reported the safety of oral faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to help patients recover from the loss of gut microbiome after allogeneic stem cell transplantation for blood cancers.
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NewsThe deadly pathogen that decimated sea urchins in Eilat has now spread to the Indian Ocean
The pathogen responsible for the mass deaths of sea urchins along the Red Sea coast is the same one responsible for mass mortality events among sea urchins off the coast of Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean.