Microbiology

Researchers at the University of Delaware are looking at how plants grown in space are more prone to infections of Salmonella compared to plants not grown in space or grown under gravity simulations. Credit: Evan Krape/ University of DelawareResearch team finds lettuce and other plants are more susceptible to bacterial infections in space than on Earth.Lettuce and other leafy green vegetables are part of a healthy, balanced diet — even for astronauts on a mission.It’s been more than three years since the National…

Scientists have discovered new malaria strains in Ethiopia that are both drug-resistant and undetectable by standard tests, posing a major challenge to malaria elimination efforts in Africa.A team of scientists led by Brown University has conducted genomic surveillance, uncovering mutations in parasites that cause malaria, likely to challenge the eradication of malaria in Africa.Scientists discovered new variants of malaria parasites in Ethiopia that are resistant to existing treatments and undetectable by standard…

Research led by Stanford University reveals that life can persist in extremely salty environments, a significant discovery for understanding habitability in our solar system and the effects of salinity on Earth’s ecosystems. Credit: SciTechDaily.comA Stanford study on microbes in extremely salty water suggests life may survive conditions previously thought to be uninhabitable. The research widens the possibilities for where life may be found throughout our solar system and shows how changes in salinity may affect life in…

The Black Death in the 14th century may have triggered a significant shift in the human oral microbiome, now associated with modern chronic diseases. Research analyzing ancient dental calculus revealed changes in microbial communities post-pandemic, influenced by dietary shifts. This study offers a vital understanding of the evolution of human microbiomes and their impact on current health issues.New research suggests that the Second Plague Pandemic might have influenced the development of oral microbiomes that contribute…

Researchers from the University of British Columbia have discovered a link between micronutrient deficiencies in early life and changes in gut microbiomes, which may contribute to the rising global antibiotic resistance. The study shows that deficiencies in vital nutrients like vitamin A, B12, folate, iron, and zinc lead to an increase in opportunistic pathogens and genes linked to antibiotic resistance in the gut. This finding challenges the traditional view that antibiotic resistance is primarily due to antibiotic…

Researchers have precisely dated ancient multicellular fossils to 565 million years ago, using volcanic ash layers as time markers. These findings, based on fossils from Wales and similar sites worldwide, shed light on a significant period in Earth’s history, when complex life began flourishing after a global ice age. (Artist’s concept.) Credit: SciTechDaily.comA new study precisely dates ancient multicellular fossils, uncovering key moments in Earth’s history and the evolution of complex life after a global ice…

A new study reveals that SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, enters mink cells differently than human cells, utilizing the endocytosis pathway due to an inactive TMPRSS2 enzyme in minks. This discovery highlights the complexities of zoonosis and the potential public health risks of interspecies virus transmission, underscoring the need for further research on various species.Research conducted at UC Riverside has the potential to assist scientists in devising strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among minks…

A new mesophilic, sulfur-oxidizing bacterial species, Hydrogenimonas cancrithermarum, was discovered at a deep-sea hydrothermal vent, enhancing our understanding of bacterial evolution and diversity. This breakthrough demonstrates the importance of microbial cultivation in complementing genomic studies, offering new insights into the adaptation and evolution of deep-sea bacteria. The image above depicts the deep-sea hydrothermal vent site known as ‘Crab Spa’ on the East Pacific Rise. Credit: Photo courtesy of Stefan…

A study has shown that bees synthesize specific nutrients to support the colonization of their gut bacteria. This discovery, made using the western honey bee as a model and advanced NanoSIMS technology, offers new insights into the symbiotic relationship between hosts and their gut microbiota.New research reveals that bees produce nutrients that aid in the colonization of their gut bacteria, highlighting a symbiotic host-microbiota relationship and offering insights into bees’ environmental vulnerabilities.Bacteria have…

Researchers in Finland have found that willow bark extract has potent antiviral properties against various viruses, including COVID-19 and enteroviruses, offering a promising basis for developing new antiviral treatments.Willow bark, already the origin of aspirin, could now be the key to a vital new antiviral medication.From seasonal colds to stomach bugs, it’s clear that viral infections are unwelcome and epidemics can have catastrophic impacts. To address future outbreaks, the development of safe and sustainable…