Microbiology News and Research

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Study creates a new wheat mutant with resistance to disease

Chinese scientists explained their use of genome editing to produce significant disease resistance without any growth problems in a study published online in Nature.

14 Feb 2022

Intracellular pathogens trick the host’s immune system to evade destruction

A signaling mechanism that enables bacteria like Salmonella to escape destruction by the immune system of the host was discovered by scientists.

From The University of California, Davis 14 Feb 2022

New genomic study suggests protein-based antigens provide more stable vaccine targets for Shigella

New genomics research conducted by the University of Liverpool will aid in the development and implementation of vaccinations against Shigella.

2 Feb 2022

European Reference Genome Atlas intends to provide “reference genomes” for the biodiversity of Europe

In 2021, experts launched the “European Reference Genome Atlas” (ERGA) to give crucial genetic data to inform the study of Europe’s biodiversity.

31 Jan 2022

Mother's unhealthy vaginal microbiome may contribute to mortality and altered development in babies

A new study in mice from University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers showed that an unhealthy vaginal microbiome in pregnant mothers in combination with an unhealthy diet contributed to increased pup deaths and altered development in the surviving babies.

28 Jan 2022

Omicron variant inefficient in causing diseases than other COVID-19 variants, study reveals

Scientists from the Department of Microbiology at the University of Hong Kong (HK) have found that the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 replicates less efficiently and causes fewer diseases than other variants of COVID19.

27 Jan 2022

Study identifies respiratory syncytial viral protein that mediates RSV-induced autophagy

A viral protein might contain information that could be used to avoid pneumonia due to the body’s overactive response to respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19.

20 Jan 2022

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.

From The Max Planck Institute 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.

From Institut Pasteur 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.

From UC San Diego 6 Dec 2021