Microbiology News and Research

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Researchers discover a key mechanism used by Zika virus to evade cell’s antiviral response

The world knows SARS-CoV-2 intimately now, but there are more than 200 virus species capable of infecting humans and causing disease.

19 Jan 2022

Study analyzes the role of individual soil microbes to predict climate change

Soil is a very complex ecosystem that is crucial to a healthy climate. It is one of the largest carbon repositories and home to billions of microorganisms.

7 Jan 2022

Research analyzes horizontal gene transfer between viruses and eukaryotes

The level at which viruses can pick up genes from their hosts to hone their infection process is illustrated by the first analysis of viral horizontal gene transfer.

7 Jan 2022

New model system reveals how tiny bacteria from the environment have adapted to live inside humans

The microbes that live inside our mouths, collectively known as the oral microbiome, impact our overall health in many ways that are not yet fully understood.

4 Jan 2022

COVID-19 virus spreads through cell-to-cell transmission

The virus that causes COVID-19 has adopted some stealth moves to stay alive and kicking, and one secret to its success is hiding from the immune system by spreading through cell-to-cell transmission, a new study has found.

24 Dec 2021

Researchers cultivate an archaeon that breaks down oil all by itself

Microbes are capable of converting oil into natural gas, i.e., methane.

23 Dec 2021

How Can Sustainable Agricultural Practices Improve Soil Health?

In this interview, we speak to Dr. Fiona Brennan from Teagasc, about the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and how they can help to improve soil health.

21 Dec 2021

Breakthrough infections enhance immune response to COVID-19 variants

Breakthrough infections greatly enhance immune response to variants of the virus that causes COVID-19, according to a newly published study from Oregon Health & Science University.

17 Dec 2021

Genetic mutation appears to be a predisposing factor for COPD independent of smoking

In 2019, the WHO positioned chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) third in the global ranking of causes of death.

15 Dec 2021

Infant's immune system may be better than the adult immune system

As any parent knows, infants are prone to getting respiratory infections. But a new study shows that the infant immune system is stronger than most people think and beats the adult immune system at fighting off new pathogens.

13 Dec 2021

Multiple exposure enhances antibody efficacy against COVID-19 variants

Antibodies produced by the immune system against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein help pinpoint and avoid future infections.

13 Dec 2021

Metabolites from human microbiome can inhibit COVID-19 infection, says study

Scientists recently discovered metabolites in the human microbiome that hinders COVID-19 infection in cell-based models of the virus.

7 Dec 2021

Creating a Biological Clock in a Test Tube

We speak to researchers from the UC San Diego Center for Circadian Biology about their latest research that led to the development of a biological clock in a test tube.

6 Dec 2021

Finding better treatments to eradicate infection caused by H. pylori bacterium

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most common bacterial infections worldwide, affecting more than 40 % of the population and is one of the causes of digestive symptoms, such as epigastric discomfort, heaviness or bloating of the stomach, or of other more serious diseases, such as the development of gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastric lymphoma or gastric cancer.

30 Nov 2021

Antibodies play a major role in managing gut mycobiota, says study

According to recent research, antibody protection against harmful forms of fungi in the gut might be disrupted in some patients with Crohn’s disease.

25 Nov 2021

Experts investigate adaptations that confer antibiotic resistance to pathogens

Researchers anticipate that without intervention, the issue of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections could become catastrophic by 2050.

25 Nov 2021

Antimicrobial compounds from soybean plants may help animals stay healthy

Antimicrobial compounds that soybean plants produce when threatened by insects, diseases and even drought may help animals stay healthy, thereby reducing the need for antibiotics.

25 Nov 2021

New group of molecules that have an antibacterial effect identified

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet, Umeå University, and the University of Bonn have identified a new group of molecules that have an antibacterial effect against many antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

18 Nov 2021

Microbiome discovery may help improve treatment for patients facing gut damage

University of Calgary researchers probing the gut -; "the inner tube of life" -; have for the first time discovered specific factors in its workings that in the future may help improve treatment for patients facing gut damage or gastrointestinal disease.

15 Nov 2021

Avoiding the formation of false positive results during SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing

In light of frequent false positives, a team of Canadian researchers has shown that rapid antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 work only when manufacturer instructions are followed.

11 Nov 2021