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Categories: Biology: Microbiology, Environmental: Ecosystems
Published New and highly infectious E. coli strain resistant to powerful antibiotics
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A new type of E. coli that is both highly infectious and resistant to some antibiotics has been discovered. The newly identified mutation of antibiotic-resistant E. coli is described in a new article. The team suggests that some existing antibiotics called carbapenems will be ineffective against the bacteria.
Published Fungal-rich soil may improve green roofs
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Green roofs have become increasingly popular thanks to their benefits related to climate adaptation, mitigation, and urban biodiversity management. But, in the U.S., green roofs are typically planted with non-native plants in sterile soils, and their effectiveness declines over time. A new study finds that managing green roof soil microbes boosts healthy urban soil development, which is a methodology that could be applied to support climate resilience in cities.
Published How seahorse-like toxins kill insects
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Insect-killing bacteria typically release toxins to slay their hosts. The bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens, for example, pumps insect larvae full of the lethal 'Makes caterpillars floppy 1' (Mcf1) toxin, leading them to first become droopy and then dead. However, it has so far been a mystery how Mcf1 unfolds its devastating effect. Researchers successfully used cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and biochemical assays to characterize the first-ever Mcf1 structure, allowing them to propose a molecular mechanism of the toxin's action. Understanding how bacterial toxins perform their deadly task in such detail is very useful for engineering novel biopesticides, thereby reducing the use of barely specific chemical agents with harmful side effects for the ecosystem.
Published Engineering viruses to kill deadly pathogens
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Antimicrobial resistance is an urgent and growing global crisis. Researchers are exploring phages, viruses that infect bacteria, as a possible solution. In the new study, researchers successfully modified DNA from four types of phages to kill a deadly pathogen. The process can also be used to produce more phage variants for further exploration.
Published As sea otters recolonize California estuary, they restore its degraded geology
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source As sea otters recolonize a California estuary, they are restoring its degraded geology by keeping populations of overgrazing marsh crabs in check, a new study shows. The crabs' appetite for plant roots, and their tunneling behavior had caused many of the estuary's marshes and creekbanks to erode and collapse in the otters' absence. Today, erosion has slowed by up to 90% in areas with large otter populations and marshes and streambeds are restabilizing.
Published When and how immune cells decide to form pathogen memories
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source During infection, reversible switch permits flexible formation of memory T cells, long-lived blood cells that can remember pathogen encounters and respond upon reinfection.
Published Using computers to design proteins allows researchers to make tunable hydrogels that can form both inside and outside of cells
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New research demonstrates a new class of hydrogels that can form not just outside cells, but also inside of them. These hydrogels exhibited similar mechanical properties both inside and outside of cells, providing researchers with a new tool to group proteins together inside of cells.
Published A green alternative for treating Streptococcus iniae bacteria in hybrid striped bass
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists have developed a green antibiotic alternative to treat the deadly pathogen Streptococcus iniae in hybrid striped bass, the fourth most farmed finfish in the United States, according to a recent study.
Published DNA particles that mimic viruses hold promise as vaccines
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Using a DNA-based delivery particle, researchers created a vaccine that can induce a strong antibody response against SARS-CoV-2.
Published New research shows how pollutants from aerosols and river run-off are changing the marine phosphorus cycle in coastal seas
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New research sheds light on how pollutants from aerosols and river run-off are impacting coastal seas. The research identified an 'Anthropogenic Nitrogen Pump' which changes the phosphorus cycle and therefore likely coastal biodiversity and associated ecosystem services.
Published Resin destroys coronavirus from plastic surfaces
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers are currently developing anti-viral surfaces to decrease the spread of infectious diseases. A recent study found that a resin ingredient is effective against coronaviruses and strongly decreases their infectivity on plastic surfaces.
Published Tomato juice's antimicrobial properties can kill salmonella
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New research shows that tomato juice can kill Salmonella Typhi and other bacteria that can harm people's digestive and urinary tract health.
Published Gut microbiota influence severity of respiratory viral infection
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source The composition of microbiota found in the gut influences how susceptible mice are to respiratory virus infections and the severity of these infections.
Published 'Genomic time machine' reveals secrets of our DNA
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers reveal a novel method to uncover bits of our genetic blueprint that come from ancient genetic parasites, offering fresh insights into human evolution and health.
Published Probiotics promote weight loss in obese dogs
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New research demonstrates how probiotics can reshape the gut microbiome and energy metabolism in dogs.
Published Rising sea levels could lead to more methane emitted from wetlands
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source A Bay Area wetlands ecosystem that was expected to serve as a carbon sink is emitting surprisingly high levels of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The study suggests factors governing carbon cycles in these habitats are even more complex than we thought.
Published Researchers control biofilm formation using optical traps
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers showed that biofilm formation can be controlled with laser light in the form of optical traps. The findings could allow scientists to harness biofilms for various bioengineering applications.
Published Scientists develop novel method to estimate biodiversity loss in Singapore over the past two centuries
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Scientists have employed novel statistical methods to reveal the extent of biodiversity loss in Singapore over the past two centuries. The study paints the most accurate picture to date of the ecological impact of deforestation and urban development in the tropical city-state. From a comprehensive dataset, the study estimated that Singapore has lost 37 per cent of its species.
Published Cosmic building blocks of life discovered through the electron microscope
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Meteorites are fragments of asteroids which find their way to Earth as shooting stars and provide information on the origins of our solar system. A team of researchers has examined the so-called Winchcombe meteorite and demonstrated the existence in it of nitrogen compounds such as amino acids and heterocyclic hydrocarbons -- without applying any chemical treatment and by using a new type of detector design.
Published How obesity dismantles our mitochondria
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers found that when mice were fed a high-fat diet, mitochondria within their fat cells broke apart and were less able to burn fat, leading to weight gain. They also found they could reverse the effect by targeting a single gene, suggesting a new treatment strategy for obesity.