Disrupted movement makes macrophages more lethal to tuberculosis bacteria
Macrophages—the front line of our immune system—protect us from infections. But in the case of the tuberculosis bacteria, this often goes wrong. The group of Annemarie Meijer from the Leiden Institute of Biology has now discovered that macrophage.....»»
Food-borne pathogen Listeria may hide from sanitizers in biofilms
An estimated 1,600 people in the U.S. contract a serious infection from Listeria bacteria in food each year, and of those individuals, about 260 people die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Penn State researchers may now b.....»»
New tool reveals gene behavior in bacteria
Bacterial infections cause millions of deaths each year, with the global threat made worse by the increasing resistance of the microbes to antibiotic treatments. This is due in part to the ability of bacteria to switch genes on and off as they sense.....»»
New method for incorporating structurally unusual amino acids into proteins
A team of biochemists at the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology at Cambridge has developed a new method to incorporate structurally unusual amino acids into proteins by using bacteria. The method is described in the journal Natu.....»»
Nanoparticle spray reduces risk of airborne bacterial infections caused by air filtration systems
A novel nanoparticle spray coating process has been shown to all but eliminate the growth of some of the world's most dangerous bacteria in air filtration systems, significantly reducing the risk of airborne bacterial and viral infections......»»
When conditions cool down, a bacterial prey species becomes the predator
In a new study, two species of bacteria grown in a lab reversed their predator-prey relationship after one species was grown at a lower temperature. Marie Vasse of MIVEGEC, France, and colleagues have published these findings in PLOS Biology......»»
Tiny water-walking bugs provide scientists with insights on how microplastics are pushed underwater
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can cause big problems when they enter the water supply. One way my fluid dynamics lab explores microplastic movement is by studying how tiny water-walking insects are pushed underwater by raindrops......»»
Study finds S. aureus" surface-sticking ability not evenly distributed over cell envelope
Infections caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus have a significant impact on human health, with tens of thousands of hospital patients dying every year from infections due to the S. aureus "superbug." Stopping the spread of bacteria like S......»»
CRISPR off-switches: A path towards safer genome engineering?
Using CRISPR, an immune system bacteria use to protect themselves from viruses, scientists have harnessed the power to edit genetic information within cells. In fact, the first CRISPR-based therapeutic was recently approved by the FDA to treat sickle.....»»
Study combines storytelling and movement to improve language and motor skills in early years
Combined storytelling and movement lessons delivered by teachers can improve language and gross-motor skills in young children, according to a new study by psychology and sport science experts at Nottingham Trent University and Coventry University......»»
Exploding kamikaze bacteria: How a few "soldier" cells confer virulence to a population by sacrificing themselves
You suddenly feel sick—pathogenic bacteria have managed to colonize and spread in your body. The weapons they use for their invasion are harmful toxins that target the host's defense mechanisms and vital cell functions. Before these deadly toxins c.....»»
Bacterial immune system boosts antibiotic effectiveness against cholera, study reveals
Bacteria have an immune system that protects them against viruses known as bacteriophages. A research team from the Universities of Tübingen and Würzburg has now shown how this immune system enhances the effect of specific antibiotics against the c.....»»
Researchers discover rare phages that attack dormant bacteria
In nature, most bacteria live on the bare minimum. If they experience nutrient deficiency or stress, they shut down their metabolism in a controlled manner and go into a resting state. In this stand-by mode, certain metabolic processes still take pla.....»»
This wireless mouse and keyboard are powered by mechanical energy
The Mechanical Energy Harvesting Combo uses mechanical movement to power a mouse and a keyboard, eliminating the need for external charging......»»
Status update in evolutionary race between humans and resistant bacteria: Two steps forward for us
In the span of one week, two researchers from Leiden are receiving their Ph.D.s, each of them on an important step in the battle against bacteria that are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics......»»
Study reveals a reaction at the heart of many renewable energy technologies
A key chemical reaction—in which the movement of protons between the surface of an electrode and an electrolyte drives an electric current—is a critical step in many energy technologies, including fuel cells and the electrolyzers used to produce.....»»
Researchers discover new antibiotic-resistant species of bacteria
Researchers at University of Limerick in Ireland have discovered a new species of bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics......»»
Apple marks Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with homepage memorial
Apple has honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on its homepage, with a memorial accompanied by a free book about the civil rights movement leader.Apple's homepage for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2024January 15 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the Un.....»»
Volvo, Tesla halt production amid Red Sea crisis; Stellantis uses air freight
Volvo and Tesla are suspending production at European plants after attacks on vessels in the Red Sea disrupted supply chains, while Stellantis is using air freight......»»
Volvo joins Tesla in halting production amid Red Sea crisis
Volvo and Tesla are suspending production at European plants after attacks on vessels in the Red Sea disrupted supply chains......»»
Study discovers how a system of proteins helps Salmonella survive inside macrophages
Salmonella is notorious for surviving and replicating in macrophages, which are normally lethal to invading bacteria because of their inhospitable environment. In a new study, researchers have discovered how a system of proteins, called TamAB, helps.....»»