Collaborate Disseminate
Scientists at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) have successfully edited the genome of bacteria in the gut microbiome of living mice, for the first time. Bacteria-hunting viruses are loaded with the CRISPR gene-editing system, in a brea… Continue reading Gut microbiome genetically edited in live mice for the first time
Antibiotics were one of the most important inventions of the 20th century, but their effectiveness is plummeting as bacteria develop resistance to them. Now, researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have shown that ultrashort pulses of laser l… Continue reading Ultrashort laser pulses shred superbugs without harming human cells
Along with its present use in biofuels, supplements and fertilizer, algae could potentially be utilized in applications ranging from bioprinted tissue to honeybee feed. That’s why a new system is particularly important, as it continuously checks that a… Continue reading CIMS-based aquaculture tech watches out for algae-killing organisms
An impressive new study has cataloged thousands of distinct viral species living in the human gut. The vast majority are unknown to science and researchers suggest understanding the novel interactions between bacteria and viruses in our microbiome coul… Continue reading Over 40,000 previously unknown viruses found in the human gut microbiome
Bacteria have a nasty ability to rapidly evolve, allowing them to evade antibiotics in short order. But now, scientists at UC San Diego have used evolution against them, by “training” bacteria-killing viruses to anticipate their next moves.Continue Rea… Continue reading Trained viruses wipe out bacterial infections by anticipating evolution
We’ve been hearing a lot lately about how every person hosts their own unique population of viruses and bacteria, known as their microbiome. Well, according to a new international study, the same thing is true of cities.Continue ReadingCategory: Scienc… Continue reading Study determines that each city has its own microbial signature
Microscopic wars are constantly raging all around, on and inside us, as bacteria fight for resources and room. They’ve developed some crafty weapons in the process, such as tailocins, which act somewhat like “homing missiles” against their enemies. Now… Continue reading Bacterial “homing missiles” could unlock new antibiotic treatments
While most microbiome scientists focus on gut bacteria, a new school of research is starting to look at how the communities of fungus in our bodies, called the mycobiome, can influence our metabolic health. A newly published animal study suggests funga… Continue reading It’s not just gut bacteria, our fungal mycobiome can also affect health
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a third COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in the United States. Unlike the first two vaccines approved for use, this one is proven effective after only a single dose, and it can be safely distri… Continue reading First single-shot, “fridge stable” COVID-19 vaccine approved in US
Viruses firmly hold the world’s attention at the moment, but we shouldn’t ignore the rising health threat that bacteria pose, too. The crafty critters are fast evolving resistance to antibiotics, meaning our best drugs could soon stop working entirely…. Continue reading Phage viruses can make superbugs susceptible to antibiotics again