Bacteria News

Bacteria in the human gut generate electricity By Tim Sandle An interesting discovery has been made about several species of bacteria that inhabit the human intestines and which constitute part of the human microbiome. These organisms have been shown to generate electricity.

New cellular target to weaken drug-tolerant bacteria By Tim Sandle Canadian microbiologists have located a new cellular target that can weaken the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This organism, which has a multi-drug resistant form, presents a severe threat to patients with cystic fibrosis.

New approach to fighting antibiotic resistant bacteria By Tim Sandle One of the most pressing concerns on the planet is the issue of multi-drug resistance bacteria and the risk these organisms pose to human health. One of the ways to address this could stem from a new research project.

Probiotics are essentially 'useless': Research By Tim Sandle For some years there has been disagreement among scientists and nutritionists about the value of probiotics. A new study, aiming to be the most comprehensive ever, concludes that probiotics 'are almost useless'.

Using oxygen to kill pathogenic bacteria By Tim Sandle Scientists have turned to an unusual source in order to tackle the problem of pathogenic bacteria – oxygen. This is in relation to MRSA, which is associated with hospital derive infections, in particular.

Essential Science: Killing bacteria with new biocide mist By Tim Sandle The elimination of pathogenic bacteria is a key part of contamination control. However, many disinfectants are either not available in vapor form or they are harmful to users. A new ‘breathable mist’ offers a solution.

Mother's gut health and autism connection By Tim Sandle New research draws a connection between the health of an expectant mother's gut and autism in her yet to be born child. The inference that follows is that changing an expectant mother's diet could lower autism risks. However, further research is required.

Fluorescent silk kills harmful bacteria By Tim Sandle A far-red fluorescent silk can kill harmful bacteria, as demonstrated in controlled trials. The developers see the material as both a biomedical and and an environmental remedy to combating harmful organisms and protecting patients.

Diagnostic connectivity to combat antimicrobial resistance By Tim Sandle London - The British government has entered into a partnership with FIND, a global non-profit dedicated to accelerating the development of diagnostic tests for diseases. This is to introduce digital technologies to combat the antimicrobial resistance problem.

Chimpanzee beds are cleaner than human ones By Tim Sandle New research will surprise those who think they have a high level of personal hygiene. A microbiological study of the sleeping areas of chimpanzees and human beds has found that, socially, the sleeping areas of chimps are cleaner.

Graphene spikes kill pathogenic bacteria By Tim Sandle One of the risks with medical implants is infection from bacteria during the surgical process, leading to post-surgical infections. Researchers have demonstrated that coating implants with graphene can help to kill microorganisms

New class of antibiotics discovered in dirt By Tim Sandle U.S scientists have discovered a new antibiotic family discovered from dirt (samples of soil). The discovery could represent a step forwards in the quest to find new types of antibiotics and antimicrobials.

Bacterium from dirt could fight melanoma By Tim Sandle Scientists have identified a type of organism found in the soil which has the potential to induce the death of melanoma cells. This is through a molecule made as a metabolite from the organism.

Artificial intelligence used to identify bacteria By Tim Sandle Microbial identification has been streamlined in recent years through rapid methods and computer reading. However, a skilled microbiologist is often required. Can AI replace the need for the microbiologist?

Textile based bio-battery for wearables By Tim Sandle Researchers have constructed a textile-based, bacteria-powered biobattery. The aim of the flexible battery is for incorporation into wearable electronic devices.

Essential science: Link between gut microbes and despair By Tim Sandle Research into to the human microbiome continues to produce new medical findings of interest. The latest news is a connection between an imbalance of microorganisms in the human gut and feelings of despair.

World’s smallest tape, based on microbes By Tim Sandle Microbiologists based at Columbia University Medical Center have successfully manipulated bacteria in order to create a microscopic data recorder.

Electric bandages help to fight infection By Tim Sandle Medical technologists have created electric bandages that have a mechanism that helps to fight infection. These bandages have recently been put to a practical test and they have successfully challenged biofilms.

Interview: The path to next-generation antibiotics Special By Tim Sandle Dr. Marcos Pires is spearheading a novel approach to understanding bacterial cell wall changes in response to antibiotics that could be key to new drug design. We spoke with him to discover more about this approach.

As Texas flood waters recede, new health hazards emerge By Karen Graham Houston - Houston residents trying to return to flooded homes after Hurricane Harvey should wear breathing masks against molds and bacteria from the city’s sewers and watch for alligators and snakes, the city fire chief said on Saturday.

Cheaper and faster test for E. coli in drinking water By Tim Sandle Waterloo - Access to clean drinking water is a basic human right. In some parts of the world water is contaminated, especially from agricultural run-offs. To ensure water is free from one notorious pathogen, a low-cost rapid test method has been developed.

Micromotors created for drug delivery By Tim Sandle University of California-San Diego researchers have successfully tested out drug-delivery micromotors to deliver a therapeutic agent to treat bacterial infections of the stomach.

Reducing organ rejections using 'lethal' bacterial enzyme By Tim Sandle Researchers have developed a novel type of drug therapy using an enzyme extracted from bacteria that are normally considered harmful. The aim is to use the enzyme to reduce organ rejection rates following kidney transplants.

Shark skin inspires new antibacterial surface By Tim Sandle A new type of antibacterial surface technology has been developed. The inspiration for the surface came from a study of the skin of sharks. The surface has been commercialized by a company called Sharklet Technologies.

Cases of superbug Clostridium difficile increase By Tim Sandle The most troubling cases of C. difficile infection, termed multiple recurring C. difficile infections (mrCDI), are becoming more common, according to a new university research study.

Antibiotic resistance linked to household disinfectant triclosan By Tim Sandle Birmingham - British scientists have found a connection between a significant mechanism of antibiotic resistance to the disinfectant triclosan. This chemical is found in many common domestic products.

Therapy alternative to farm animal antibiotics By Tim Sandle London - Despite longstanding scientific concerns, antibiotics continue to be given to farm animals as a means of producing leaner meat. This helps to spread antibiotic resistance. A new type of therapy offers an alternative.

BBC finds fecal bacteria in drinks from Starbucks By Business Insider It's hard to match the refreshing taste of an iced coffee on a hot summer day — but a new BBC investigation may make you think twice before you order a chilled drink.

Lowering cholesterol thanks to artificial prebiotics By Tim Sandle Budapest - A new study indicates that a naturally synthesized prebiotic can target and increase the growth of bacteria in the human gut which lead to a reduction in cholesterol levels. The research comes from the University of Reading in the U.K.

Tackling autism by targeting gut bacteria By Tim Sandle Beijing - As part of the research into probiotic and prebiotic supplements, researchers have reported on indications that suggest altering the bacteria found in the human gut could help to address the symptoms of autism.

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