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Dangerous biofilm bacteria evolve to be easy to treat
Pathogenic bacteria have evolved into a less harmful form in the lab, suggesting that in future, infections could be tackled with therapies that encourage this change
Pathogenic bacteria have evolved into a less harmful form in the lab, suggesting that in future, infections could be tackled with therapies that encourage this change
Microbiology
Source: New Scientist
Posted on: Friday, Aug 16, 2013, 8:12am
Rating: | Views: 1146 | Comments: 0
Source: New Scientist
Posted on: Friday, Aug 16, 2013, 8:12am
Rating: | Views: 1146 | Comments: 0
When Our Microbes Chat, Dangerous Germs Are Eavesdropping
In Africa, a superb starling has just spotted an eagle and gives off an alarm call. Any starling within earshot goes on high alert, but so do nearby vervet monkeys. They have learned to eavesdrop on the starling’s calls to gain extra intelligence about incoming threats.
In Africa, a superb starling has just spotted an eagle and gives off an alarm call. Any starling within earshot goes on high alert, but so do nearby vervet monkeys. They have learned to eavesdrop on the starling’s calls to gain extra intelligence about incoming threats.
Microbiology
Source: National Geographic
Posted on: Wednesday, Aug 14, 2013, 7:47am
Rating: | Views: 1216 | Comments: 0
Source: National Geographic
Posted on: Wednesday, Aug 14, 2013, 7:47am
Rating: | Views: 1216 | Comments: 0
What Makes Good Bacteria Go Bad? It's Not Them, It's You
The bacteria that cause many cases of ear infection in kids and pneumonia in the elderly are usually harmless until activated by distress signals from their human host. When the flu or another virus gives you a fever, for example, mild-mannered pneumococcus can turn nasty.
The bacteria that cause many cases of ear infection in kids and pneumonia in the elderly are usually harmless until activated by distress signals from their human host. When the flu or another virus gives you a fever, for example, mild-mannered pneumococcus can turn nasty.
Microbiology
Source: NPR
Posted on: Thursday, Aug 08, 2013, 9:08am
Rating: | Views: 1136 | Comments: 0
Source: NPR
Posted on: Thursday, Aug 08, 2013, 9:08am
Rating: | Views: 1136 | Comments: 0
Ocean mud yields novel antibiotic
A completely new and unusual antibiotic compound has been extracted from a marine microbe found in sediments off the coast of California.
A completely new and unusual antibiotic compound has been extracted from a marine microbe found in sediments off the coast of California.
Microbiology
Source: BBC News
Posted on: Thursday, Aug 01, 2013, 9:11am
Rating: | Views: 1147 | Comments: 0
Source: BBC News
Posted on: Thursday, Aug 01, 2013, 9:11am
Rating: | Views: 1147 | Comments: 0
These Bacteria Are Wired to Hunt Like a Tiny Wolf Pack
You wouldn’t know it, but there is an elaborate stealth communication network in the Earth beneath your feet. This smart web acts like a superorganism, fortifying defensive capabilities and coordinating deadly attacks on unsuspecting targets.
You wouldn’t know it, but there is an elaborate stealth communication network in the Earth beneath your feet. This smart web acts like a superorganism, fortifying defensive capabilities and coordinating deadly attacks on unsuspecting targets.
Microbiology
Source: Wired
Posted on: Wednesday, Jul 24, 2013, 8:07am
Rating: | Views: 1147 | Comments: 0
Source: Wired
Posted on: Wednesday, Jul 24, 2013, 8:07am
Rating: | Views: 1147 | Comments: 0
Staying Healthy May Mean Learning To Love Our Microbiomes
Scientists are investigating the microscopic world that lives in and on our bodies. It's becoming clear that these tiny companions play a much more complex and important role in human health than thought. But we don't yet know enough about the microbiome to use it to prevent and treat disease.
Scientists are investigating the microscopic world that lives in and on our bodies. It's becoming clear that these tiny companions play a much more complex and important role in human health than thought. But we don't yet know enough about the microbiome to use it to prevent and treat disease.
World's Biggest Virus May Have Ancient Roots
The Pandoravirus is so big you can see it in an ordinary microscope. Scientists say its size may have helped fool amoebas and other potential hosts into eating it. But this virus doesn't pose a threat to humans. It's more of a Trojan virus than a surprise from Pandora's Box.
The Pandoravirus is so big you can see it in an ordinary microscope. Scientists say its size may have helped fool amoebas and other potential hosts into eating it. But this virus doesn't pose a threat to humans. It's more of a Trojan virus than a surprise from Pandora's Box.
New Clue Emerges in Mysterious Manatee Die-Off in Florida
Last week, a chemist found what might be an important clue in the ongoing mystery surrounding mass animal deaths in Florida's Indian River Lagoon: Multiple unknown toxins, isolated from algae in the lagoon, that kill mammalian cells.
Last week, a chemist found what might be an important clue in the ongoing mystery surrounding mass animal deaths in Florida's Indian River Lagoon: Multiple unknown toxins, isolated from algae in the lagoon, that kill mammalian cells.
Microbiology
Source: Wired
Posted on: Thursday, Jul 18, 2013, 8:25am
Rating: | Views: 1139 | Comments: 0
Source: Wired
Posted on: Thursday, Jul 18, 2013, 8:25am
Rating: | Views: 1139 | Comments: 0
How Many Microbes Are Hiding Among Us?
DNA from single cells yields insights into the "dark matter" of life
DNA from single cells yields insights into the "dark matter" of life
Microbiology
Source: Science
Posted on: Monday, Jul 15, 2013, 7:23am
Rating: | Views: 1155 | Comments: 0
Source: Science
Posted on: Monday, Jul 15, 2013, 7:23am
Rating: | Views: 1155 | Comments: 0
Are Antibiotics On The Farm Risky Business?
Farmers give antibiotics routinely to pigs, beef cattle and poultry. They say the drugs help keep animals healthy and get them to market faster. Others say this practice practically guarantees that bacteria will develop resistance to these antibiotics more quickly, endangering human lives and the long-term viability of the drugs.
Farmers give antibiotics routinely to pigs, beef cattle and poultry. They say the drugs help keep animals healthy and get them to market faster. Others say this practice practically guarantees that bacteria will develop resistance to these antibiotics more quickly, endangering human lives and the long-term viability of the drugs.
Bacteria in space grow in strange ways
Bacteria grown in space exhibit unique behaviors
Bacteria grown in space exhibit unique behaviors
Microbiology
Source: CBSNews
Posted on: Thursday, Jul 11, 2013, 8:26am
Rating: | Views: 1126 | Comments: 0
Source: CBSNews
Posted on: Thursday, Jul 11, 2013, 8:26am
Rating: | Views: 1126 | Comments: 0
Lake Vostok may boast a thriving ecosystem
Buried beneath Antarctic ice for 15 million years, Lake Vostok may be home to diverse organisms – including animals, if new findings are to be believed
Buried beneath Antarctic ice for 15 million years, Lake Vostok may be home to diverse organisms – including animals, if new findings are to be believed
Microbiology
Source: New Scientist
Posted on: Tuesday, Jul 09, 2013, 8:36am
Rating: | Views: 1124 | Comments: 0
Source: New Scientist
Posted on: Tuesday, Jul 09, 2013, 8:36am
Rating: | Views: 1124 | Comments: 0
Plastisphere microbes go to sea on flotsam fragments
Tiny fragments of plastic in the Atlantic Ocean have been colonised by microbes not found in open water
Tiny fragments of plastic in the Atlantic Ocean have been colonised by microbes not found in open water
Microbiology
Source: New Scientist
Posted on: Tuesday, Jul 02, 2013, 9:14am
Rating: | Views: 1112 | Comments: 0
Source: New Scientist
Posted on: Tuesday, Jul 02, 2013, 9:14am
Rating: | Views: 1112 | Comments: 0
Bugs to be Earth's 'last survivors'
The last creatures to survive on Earth will be tiny organisms living deep underground, according to scientists.
The last creatures to survive on Earth will be tiny organisms living deep underground, according to scientists.
Microbiology
Source: BBC News
Posted on: Tuesday, Jul 02, 2013, 9:14am
Rating: | Views: 1111 | Comments: 0
Source: BBC News
Posted on: Tuesday, Jul 02, 2013, 9:14am
Rating: | Views: 1111 | Comments: 0
Gut Bugs Could Explain Obesity-Cancer Link
In obese mice, changes in intestinal bacteria may lead to higher cancer risk
In obese mice, changes in intestinal bacteria may lead to higher cancer risk
Microbiology
Source: Science
Posted on: Thursday, Jun 27, 2013, 8:51am
Rating: | Views: 1142 | Comments: 0
Source: Science
Posted on: Thursday, Jun 27, 2013, 8:51am
Rating: | Views: 1142 | Comments: 0
The Myth of the Komodo Dragon’s Dirty Mouth
In 1969, an American biologist named Walter Auffenberg moved to the Indonesia island of Komodo to study its most famous resident—the Komodo dragon. This huge lizard—the largest in the world—grows to lengths of 3 metres, and can take down large prey like deer and water buffalo. Auffenberg watched the dragons for a year and eventually published a book on their behaviour in 1981. It won him an award. It also enshrined a myth that took almost three decades to refute, and is still prevalent today.
In 1969, an American biologist named Walter Auffenberg moved to the Indonesia island of Komodo to study its most famous resident—the Komodo dragon. This huge lizard—the largest in the world—grows to lengths of 3 metres, and can take down large prey like deer and water buffalo. Auffenberg watched the dragons for a year and eventually published a book on their behaviour in 1981. It won him an award. It also enshrined a myth that took almost three decades to refute, and is still prevalent today.
Microbiology
Source: National Geographic
Posted on: Thursday, Jun 27, 2013, 8:51am
Rating: | Views: 1369 | Comments: 0
Source: National Geographic
Posted on: Thursday, Jun 27, 2013, 8:51am
Rating: | Views: 1369 | Comments: 0
Silver found to increase effectiveness of antibiotics
Silver, used for centuries to fight infection and other germs, when added to antibiotics in trace amounts makes the drugs as much as 1,000 times more effective in treating mice, researchers find.Thousands of years before the discovery of microbes or the invention of antibiotics, silver was used to protect wounds from infection and to preserve food and water.
Silver, used for centuries to fight infection and other germs, when added to antibiotics in trace amounts makes the drugs as much as 1,000 times more effective in treating mice, researchers find.Thousands of years before the discovery of microbes or the invention of antibiotics, silver was used to protect wounds from infection and to preserve food and water.
Microbiology
Source: L.A. Times
Posted on: Thursday, Jun 20, 2013, 8:13am
Rating: | Views: 1135 | Comments: 0
Source: L.A. Times
Posted on: Thursday, Jun 20, 2013, 8:13am
Rating: | Views: 1135 | Comments: 0
Is the rise in antibiotic use on farms a threat to humans?
Experts and campaigners worry about the use of veterinary antibiotics, but officials say there is little cause for concern
Experts and campaigners worry about the use of veterinary antibiotics, but officials say there is little cause for concern
Microbiology
Source: TheGuardian
Posted on: Wednesday, Jun 12, 2013, 8:14am
Rating: | Views: 1133 | Comments: 0
Source: TheGuardian
Posted on: Wednesday, Jun 12, 2013, 8:14am
Rating: | Views: 1133 | Comments: 0
Shining Light on the 'Dark Matter of Life'
Mysterious microbes found in sink scum
Mysterious microbes found in sink scum
Microbiology
Source: Science
Posted on: Tuesday, Jun 11, 2013, 9:03am
Rating: | Views: 1117 | Comments: 0
Source: Science
Posted on: Tuesday, Jun 11, 2013, 9:03am
Rating: | Views: 1117 | Comments: 0
Bacterial apocalypse – the bugs are getting cleverer, and we are doing little to stop them
The time is now to develop new antibiotics, but serious barriers stand in our wayWe're all doomed.Well, possibly not.
The time is now to develop new antibiotics, but serious barriers stand in our wayWe're all doomed.Well, possibly not.
Microbiology
Source: TheGuardian
Posted on: Monday, Jun 10, 2013, 8:04am
Rating: | Views: 1946 | Comments: 0
Source: TheGuardian
Posted on: Monday, Jun 10, 2013, 8:04am
Rating: | Views: 1946 | Comments: 0
The Atlas of Dirt: Stalking the Planet’s DNA
Three Places where the Earth Microbiome Project is mapping how small things shape big ecosystems.
Three Places where the Earth Microbiome Project is mapping how small things shape big ecosystems.
Microbiology
Source: Wired
Posted on: Thursday, Jun 06, 2013, 8:52am
Rating: | Views: 1109 | Comments: 0
Source: Wired
Posted on: Thursday, Jun 06, 2013, 8:52am
Rating: | Views: 1109 | Comments: 0
Julius Richard Petri: Google celebrates birth of inventor of the petri dish
German bacteriologist's invention allowed for the better identification of bacteria and the diseases they causedGoogle has celebrated the birth of the inventor of the petri dish, Julius Richard Petri, who was born on May 31, 1852 with a doodle on its home page.
German bacteriologist's invention allowed for the better identification of bacteria and the diseases they causedGoogle has celebrated the birth of the inventor of the petri dish, Julius Richard Petri, who was born on May 31, 1852 with a doodle on its home page.
Microbiology
Source: TheGuardian
Posted on: Friday, May 31, 2013, 7:45am
Rating: | Views: 1399 | Comments: 0
Source: TheGuardian
Posted on: Friday, May 31, 2013, 7:45am
Rating: | Views: 1399 | Comments: 0
Chemists find new compounds to curb staph infection 
In an age when microbial pathogens are growing increasingly resistant to the conventional antibiotics used to tamp down infection, a team of Wisconsin scientists has synthesized a potent new class of compounds capable of curbing the bacteria that cause staph infections.
In an age when microbial pathogens are growing increasingly resistant to the conventional antibiotics used to tamp down infection, a team of Wisconsin scientists has synthesized a potent new class of compounds capable of curbing the bacteria that cause staph infections.
Microbiology
Source: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Posted on: Friday, May 24, 2013, 8:00am
Rating: | Views: 2209 | Comments: 0
Source: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Posted on: Friday, May 24, 2013, 8:00am
Rating: | Views: 2209 | Comments: 0
Fetch, boy! Study shows homes with dogs have more types of bacteria
New research from North Carolina State University and the University of Colorado shows that households with dogs are home to more types of bacteria – including bacteria that are rarely found in households that do not have dogs. The finding is part of a larger study to improve our understanding of the microscopic life forms that live in our homes.
New research from North Carolina State University and the University of Colorado shows that households with dogs are home to more types of bacteria – including bacteria that are rarely found in households that do not have dogs. The finding is part of a larger study to improve our understanding of the microscopic life forms that live in our homes.
Microbiology
Source: North Carolina State University
Posted on: Thursday, May 23, 2013, 10:00am
Rating: | Views: 2191 | Comments: 0
Source: North Carolina State University
Posted on: Thursday, May 23, 2013, 10:00am
Rating: | Views: 2191 | Comments: 0
Minus environment, patterns still emerge
Environment is not the only factor in shaping regulatory patterns -- and it might not even be the primary factor, according to a new Rice University study that looks at how cells' protein networks relate to a bacteria's genome.
Environment is not the only factor in shaping regulatory patterns -- and it might not even be the primary factor, according to a new Rice University study that looks at how cells' protein networks relate to a bacteria's genome.
Microbiology
Source: Rice University
Posted on: Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 12:15pm
Rating: | Views: 2052 | Comments: 0
Source: Rice University
Posted on: Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 12:15pm
Rating: | Views: 2052 | Comments: 0
Now we know why old scizophrenia medicine works on antibiotics-resistant bacteria
In 2008 researchers from the University of Southern Denmark showed that the drug thioridazine, which has previously been used to treat schizophrenia, is also a powerful weapon against antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as staphylococci (Staphylococcus aureus).
In 2008 researchers from the University of Southern Denmark showed that the drug thioridazine, which has previously been used to treat schizophrenia, is also a powerful weapon against antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as staphylococci (Staphylococcus aureus).
Microbiology
Source: University of Southern Denmark
Posted on: Monday, May 20, 2013, 8:00am
Rating: | Views: 1992 | Comments: 0
Source: University of Southern Denmark
Posted on: Monday, May 20, 2013, 8:00am
Rating: | Views: 1992 | Comments: 0
Cutting-edge bacteria research leads to more effective treatment of complex infections
Bacteria are life forms, which, like all other life forms, struggle for the best living conditions for themselves. Therefore they will try to avoid getting attacked by the human immune system, and therefore they have developed various ways to protect themselves from the human immune system. When safe from the immune system, they can focus on breeding and multiplying, and if they become numerous en
Bacteria are life forms, which, like all other life forms, struggle for the best living conditions for themselves. Therefore they will try to avoid getting attacked by the human immune system, and therefore they have developed various ways to protect themselves from the human immune system. When safe from the immune system, they can focus on breeding and multiplying, and if they become numerous en
Microbiology
Source: University of Southern Denmark
Posted on: Wednesday, May 15, 2013, 11:15am
Rating: | Views: 2354 | Comments: 0
Source: University of Southern Denmark
Posted on: Wednesday, May 15, 2013, 11:15am
Rating: | Views: 2354 | Comments: 0
Bacterium counteracts 'coffee ring effect'
Ever notice how a dried coffee stain has a thicker outer rim, while the middle of the stain remains almost unsoiled? This 'coffee ring effect' also occurs in other materials. Researchers from the Departments of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at KU Leuven have now discovered how to counteract coffee rings with 'surfactants', i.e. soap. The key to the discovery was not a kitchen towel, but a bac
Ever notice how a dried coffee stain has a thicker outer rim, while the middle of the stain remains almost unsoiled? This 'coffee ring effect' also occurs in other materials. Researchers from the Departments of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at KU Leuven have now discovered how to counteract coffee rings with 'surfactants', i.e. soap. The key to the discovery was not a kitchen towel, but a bac
Microbiology
Source: KU Leuven
Posted on: Wednesday, May 15, 2013, 11:00am
Rating: | Views: 2558 | Comments: 0
Source: KU Leuven
Posted on: Wednesday, May 15, 2013, 11:00am
Rating: | Views: 2558 | Comments: 0
Asymptomatic carriage of M. pneumoniae common in children
The bacterium M. pneumoniae is carried at high rates in the upper respiratory tracts of healthy children and usual diagnostic tests cannot differentiate between such asymptomatic carriage and actual respiratory tract infection, according to a study by Dutch researchers published in this week's PLOS Medicine.
The bacterium M. pneumoniae is carried at high rates in the upper respiratory tracts of healthy children and usual diagnostic tests cannot differentiate between such asymptomatic carriage and actual respiratory tract infection, according to a study by Dutch researchers published in this week's PLOS Medicine.
Microbiology
Source: Public Library of Science
Posted on: Wednesday, May 15, 2013, 8:00am
Rating: | Views: 3260 | Comments: 0
Source: Public Library of Science
Posted on: Wednesday, May 15, 2013, 8:00am
Rating: | Views: 3260 | Comments: 0
Microbes capture, store, and release nitrogen to feed reef-building coral
Microscopic algae that live within reef-forming corals scoop up available nitrogen, store the excess in crystal form, and slowly feed it to the coral as needed, according to a study published in mBio®, the online open-access journal of the American Society for Microbiology. Scientists have known for years that these symbiotic microorganisms serve up nitrogen to their coral hosts, but this n
Microscopic algae that live within reef-forming corals scoop up available nitrogen, store the excess in crystal form, and slowly feed it to the coral as needed, according to a study published in mBio®, the online open-access journal of the American Society for Microbiology. Scientists have known for years that these symbiotic microorganisms serve up nitrogen to their coral hosts, but this n
Marine Biology
Source: American Society for Microbiology
Posted on: Tuesday, May 14, 2013, 1:15pm
Rating: | Views: 2393 | Comments: 0
Source: American Society for Microbiology
Posted on: Tuesday, May 14, 2013, 1:15pm
Rating: | Views: 2393 | Comments: 0
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