Listeria News and Research

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Listeria is a bacterial genus containing seven species. Named after the English pioneer of sterile surgery, Joseph Lister, Listeria species are Gram-positive bacilli and are typified by ''L. monocytogenes'', the causative agent of listeriosis.

Brazilian researchers reveal bactericidal action mechanism of violacein

In an article published in the journal ACS Infectious Diseases, Brazilian researchers describe the bactericidal action mechanism of violacein, a violet pigment produced by environmental bacteria, especially Chromobacterium violaceum.

26 Apr 2019

Key proteins can block Listeria without triggering the death of host cells

New North Carolina State University research shows that key proteins known for their ability to prevent viral infections by inducing cell death can also block certain bacterial infections without triggering the death of the host cells.

19 Apr 2019

Autophagy can help combat Salmonella and other pathogens

Autophagy - the process of recycling cellular material in the body, can help combat Salmonella and other pathogens according to researchers at the School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick who have studied how autophagy can get rid of bacteria, and prevent diseases developing.

27 Mar 2019

Isolating Bacterial Pathogen DNA from Food Samples

Isolating bacterial pathogen DNA is important and often seen as QA ensure that the food manufactured or the ingredients used do not contain food-borne bacteria.

From Promega Corporation 5 Mar 2019

Immunologists uncover the immune system's unknown messenger

A novel messenger which alarms nearby cells when the immune system recognizes infections has been uncovered by immunologists from Aarhus University, Denmark. This knowledge will help fighting infections and autoimmune diseases.

26 Feb 2019

Widespread confusion among consumers on food date labels lead to unnecessary discards

A new survey examining U.S. consumer attitudes and behaviors related to food date labels found widespread confusion, leading to unnecessary discards, increased waste and food safety risks.

20 Feb 2019

Whole-genome sequencing and sharing real-time data could limit spread of foodborne bacteria

Employing advanced genetic-tracing techniques and sharing the data produced in real time could limit the spread of bacteria -- Bacillus cereus -- which cause foodborne illness, according to researchers who implemented whole-genome sequencing of a pathogen-outbreak investigation.

14 Feb 2019

High fat reduces efficiency of the immune system to fight infectious disease

APC Microbiome Ireland scientists based at University College Cork have shown for the first time that a high fat "western" diet reduces the efficiency of the immune system to fight infectious disease particularly in the gut, and to infection with the foodborne pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes.

21 Jan 2019

Researchers repurpose gene-editing tool CRISPR to develop better antibiotics

A University of Wisconsin-Madison researcher and his collaborators at the University of California, San Francisco have repurposed the gene-editing tool CRISPR to study which genes are targeted by particular antibiotics, providing clues on how to improve existing antibiotics or develop new ones.

11 Jan 2019

Michigan-based food manufacturer ordered to discontinue operations after recurrent food safety violations

A federal court ordered a Michigan-based food manufacturer to discontinue selling food products until the company complies with federal regulations and other requirements.

18 Dec 2018

Scripps Research scientists discover role of immune system double agent

Scientists at Scripps Research have discovered the role of an immune system double agent. This molecule, called USP18, can help curtail immune responses, but it can also open the door to bacterial infections, such as harmful listeria and staph infections.

5 Oct 2018

Notes and coins harbor life threatening bacteria, including MRSA and VRE

A new study has found that the cash and the coins that are in circulation are covered in over 19 types of bacteria that can be potentially deadly.

4 Oct 2018

Bacteria in the gut found to produce electricity

Researchers have discovered hundreds of bacterial species, including those in the human gut, that can generate electricity.

13 Sep 2018

Current surveillance system does not quickly pick up most listeriosis cases in the EU, study reveals

More than half of the severe listeriosis cases in the European Union belong to clusters, many of which are not being picked up fast enough by the current surveillance system, suggests a new article published in Eurosurveillance.

20 Aug 2018

UK students win sponsorship from Promega Corporation

Promega announces two UK iGem groups among 10 international projects win Promega sponsorship, part worldwide iGem competition for up and coming scientists.

From Promega Corporation 16 Aug 2018

New proteomics studies help gain more insights into Alzheimer's, cancer and listeriosis

The brains of people with Alzheimer's disease contain many protein aggregates outside of cells, known as plaques. These are mainly made of the peptide amyloid-beta, which is released from the plasma membrane when the protease BACE1 cleaves its membrane-anchored precursor protein.

19 Jul 2018

Unique virus appears to enhance our immune system rather than weakening it

Our immune system is at its peak when we're young, but after a certain age, it declines and it becomes more difficult for our bodies to fight off new infections.

3 Jul 2018

Novel compound as effective as FDA-approved antibiotics for treating deadly infections

Purdue University researchers have identified a new compound that in preliminary testing has shown itself to be as effective as antibiotics approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat life-threatening infections while also appearing to be less susceptible to bacterial resistance.

18 Jun 2018

Students propose revision of listeriosis guidelines for safer pregnancy

In an effort to sustain and educate the next generation of food safety experts in the United States, Dr. Bob Buchanan of the University of Maryland has served as a scientific mentor to a pair of academically accelerated high school students who are challenging the current food avoidance recommendations for pregnant women as established by the CDC and ACOG.

25 May 2018

Weighty issues on dog food safety

People are becoming more aware of what they put into their mouths and shifting from processed foods to natural and home-made foods. As for themselves they are more inclined to give their pet dogs these natural foods as well and are leaning towards a “raw meat” diet. These are often combined with pre-prepared foods that can be easily frozen and reheated for convenience.

13 May 2018