Engineered viruses can fight the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
As the world fights the SARS-CoV-2 virus causing the COVID-19 pandemic, another group of dangerous pathogens looms in the background. The threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has been growing for years and appears to be getting worse. If COVID-19.....»»
Crown-of-thorns starfish larvae feast on toxic cyanobacteria, study finds
Researchers have uncovered an under-the-sea phenomenon where coral-destroying crown-of-thorns starfish larvae have been feasting on blue-green algae bacteria known as "sea sawdust.".....»»
Influenza viruses can use a second entry pathway to infect cells, study shows
Most influenza viruses enter human or animal cells through specific pathways on the cells' surface. Researchers at the University of Zurich have now discovered that certain human flu viruses and avian flu viruses can also use a second entry pathway,.....»»
Smart soil can water and feed itself
A newly engineered type of soil can capture water out of thin air to keep plants hydrated and manage controlled release of fertilizer for a constant supply of nutrients......»»
Engineered nanovesicles from activated neutrophils show promise in treating infected wounds
Infectious wounds represent a critical challenge in health care, especially for diabetic patients grappling with ineffective antibiotics and escalating drug resistance. Conventional therapies often inadequately address deep tissue infections, highlig.....»»
Study identifies rhizobacteria to combat Striga and boost sorghum yields in Ethiopia
A research team has identified potential Striga-suppressing rhizobacteria associated with sorghum, which have been shown to significantly reduce Striga seed germination rates. This study highlights the value of soil-borne bacteria as bioherbicides to.....»»
Enhancing ratoon rice yield and sustainability through innovative breeding and mechanization
A research team has reviewed the advancements and prospects of ratoon rice cultivation in China, highlighting its significant rise due to improved breeding methods and cultivation technology. They examined key aspects such as cultivar selection, stub.....»»
TikTok loses legal fight in Europe; may still face US and EU bans
TikTok has lost its fight to be excluded from a European antitrust law, and says that it will comply. However, it still faces a potential ban in the EU for breaching child protection legislation, and a separate ruling on its future in the US has yet.....»»
Forests endure as carbon sink despite regional pressures, new research reveals
Despite facing regional threats like deforestation and wildfires, the world's forests continue to be a powerful weapon in the fight against climate change. A new study reveals these vital ecosystems have consistently absorbed carbon dioxide for the p.....»»
Sierra Leone rangers fight uphill battle against deforestation
As the rainclouds descend on Sierra Leone's tropical Kambui forest, a handful of khaki-clad rangers assemble for their daily patrol in the fight to preserve the West African country's dwindling wilderness......»»
DDoS attacks see a huge rise as criminals get braver and more ambitious
Hackers are getting access to better tools, previously only reserved for state-sponsored actors, researchers say......»»
E. coli variant may cause antimicrobial resistance in dogs, humans
Researchers studying antimicrobial-resistant E. coli—the leading cause of human death due to antimicrobial resistance worldwide—have identified a mechanism in dogs that may render multiple antibiotic classes ineffective......»»
New study highlights the alarming rise of telephone fraud targeting older adults in the UK
A new study by the University of Portsmouth has revealed that older adults in the UK, particularly those over the age of 75, are experiencing an unprecedented number of attempted telephone frauds. The research is published in the journal Internationa.....»»
With the rise of global mobility, researchers say the topic of international employees" adjustment needs attention
International employees constitute almost 5% of the global workforce. A recent study by Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) revealed the under-researched areas in international employees' adjustment and proposed a future research agenda......»»
Interdisciplinary approach provides new insights into molecular mechanisms of cholera infection
Cholera infections caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria can be life-threatening and the trigger is the cholera toxin produced by the bacteria. It binds to the surface of intestinal cells—more precisely, to certain "sugar lipids" (GM1 gangliosides, GM.....»»
Genetic cloaking of healthy cells opens door to universal blood cancer therapy
Blood stem cells are being engineered to protect them from lethal therapies. Enlarge (credit: Aurich Lawson) Know your enemy, know yourself. It's a centuries-old strategy. But even in the present-day war against cancer,.....»»
In the South, sea level rise accelerates at some of the most extreme rates on Earth
The surge is startling scientists, amplifying impacts such as hurricane storm surges. Enlarge / Steve Salem is a 50-year boat captain who lives on a tributary of the St. Johns River. The rising tides in Jacksonville are testing h.....»»
On NYC beaches, angry birds fight drones patrolling for sharks and struggling swimmers
A fleet of drones patrolling New York City's beaches for signs of sharks and struggling swimmers is drawing backlash from an aggressive group of seaside residents: local shorebirds......»»
A comprehensive derivative synthesis method for development of new antimicrobial drugs
Efforts to combat the increasing threat of drug-resistant bacteria are being assisted by a new approach for streamlining the search for antimicrobial drug candidates, pioneered by researchers at Hokkaido University, led by Assistant Professor Kazuki.....»»
How to make an old antibiotic 100 times more potent
Nathaniel Martin, Professor of biological chemistry, wondered what would happen if you took an antibiotic that has been known for 70 years and tried to improve it with the latest tools of modern chemistry. Turns out it can become up to a hundred time.....»»
Respiratory bacteria "turn off" immune system to survive, study finds
Researchers from The University of Queensland have identified how a common bacterium is able to manipulate the human immune system during respiratory infections and cause persistent illness. The research was published in PLOS Pathogens......»»