Iron levels trigger bacterial “memories” that are passed down generations

A new study has found that iron levels trigger the formation of a kind of ‘memory’ in bacteria that drives their subsequent behavior. Moreover, the memory is passed on to future generations. The discovery has potential application in the prevention of … Continue reading Iron levels trigger bacterial “memories” that are passed down generations

Bacteria-filled “living dressing” could help heal chronic wounds

Ordinarily, when treating chronic wounds, caregivers go to great lengths to keep them free of bacteria. An experimental new dressing, however, actually introduces bacteria to help such wounds heal.Continue ReadingCategory: Medical, ScienceTags: Empa, M… Continue reading Bacteria-filled “living dressing” could help heal chronic wounds

Newly discovered bacterial partnership implicated in dental cavities

For the first time, researchers have found a bacterium that forms superstructures when it gets caught in sticky traps made by other bacteria, helping it erode enamel and form cavities. The finding could lead to new ways to keep our teeth clear of the i… Continue reading Newly discovered bacterial partnership implicated in dental cavities

Single-celled bacteria exhibit previously unknown “multicellularity”

E. coli is arguably the most well-studied organism on Earth, but scientists have now discovered a new behavior that’s almost never seen in bacteria. The normally single-celled organisms have shown signs of previously unknown multicellular phases.Contin… Continue reading Single-celled bacteria exhibit previously unknown “multicellularity”

Dead-bug biofilm creates powerful evaporation battery

Wearable electronics could soon be powered by dead microbes. New research out of UMass Amherst has demonstrated a biofilm that generates electricity from sweat, harnessing the corpses of dead bacteria – and it’s at least as effective as a battery.Conti… Continue reading Dead-bug biofilm creates powerful evaporation battery

“Living medicine” recruits bacteria to fight antibiotic-resistant superbugs

Scientists have demonstrated a new way to fight antibiotic-resistant superbugs by pitting bacteria against each other. The team engineered a common bacteria to safely colonize the surface of medical implants, where it produced enzymes that dissolve sup… Continue reading “Living medicine” recruits bacteria to fight antibiotic-resistant superbugs

Sticky bacterial biofilm traps and sinks microplastics for recycling

The pervasive nature of plastic pollution makes it an incredibly difficult problem to tackle, but lately we’re seeing how microscopic organisms might offer us a helping hand. This has included the discoveries of bacterium that can quickly break down co… Continue reading Sticky bacterial biofilm traps and sinks microplastics for recycling

Wastewater microplastics help superbugs share dangerous genes

Microplastics are increasingly found to be polluting oceans and waterways and causing unknown damage to the health of animals and humans. Now, a new study provides evidence there’s cross over with another looming public health threat – antibiotic-resis… Continue reading Wastewater microplastics help superbugs share dangerous genes

Bacterial biofilm wrings oil out of water

Once oil gets into water, it can be difficult to separate the two, which can make polluted water tricky to clean up. Now, researchers at North Carolina (NC) State University have found that a bacterial biofilm membrane can effectively let water through… Continue reading Bacterial biofilm wrings oil out of water

Tea bud “robots” used to kill and clear bacteria

When harmful bacteria colonize the surface of items such as medical implants, they form slimy antibiotic-resistant coatings known as biofilms. Scientists have devised a new way of removing such films, and it involves magnetically steering augmented tea… Continue reading Tea bud “robots” used to kill and clear bacteria