All articles by Linda Stewart – Page 24
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NewsGene-sharing myth challenged as bacteria shown to police DNA exchange
A new study reveals that bacteria can actively limit the spread of antibiotic resistance genes, using a newly characterized mechanism that blocks DNA transfer between cells. It focuses on how bacteria exchange genetic material through tiny intercellular bridges known as nanotubes.
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NewsResearchers develop promising new vaccine against H5N1 bird flu
Researchers have developed a vaccine approach that shows promise in protecting against highly pathogenic bird flu, demonstrating strong efficacy in both mice and cattle. In 2024, the virus spread to dairy cattle and subsequently caused illness in about 70 farm workers with close contact to infected animals.
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NewsAmbient air pollution is associated with respiratory infection burden in the first year of life
Ambient air pollution is associated with respiratory infection burden in the first year of life, according to preliminary findings from the Immune Development in Early Life (IDEaL) Rome Cohort.
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NewsDetailed map of life-threatening Vibrio bacteria reveals new target for treatment
Scientists have mapped in unprecedented detail the structure of Vibrio bacteria, which can cause life-threatening infections linked to antibiotic resistance. The team behind the study say the finding could provide new targets for life-saving treatment.
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NewsDrip-irrigated halotolerant PGPB boost jujube yield and quality in saline soils by reshaping soil bacterial communities
A new study demonstrates that applying halotolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) via drip irrigation during the crop growth period can effectively alleviate soil salinity stress, enhance jujube productivity and fruit quality, and restructure rhizosphere bacterial communities in saline agricultural soils.
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NewsComputational approach takes the guesswork out of drug development for Chagas disease
Researchers have established a computational protocol that could accelerate the development of more effective treatments for life-threatening parasitic infections such as Chagas disease, by enabling scientists to accurately identify reactions that can result in successful drug candidates without the need for trial and error.
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NewsRare orchid Paphiopedilum purpuratum mediates adaptation via a dual-fungal strategy
Paphiopedilum purpuratum, an endangered orchid species with critical conservation value, faces severe challenges in ex situ adaptation despite successful reproductive output. A novel study reveals the integrated physiological and symbiotic adaptation mechanism underlying its ex situ conservation.
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NewsCOVID-19 and severe heart attack increase mortality by 25% after one year, more than double pre-pandemic rates
Findings from the North American COVID-19 Myocardial Infarction (NACMI) registry demonstrate significantly higher one-year mortality rates in patients with COVID-19 and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) compared to patients with STEMI alone.
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NewsCinnamic acid blocks plasmid conjugation to slow antibiotic resistance spread
A new study reveals that cinnamic acid, a widely used food additive found in cinnamon, can effectively inhibit plasmid‑mediated conjugation, a major route for the global spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs).
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NewsNew study examines measles vaccination coverage after a postelimination outbreak
In 2022–2023, a large postelimination measles outbreak occurred in central Ohio. A study found that 20 months after the outbreak, MMR coverage across the entire primary care network (PCN) population remained well below herd immunity levels, with minimal gains.
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NewsIntestinal Candida albicans is associated with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease with cirrhosis
Researchers have published the first report of gut fungal dysbiosis associated with the severity of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis. An increased abundance of fecal C. albicans was observed in patients with cirrhosis and high SCA burden.
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NewsEight-year results from two randomized phase 3 trials of tenofovir alafenamide for chronic hepatitis B virus infection in China
Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) has demonstrated comparable efficacy to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), with improved renal and bone safety, in Chinese participants with chronic hepatitis B enrolled in two Phase 3 trials.
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NewsTiny switch controls rare rotary machine in bacteria - and can even reverse direction of spin
Researchers have discovered a tiny molecular switch that can control and reverse the direction of a rare rotary machine linked to motility, surface colonization and protein secretion in bacteria.
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NewsYellow food coloring changes gut microbiome in early life
Researchers found that the gut microbiotaof young rats changed with exposure to acceptable daily intake levels of the food coloring tartrazine. The males showed increases in bacteria linked to low-grade inflammation and they also did not gain as much weight as was expected.
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NewsMen and women may differ in how fitness level Is linked to gut microbiome diversity
Aerobic fitness may be influenced by microbes in the gut, but men and women appear to show a different connection, according to a first-of-its-kind study.
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NewsThat late-night snacking is probably messing up your gut
It’s well known that chronic stress can disrupt bowel function, sending people running to the bathroom or making them constipated. New research suggests that eating late at night amplifies these effects, with implications for both digestive health and the gut microbiome.
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NewsSARS-CoV-2 does not persist in the placenta after maternal recovery from COVID-19
A new study finds that the virus that causes COVID-19 does not linger in placental tissue weeks to months after a pregnant woman recovers from infection - offering important reassurance for clinicians and patients alike.
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NewsCosmetics from waste? New microbial discovery could enable more sustainable production of high-value chemical products
Researchers have made a key discovery about how certain bacterial strains produce a set of economically valuable chemicals — opening the door to new, more sustainable production methods. A family of molecules could be made via bacterial fermentation instead of from palm oil, as they are today.
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NewsHow scientists are breeding spinach to better withstand Pythium
Breeding efforts to improve spinach tolerance to a pathogen called Pythium will help both indoor and outdoor growers of the popular leafy green.
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NewsMicrobes contribute a surprisingly large array of proteins in fermented foods
A study examining the proteins found in fermented foods like yogurt, cheese and bread found that a surprisingly large number, and percentage, of microbial proteins contribute to their overall protein content.