ScienceDaily: Microbe News

Asian lady beetles use biological weapons against their European relatives

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:25:25 EDT

Once introduced for biological pest control, Asian lady beetle populations have been increasing uncontrollably. Scientists have now found the reason for the animal's success. Its body fluid contains microsporidia, fungus-like protozoa that parasitize body cells and can cause immense harm to their host. The Asian lady beetle is obviously resistant to these parasites. However, transferred to native species, microsporidia can be lethal.

H1N1 discovered in marine mammals

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:44:44 EDT

Scientists detected the H1N1 (2009) virus in free-ranging northern elephant seals off the central California coast a year after the human pandemic began.

Developmental genetics of space and time

Wed, 15 May 2013 16:39:39 EDT

Scientists have conducted a study that reveals important and useful insights into how and why developmental genes often take inputs from two independent “morphogen concentration gradients.”

Intestinal bacterium Akkermansia curbs obesity

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:37:37 EDT

A dominant and useful bacterium called Akkermansia muciniphila is present in the intestinal system of all humans, from babies to the elderly. This microorganism is found in the intestinal mucus layer that protects against intruders. Even more remarkable is that this bacterium has a favorable effect on the disrupted metabolism associated with obesity.

Study IDs key protein for cell death

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:06:06 EDT

Findings may offer a new way to kill cancer cells by forcing them into an alternative programmed-death pathway.

Mining the botulinum genome

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:27:27 EDT

Scientists have been mining the genome of C. botulinum to uncover new information about the toxin genes that produce the potent toxin behind botulism.

Cutting-edge bacteria research leads to more effective treatment of complex infections

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:32:32 EDT

Bacteria play a huge role when inflammations attack our body. Now researchers have succeeded in revealing one of the devastating effects of bacteria, and thus it will be possible for the pharmaceutical industry to treat even very complicated bacterial infections.

Microbes capture, store, and release nitrogen to feed reef-building coral

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:54:54 EDT

Microscopic algae that live within reef-forming corals scoop up available nitrogen, store the excess in crystal form, and slowly feed it to the coral as needed, according to a study published in mBio.

Corals turn to algae for stored food when times get tough

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:54:54 EDT

Researchers present new evidence for the crucial role of algae in the survival of their coral hosts. Ultra-high resolution images reveal that the algae temporarily store nutrients as crystals, building up reserves for when supplies run low.

Level of dengue virus needed for transmission defined

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:28:28 EDT

Researchers have identified the dose of dengue virus in human blood that is required to infect mosquitoes when they bite. Mosquitoes are essential for transmitting the virus between people so the findings have important implications for understanding how to slow the spread of the disease.

Receptor proteins could hold clues to antibiotic resistance in MRSA

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:27:27 EDT

Scientists have identified four new proteins that act as receptors for an essential signalling molecule in bacteria such as MRSA.

Bird flu in live poultry markets are the source of viruses causing human infections

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:09:09 EDT

On 31 March 2013, the Chinese National Health and Family Planning Commission announced human cases of novel H7N9 influenza virus infections. Scientists have now investigated the origins of this novel H7N9 influenza virus.

Family trees for yeast cells

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:30:30 EDT

Researchers have developed a revolutionary method to analyze the genomes of yeast families.

Potential flu pandemic lurks: Influenza viruses circulating in pigs, birds could pose risk to humans

Fri, 10 May 2013 18:02:02 EDT

In the summer of 1968, a new strain of influenza appeared in Hong Kong. This strain, known as H3N2, spread around the globe and eventually killed an estimated 1 million people. A new study reveals that there are many strains of H3N2 circulating in birds and pigs that are genetically similar to the 1968 strain and have the potential to generate a pandemic if they leap to humans. The researchers also found that current flu vaccines might not offer protection against these strains.

Justinianic Plague was caused by bacterium Yersinia pestis, DNA of skeletal remains shows

Fri, 10 May 2013 07:54:54 EDT

Ancient DNA analyses of skeletal remains of plague victims from the 6th century AD provide information about the phylogeny and the place of origin of this pandemic.

Bacterial infection in mosquitoes renders them immune to malaria parasites

Thu, 09 May 2013 14:20:20 EDT

Scientists have established an inheritable bacterial infection in malaria-transmitting Anopheles mosquitoes that renders them immune to malaria parasites. Specifically, the scientists infected the mosquitoes with Wolbachia, a bacterium common among insects that previously has been shown to prevent malaria-inducing Plasmodium parasites from developing in Anopheles mosquitoes.

Genes define the interaction of social amoeba and bacteria

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:34:34 EDT

Researchers have used the model of the social amoeba -- Dictyostelium discoideum -- to identify the genetic controls on how the amoeba differentiate the different bacteria and respond to achieve their goal of destruction.

Early infant growth rate linked to composition of gut microbiota

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:12:12 EDT

The composition of gut microbiota in a new-born baby's gut has been linked to the rate of early infant growth. The findings support the assertion that the early development of "microbiota" -- the body's microbial ecosystem -- in an infant can influence growth and thereby the likelihood of obesity.

Scientists find key to gene-silencing activity

Wed, 08 May 2013 21:32:32 EDT

Scientists have found how to boost or inhibit a gene-silencing mechanism that normally serves as a major controller of cells’ activities. The discovery could lead to a powerful new class of drugs against viral infections, cancers and other diseases.

Lucky bacteria strike it rich during formation of treatment-resistant colonies: Research could help in battle against infections that do not respond to powerful drugs

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:18:18 EDT

Like pioneers in search of a better life, bacteria on a surface wander around and often organize into highly resilient communities, known as biofilms. It turns out that a lucky few bacteria become the elite cells that start the colonies, and they organize in a rich-get-richer pattern similar to the distribution of wealth in the US economy, according to a new study.

Using 'bacteria-eaters' to prevent infections on medical implant materials

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:30:30 EDT

Viruses that infect and kill bacteria -- used to treat infections in the pre-antibiotic era a century ago and in the former Soviet Union today -- may have a new role in preventing formation of the sticky "biofilms" of bacteria responsible for infections on implanted medical devices.

Biosensor that detects antibiotic resistance brings us one step closer to fighting superbugs

Wed, 08 May 2013 10:25:25 EDT

New research demonstrates how a biosensor can detect antibiotic resistance in bacteria. This new technology is a preliminary step in identifying and fighting superbugs, a major public health concern that has led to more deaths than AIDS in the United States in recent years.

Bacteria adapt and evade nanosilver's sting

Wed, 08 May 2013 09:30:30 EDT

Although nanosilver has effective antimicrobial properties against certain pathogens, it can cause other potentially harmful organisms to rapidly adapt and flourish, a new study reveals.

Genetic variations associated with susceptibility to bacteria linked to stomach disorders

Tue, 07 May 2013 16:42:42 EDT

Two genome-wide association studies and a subsequent meta-analysis have found that certain genetic variations are associated with susceptibility to Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that is a major cause of gastritis and stomach ulcers and is linked to stomach cancer, findings that may help explain some of the observed variation in individual risk for H pylori infection.

New insights into Ebola infection pave the way for much-needed therapies

Tue, 07 May 2013 13:45:45 EDT

The Ebola virus is among the deadliest viruses on the planet, killing up to 90 percent of those infected. A new study reveals how the most abundant protein making up the Ebola virus -- viral protein 40 -- allows the virus to leave host cells and spread infection to other cells throughout the human body. The findings could lay the foundation for the development of new drugs and strategies for fighting Ebola infection.

Parents who suck on their infants' pacifiers may protect their children against developing allergy

Tue, 07 May 2013 10:31:31 EDT

Allergies are very common in industrialized countries. It has been suggested that exposure to harmless bacteria during infancy may be protective against the development of allergy. However, it has been difficult to pinpoint which bacteria a baby should be exposed to, and at what time and by which route this exposure should ideally occur.

Pathogen turns protein into a virulence factor in one easy step

Tue, 07 May 2013 06:11:11 EDT

To infect its host, the respiratory pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa takes an ordinary protein usually involved in making other proteins and adds three small molecules to turn it into a key for gaining access to human cells. Researchers have now uncovered this previously unknown virulence factor in P. aeruginosa, one of the most common causes of hospital-acquired pneumonia.

The Black Sea is a goldmine of ancient genetic data

Mon, 06 May 2013 18:17:17 EDT

When one marine paleoecologist was mining through vast amounts of genetic data from the Black Sea sediment record, he was amazed about the variety of past plankton species that left behind their genetic makeup (i.e., the plankton paleome).

Scientists alarmed by rapid spread of brown streak disease in cassava

Mon, 06 May 2013 09:55:55 EDT

Cassava experts are reporting new outbreaks and the increased spread of Cassava Brown Streak Disease or CBSD, warning that the rapidly proliferating plant virus could cause a 50 percent drop in production of a crop that provides a significant source of food and income for 300 million Africans.

Endogenous antibiotic discovered in the brain

Mon, 06 May 2013 09:52:52 EDT

Scientists have discovered that immune cells in the brain can produce a substance that prevents bacterial growth: namely itaconic acid. Until now, biologists had assumed that only certain fungi produced itaconic acid.Scientists have now shown that even so-called microglial cells in mammals are also capable of producing this acid.

Portable device provides rapid, accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis, other bacterial infections

Sun, 05 May 2013 15:00:00 EDT

A handheld diagnostic device first developed to diagnose cancer has been adapted to rapidly diagnose tuberculosis and other important infectious bacteria. Two versions of the portable device combine microfluidic technology with nuclear magnetic resonance to not only diagnose these important infections but also determine the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.

New cost-effective genome assembly process

Sun, 05 May 2013 14:59:59 EDT

Genome assembly, the molecular equivalent of trying to put together a multi-million piece jigsaw puzzle without knowing what the picture on the cover of the box is, remains challenging due to the very large number of very small pieces, which must be assembled using current approaches. New research has resulted in an improved and fully automated workflow for genome assembly.

'Dark oxidants' form away from sunlight in lake and ocean depths, underground soils

Fri, 03 May 2013 13:29:29 EDT

All forms of life that breathe oxygen -- even ones that can't be seen with the naked eye, such as bacteria -- must fight oxidants to live. But neutralizing environmental oxidants such as superoxide was a worry only for organisms that dwell in sunlight -- in habitats that cover a mere 5 percent of the planet. That was the only place where such environmental oxidants were thought to exist. Now researchers have discovered the first light-independent source of superoxide. The key is bacteria common in the depths of the oceans and other dark places.

Ebola's secret weapon revealed

Thu, 02 May 2013 19:22:22 EDT

Researchers have discovered the mechanism behind one of the Ebola virus' most dangerous attributes: its ability to disarm the adaptive immune system.

Tick-borne lone star virus identified through new super-fast gene sequencing

Thu, 02 May 2013 18:52:52 EDT

The tick-borne Lone Star virus has been conclusively identified as part of a family of other tick-borne viruses called bunyaviruses, which often cause fever, respiratory problems and bleeding, according to new research.

Protein complex found in human breast milk can help reverse antibiotic resistance in superbugs

Wed, 01 May 2013 19:29:29 EDT

A protein complex found in human breast milk can help reverse the antibiotic resistance of bacterial species that cause dangerous pneumonia and staph infections, according to new research.

Potential novel treatment for influenza discovered: Scientists pursue new therapies as deadly H7N9 flu spreads in China

Wed, 01 May 2013 15:44:44 EDT

An experimental drug has shown promise in treating influenza, preventing lung injury and death from the virus in preclinical studies, according to new research. The scientists found that a drug called Eritoran can protect mice from death after they have been infected with a lethal dose of influenza virus.

Soil may harbor answer to reducing arsenic in rice

Wed, 01 May 2013 15:44:44 EDT

Agricultural researchers are studying whether a naturally occurring soil bacterium, referred to as UD1023, can create an iron barrier in rice roots that reduces arsenic uptake.

How 'traffic' in our cells works both for and against us

Wed, 01 May 2013 09:07:07 EDT

A mechanism that permits essential substances to enter our cells while at the same time removing from them harmful components also has a “down side.” This negativeaspect prevents vital drugs, such as anti-cancer drugs, from achieving their designed functions, while also enabling bacterial cells to develop resistance to penetration of antibiotics.

Cheating favors extinction, yeast study finds: Feedback between population and evolutionary dynamics

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:42:42 EDT

Cooperative behavior is widely observed in nature, but there remains the possibility that 'cheaters' can exploit the system, with uncertain consequences for the social unit as a whole. A new study has found that a yeast colony dominated by non-producers ('cheaters') is more likely to face extinction than one consisting entirely of producers ('co-operators'). The findings are the results of the first laboratory demonstration of a full evolutionary-ecological feedback loop in a social microbial population.

Electron-beam pasteurization of raw oysters may reduce viral food poisoning

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:16:16 EDT

Researchers have studied how electron-beam pasteurization of raw oysters may reduce the possibility of food poisoning through virus.

Synthetic derivatives of THC may weaken HIV-1 infection to enhance antiviral therapies

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:15:15 EDT

A new research report shows that compounds that stimulate the cannabinoid type 2 receptor in white blood cells, specifically macrophages, appear to weaken HIV-1 infection.

Tactics of new Middle East virus suggest treating by altering lung cells' response to infection

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:25:25 EDT

The deadly Human Coronavirus-Erasmus Medical Center, which first appeared April 2012 in the Middle East, is revealing its stronghold tactics. The virus dysregulates 207 lung cell genes to turn RNA levels up and down. The dysregulation makes it harder for cells to recognize the virus and also creates an environment for the virus to multiply. Currently available drugs are predicted to treat the infection by altering the infected cells' response, rather than killing the virus directly.

First snapshot of organisms eating each other: Feast clue to smell of ancient Earth

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:41:41 EDT

Tiny 1,900-million-year-old fossils from rocks around Lake Superior, Canada, give the first ever snapshot of organisms eating each other and suggest what the ancient Earth would have smelled like.

Flu and bacteria: Better prognosis for this potentially fatal combination

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:54:54 EDT

Scientists have provided insights into how much harm bacteria can cause to the lung of people having the flu. The results could prompt the development of alternative treatments for flu-related bacterial infections, to improve patient outcome and prevent permanent lung damage.

Thanks to rare alpine bacteria, researchers identify one of alcohol's key gateways to the brain

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:28:28 EDT

Thanks to a rare bacteria that grows only on rocks in the Swiss Alps, researchers have been the first to identify how alcohol might affect key brain proteins.

Significant step forward in combating antibiotic resistance

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 22:25:25 EDT

New research is a significant development in combating antibiotic resistance; it will pave the way for the creation of the inhibitors to counteract the process, allowing a renaissance in the use of antibiotics.

The microbes you inhale on the New York City subway

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:52:52 EDT

The microbial population in the air of the New York City subway system is nearly identical to that of ambient air on the city streets. This research establishes an important baseline, should it become necessary to monitor the subway's air for dispersal of potentially dangerous microbes.

Gut bacteria byproduct predicts heart attack and stroke

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:52:52 EDT

A microbial byproduct of intestinal bacteria contributes to heart disease and serves as an accurate screening tool for predicting future risks of heart attack, stroke and death in persons not otherwise identified by traditional risk factors and blood tests, according to new research.

Biogeographic barrier that protects Australia from avian flu does not stop Nipah virus

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:51:51 EDT

An invisible barrier separates land animals in Australia from those in south-east Asia may also restrict the spillover of animal-borne diseases like avian flu, but researchers have found that fruit bats on either side of this line can carry Nipah virus, a pathogen that causes severe human disease.

Humans passing drug resistance to wildlife in protected areas in Africa

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:55:55 EDT

Researchers have discovered that humans are passing antibiotic resistance to wildlife, especially in protected areas where numbers of humans are limited. In the case of banded mongoose in a Botswana study, multidrug resistance among study social groups, or troops, was higher in the protected area than in troops living in village areas. The study also reveals that humans and mongoose appear to be readily exchanging fecal microorganisms, increasing the potential for disease transmission.

Fighting bacteria with new genre of antibodies

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:23:23 EDT

In an advance toward coping with bacteria that shrug off existing antibiotics and sterilization methods, scientists are reporting development of a new family of selective antimicrobial agents that do not rely on traditional antibiotics. They report on these synthetic colloid particles, which can be custom-designed to recognize the shape of specific kinds of bacteria and inactivate them.

High-nutrition and disease-resistant purple and yellow-fleshed potato clones obtained

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:10:10 EDT

Agricultural researchers have created four new potato clones which are characterized by their high antioxidant content, their good production both in size and number of tubers, as well as by their resistance to the usual diseases of this crop. The clones were obtained by natural methods through crossing varieties from South America with commercial varieties used in Europe. The result was three clones of the purple-fleshed potato and one with a markedly yellow flesh.

Battling with bugs to prevent antibiotic resistance

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:27:27 EDT

Bacteria can evolve resistance more quickly when stronger antibiotics are used, new research confirms.

Big ecosystem changes viewed through the lens of tiny carnivorous plants

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:39:39 EDT

The water-filled pool within a pitcher plant, it turns out, is a tiny ecosystem whose inner workings are similar to those of a full-scale water body. Whether small carnivorous plant or huge lake, both are subject to the same ecological "tipping points," of concern on Earth Day -- and every day, say scientists.

Flexible partnership allows lichens to occur in different habitats

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:51:51 EDT

A group of researchers has discovered the survival secrets of a lichen that occurs in polar regions of the northern and southern Hemisphere, but curiously also dwells in the warm climate of the Mediterranean. The lichen is able to form symbiotic associations with different algae which helps to colonize successfully areas with vastly different climates.

Contact killing of Salmonella by human fecal bacteria

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:08:08 EDT

Researchers have recently found a novel mode of interaction between Salmonella, a foodborne pathogen, and the bacteria that live in our guts. Fecal bacteria collected from healthy donors effectively inactivated Salmonella, when they were allowed close contact. Mathematical modelling of this interaction is now being used to find new ways of controlling Salmonella.

Iron in primeval seas rusted by bacteria

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:07:07 EDT

Researchers have been able to show for the first time how microorganisms contributed to the formation of the world's biggest iron ore deposits. The biggest known deposits -- in South Africa and Australia -- are geological formations billions of years old. They are mainly composed of iron oxides -- minerals we know from the rusting process. These iron ores not only make up most of the world demand for iron -- the formations also help us to better understand the evolution of the atmosphere and climate, and provide important information on the activity of microorganisms in the early history of life on Earth.

Bacteria may contribute to premature births, STDs

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:24:24 EDT

New research points to a common species of bacteria as an important contributor to bacterial vaginosis, a condition linked to preterm birth and increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

Scientists cage dead zebras in Africa to understand the spread of anthrax

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:49:49 EDT

Scavengers might not play as key a role in spreading anthrax through wildlife populations as previously assumed, according to findings from a small study conducted in Etosha National Park in northern Namibia.