Impacts of low-dose exposure to antibiotics unveiled in zebrafish gut
An antibiotic commonly found at low concentrations in the environment can have major impacts on gut bacteria, report researchers.
Read moreMicrobes and More
A Lego-like approach to improve nature's own ability to kill dangerous bacteria
A research team has demonstrated how it could improve upon the ability of nature's exquisitely selective collection of antimicrobial enzymes to attack bacteria in a way that's much less likely to cause bacterial resistance.
Read moreKoala epidemic provides lesson in how DNA protects itself from viruses
In animals, infections are fought by the immune system. Studies on an unusual virus infecting wild koalas, by a team of researchers reveal a new form of "genome immunity."
Read moreNanostructures help to reduce the adhesion of bacteria
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.
Read moreHuman gut microbes could make processed foods healthier
A new study sheds light on how human gut microbes break down processed foods — especially potentially harmful chemical changes often produced during modern food manufacturing processes.
Read moreAntibiotic resistance in food animals nearly tripled since 2000
Researchers report that the growing appetite for animal protein in low- to middle-income countries has resulted in a smorgasbord of antibiotic consumption for livestock that has nearly tripled the occurrence of antibiotic resistance in disease-causing bacteria between 2000 and 2018. The researchers found that antibiotic resistance in livestock was most widespread in China and India, with Brazil and Kenya emerging as new hotspots.
Read moreHighly virulent listeriosis pathogen discovered
An international team of researchers identifies the genetic basis for the hypervirulence of a Listeria strain that can cause severe infections.
Read moreResearchers use game theory to successfully identify bacterial antibiotic resistance
Researchers have developed a novel way to identify previously unrecognized antibiotic-resistance genes in bacteria.
Read moreNew mechanism in the liver helps prevent invasive fungal infections
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.
Read moreNew study is 'chilling commentary' on future of antibiotics
The health care market is failing to support new antibiotics used to treat some of the world's most dangerous, drug-resistant 'superbugs,' according to a new analysis.
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