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
Environmental fungi found to alter vaginal mycobiome and cervical disease progression during dysbiosis
Scientists have demonstrated for the first time that environmental fungi actively interact with the vaginal bacteriome and mycobiome with likely implications for cervical disease progression.
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NewsNatural compound may help boost vaccine responses
A team of researchers has found that the naturally occurring compound spermidine can help boost vaccine response in older adults by reducing molecular markers of immune system ageing.
NewsLong-term hepatitis control efforts dramatically reduce HBV and HCV burden in Japan
Researchers have estimated that the number of HBV infections in Japan could decline gradually down to around 200,000 cases by 2050, down from an estimate of 923,000 to 940,000 cases in 2020. HCV is estimated to decline to less than 20,000 cases.
NewsLandmark study reveals ‘megacluster’ of bacterial genes behind arsenal of potent antibiotics
A newly discovered “megacluster” of genes in Streptomyces bacteria produces four new natural product antibiotics that work together to stop rival bacteria.
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Biofilm “scaffolds” protect bacterium responsible for food poisoning from antibiotics
Bacillus cereus, which is responsible for human infections and food poisoning, builds organized communities that act as a ‘shield’ against antibiotics, a new study reveals.
NewsFree webinar: The mystery of the missing microbes - and the answers that can be found in the Amazon
An intriguing free webinar this July will explore what happens when key members of the human gut microbiome are lost, and what we can learn from populations where this loss has not occurred.
NewsHealthy infant microbiomes appear to protect against malaria
A small preliminary study shows that 6-week-old infants with healthy gut microbiomes are less likely to contract malaria in their first year of life, suggesting the intriguing possibility that treatments such as probiotics could be protective against malaria.
NewsMicrobes rewrite the rules of cancer immunotherapy by triggering immunogenic cell death
A new study reveals that microbiota and their metabolites can effectively reprogram immunogenic cell death (ICD), a unique form of cell death that activates the body‘s immune system against tumors, transforming immunologically “cold” therapy-resistant tumors into “hot” responsive ones.
NewsNew vaccine offers hope against growing tropical disease in U.S.
Researchers have developed a first-ever vaccine against leishmaniasis, a disease putting 10% of the world at risk. A game changer was the development of CRISPR gene-editing technology.
NewsRight versus left: Colorectal cancer’s two microbial worlds
New research reveals that the mucosal microbiome varies dramatically depending on whether a tumor arises on the right or left side of the colorectum, suggesting that the microbial environment surrounding tumors may be as geographically distinct as the tumors themselves.
NewsInternational Photodynamic Association highlights expansion of photodynamic therapy
The International Photodynamic Association (IPA) convened global leaders in photodynamic therapy (PDT) at the 8th Photodynamic Day, highlighting the continued development of PDT in Türkiye and its growing clinical relevance internationally.
NewsRed meat may worsen IBD — here’s what could help
New research sheds light on why red meat may worsen inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Researchers found that mice fed a beef-based diet developed the most severe intestinal inflammation, but those consuming pea protein showed only mild symptoms.
NewsLarge-scale microbiome study identifies robust colorectal cancer signature
Researchers have identified a robust microbial signature associated with colorectal cancer. The study also analysed 906 intestinal tissue samples to compare stool-based microbiome signals with microbes found directly in tumour tissue.
NewsScientists unlock gut-healing power of fruits and nuts paired with the right gut microbes
Scientists discovered how a naturally occurring microbial metabolite called urolithin A, which is generated by gut bacteria after digestion of foods such as pomegranates, walnuts and berries, activates a protective pathway in the intestine that may help preserve gut health.
NewsDiscovery of severe pneumonia subtypes could lead to tailored treatments for life-threating disease
New research shows that severe pneumonia has three different subtypes, helping explain why some patients in intensive care units (ICUs) recover quickly, while for other patients the disease can be life-threatening.
NewsHidden protein linked to severe COVID-19 and lung disease risk
A genetic difference carried by nearly one in three people may increase the risk of severe COVID-19 and lung fibrosis by disrupting the function of a previously unknown protein, according to a new study.
NewsVeterinary review warns antibiotic resistance threatens vision in pets
A new review warns sight-threatening antibiotic-resistant eye infections are becoming a significant threat to vision in dogs, cats, and horses with multidrug-resistant bacteria becoming more common in referral veterinary settings.
NewsThe early immune clues that determine who develops TB
An early view of the immune response to bacteria in the lungs provides clues as to why some people keep TB in check, while others develop disease, suggesting new ways to intervene earlier and stop TB.
NewsGut fungi may hold the key to treating asthma worldwide
Two new studies reveal that certain species of fungi in the gut play a key role in the development of immune dysregulation and some pediatric allergic diseases — and may be promising targets for new therapies.
NewsResearch team awarded NIH grant to study congenital CMV transmission during pregnancy
A research team has received a new 5-year, $3.87 million R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to investigate how the immune system protects against congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.
NewsUnsafe water still drives global diarrheal disease burden
A new study, analysing data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 database, found that deaths and disability-adjusted life years linked to unsafe water have declined sharply over the last three decades. Nevertheless, the burden remains concentrated in low socio-demographic index regions.
NewsGlobal port microbiomes reveal hidden biosecurity signals
By analyzing more than 16 million 16S rRNA gene sequences from 1,045 port water samples collected in 23 cities across five continents, a study has found clear biogeographic patterns, a core set of dominant bacterial genera, and widespread potential pathogens.
NewsOrdinary enzyme evolves into a ‘control switch’ revealing a new weak spot in tuberculosis
A protein that acts as a ‘control switch,’ preventing Mycobacterium tuberculosis from accessing the energy sources it needs to survive, has been identified by researchers. The discovery points to a specific vulnerability in the bacterium that could be targeted by new TB treatments.