Microbiology News and Research

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Phenotype microarrays compare growth characteristics of pathogenic and non-pathogenic E. coli

Dr Karin Heurlier and colleagues at the Universities of Nottingham and Birmingham in conjunction with Biolog Inc of California USA, used powerful high throughput analytical tools (phenotype microarrays) that enabled them to compare about 2000 growth characteristics of several pathogenic (disease-causing) E. coli with a non-pathogenic laboratory E. coli strain.

9 Sep 2009

New probiotic provides protection against the fatal E. coli disease

Researchers in Australia are developing diversionary tactics to fool disease-causing bacteria in the gut. Many bacteria, including those responsible for major gut infections, such as cholera, produce toxins that damage human tissues when they bind to complex sugar receptors displayed on the surface of cells in the host's intestine.

8 Sep 2009

Microbe's multilayer defence mechanisms could treat fungal infections

Unravelling a microbe's multilayer defence mechanisms could lead to effective new treatments for potentially lethal fungal infections in cancer patients and others whose natural immunity is weakened.

8 Sep 2009

Insects can be used to test the efficiency of new drugs

Insects, such as some moths and fruit flies, react to microbial infection in the same way as mammals and so can be used to test the efficiency of new drugs, thereby reducing the need for animal testing. Dr Kevin Kavanagh from the National University of Ireland - Maynooth, presented his research findings at the Society for General Microbiology's meeting at Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, today (8 September).

7 Sep 2009

Manuka honey inhibits MRSA infections by killing bacterial proteins

Manuka honey may kill bacteria by destroying key bacterial proteins. Dr Rowena Jenkins and colleagues from the University of Wales Institute - Cardiff investigated the mechanisms of manuka honey action and found that its anti-bacterial properties were not due solely to the sugars present in the honey.

7 Sep 2009

Harmless shard from childhood virus shell may halt biological process

A harmless shard from the shell of a common childhood virus may halt a biological process that kills a significant percentage of battlefield casualties, heart attack victims and oxygen-deprived newborns, according to research presented Sunday, September 6, 2009, at the 12th European meeting on complement in human disease in Budapest, Hungary.

7 Sep 2009

Bacterium's S-layer secretes many therapeutic proteins

By adapting a single protein on the surface of the bacterium Caulobacter crescentus, researchers at the University of British Columbia have turned it into a protein production factory, making useful proteins that can act as vaccines and drugs. Dr. John Smit presented the findings at the Society for General Microbiology's meeting at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, today (7 September).

7 Sep 2009

Bacterial cells could contribute to stronger bone implants

Bacteria that manufacture hydroxyapatite (HA) could be used to make stronger, more durable bone implants. Professor Lynne Macaskie from the University of Birmingham this week (7-10 September) presented work to the Society for General Microbiology's meeting at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh.

7 Sep 2009

New protein fragments identified for anthrax vaccine development

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University have identified two small protein fragments that could be developed into an anthrax vaccine that may cause fewer side effects than the current vaccine.

4 Sep 2009

rPA anthrax vaccine and its Valortim anthrax anti-toxin program data presented

PharmAthene, Inc., a biodefense company developing medical countermeasures against biological and chemical threats, announced today that data from the Company's third generation recombinant protective antigen (rPA) anthrax vaccine program and its Valortim((R)) anthrax anti-toxin program were presented at the Bacillus - ACT 2009 meeting, August 30 - September 3, 2009, organized by the American Society for Microbiology.

4 Sep 2009

Oncotype DX multigene expression test for breast cancer patients

In an effort to provide breast cancer patients with prompt, critical information about treatment options for use at their first visit with the medical oncologist, a number of leading U.S. surgeons request Genomic Health's Oncotype DX molecular test at the time of surgery or biopsy.

4 Sep 2009

New clinical trials to address the effectiveness of antimicrobial drugs

Scientists are addressing the threat of antimicrobial drug resistance by launching two new clinical trials aimed at prolonging the effectiveness of currently available antibacterial drugs. The concept underlying both studies: Less is more.

3 Sep 2009

Tel Aviv University researcher devises mathematical formula for protecting the genetic privacy

Last year, after a published paper found serious security holes in the way DNA data is made publicly available, health institutes in the United States and across the world removed all genetic data from public access.

1 Sep 2009

University of California's entomology professors selected as fellows of ESA

Brian A. Federici and Alexander S. Raikhel, distinguished professors of entomology at the University of California, Riverside, have been selected as fellows of the Entomological Society of America (ESA).

29 Aug 2009

Copan Diagnostics to expand manufacturing operations at its Murrieta facility

Despite tough economic times, Copan is proud to announce the expansion of its US operations. Copan Diagnostics, Inc. is undertaking a new multimillion dollar investment project to bring plastic transfer pipet and additional medical device manufacturing operations to its facility in Murrieta, California.

28 Aug 2009

DermaStream continuous streaming therapy for healing bedsores and chronic ulcers

More than six million people in the U.S. suffer from persistent wounds -- open sores that never seem to heal or, once apparently healed, return with a vengeance. The bedridden elderly and infirm are prone to painful and dangerous pressure ulcers, and diabetics are susceptible to wounds caused by a lack of blood flow to the extremities.

27 Aug 2009

Americans' hand-washing habits has not changed despite H1N1 virus reveals a national survey

Worries about the H1N1 virus haven't changed most Americans' hand washing habits, says a national survey by Bradley Corporation, a leading manufacturer of commercial bathroom and locker room furnishings.

25 Aug 2009

Advanced Instruments' next-generation website facilitates easy retrieval of product and application information

Advanced Instruments has introduced a next-generation Web site that dramatically enhances the customer's online business experience when purchasing osmometers, cryoscopes, and microbiological laboratory instruments.

24 Aug 2009

CSL Biotherapies initiates clinical trials of Influenza A/H1N1 2009 vaccine in the US

CSL Biotherapies has announced the initiation of the company’s first U.S. clinical trials of its candidate Influenza A/H1N1 2009 vaccine. Study investigators will administer vaccinations to the first U.S. study volunteers today, August 24. The studies will determine the safety of CSL’s candidate vaccine and its ability to elicit an immune response (also referred to as immunogenicity) in adults and children.

24 Aug 2009

NovaBay Pharmaceuticals to deliver two poster presentations describing results from new studies of NVC-422

NovaBay(R) Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical stage company developing non-antibiotic anti-infective compounds for the treatment or prevention of a wide range of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, will deliver two poster presentations at the 49th Annual Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC) in San Francisco, CA.

24 Aug 2009