Microbiology – Page 3 – PossibleThreat Articles

A reliable clock for your microbiome

October 11, 2019 0 Comments Bacteria, Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Cystic Fibrosis, Human Biology, Infectious Diseases, Microbes and More, Microbiology, Ulcers

The microbiome is a treasure trove of information about human health and disease, but getting it to reveal its secrets is challenging. A new genetic 'repressilator' circuit acts like a clock that tracks how bacterial growth changes over time with single-cell precision. This tool allows scientists to noninvasively study the dynamics of the microbiome, and also unlocks the potential for complex, synthetic-biology-based diagnostics and therapeutics for the human gut.

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Impacts of low-dose exposure to antibiotics unveiled in zebrafish gut

October 10, 2019 0 Comments Bacteria, Colitis, Gastrointestinal Problems, Infectious Diseases, Microbes and More, Microbiology, New Species, Ulcers

An antibiotic commonly found at low concentrations in the environment can have major impacts on gut bacteria, report researchers.

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Nanostructures help to reduce the adhesion of bacteria

October 10, 2019 0 Comments Bacteria, Extreme Survival, Materials Science, Microbes and More, Microbiology, Nanotechnology, Nature of Water, Organic Chemistry

Scientists has shown how bacteria adhere to rough surfaces at the microscopic level. The team has discovered that precise analysis of the topographical composition of nanostructured surfaces provides a direct means of deriving the adhesive forces that bind bacteria to the surface. This discovery has opened up promising new avenues of research, including ways of combating the bacteria that are so hazardous in clinical environments.

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Review of 96 healthy eating studies finds 'nudges' yield best changes in eating habits

October 10, 2019 0 Comments Bacteria, Behavioral Science, Diet and Weight Loss, Eating Disorder Research, Food, Microbiology, Nutrition, Staying Healthy

A gentle nudge in the right direction is sometimes all people need. In this case, new research finds it works when it comes to promoting healthy eating.

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Nanoparticles may have bigger impact on the environment than previously thought

October 10, 2019 0 Comments Bacteria, Batteries, Chemistry, Environmental Awareness, Extreme Survival, Geochemistry, Microbiology, Nanotechnology, Pollution

In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers have shown that nanoparticles may have a bigger impact on the environment than previously thought.

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New mechanism in the liver helps prevent invasive fungal infections

October 8, 2019 0 Comments Chronic Illness, Diseases and Conditions, Fungus, Kidney Disease, Liver Disease, Microbes and More, Microbiology, Organic

An expert in intravital microscopy is making breakthroughs in invasive fungal infections. He has discovered a pathway by which liver macrophages capture fungi before dissemination to target organs like the brain. This not only provides an explanation as to why individuals with liver disease have enhanced risk of fungal infection, but also points to therapeutic options to prevent these infections, which kill 1.5 million people annually.

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Bacteria trapped — and terminated — by graphene filter

October 7, 2019 0 Comments Bacteria, Graphene, Infectious Diseases, Materials Science, Microbes and More, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Spintronics, Wounds and Healing

Chemists transform their laser-induced graphene into an air filter that not only traps pathogens but also kills them with a small blast of electricity.

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Household bleach inactivates chronic wasting disease prions

October 4, 2019 0 Comments Environmental Policy, Geography, mice, Microbiology, Prions, Veterinary Medicine

A 5-minute soak in a 40% solution of household bleach decontaminated stainless steel wires coated with chronic wasting disease (CWD) prions, according to a new study. The scientists used the wires to model knives and saws that hunters and meat processors use when handling deer, elk and moose – all of which are susceptible to CWD.

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Weak spot in pathogenic bacteria

October 4, 2019 0 Comments Bacteria, Cystic Fibrosis, Human Biology, Infectious Diseases, Microbes and More, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Wounds and Healing

Antibiotics are still the most important weapon for combatting bacterial infections. But medical science is running out of ''ammunition'' because of more and more frequently occurring resistances. Research teams have now elucidated the structure of the proteolytic complex ClpX-ClpP. This is a key to development of innovative antibiotics which target the degradation process of defective proteins in bacteria.

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New defensive mechanism against bacterial wound infections

October 4, 2019 0 Comments Bacteria, Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Immune System, Microbes and More, Microbiology, Skin Cancer, Skin Care, Wounds and Healing

Wound inflammation which results in impaired wound healing can have serious consequences for patients. Researchers have discovered a new defensive mechanism which enables our skin to actively kill bacteria. Central to this mechanism is a cellular messenger molecule known as 'interleukin 6', whose mode of action may be used in the future to prevent wound infections.