All Asia & Oceania articles – Page 31
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NewsWe feed gut microbes sugar, they make a compound we need
Gut microbes that were thought to feed exclusively on dietary fiber are also fed sugar from our guts, from which they produce short-chain fatty acids that are crucial to many body functions.
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NewsFrom dormant to danger: How VZV reactivation is driving CNS infections
Researchers conducted a comprehensive study spanning 10 years (2013–2022), to identify the VZV-related infections affecting the central nervous system. Their study reveals a marked increase in adult VZV-related CNS infections, particularly since 2019.
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NewsE. coli strain in Egyptian dairy products also found in Japan school outbreak
Researchers found E. coli prevalent in over 25% of popular milk and dairy products in Egypt. One of the E. coli strains they isolated from the samples collected in 2018 in Egypt had the same characteristics as the E. coli that caused food poisoning in Japan in 2021.
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NewsStudy compares indoor transmission-risk metrics for infectious diseases
A recent study delves into the complex world of assessing the transmission risk of infectious diseases in indoor spaces. Understanding how to accurately evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) has become crucial.
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NewsTwo different sequence types of Listeria monocytogenes strains used for veterinary vaccines in Russia
Live whole-cell vaccine AUF (LWCV AUF) is used for the prevention of listeriosis in farm animals in Russian regions. A new study investigated whether the two strains used might belong to the same phylogenetic lineage and possess identical sequence types (STs).
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NewsDiscovery of a common ‘weapon’ used by disease-causing fungi could help engineer more resilient food crops
The discovery of a powerful “weapon” used by many disease-causing fungi to infect and destroy major food crop staples, such as rice and corn, could offer new strategies to bolster global food security
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NewsA rapid and reproducible method for generating germ-free Drosophila melanogaster
Scientists have introduced a refined method for the production of germ-free Drosophila, complemented by a straightforward verification process to ascertain its efficacy.
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NewsA*STAR spin-off NalaGenetics implements nationwide drug reaction screening for leprosy patients in Indonesia
NalaGenetics, a spin-off from A*STAR Genome Institute of Singapore (A*STAR GIS), will be transforming leprosy treatments in Indonesia with a nationwide genetic screening programme with their PGx1301 diagnostic kit.
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NewsStudy probes light-harvesting proteins of purple sulfur bacteria in high-salt, high-alkaline environments
Halorhodospira halophila, a purple sulfur bacterium, is believed to perform photosynthesis efficiently by integrating light harvesting protein complexes LH2 and LH1-RC. Researchers employed cryo-electron microscopy to investigate.
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NewsSuperbugs in our food: a new hope for tackling drug resistance
Researchers highlight the potential of quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) as a novel approach to tackle Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The study explores the mechanisms of action of various QSIs and potential applications in food safety and healthcare.
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NewsNeutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and its correlation with tuberculosis infection
A new study reveals a significant negative correlation between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the risk of tuberculosis infection (TBI), particularly in males and individuals with hypertension.
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NewsLactobacillus-dominated uterus significantly boosts pregnancy outcomes
Researchers analyzed recent studies on the reproductive microbiome and its effects on fertility. They found that a Lactobacillus-dominated (LD) uterine environment significantly improves pregnancy outcomes. Similarly, pregnancy success rates were higher in LD environments.
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NewsStudy uncovers porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus’s impact on swine immunity
Scientists used single-cell RNA analysis to reveal key immune mechanisms in lungs of swine infected with PRRSV. They found higher numbers of protective anti-inflammatory M2-like macrophages (SPP1-CXCL14high) were observed in less virulent infections, suggesting a potential role in promoting lung healing.
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NewsGroundbreaking study shows potential of new mRNA vaccine to help fight tuberculosis
A new vaccine that boosts immunity against tuberculosis (TB) has been shown to be effective in pioneering pre-clinical trials. The mRNA vaccine was successful in triggering an immune defence response that helped to reduce TB numbers in infected mice.
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NewsScientists uncover how bacterial resistance to synergistic drug treatments is arising
Scientists investigating the potential of combined and more powerful drug treatments have found that antimicrobial resistance to these is arising via the vitamin B2 synthesis pathway.
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NewsAlgal blooms intensify in global large lakes over the past two decades
With climate change affecting algal blooms, researchers have discovered that the combined nutrient and meteorological factors have significant influence on bloom frequency in large lakes across the world.
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NewsGround-breaking technique deploys bacterium to deliver drugs directly to the brain
A landmark study using the nasal bacteria technique promises new treatments for neurological disorders by bypassing the blood-brain barrier.
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NewsUltrasound cleaning promotes phenolic synthesis in fresh-cut red cabbages
Not only can ultrasonic cleaning technology enhance the quality of fruits and vegetables and reduce microbial contamination on their surfaces but it can also serve as an abiotic stressor, inducing the synthesis and accumulation of bioactive compounds.
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NewsNo more antibiotics? Scientists pioneer a safer way to protect cultured meat
A new study explores the use of Random Antimicrobial Peptide Mixtures (RPMs) as a safe and effective alternative to antibiotics in cultured meat production. These synthetic peptide cocktails eliminate bacterial contamination without harming stem cell viability or contributing to antibiotic resistance.
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NewsThe hidden battle in your gut: How one bacterium outsmarts its rivals
Scientists have undertaken a deep dive into the inner workings of the ‘microbial arms race’ in your gut, revealing an elegant strategy that gut microbes use to stay a step ahead of their neighbors.