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Categories: Biology: Microbiology, Ecology: Extinction
Published Restricting antibiotics for livestock could limit spread of antibiotic-resistant infections in people
(via sciencedaily.com) A new study shows that a 2018 California bill banning routine antibiotic use in livestock is linked with reduction in some antibiotic-resistant infections.
Published Researchers put plant protein mechanism into bacteria to help move forward 50 years of effort
(via sciencedaily.com) Researchers have added components of plant chloroplasts to bacteria. This feat, 50 years in the making, allows them to analyze the proteins in greater detail in order to improve Rubisco, and eventually photosynthesis.
Published New research reveals 12 ways aquaculture can benefit the environment
(via sciencedaily.com) Aquaculture, or the farming of aquatic plants and animals, contributes to biodiversity and habitat loss in freshwater and marine ecosystems globally, but when used wisely, it can also be part of the solution, new research shows.
Published Symbiotic fungi transform terpenes from spruce resin into attractants for bark beetles
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source An international research team demonstrates that the European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) uses volatile fungal metabolites of plant defense substances as important chemical signals in their attack on spruce trees. The researchers also show that the insects have olfactory sensory neurons specialized for detecting these volatile compounds. The fungal metabolites likely provide important clues to the beetles about the presence of beneficial fungi, the defense status of the trees, and the population density of their conspecifics. The study highlights the importance of chemical communication in maintaining symbiosis between bark beetles and their fungal partners.
Published Researchers map mosquito cells that may help the insects choose tastiest humans
(via sciencedaily.com) In a bid to understand why mosquitoes may be more attracted to one human than another, researchers say they have mapped specialized receptors on the insects' nerve cells that are able to fine-tune their ability to detect particularly 'welcoming' odors in human skin.
Published First stem cells from a bat species known to harbor SARS-CoV-2 could shed light on virus survival and molecular adaptability
(via sciencedaily.com) Researchers have generated the first induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from bats, gaining valuable insights into the close relationship between bats and viruses.
Published Feathered 'fingerprints' reveal potential motivation for migratory patterns of endangered seabirds
(via sciencedaily.com) New research shows that the feathers of seabirds such as the Wandering Albatross can provide clues about their long-distance foraging, which could help protect these species from further decline.
Published Newly discovered virus can kill resistant bacteria
(via sciencedaily.com) A Danish creek has surprised researchers by containing previously unknown virus species.
Published Fiber discovery could shape better gut health
(via sciencedaily.com) Changing the structure of a dietary fiber commonly found in a range of food products has been found to promote healthy gut bacteria and reduce gas formation, a finding that could help people with intolerances to fiber and irritable bowel conditions.
Published Canine distemper now threatens big cats in Nepal
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Researchers have confirmed the first cases of canine distemper virus (CDV), which can cause fatal neurological disease, in tigers and leopards in Nepal.
Published New antibiotic cures superbugs without bacterial resistance
(via sciencedaily.com) In a potential game changer for the treatment of superbugs, a new class of antibiotics was developed that cured mice infected with bacteria deemed nearly 'untreatable' in humans -- and resistance to the drug was virtually undetectable.
Published First COVID-19 vaccination can 'hurt' subsequent boosters, study shows
(via sciencedaily.com) A new study in humans and mice shows the antibodies generated by your first COVID vaccination or infection can actually 'hurt' subsequent booster shots. That's because these antibodies rapidly 'mop up' the booster from the body, before it has a chance to stimulate the cells from the immune system. The scientists plan new experiments to administer drugs that transiently block antibody activity at the time of boosting to allow the vaccine to be sensed better by immune cells.
Published Amazon mammals threatened by climate change
(via sciencedaily.com) Most land-based mammals in the Brazilian Amazon are threatened by climate change and the savannization of the region.
Published Microbes play a key role in unleashing 'forever chemicals' from recycled-waste fertilizer
(via sciencedaily.com) 'Forever chemicals' are everywhere -- water, soil, crops, animals, the blood of 97% of Americans -- researchers are trying to figure out how they got there. Their recent findings suggest that the microbes that help break down biodegradable materials and other waste are likely complicit in the release of the notorious per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the environment.
Published Detecting rapidly mutating bacteria and viruses with AutoPLP
(via sciencedaily.com) The microbes responsible for some infections can rapidly mutate into variants that evade detection and treatment. Now, a newly developed procedure could help researchers catch up to these sneaky pathogens.
Published Antibiotic consumption is currently not the main driver of aminoglycoside resistance spread, study suggests
(via sciencedaily.com) The spread of antibiotic resistance, where infectious bacteria are able to defeat the drugs intended to kill them, may not be primarily driven by antibiotic consumption, according to a new study.
Published Kangaroo fecal microbes could reduce methane from cows
(via sciencedaily.com) Baby kangaroo feces might help provide an unlikely solution to the environmental problem of cow-produced methane. A microbial culture developed from the kangaroo feces inhibited methane production in a cow stomach simulator. After researchers added the baby kangaroo culture and a known methane inhibitor to the simulated stomach, it produced acetic acid instead of methane. Unlike methane, which cattle discard as flatulence, acetic acid has benefits for cows as it aids muscle growth.
Published Bacteria communicate like us -- and we could use this to help address antibiotic resistance
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source Like the neurons firing in human brains, bacteria use electricity to communicate and respond to environmental cues. Now, researchers have discovered a way to control this electrical signalling in bacteria, to better understand resistance to antibiotics.
Published Pungent ginger compound puts immune cells on heightened alert
(via sciencedaily.com) Ginger has a reputation for stimulating the immune system. New results now support this thesis. In laboratory tests, small amounts of a pungent ginger constituent put white blood cells on heightened alert. The study also shows that this process involves a type of receptor that plays a role in the perception of painful heat stimuli and the sensation of spiciness in food.
Published Study reveals how drug resistant bacteria secrete toxins, suggesting targets to reduce virulence
(via sciencedaily.com) Original source New research suggests that reducing virulence in drug resistant infections rather than trying to kill bacteria outright may offer an alternative approach to treatment. The study revealed how two proteins enable the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacterium to secrete the toxins that make people sick. The research suggests that therapies targeting these two proteins could disable MRSA, making it less deadly and possibly even harmless. Such an approach would also reduce the risk of promoting antibiotic resistance.