Bloodborne pathogens quickly ID’d by melting their DNA

A new technique, which involves melting bacterial DNA found in blood samples, could deliver diagnoses of potentially fatal infections faster than ever before. Results may be obtained in a few hours, instead of days.Continue ReadingCategory: Medical, Sc… Continue reading Bloodborne pathogens quickly ID’d by melting their DNA

Bacteria’s natural self-destruct mechanism used to fight infections

A new study has demonstrated that a natural bacterial defense mechanism against invading viruses can be used as a weapon to combat bacterial infection. The finding opens the door to new anti-bacterial therapeutics, particularly important in the face of… Continue reading Bacteria’s natural self-destruct mechanism used to fight infections

Engineered skin bacteria fight acne by producing common drug

Far from just embarrassing adolescents, acne is an annoying part of pretty much everyone’s lives, and in some cases can get serious. Now, scientists have demonstrated an intriguing new way to fight it, by engineering bacteria that live on the skin to p… Continue reading Engineered skin bacteria fight acne by producing common drug

Completely new type of “biological entity” discovered in our bodies

Our bodies are home to trillions of microbes, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and a whole host of others. Now, Stanford scientists have discovered an entirely new class of biological entities inside us, which they’ve ominously named “Obelisks.”Cont… Continue reading Completely new type of “biological entity” discovered in our bodies

New molecule triggers burst of white blood cells to fight infections

White blood cells are important foot soldiers in the immune system, but their numbers can be cut by health conditions or treatments like chemotherapy. Yale scientists have now discovered a molecule that can be given to quickly boost their numbers back … Continue reading New molecule triggers burst of white blood cells to fight infections

Airborne infection risk plummets in face of metal nanoparticle spray

As recent history proves, airborne respiratory infections are not to be trifled with. Now, a new sprayable coating applied to standard air filters might give us a leg up in the war against the pathogens that cause these diseases.Continue ReadingCategor… Continue reading Airborne infection risk plummets in face of metal nanoparticle spray

No poo required: Novel test takes the mess out of bowel cancer screening

Researchers have modified a unique cancer-loving probiotic bacteria to release a marker that can be detected in the urine after it comes into contact with bowel cancer, even when it’s in the early stages. The novel test may mean avoiding invasive proce… Continue reading No poo required: Novel test takes the mess out of bowel cancer screening

No poo required: Novel test takes the mess out of bowel cancer screening

Researchers have modified a unique cancer-loving probiotic bacteria to release a marker that can be detected in the urine after it comes into contact with bowel cancer, even when it’s in the early stages. The novel test may mean avoiding invasive proce… Continue reading No poo required: Novel test takes the mess out of bowel cancer screening

80-year mystery solved with discovery of how flesh-eating ulcer is spread

After confounding scientists for more than 80 years and following an unexpected recent outbreak in Australia, researchers have finally discovered how Buruli ulcer, caused by a flesh-eating bacteria, is transmitted: mosquitoes. The discovery means pract… Continue reading 80-year mystery solved with discovery of how flesh-eating ulcer is spread

80-year mystery solved with discovery of how flesh-eating ulcer is spread

After confounding scientists for more than 80 years and following an unexpected recent outbreak in Australia, researchers have finally discovered how Buruli ulcer, caused by a flesh-eating bacteria, is transmitted: mosquitoes. The discovery means pract… Continue reading 80-year mystery solved with discovery of how flesh-eating ulcer is spread