Antibodies and SARS-CoV-2 infections: Tthe more the better
Oxford University Hospital tracked infections in 12,500 of its healthcare workers. Enlarge / Oxford University is associated with the hospital that ran this study, as well as a vaccine that is currently undergoing clinical trials. (credit: Gallo.....»»
Novel material degrades a widely used antibiotic that contaminates water
Levofloxacin is a widely used antibiotic prescribed to treat pneumonia, bacterial rhinosinusitis, bacterial prostatitis, pyelonephritis, urinary tract infections, skin disorders, and skin structure infections, among other conditions. The drug is prev.....»»
Novel RNA- or DNA-based substances can protect plants from viruses, scientists show
Individually tailored RNA or DNA-based molecules are able to reliably fight off viral infections in plants, according to a new study by the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences......»»
Plant biologists identify promising new fungicides
A promising new fungicide to fight devastating crop diseases has been identified by researchers at the University of California, Davis. The chemical, ebselen, prevented fungal infections in apples, grapes, strawberries, tomatoes and roses and improve.....»»
How the SARS-CoV-2 virus acquires its spherical shape
For centuries, coronaviruses have triggered health crises and economic challenges, with SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that spreads COVID-19, being a recent example. One small protein in SARS-CoV-2, the membrane protein, or M protein, is the most abunda.....»»
Temperature, humidity may drive future transmission of parasitic worm infections
As climate changes, temperature isn't the only factor to influence the spread of infectious diseases. Humidity plays a role, too, according to new research published this week (Feb. 25) in Ecology Letters......»»
Scientists develop technology to reduce pathogens in intact eggs
The CDC estimates Salmonella bacteria causes about 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the United States every year. Despite their appearance in everyday meals and snacks, the truth is that raw eggs and egg products ca.....»»
New species of fungi potentially harmful to humans identified in freshwater ecosystems
A study by the Mycology and Environmental Microbiology Unit of the Universitat Rovira i Virgili has identified new species of fungi that may cause infections or diseases in people and animals. Carried out in river ecosystems, the research is part of.....»»
Stem cells "migrate" to repair damaged lung cells, study shows
A new Yale-led study has found that stem cells migrate to help repair damaged lung cells caused by injuries such as viral or bacterial infections......»»
Pharmacists propose ways to increase the activity of levofloxacin and overcome bacterial resistance
The antibacterial drug levofloxacin is used to treat pneumonia, sinusitis, genitourinary infections, and other diseases. It is included in the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. In terms of its chemical structure, it is a third-generation fluoroq.....»»
Newly discovered bacterial defense system functions as self-destruct button
Wageningen researchers have discovered a molecular self-destruct mechanism in a bacterium living on seaweed. With this mechanism the bacteria sacrifice themselves when they are infected, thus protecting their brothers and sisters from infections. By.....»»
Can you sanitize the inside of your nose to prevent COVID? Nope, FDA says.
There are a lot of COVID nasal sprays for sale, but little data to show they work. Enlarge (credit: Nozin.com) More than four years after SARS-CoV-2 made its global debut, the US Food and Drug Administration is still wor.....»»
A Virus Found in Wastewater Beat Back a Woman’s ‘Zombie’ Bacteria
Viruses called phages are a promising treatment option for bacterial infections when antibiotics stop working, but they have limitations......»»
Pesticides to help protect seeds can adversely affect earthworms" health
While pesticides protect crops from hungry animals, pesky insects, or even microbial infections, they also impact other vital organisms, including bees and earthworms. Now, research published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters reveals that.....»»
Fungicide resistance: A threat to the health of humans, animals and plants
Fungi can cause disease in humans, animals and plants. Every year, 1.5 million people die from fungal infections, and fungal attacks in food crops threaten food production. To protect ourselves, we have developed chemical agents—in the form of medi.....»»
Research team identifies new approach to tackling bacterial infections
Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have identified a new approach to controlling bacterial infections. The findings are described in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology......»»
New paper explains why females are prone to autoimmune diseases
A system that shuts down one of two X chromosomes is targeted by auto-antibodies. Enlarge (credit: Rost-9D) Eighty percent of patients with autoimmune diseases are female. These diseases are one of the top 10 leading ca.....»»
Synthetic antibacterial minerals combat topical infections
The development of new antibiotics has stalled—new strategies are needed as the world enters the age of antibiotic resistance. To combat this challenge, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) scientists have found that synthetic antibacteria.....»»
Study finds commensal gut bacteria develop resistance in response to antibacterial treatment
An international team of microbiologists and immunologists has found that commensal gut bacteria develop resistance to antibacterial therapies for infections. In their study, reported in the journal Science Translational Medicine, the group monitored.....»»
DNA particles that mimic viruses hold promise as vaccines
Using a virus-like delivery particle made from DNA, researchers from MIT and the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard have created a vaccine that can induce a strong antibody response against SARS-CoV-2......»»
Why surface materials matter in health care settings
Health care facilities serve as havens for patients seeking treatment for disease and injury. However, they can also be home to a hidden world of microbes, lurking in places and devices that lead to life-threatening infections......»»