ScienceDaily: Microbiology 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.

X-ray tomography of living frog embryo

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:52:52 EDT

Classical X-ray radiographs provide information about internal, absorptive structures of organisms such as bones. Alternatively, X-rays can also image soft tissues throughout early embryonic development of vertebrates. Related to this, a new X-ray method allowed researchers to view three dimensional reconstructions showing developing embryos of the African clawed frog.

Malaria infected mosquitoes more attracted to human odor than uninfected mosquitoes

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:44:44 EDT

Female mosquitoes infected with malaria parasites are significantly more attracted to human odor than uninfected mosquitoes, according to new research. Scientists will now attempt to find out how malaria parasites manipulate their mosquito hosts.

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.”

Squishy hydrogels may be the ticket for studying biological effects of nanoparticles

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:51:51 EDT

A class of water-loving, jelly-like materials with uses ranges ranging from the mundane, such as superabsorbent diaper liners, to the sophisticated, such as soft contact lenses, could be tapped for a new line of serious work: testing the biological effects of nanoparticles, according to scientists.

No idle chatter: Malaria parasites 'talk' to each other

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:50:50 EDT

Scientists have made the surprise discovery that malaria parasites can 'talk' to each other -- a social behavior to ensure the parasite's survival and improve its chances of being transmitted to other humans. The finding could provide a niche for developing antimalarial drugs and vaccines that prevent or treat the disease by cutting these communication networks.

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.

Untangling the tree of life

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:48:48 EDT

Phylogeneticists examined the reasons why large-scale tree-of-life studies are producing contradictory results and have proposed a suite of novel techniques to resolve the conflicts.

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.

Alligator stem cell study gives clues to tooth regeneration

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:14:14 EDT

Alligators may help scientists learn how to stimulate tooth regeneration in people, according to new research. For the first time, a global team of researchers has uncovered unique cellular and molecular mechanisms behind tooth renewal in American alligators.

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.

Water governs cell movement: Aquaporins play key role, new research finds

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:53:53 EDT

Water gives life. Researchers now show how the cells in our bodies are driven mainly by water power -- a discovery that in the long run opens the way for a new strategy in cancer therapy.

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.

Not all cytokine-producing cells start out the same way

Mon, 13 May 2013 09:57:57 EDT

Not all IL17-producing cells are the same, and the rules regarding how particular cell types are instructed to produce this important mediator differ. Understanding the rules that govern IL17 cell development and function will suggest ways to specifically modulate one population or the other.

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.

Research on cilia heats up: Implications for hearing, vision loss and kidney disease

Sun, 12 May 2013 14:06:06 EDT

Experiments have unearthed clues about which protein signaling molecules are allowed into hollow, hair-like “antennae,” called cilia, that alert cells to critical changes in their environments.

Carnivorous plant throws out 'junk' DNA

Sun, 12 May 2013 14:05:05 EDT

The newly sequenced genome of the carnivorous bladderwort contradicts the notion that vast quantities of noncoding 'junk' DNA are crucial for complex life.

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.

Revealing hidden fungal species using DNA: The importance of recognizing cryptic diversity

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:45:45 EDT

In contrast to traditional approaches using morphological characters to delimit species, five new lichen-forming fungal species were described from what was traditionally considered a single species using genetic data exclusively. The new species can be identified using DNA barcoding. This pioneering study marks an alternative approach for discovering species and will promote effective research through correct specimen identification in closely related species groups.

Gene associated with eczema in dogs identified

Thu, 09 May 2013 18:46:46 EDT

A novel gene associated with canine atopic dermatitis has been identified. The gene encodes a protein called plakophilin 2, which is crucial for the formation and proper functioning of the skin structure, suggesting an aberrant skin barrier as a potential risk factor for atopic dermatitis.

Using bacteria to stop malaria

Thu, 09 May 2013 14:21:21 EDT

Mosquitoes are deadly efficient disease transmitters. New research however, demonstrates that they also can be part of the solution for preventing diseases such as malaria.

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.

Research reveals cancer-suppressing protein 'multitasks'

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:35:35 EDT

The understanding of how a powerful protein called p53 protects against cancer development has been upended by a new discovery.

Studies generate comprehensive list of genes required by innate system to defend sex cells

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:35:35 EDT

Investigators have published studies revealing many previously unknown components of an innate system that defends sex cells -- the carriers of inheritance across generations -- from the ravages of transposable genetic elements.

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.

First biological evidence of a supernova

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:30:30 EDT

In fossil remnants of bacteria, researchers have found a radioactive iron isotope that they trace back to a supernova in our cosmic neighborhood. This is the first proven biological signature of a starburst. An age determination showed that the supernova must have occurred about 2.2 million years ago, roughly around the time when the modern human developed.

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.

A trick to fold proteins more quickly: 'Clever' technique speeds up the analysis of protein dynamics

Wed, 08 May 2013 09:28:28 EDT

Scientists have devised a method to reduce the time used to simulate how proteins take on their signature three-dimensional shape. Such important information to comprehend their function is usually obtained using often very costly experimental techniques.

Combining strategies speeds the work of enzymes

Tue, 07 May 2013 19:58:58 EDT

Enzymes could break down cell walls faster -- leading to less expensive biofuels for transportation -- if two enzyme systems are brought together in an industrial setting, new research suggests.

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.

Silk and cellulose biologically effective for use in stem cell cartilage repair

Tue, 07 May 2013 12:48:48 EDT

Over 20 million people in Europe suffer from osteoarthritis which can lead to extensive damage to the knee and hip cartilage. Stem cells offer a promising way forward but a key challenge has been to design a 'smart material' that is biologically effective for cartilage tissue regeneration. Now researchers have identified a blend of naturally occurring fibers such as cellulose and silk that makes progress towards affordable and effective cell-based therapy for cartilage repair a step closer.

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).

New technique to track cell interactions in living bodies developed

Mon, 06 May 2013 18:16:16 EDT

Researchers have developed a new technique to see how different types of cells interact in a living mouse.

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.

Assembly of a protein degradation machine could lead to treatments in cancer, neurological diseases

Mon, 06 May 2013 09:49:49 EDT

Scientists have discovered new details about an assembly intricate process in cells and the proteins named chaperones that controls it. Their finding may advance treatments for cancer and neurological diseases.

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.

Malaria: A vector infecting both apes and humans

Fri, 03 May 2013 09:47:47 EDT

In 2010, a study revealed that the main agent of malaria in humans, called Plasmodium falciparum, arose from the gorilla. Today, the vector which transmitted the parasite from apes to humans has just been identified. Scientists have determined which species of anopheles mosquitoes transfer the disease to apes. Among them is Anopheles moucheti, known for biting humans. Therefore, it appears to be the species which originally infected us through our 'cousins'. And it could do it again today.

New mechanism discovered in meiosis: How modification of an enzyme governs critical processes in sexual reproduction

Fri, 03 May 2013 09:41:41 EDT

Scientists have made an important discovery in meiosis research. They have identified a new mechanism that plays an important role in meiosis.

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.

Scientists revolutionize creation of genetically altered mice to model human disease

Thu, 02 May 2013 13:17:17 EDT

Scientists have efficiently created mouse models with multiple gene mutations in a matter of weeks. Because the method does not require embryonic stem cells, the approach also could allow any animal to become a model organism.

3-D simulation shows how form of complex organs evolves by natural selection

Thu, 02 May 2013 10:45:45 EDT

Researchers have developed the first three-dimensional simulation of the evolution of morphology by integrating the mechanisms of genetic regulation that take place during embryo development. The study highlights the real complexity of the genetic interactions that lead to adult organisms' phenotypes (physical forms), helps to explain how natural selection influences body form and leads towards much more realistic virtual experiments on evolution.

Finding Nematostella: Ancient sea creature shines new light on how animals build an appendage

Thu, 02 May 2013 09:35:35 EDT

A study of tentacle formation in a sea anemone shows how epithelial cells form elongated structures and puts the spotlight on a new model organism.

New imaging technique to visualize bio-metals and molecules simultaneously

Thu, 02 May 2013 08:17:17 EDT

Metal elements and molecules interact in the body but visualizing them together has always been a challenge. Researchers have now developed a new molecular imaging technology that enables them to visualize bio-metals and bio-molecules simultaneously in a live mouse. This new technology will enable researchers to study the complex interactions between metal elements and molecules in living organisms.