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Microbes can manipulate molecular machinery of host cells to influence health

All animals -- from sea sponges to modern-day humans -- evolved in a world already teeming with microbes. These single-celled microorganisms now cover practically every surface of our bodies and are as much a part of our biology as our own tissues and organs.

17 May 2017

Synthetic biologists re-engineer yeast cells to manufacture antibiotic penicillin

The synthetic biologists from Imperial College London have re-engineered yeast cells to manufacture the nonribosomal peptide antibiotic penicillin. In laboratory experiments, they were able to demonstrate that this yeast had antibacterial properties against streptococcus bacteria.

4 May 2017

Penn study sheds new light on mysterious powers of spider silk genes

They can be stronger than steel at a mere fraction of weight, and also can be tougher and more flexible. Spider silks also tend not to provoke the human immune system. Some even inhibit bacteria and fungi, making them potentially ideal for surgery and medical device applications.

2 May 2017

German scientists unravel defense strategy of mushrooms against insect larvae

Some mushrooms produce long-chain unsaturated carboxylic acids as their chemical defense against insect larvae. The biosynthesis of these polyenes relies on only one enzyme, as German scientists have now discovered.

29 Apr 2017

Fungi have immense potential for production of pharmaceutical compounds

Fungi are a potential goldmine for the production of pharmaceuticals. This is shown by researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, who have developed a method for finding new antibiotics from nature's own resources.

20 Apr 2017

WHO marching toward extraordinary progress against neglected tropical diseases, report reveals

Since 2007, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been reporting outstanding success in dealing with neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with 1 billion people estimated to have received treatments in 2015.

19 Apr 2017

Vanderbilt geneticists find new way to tap plant pharmacopeia to produce improved therapeutics

Cocaine, nicotine, capsaicin. These are just three familiar examples of the hundreds of thousands of small molecules (also called specialized or secondary metabolites) that plants use as chemical ammunition to protect themselves from predation.

17 Apr 2017

DNA methods can help identify microbial hot spots in buildings

Usually associated with humid and sordid slums, mold is a frequent finding in wealthy homes too. Even the fanciest buildings may harbor hot spots where fungi and other microorganisms subtly proliferate, triggering problems that range from unpleasant smells to severe sickness.

13 Apr 2017

EESC invites supporters, opponents to debate European Citizens' initiative on glyphosate ban

On 5 April, the European Economic and Social Committee's NAT section invited supporters and opponents of the European Citizens' Initiative calling for a ban on glyphosate to debate in its premises.

10 Apr 2017

Fruit flies genetically coded to take frequent naps have higher resistance to dangerous superbugs

A new University of Maryland study has found that fruit flies genetically coded to take frequent naps had the strongest resistance to both a fungal infection and to a bacteria that the World Health Organization says is one of the world's most dangerous superbugs for humans.

30 Mar 2017

Researchers aim to examine therapeutic effect of iPS-ML producing interferon-β on liver cancer

All causes of the most common form of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, are not yet known, but the risk of getting it is increased by hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, obesity, diabetes, a buildup of iron in the liver, or a family of toxins called aflatoxins produced by fungi on some types of food.

29 Mar 2017

Efficacy of innovative gene therapy can be tested quickly and cost-effectively using new cellular model

Using a new cellular model, innovative gene therapy approaches for the hereditary immunodeficiency Chronic Granulomatous Disease can be tested faster and cost-effectively in the lab for their efficacy.

21 Mar 2017

New antimicrobial silicone developed at KTU can be used for household, medical purposes

Kaunas University of Technology laboratories often serve as birthplaces of unique products, such as antimicrobial silicone invented by a KTU PhD student Aiste Lisauskaite and her supervisor Dr Virginija Jankauskaite.

28 Feb 2017

New investigational drug may help combat antibiotic-resistant global health threat

The deadly fungus, Candida auris, which has been found in hospitals, is resistant to entire classes of antimicrobial drugs, limiting treatment options for those infected.

24 Feb 2017

Structure of unique amyloid fibrils could lead to discovery of new antibiotics

The highly pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is one of the five most common causes of hospital-acquired infections. In the US alone, approximately 500,000 patients at hospitals contract a staph infection. It is the bacteria responsible for MRSA, for which there is no vaccine.

24 Feb 2017

Lower vitamin D levels increase risk of clinical relapse in Ulcerative Colitis patients, study finds

A new study led by researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has found that lower levels of vitamin D in the blood increase the risk of clinical relapse in patients with Ulcerative Colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the colon.

17 Feb 2017

Natural antibiotic produced by bacteria found on African ant could help fight against MRSA

A new antibiotic, produced by bacteria found on a species of African ant, is very potent against antibiotic-resistant 'superbugs' like MRSA according to scientists.

15 Feb 2017

Sperm-egg fusion proteins are homologous to those used by Zika and Dengue viruses, research shows

The protein that helps the sperm and egg fuse together in sexual reproduction can also fuse regular cells together.

15 Feb 2017

Scientists identify gene variants that predispose children to developing Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease (KD) is the most common acquired heart disease in children. Untreated, roughly one-quarter of children with KD develop coronary artery aneurysms -- balloon-like bulges of heart vessels -- that may ultimately result in heart attacks, congestive heart failure or sudden death.

9 Feb 2017

Enzyme identified in baker's yeast can efficiently annihilate leukemia cells

An enzyme identified in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as brewer's or baker's yeast, has passed in vitro trials, demonstrating its capacity to kill acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells.

18 Jan 2017