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Categories: Biology: Microbiology, Engineering: Biometric
Published Humans are leaving behind a 'frozen signature' of microbes on Mount Everest


Thanks to technological advances in microbial DNA analysis, researchers have discovered that mountaineers' boots aren't the only things leaving footprints on the world's tallest mountain. When someone sneezes on Everest, their germs can last for centuries.
Published Innovative approach opens the door to COVID nanobody therapies


The relatively simple and low-cost procedure could empower laboratories in low-resource areas to generate nanobodies against SARS-CoV-2, as well as other viruses.
Published Molecular component of caffeine may play a role in gut health


A new study explores exactly what leads to the generation of Th17 cells -- an important subtype of cells in the intestine -- and uncovers some of the underappreciated molecular players and events that lead to cell differentiation in the gut.
Published The 'Rapunzel' virus: an evolutionary oddity


Extremely long tail provides structural window into how bacteria-infecting viruses called phages assemble.
Published High winds can worsen pathogen spread at outdoor chicken farms


A study of chicken farms in the West found that high winds increased the prevalence of Campylobacter in outdoor flocks, a bacterial pathogen in poultry that is the largest single cause of foodborne illness in the U.S. Researchers found that about 26% of individual chickens had the pathogen at the 'open environment' farms in the study, which included organic and free-range chicken farms. High winds the week prior to sampling and the farms' location in more intensive agricultural settings were linked to a greater prevalence of Campylobacter.
Published The immune system does battle in the intestines to keep bacteria in check


Researchers sheds light on a face-off in the intestines between the immune system and a bacterial pathogen whose family members cause gastrointestinal disease and the plague. The team's insights may extend to other chronic infections and could inform the development of immunotherapies capable of fully extinguishing such diseases.
Published Researchers develop new technology to easily detect active TB


A team of faculty has discovered new technology that will quickly and easily detect active Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) infection antibodies.
Published Scientists transform algae into unique functional perovskites with tunable properties


Scientists have transformed single-cell algae into functional perovskite materials. The team has converted mineral shells of algae into lead halide perovskites with tunable physical properties. The new perovskites have unique nano-architectures unachievable by conventional synthetic production. The method can be applied to the mass production of perovskites with tunable structural and electro-optical properties from single-celled organisms.
Published A quick new way to screen virus proteins for antibiotic properties


A whole new world of antibiotics is waiting inside the viruses that infect bacteria. Scientists are making it easier to study them.
Published Looking for risky viruses now to get ahead of future pandemics


Rather than let the next outbreak take the world by surprise, two virologists say that the scientific community should invest in a four-part research framework to proactively identify animal viruses that might infect humans.
Published Researchers uncover metabolic secrets of anaerobes and identify new strategies to treat c. difficile infections


A team of investigators has identified metabolic strategies used by Clostridioides difficile to rapidly colonize the gut. The findings identify methods to better prevent and treat the most common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs). The team's approach has implications for understanding broader aspects of microbial metabolism, including responses to antibiotics, and production of important metabolites.
Published New insights into cellular 'bridges' shed light on development, disease


Most cells in the bodies of living things duplicate their contents and physically separate into new cells through the process of cell division. But across many species, germ cells, those that become eggs or sperm, don't fully separate. They remain interconnected through small bridges called ring canals and cluster together. In a new study, researchers uncover how it is that germ cells in fruit flies form these ring canals, a finding that they say will provide new insights into a widely shared feature of development and into diseases in which cell division is disrupted.
Published New biosensor reveals activity of elusive metal that's essential for life


A new biosensor offers scientists the first dynamic glimpses of manganese, an elusive metal ion that is essential for life.
Published eDNA holds the key to safeguarding pollinators amid global declines


Researchers have uncovered new evidence of western pygmy possums interacting with native flowers, providing an eDNA study to simultaneously detect mammal, insect and bird DNA on flowers.
Published Whether born naturally or via Cesarean section, babies receive essential microbes from their mothers


Do cesarean-born babies miss out on essential microbes? New evidence suggests that the answer may be 'no.' Researchers report that mothers are able to transfer microbes to their babies via alternative, compensatory routes. While cesarean-born babies do receive less of their mother's gut microbiome during birth, they make up for this by drinking their mother's microbes in breastmilk.
Published Pattern recognition system that monitors disease-causing bacteria in C. elegans



Researchers describe a new manner of detecting microbial infection that intercepts pathogen-derived signals of growth to assess the relative threat of virulent bacteria. A nuclear hormone receptor in the nematode C. elegans senses a toxic metabolite produced by the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa to activate innate immunity. These data reveal an ancient strategy that informs the origins of pathogen detection and may be among the most primordial forms of immune sensing in animals.
Published Wheat's ancient roots of viral resistance uncovered


The DNA sequence of a gene in wheat responsible for resisting a devastating virus has been discovered, providing vital clues for managing more resistant crops and maintaining a healthy food supply.
Published Phage attacks shown in new light


New methodology and tools provide an opportunity to watch in unprecedented detail as a phage attacks a bacterium.
Published Mineral particles and their role in oxygenating the Earth's atmosphere


Mineral particles played a key role in raising oxygen levels in the Earth's atmosphere billions of years ago, with major implications for the way intelligent life later evolved, according to new research.
Published Biologists, chemical engineers collaborate to reveal complex cellular process inside petunias


Once upon a time, prevailing scientific opinion might have pronounced recently published research as unneeded. Now, climate change implications have heightened the need for this line of research. Flowers emit scent chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Earlier this year, a study identified a protein that plays a key role in helping petunias emit volatiles.