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Categories: Biology: Microbiology, Ecology: General
Published Joro spiders well-poised to populate cities



The Joro spider was first spotted stateside around 2013 and has since been spotted across Georgia and the Southeast. New research has found more clues as to why the spider has been so successful in its spread. The study found the invasive orb-weaving spider is surprisingly tolerant of the vibrations and noise common in urban landscapes. In this new study, researchers examined how Joro spiders can live next to busy roads, which are notably stressful environments for many animals.
Published Better diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcosis



A global guideline for the management of cryptococcosis, a fungal infection that can have serious health consequences, has been developed.
Published Compounds released by bleaching reefs promote bacteria, potentially stressing coral further



New research revealed that when coral bleaching occurs, corals release unique organic compounds into the surrounding water that not only promote bacterial growth overall, but select for opportunistic bacteria that may further stress reefs.
Published Researchers uncover a key link in legume plant-bacteria symbiosis



Researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking discovery shedding light on the intricate play between legume plants and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Their study details the crucial role played by phosphorylation in driving the formation of symbiotic organs, known as nodules, on plant roots. The long-term goal is to enable symbiosis in root nodules in important crops such as barley, maize and rice to avoid the use of chemical fertilizers.
Published 3D ice printing can create artificial blood vessels in engineered tissue



A new 3D printing method uses ice to build a template for artificial blood vessels in engineered tissue. Researchers hope the vessels could eventually be used in artificial organ transplants or drug testing.
Published Global deforestation leads to more mercury pollution



Researchers find deforestation accounts for about 10 percent of global human-made mercury emissions. While it cannot be the only solution, they suggest reforestation could increase global mercury uptake by about 5 percent.
Published Understanding chronic wasting disease in deer



A new collaborative study analyzed fecal samples to shed light on how the fatal disease impacts the gut microbiome in deer, providing a promising tool for disease surveillance.
Published Alien invasion: Non-native earthworms threaten ecosystems



Analysis reveals imported earthworm species have colonized large swaths of North America, and represent a largely overlooked threat to native ecosystems. The researchers warn of the need to better understand and manage the invaders in our midst.
Published Researchers uncover genetic factors for severe Lassa fever



Researchers report the results of the first ever genome-wide association study (GWAS) of a biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) virus. The team found two key human genetic factors that could help explain why some people develop severe Lassa fever, and a set of LARGE1 variants linked to a reduced chance of getting Lassa fever. The work could lay the foundation for better treatments for Lassa fever and other similar diseases. The scientists are already working on a similar genetics study of Ebola susceptibility.
Published Scientists develop artificial 'worm gut' to break down plastics



A team of scientists has developed an artificial 'worm gut' to break down plastics, offering hope for a nature-inspired method to tackle the global plastic pollution problem.
Published Surprise discovery of tiny insect-killing worm



Scientists have discovered a tiny worm species that infects and kills insects. These worms, called nematodes, could control crop pests in warm, humid places where other beneficial nematodes are currently unable to thrive.
Published Friend or foe? Ancient partnership between moss and fungi



Researchers have shed new light on the ancient relationship between moss and fungi. They discovered that intricate moss-fungi interactions often depended on a third variable -- the presence of endobacteria within the fungi themselves.
Published Organic compound found in trees could prevent contact lens eye infections



Researchers say hydroquinine could be an effective naturally occurring disinfecting solution for contact lenses and help combat keratitis infections.
Published New approach for fast and cost-effective pathogen detection



The ability to detect diseases at an early stage or even predict their onset would be of tremendous benefit to doctors and patients alike. A research team now develops intelligent, miniaturized biosensor devices and systems using nanomaterials to determine biomolecules and cells as well as biochemical reactions or processes as disease markers. The team's current publication describes the development of a portable, palm-sized test system that can simultaneously carry out up to thirty-two analyses of one sample.
Published Gut microbiome changes during pregnancy may influence immune system response



A new study identifies numerous pathways by which the gut microbiome may change the immune system.
Published Warmer water may help rivers keep antimicrobial resistance at bay



New study suggests that temperature can influence the microbial competition in rivers.
Published Bacteria in the mouth linked to pulmonary fibrosis survival



Bacteria in the mouth may play a role in survival from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), finds a new study.
Published How kelp forests persisted through the large 2014-2016 Pacific marine heatwave



New research reveals that denser, and more sheltered, kelp forests can withstand serious stressors amid warming ocean temperatures.
Published New approach to tackling bacterial infections identified



Researchers have identified a new approach to controlling bacterial infections. The team found a way to turn on a vital bacterial defense mechanism to fight and manage bacterial infections. The defense system, called cyclic oligonucleotide-based antiphage signaling system (CBASS), is a natural mechanism used by certain bacteria to protect themselves from viral attacks. Bacteria self-destruct as a means to prevent the spread of virus to other bacterial cells in the population.
Published Complex tree canopies help forests recover from moderate-severity disturbances



Extreme events wipe out entire forests, dramatically eliminating complex ecosystems as well as local communities. Researchers have become quite familiar with such attention-grabbing events over the years. They know less, however, about the more common moderate-severity disturbances, such as relatively small fires, ice storms, and outbreaks of pests or pathogens.