All North Carolina State University articles
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Lachnospiraceae could be key to successful fecal transplants
Fecal microbiota transplants are a magic bullet for patients with recurring infections from Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), but researchers are only beginning to understand why.
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Microbes: atmospheric methane increase during pandemic due primarily to wetland flooding
A new analysis of satellite data finds that the record surge in atmospheric methane emissions from 2020 to 2022 was driven by increased inundation and water storage in wetlands, combined with a slight decrease in atmospheric hydroxide (OH).
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Scientists to explore role soil microbes play in helping hemlocks survive woolly adelgid
Scientists are investigating why some stands of Eastern hemlock are able to resist a non-native, hemlock-loving invasive species known as the hemlock woolly adelgid which is wiping out the trees throughout the East Coast of the U.S.
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Study analyzes potato-pathogen ‘arms race’ after Irish famine
In an examination of the genetic material found in historic potato leaves, researchers reveal more about the tit-for-tat evolutionary changes occurring in both potato plants and the pathogen that caused the 1840s Irish potato famine.
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Bartonella and babesia co-infection detected in patients with chronic illness
A small pilot study has found evidence of human co-infections from Bartonella and Babesia odocoilei, a protozoal tick-borne infection primarily found in deer, moose and other cervids.
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Researchers unlock gateway to open up more bacterial species for research
Researchers have introduced a novel approach that can make many more bacteria amenable to genetic engineering. Their method, called IMPRINT, uses cell-free systems to enhance DNA transformation across various bacterial strains.
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Scientists identify key pathogen targets to tackle black rot in sweetpotato
A new study identifies 31 Ceratocystis fimbriata effector genes and suggests a biotrophic phase, in which the fungus lives off living sweetpotato storage roots before killing it, providing a new perspective on how the disease progresses.
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Bartonella DNA found in blood of patients with psychosis
A new study has found that patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder are three times more likely to have Bartonella DNA in their blood than adults without these disorders.
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Study sheds light on bacteria associated with pre-term birth
Researchers have found that multiple species of Gardnerella, bacteria sometimes associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and pre-term birth, can coexist in the same vaginal microbiome.
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‘Sunny day flooding’ increases fecal contamination of coastal waters
A new study finds that ‘sunny day flooding’, which occurs during high tides, increases the levels of fecal bacteria in coastal waters, suggesting policymakers and public health officials should be aware of potential risks associated with tidal flooding.
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Salmonella rates more prevalent in commercial poultry farm samples vs backyard farms
In a comparison of differently sized poultry farms, researchers at North Carolina State University found that rates of Salmonella in fecal and environmental samples were more prevalent on larger commercial farms than on smaller backyard farms.
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Researchers map spread of potato blight prior to the Irish potato famine
The first accurate maps of outbreaks of potato blight in the USA between 1843 and 1845 are presented in a new study, improving the understanding of the spread of potato blight before the disease reached Europe.
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Rising sea levels could lead to more methane emitted from wetlands
A low-salinity Bay Area estuary ecosystem is producing higher-than-expected levels of methane.
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Using different flours for sourdough fosters different bacteria – and flavours
A new study of the microbial ecosystem in sourdough finds that using different types of flour fosters distinct bacterial communities, and that these differences contribute to the variation of sourdough aromas and flavours.
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Genetically modified bacteria break down plastics in saltwater
Researchers have genetically engineered a marine microorganism to break down plastic in salt water - specifically, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a plastic used in everything from water bottles to clothing.
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Viruses deploy CRISPR system to thwart bacterial defences
Researchers have shown that viruses engineered with a CRISPR-Cas system can thwart bacterial defenses and make selective changes to a targeted bacterium – even when other bacteria are in close proximity.
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Carnivore gut microbes can predict health of wild ecosystems
Gut microbes of wild marten (Martes americana) that live in relatively pristine natural habitat is distinct from the gut microbiome of wild marten that live in areas that are more heavily impacted by human activity, researchers have found. The finding highlights an emerging tool that will allow researchers and ...