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.
Opinion
Why chromogenic media matters when testing for invasive pathogens: Could the cheapest plate be an expensive decision?
Chris Armstrong, president of microbiology, Thermo Fisher Scientific, argues that laboratories should stop judging fungal culture media on unit price alone.
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NewsBird flu spread could be impacted by where waterfowl like to live
The movement patterns of waterfowl, including ducks, swans and geese, may affect the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza in bird populations. Researchers found that birds travel much shorter distances in areas with human activity.
NewsThree-dimensional microscopy reveals how tick-borne virus replicates
Researchers show how tick‑borne viruses remodel human cells into virus factories, using an advanced microscopy method. The findings provide new insight into how the virus replicates and matures, knowledge that may become important for future treatments against TBE.
NewsResearchers develop new solar-powered water disinfection system
Researchers have developed a new solar-powered water disinfection system that combines several existing methods. The compact device effectively utilizes a combination of techniques that all use solar energy.
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News
Unlocking how dogs’ fungal ear infections evade treatment points vets to drug stewardship
Mutations in a key protein make a yeast found in dogs with common outer ear infections more resistant to the topical antifungals used to treat it, veterinarians and pathobiologists found in a new study.
NewsTurmeric/ginger extract shows multiple benefits for bone implants
An extract of turmeric and ginger helps bone implants bond strongly while killing bacteria and cancer cells, according to new research with implications for millions of patients with joint replacements and bone cancer.
NewsLoss of microbiota alters the profile of cells that protect the intestinal wall
Experiments in mice and human tissue indicate that a reduction in bacteria living in the large intestine decreases mucus production and affects nutrient absorption, particularly in older adults.
NewsHIV infections would increase by 10% average if CDC funding for HIV testing ends, study predicts
Researchers used a computer model to quantify the effect of funding cuts for HIV testing. They estimate that HIV infections could increase an average of 10% in 18 U.S. states if this funding is interrupted or ended.
NewsBacteria incorporate forever chemicals into cell membrane molecules
New research shows that bacteria incorporate polyfluoroalkyl carboxylates—a type of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs)—into the molecules that make up their cell membranes.
NewsInuit recommendations to address high rates of tuberculosis in Nunavik, Quebec
Tuberculosis rates for Inuit living in Nunavik, the Inuit lands in northern Quebec, are 1,000 times greater than among non-foreign-born Quebeckers, and underresourcing of local health care adds to hardship from the disease, found new research.
NewsA new mouse model of virus-driven liver cancer may open the door to better diagnosis and treatments
Researchers have created the first mouse model in which chronic viral infection progresses to liver cancer, closely mirroring what happens in people with hepatitis C.
NewsNovel treatment protocol targets the deadliest cases of C. difficile infection
A new study demonstrated that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can rapidly reverse systemic inflammation and improve survival in patients with fulminant Clostridioides difficile infection.
News New virulence regulator of diarrhea pathogen discovered
While it was already known that RNA molecules enable direct temperature sensing in the model organism Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, a new study reveals that the Fis protein also plays a regulatory role at the DNA level.
NewsShiitake-derived β-glucan inhibits human cervical cancer progression through DMBT1
A team of researchers investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-cervical cancer activity of Lentinus edodes-derived β-glucan (LNT) and, for the first time, identified DMBT1 as a key target.
NewsHigh‑fat diets linked to rapid decline in protective gut immune cells
In a preclinical study, researchers found that even short-term exposure to high levels of dietary fat results in a quick and selective loss of critical gut immune cells called ILC3s, promoting intestinal permeability and inflammation.
NewsCharacteristics of CD4+T-cell reduction and pulmonary infections in critically ill immunocompromised patients
A new study investigates the relationship between reduced CD4+T-cell counts and lung infections in immunosuppressed patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs).
NewsVanderbilt Center for Antibody Therapeutics signs agreement to develop anti-measles antibody treatment
The Vanderbilt Center for Antibody Therapeutics has signed an option agreement with Saravir Biopharma Inc. for the company to develop human monoclonal antibodies isolated in the laboratory of James Crowe Jr., MD, for the treatment and prevention of measles.
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.
NewsInterferon therapy found to be well-tolerated in compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis
A multicenter analysis of 920 patients finds no higher risk of serious complications in compensated cirrhosis compared to standard treatment.
NewsOne of cholera’s great enemies is found in the human gut
Cholera-causing bacteria are locked in an evolutionary arms race with a viral nemesis, according to a new genomic study. Researchers found that in the Ganges Delta, cholera bacteria rapidly gain and lose special armour that protects against attacks from the virus, known as bacteriophage ICP1.
NewsOregano, rosemary and ‘time’: Long-term swine study shows natural-compound benefits
In a rare long-term public study that compared the effects of phytochemicals from rosemary and oregano with antibiotic growth promoters, animal scientists found that the natural agents given to weaned pigs supported favorable gut health and growth performance later in their lives.
NewsScientists warn antibacterial soaps and wipes can fuel antimicrobial resistance
An international team of scientists is warning that everyday antibacterial soaps, wipes, sprays, and other “germ‑killing” products are quietly contributing to the global rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) while providing no added health benefit for most consumer uses.
NewsRisk of Alzheimer’s dementia significantly reduced after high-dose influenza vaccination compared to the standard dose
The risk of Alzheimer’s disease significantly decreases in older adults who receive a higher dose of the influenza vaccine compared to the standard dose, according to new research.