Coaxing purple bacteria into becoming bioplastic factories
In a world overrun by petroleum-based plastics, scientists are searching for alternatives that are more sustainable, more biodegradable and far less toxic to the environment......»»
Novel bacteria identification methods might help speed up disease diagnosis
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterial strain that can be responsible for several human diseases. The most serious include malignant external otitis, endophthalmitis, endocarditis, meningitis, pneumonia, and septicemia......»»
Study shows diverse gut bacteria communities protect against harmful pathogens by nutrient blocking
The human gut is home to hundreds of different bacterial species collectively known as the gut microbiome. A major health benefit these provide is to protect the gut against invading pathogens (disease-causing microorganisms) that could cause harmful.....»»
New software paves the way for finding bacteriophages to control bacteria
A new bioinformatics software program at Flinders University is paving the way for a rapid expansion of research into bacteriophages, the viruses or phages that play key roles in controlling bacteria......»»
Unexpected chemistry reveals cosmic star factories" secrets
Two galaxies in the early universe, which contain extremely productive star factories, have been studied by a team of scientists led by Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden. Using powerful telescopes to split the galaxies' light into individua.....»»
Q&A: Understanding coordination mechanisms in decentralized systems
Did you know that when a group of robots or bacteria moves in a space where there are several free objects, they deflect these objects so they can pass? An international research team managed to show that the trail left by this movement contributes t.....»»
Research reveals a rare enzyme role change with bacterial defense system assembly
Scientists have revealed a never-before-seen phenomenon in a protein: Alone, the enzyme processes DNA and RNA but, when bound to another protein as part of a defense system, interacts with a completely different type of compound to help bacteria comm.....»»
When is an aurora not an aurora? Phenomena called "Steve" and "picket fence" are masquerading as auroras
The shimmering green, red and purple curtains of the northern and southern lights—the auroras—may be the best-known phenomena lighting up the nighttime sky, but the most mysterious are the mauve and white streaks called Steve and their frequent c.....»»
Research finds marine bacteria, atmospheric rivers can contribute to formation of ice clouds
Understanding cloud formation in polar regions is essential to discern the influence of solar radiation on the polar ice caps. Existing numerical models, however, struggle to replicate ice clouds accurately. Now, using real-world observations and cli.....»»
Researcher characterizes enzymes with N–N bonds for antibacterial applications
The building blocks for new drugs that help fight bacteria that are resistant to known antibiotics, for example, should be as cost-effective and environmentally friendly as possible. Enzymes are ideal for this purpose. For example, they can produce o.....»»
Environmental monitoring of bacteria can strengthen community preparedness against diseases
A variety of potentially disease-causing bacteria exist in the Baltic Sea and in Swedish lakes. Karolina Eriksson, a doctoral student at the Industrial Doctoral School at Umeå University, reveals future health risks for humans in the light of climat.....»»
Nanomaterial with "light switch" kills Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacteria
Health care-associated infections are a common problem in suppurating wound care, as is the rise in multi-drug resistant bacteria. In order to effectively and selectively combat bacterial infections, a team of researchers has developed a bactericidal.....»»
Researchers crack the cellular code on protein folding, offering hope for many new therapeutic avenues
While we often think of diseases as caused by foreign bodies—bacteria or viruses—there are hundreds of diseases affecting humans that result from errors in cellular production of proteins......»»
Scientists raise alarm as bacteria are linked to mass death of sea sponges weakened by warming Mediterranean
Vibrio bacteria, named for their vibrating swimming motion, span approximately 150 known species. Most Vibrio live in brackish or salt water, either swimming free or living as pathogens or symbionts in fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and corals. Because.....»»
Foxconn"s expansion into India isn"t going as well as hoped
Apple supplier Foxconn is struggling to get its factories in India to operate efficiently, with employees citing language barriers, culture clashes, and difficulty adapting to strenuous schedules.FoxconnFoxconn began production of iPhone in India sta.....»»
Blending statistical studies of piglet gut bacteria reveals patterns at key growth stages
An analysis combining the results of 14 studies from around the globe has uncovered some common patterns in how the piglet microbiome, specifically the gut bacteria, changes over time......»»
Slippery toilet bowl treatment causes bacteria to slide right off
When entering public restrooms, it's hard not to dwell on what germs previous users have left behind in the toilet bowl. Imagine, instead, a self-cleaning system that doesn't require a brightly colored gel. Researchers reporting in ACS Applied Materi.....»»
New method for identifying bacteria more easily
Far too many antibiotics are used around the world. As a result, bacteria are becoming resistant to these drugs. Curing bacterial diseases is becoming more difficult than before because antibiotics are perhaps our foremost weapons in the fight agains.....»»
Potential threats, promising resources in thriving colonies of bacteria and fungi on ocean plastic trash
A team of scientists from the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) has found both potential threats and promising resources in the thriving colonies of bacteria and fungi on plastic trash washed up on Singapore shores......»»
Climate shapes life-history traits of abundant bacteria in Qinghai-Tibet plateau
Microorganisms are essential to grassland soil ecosystems and play a critical role in biogeochemical cycles. Microbial communities can be classified into distinct ecological groups based on common life-history traits, which reveals the processes in h.....»»
Researchers untangle the relationships between bacterial languages
A combination of machine learning and lab experiments has given researchers a peek into the different languages bacteria use to communicate. Understanding how bacteria communicate—and when they can't—has implications for treating drug-resistant b.....»»