One health
Communicable diseases remain one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. There are disparities in the numbers of individuals affected by disease between low-and-middle-income countries and those in developed nations. Microbes will play in important role in drug discovery: producing anticancer drugs and antimicrobials. Applying One Health principles, to understand the interaction of pathogens and the human host, development of diagnostics, treatments, and disease prevention, applied microbiologists can shape global health and wellbeing outcomes.
News
Influence of antibiotic use on mental health during pregnancy
New research points to an association between antibiotic exposure and maternal psychological distress in early-to mid-pregnancy.
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NewsAir surveillance reveals hidden reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes
The air we breathe serves as a silent vector of antimicrobial resistance, calling for the need to integrate air monitoring into global public health strategies, according to a review by an international team of researchers.
NewsSmall intestinal bacterial overgrowth - and your allergy symptoms
A review suggests that small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may be associated with symptom exacerbation in atopic diseases, such as bronchial asthma, food allergies, or chronic urticaria.
NewsGlobal Virus Network launches expanded “Global Guardians for Pandemic Preparedness” program for Florida high school students
The Global Virus Network (GVN) announced the launch of its expanded Global Guardians for Pandemic Preparedness initiative, with applications now open for high school students across the state of Florida.
More One Health
News
Decoding the chemical messengers: Gut microbes talk to the whole body through metabolites
A comprehensive review systematically maps how bacterial metabolites shape immune responses and diseases across organs.
NewsInequalities in childhood pneumococcal vaccine uptake persist in England despite schedule change
Vaccine uptake data has been examined to assess the impact of moving from a ‘2+1’ to a ‘1+1’ Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) dose schedule on vaccine coverage and health inequalities among infants in England.
NewsThe tumor microbiota: A new frontier in cancer biology
A new study synthesizes evidence from different types of tumors, particularly those characterized by low microbial biomass, where conclusions require particularly rigorous validation. By outlining a roadmap of experimental and analytical standards, this work provides the basis for more robust research.
NewsScientists develop therapeutic, nasally delivered DNA vaccine for tuberculosis
Research shows the vaccine — in combination with drug therapy — accelerated a relapse-free TB cure in mice, improved activity of a drug-resistant TB regimen and stimulated immune responses in nonhuman primates.
NewsLong COVID associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease
People with long COVID are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, according to a new study. Women with long COVID had just over twice the risk of receiving a cardiovascular diagnosis compared with women without long COVID. Men had approximately a third higher risk.
NewsSimple blood test for gut bacteria metabolites could spot dementia years earlier
Scientists have discovered that subtle changes in the blood may reveal the earliest signs of cognitive decline long before symptoms become obvious.These changes are caused by chemicals produced by gut bacteria - reinforcing the idea that the gut–brain connection plays an important role in early memory changes.
NewsIntroducing environmental microbiota to urban homes shifts the indoor microbiome
Introducing forest soil on an entryway doormat shifted the indoor microbiome of Finnish homes closer to bacterial profiles found outdoors, with less contribution from human-associated bacteria, a new study shows.
NewsThesis confirms algae have strong wound-healing, skin-protective, and immune-supporting properties
New research demonstrates that polysaccharides extracted from various seaweeds and freshwater cyanobacteria possess remarkable bioactive properties and can accelerate wound healing, reduce inflammation, and protect skin cells from UV-induced damage.
NewsWorld-first discovery of noma-linked bacteria opens path to early diagnosis and prevention
Researchers have identified a bacterium strongly associated with noma disease, marking a major step towards earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment. They uncovered a previously undescribed species of Treponema bacteria, which may be responsible for the disease.
NewsWastewater harbors high-risk antimicrobial resistance genes
Researchers found evidence of genetic material from two major bacterial groups, commonly known to exhibit high-risk resistance profiles, in wastewater samples from a large South Africa city.
NewsMissing gut bacteria may prevent some people with celiac disease from fully benefiting from high-fiber supplements or diets
Many people with celiac disease are advised to eat more fibre to support digestion and manage symptoms, either through diet or prescribed fibre supplements. New research shows that the benefits of that fibre may depend on whether the right bacteria are present in the gut to break it down.
NewsRobotics meets genetics: Joining forces to explore Fusarium
Two research groups are bringing together two complementary scientific approaches to discover new antifungal agents – targeting Fusarium, but also those derived from Fusarium.
NewsRapid urine test could select UTI antibiotics within hours
Patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) could receive the right antibiotic far sooner, thanks to a new test that produces results within hours rather than days.
NewsBoth diseased and healthy lungs contain genes associated with antibiotic resistance
Researchers examined patients with COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and sarcoidosis, and compared them with healthy individuals. The results show that antibiotic resistance genes were present in all groups.
NewsNipah virus hijacks host protein NSUN2 to fuel replication
Researchers have decoded a critical survival strategy of the deadly Nipah virus (NiV), identifying a key host protein hijacked by the pathogen and translating this discovery into a promising new treatment approach.
NewsResearch cracks genetic code of growing bacterial threat
Scientists have discovered that a fast‑rising strep bacterium comes in more forms than expected, including ones that may lead to life-threatening infections. Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE) was originally considered rare and was believed to mostly infect people who already had other health issues.
NewsA natural molecule present in the human body protects against the flu
A research team has demonstrated that dermcidin, an antimicrobial peptide produced constitutively by the human body, also exhibits antiviral activity against the influenza virus. People who do not develop flu-like symptoms have higher baseline levels of this molecule.
NewsCopper-loaded starch nanoparticles can target bacteria in microbial communities
Researchers have developed copper-loaded starch nanoparticles that can be broken down by specific bacteria to release antibacterial copper molecules. They hope that these nanoparticles can be used to target biofilms, which account for 50-70% of healthcare-associated infections.
NewsHow bacteria outsmart the immune system: Two-pronged strategy revealed
A team has uncovered how a common bacterial pathogen uses a single protein to quietly undermine the human immune system, by both shutting down key warning signals and blocking the cell’s ability to restore them.