Microorganism News and Research

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Researchers identify new method to tackle bacterial infections

Researchers from the University of Groningen have clarified the structure of an enzyme that disturbs the communication processes between bacteria. By doing so they have laid the foundations for a new method of tackling bacterial infections such as cystic fibrosis.

22 Dec 2009

Large-scale genomic sequencing of microbes and ecosystems proposed for greatest impact in medicine

Scientists can gain insights into new ways to use microorganisms in medicine and manufacturing through a coordinated large-scale effort to sequence the genomes of not just individual microorganisms but entire ecosystems, according to a new report from the American Academy of Microbiology that outlines recommendations for this massive effort.

18 Dec 2009

Pistachios can decrease inflammation and cardiovascular disease

New research published online, December 10, 2009 indicates that bioactive compounds in pistachios, and molecules present in pistachios, have anti-inflammatory properties.

17 Dec 2009

Rib-X Pharmaceuticals and MGH enter into collaborative research agreement

Rib-X Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel drugs for the treatment of serious multi-drug-resistant infections announced today it has entered into a collaborative research agreement with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).

16 Dec 2009

Advanced Plasma Products launches its new TriClean Pro air sanitizer

Applied Science Products, Inc., announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Advanced Plasma Products Inc., has introduced its new TriClean Pro air sanitizer product powered by the company's newest advanced plasma generator design.

15 Dec 2009

Positive results from DermaGen's Phase I/IIa AMP study of atopic dermatitis

DermaGen AB - part of the Karolinska Development dermatology and wound healing company "Pergamum" - announced that Dermagen AB has received promising results from a clinical Phase I/IIa study. DermaGen AB is developing a novel antimicrobial peptide (AMP) treatment for atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease where dry skin and the skin's weakened barrier function make patients susceptible to colonization by microorganisms, a triggering or exacerbating factor of the disease.

2 Dec 2009

Infections remain a common problem in ICU patients

An international study that examined the extent of infections in nearly 1,300 intensive care units (ICUs) in 75 countries found that about 50 percent of the patients were considered infected, with infection associated with an increased risk of death in the hospital, according to a study in the December 2 issue of JAMA.

2 Dec 2009

DFG approves establishment of new CRCs; research topics range from modern prostheses to political reforms to marine bacteria

The DFG has approved the establishment of 17 new Collaborative Research Centres as of 1 January 2010. This decision was made recently by the relevant Grants Committee in Bonn.

1 Dec 2009

IFR scientists crystallise protein that may aid gut bacteria bind to the gastrointestinal tract

Scientists have crystallised a protein that may help gut bacteria bind to the gastrointestinal tract. The protein could be used by probiotic producers to identify strains that are likely to be of real benefit to people.

24 Nov 2009

Bacteria help in preventing inflammation after skin injury

On the skin's surface, bacteria are abundant, diverse and constant, but inflammation is undesirable. Research at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine now shows that the normal bacteria living on the skin surface trigger a pathway that prevents excessive inflammation after injury.

22 Nov 2009

First nationwide human immunology registry for infectious disease research

RemedyMD (www.RemedyMD.com), the leading provider of disease registry software, today announced the first nationwide human immunology registry for infectious disease research. The new registry was developed to help clinicians and researchers better understand the human immune response to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.

21 Nov 2009

Detrimental bacterial DNA identification method for use in winemaking developed

In winemaking, grape juice is turned to wine during the fermentation process by the action of a number of essential beneficial microorganisms -namely bacteria. Sometimes, though, harmful bacteria also populate the fermentation vat, spoiling the wine in the process.

20 Nov 2009

Cigarettes are widely contaminated with bacteria, reveals study

Cigarettes are "widely contaminated" with bacteria, including some known to cause disease in people, concludes a new international study conducted by a University of Maryland environmental health researcher and microbial ecologists at the Ecole Centrale de Lyon in France.

19 Nov 2009

New certification standard for cleaning products aims for reducing allergens and polluting agents

The growing asthma & allergy friendly(TM) Certification Program announced today that it has developed and adopted a certification standard and testing protocol for Non-Disinfecting Hard Surface Spray Cleaning Products. The asthma & allergy friendly(TM) Certification Program - administered by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) in partnership with the international research organization, Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) - is an independent, non-exclusive certification program created to scientifically test and identify consumer products that are more suitable for people with asthma and allergies.

18 Nov 2009

American Biotech Labs' ASAP Antibacterial Silver Gel receives FDA 510(k) medical device clearance

American Biotech Labs, LLC (ABL), developer of a new class of products based on the company's patented nano-catalytic SilverSol Technology(R), today announced that the company has obtained clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its ASAP Antibacterial Silver Wound Dressing Gel as a prescription 510(k) medical device throughout the United States. Clifton Mining Company is a major shareholder in American Biotech Labs.

17 Nov 2009

FDA files for permanent injunction against seafood processor Haifa Smoked Fish

The U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has filed a complaint for permanent injunction against seafood processor Haifa Smoked Fish Inc. of Jamaica, N.Y., and two of its top officers for violations of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

16 Nov 2009

Hand washing: Best method for killing germs and protecting oneself from flu

Fears of contracting the H1N1 virus this flu season have people steering clear of strangers with coughs and scolding friends who don't sneeze into their crooked elbows. With everyone trying to stay germ free, hand sanitizer has become a popular means of protection. But although a quick pump from a Purell dispenser is the most convenient form of hand cleaning, is it the best?

11 Nov 2009

UIC receives federal grant to develop new antibiotics against anthrax, tularemia and plague

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago have received a $4 million federal grant to develop new antibiotics to treat anthrax, tularemia and plague.

11 Nov 2009

UCSD findings may help scientists to design better drugs to kill pathogenic strains

Over the last 20 years, the sequencing of the human genome, along with related organisms, has represented one of the largest scientific endeavors in the history of mankind. The information collected from genome sequencing will provide the raw data for the field of bioinformatics, where computer science and biology meet.

10 Nov 2009

Researcers identify a new array of genes in GAS

Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a human pathogenic bacteria. Many people carry GAS asymptomatically in their upper respiratory tract and other anatomic sites. However, these bacteria can cause a variety of human diseases ranging from superficial skin and throat infections to highly invasive life-threatening diseases such as toxic shock and necrotizing fasciitis, commonly known as the flesh-eating bacteria.

10 Nov 2009